Tire Help Questions

[FakterX]

Hello, I searched a little bit for this topic but I am not sure I am finding the answers I am looking for.

I currently have a set of 18" Exel TZ-10's (+45) and I need new tires. I also plan on installing the Mazdaspeed Hatch Springs. I had no rubbing with 225/40/18 tires, however I am afraid I will once I put the springs on.

I have already been recommended to get 215/45/18 tires but I cannot really find a set of those anywhere besides Pirelli Zero Neros, but those are a little expensive for me.

Can anyone offer some suggestions to help me out a bit? Where can I get a tire this size or what tire would be a better choice? Or do you think 225/40/18 with these rims will not rub at all?

Thanks guys in advance!

[Tire Guy]

Do you need an all-season tire? If not, the Toyo Proxes T1R is offered in that size.

Toyo Proxes T1R

Find A Toyo Dealer

[FakterX]

Well I would be using these tires from around Easter until just before Thanksgiving. And if there is snow outside, then I'm not driving. So I don't think I need an all-season tire, do I?

Anyway, those look way too expensive for me. Anyone else have any other options?

EDIT: When I say look way to expensive, I meant the prices of the different sizes, including the 215/45 tire look way to expensive.

[Kid Cromer]

Anyway, those look way too expensive for me. Anyone else have any other options?
[/b]

How can a tire "look too expensive for you?" You at least have to make an attempt to get pricing! IMO regardless, in general if you aren't prepared to spend $100-140 per tire, then you might need to get out of the 18" market. I know it is all a little bit backwards per materials considerations, but the larger the tire (diameter) the more you are going to need to spend (even though there is less rubber).

In 18" fitments that work on our cars, load rating and width being two primary factors, there are a few tires WORTH buying that are $120 or less each. Those worth noting circa that price or cheaper in a 225/40 are the Avon Tech M500, Avon Tech M550 A/S, General Exclaim UHP, Kumho ECSTA KU19, Kuhmo ECSTA SPT, Kuhmo ECSTA ASX, and Kumho ECSTA KH11. Check out the reviews for each as available on TireRack, each have pretty good marks thus far, 8's overall or higher. In a 215/45 you wont do any better than the $134 per tire for the Pirelli PZero Nero M&S; it is a relatively new tire size for OEM and even aftermarket fitments, so the supply/demand just is not there yet to drive down the price.

[FakterX]

I did get pricing. I was looking for close to 100 per tire. I wouldn't want to spend over 130 if I didn't have to.

[Tire Guy]

I did get pricing. I was looking for close to 100 per tire. I wouldn't want to spend over 130 if I didn't have to.
[/b]

If 215/45R18 is what you're looking for, you will not find a tire that will work on the 6 for around $100 per tire. That is a very new size and not many manufacturers make it. I did find the Cooper Zeon ZPT for $74 per tire, but it is load rated at only 89. If $100 per tire is your budget, then perhaps you should consider going back to 17s.

[msumlin]

As the other two Gentleman have stated, you will not find any decent 18" tire for less than a $100 bucks! I know that Bridgestone Potenza SO-2A's cost me $179 per tire, 215/45/18 a couple of years ago. Toyoguy gave you a link to find a dealer in your area, why don't you call around and get a price.

If the price they have is beyond your budget, then start looking elsewhere. You sounded like you based your decision on how the tire looked. Again, check out various sites, Tire Rack, etc and see where you can find tires that meet your price range and meet the requirements of the 6.

Good Luck!

[FakterX]

Ah no!! I did not base my decision on the look! I just used the word "looks" for some random reason! I looked at the PRICES and THEN decided it looked to expensive!

I did my research and I found the tires I will probably get. Kuhmo ECSTA SPT 215/45/18. $109 per tire. Not too bad. Does anyone see anything wrong with this tire?

[dluxxx]

BAM!!!

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...num=24WR8EUHPXL

go w/ these tires....very cheap...86 bucks a tire....best performing tire in its category...best bang for ur buck

[Kid Cromer]

Ah no!! I did not base my decision on the look! I just used the word "looks" for some random reason! I looked at the PRICES and THEN decided it looked to expensive!
[/b]

OK. Thank you for clarifying.

I did my research and I found the tires I will probably get. Kuhmo ECSTA SPT 215/45/18. $109 per tire. Not too bad. Does anyone see anything wrong with this tire?
[/b]

YES! In a 215/45/18 the Kuhmo ECSTA SPT is not properly load rated for Mazda 6 applications. They are listed as an 89 which would make them a couple shades below the 91 MINIMUM load rating suitable. Can you use a lower load rated tire than is recommended for your car? Answer, YES. You can also apply napalm to your tires and set them on fire. Either way, NEITHER are recommended for you, your tire, or your vehicles safety and well being. Aside from the inherent safety issues involved in having a tire overloaded for your application, if something "unsual" happened with your tires any would-be warranty is voided because all clearly state SAFETY WARNING: TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDERINFLATION/OVERLOADING-- BLAH BLAH BLAH...