Hi all-
I have a 2005 3s with the performance tire option, and the OE tires have been fine for the summer- but I live in upstate NY, and I need to get some good all season/winter tires on QUICK. I've been finding it difficult to locate all seasons or winters in 205/50-17, let alone ones that are reasonably priced. Some of my friendly neighborhood car guys have told me that this is because the size is simply not good for winter performance (due to the low profile), and that NO all season or winter tire will really improve the cars performance in the snow- I find this difficult to believe as I have had cars with low profile all season tires before (allbeit much wider). Is anyone else encountering issues with finding tires in this size, or having issues with inclement weather performance? Does anyone have all season/winter tires in this size that they are impressed with? Should I just spring for new wheels? Rochester, by tradition, should have half a foot of snow on the ground by the end of the month- I need suggestions fast!
Thanks!

 

If you're going to put on winter tires, get 16 inch rims. Go to tirerack.com, and it will give you suggestions. But don't get 17 inch winter tires.

 

Yup^^ buy some steelies and save your nice rims. I've got 15" steelies and Dunlop Graspics. Bought 'em last year from Tire Rack, shipped mounted and balanced.
Tire Rack is great.

 

Supposedly though, this year Tirerack.com is not selling steel wheels for the mazda3 because the price for steel wheels rose approx. $20 for each. I bought Dunlop Graspics with Sport Edition 6-spoke alloy wheels, mounted, balanced and shipped for about $700 including tax.

 

I'm just going to go with some decent all season on my stocker's and use some chains if I have to and not worry about tearing up the wheels.

 

No need to buy from TireRack. Just go to Wheel Works with a print out from TireRack. They must match the price. What I'll do is go to TireRack and choose my tire (look at their ratings) and then buy from Wheel Works.

 

I suppose that works if you live near one.

 

I got the Champiro wt-55, made by Nokian, in the 205 size last year .... they work great! in snow and ice ... fantastic grip last winter ... and I am up in Toronto ... we get burined with snow and there is tons of ice everywhere. I recommend them. They show absolutely NO wear from last winter (and I put about 12000Km on them) and with black steel rims in 16"; the whole package cost me $800CDN last winter.

If you search the posts on this site ... you will find posts on this topic from last winter ...

good luck!

 

Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip--225/50/16 on Probe GT wheels. Theyre by far the best snow tires I've come across, I ran them on my 96 Probe GT for two winters before she got retired to summer use only......