Some advice on winter tires for my 6 hatchback, please. The 17" tires I hear are problematic in the winter because of the low clearance of the tires in the wheel well so I was going to go for 16", anyone have a problem with 17" in the winter? I do have a nice set of almost new 15" Blizzaks left over from my Jetta but I think they'd be way to small for the Mazda.
And wanted to add I have been having the "rattle" problem on my '04 but it isn't too bad so will leave it for now. The suggestions of weather stripping sounds like a good one but I'd be concerned about it interfering with air flow.

 

I'm going with Nokian WR 215 50 17 on my o.e. mags cause getting chromed ones for summer www.nokiantyres.com or better http://www.nokiantyres.com/passenger...name=NOKIAN+WR

 

thanks 6pack. Those Haka's are sweet. My winters in Montreal made me a believer in snow tires for life too. And Montreal is a real Mazda town! Am looking at some Yok's as well. Price is a bit steep but I've loved them in the past.

 

I own Yokos Ice Guard IG10 on my Acura Integra '91 for sale and I like the grip but hate the handling (wobbly side to side) . The side-walls are too soft 'cause of the speed rating 'Q' (french term/synonym for ***-worthy) Yokos are rallye raced though (confused)

Won't have any problems with the WR 's rated at 'V' speed !!! with severe winter icon

Hey ! You're from Montreal , what parts ??

 

I got 'em installed today , my Nokian WR's . These sidewalls are so stiff that the guy putting them on my mags had to inflate 120 lbs , 110 lbs , 120 lbs of air pressure , on the three I witnessed , in order to pop the tire flush to the mag !! These are tight/stiff sidewalls !!!

And the ride !! MAN ! No more wobbles side to side . And it handles outstandingly well in curves 'cause this tire is speed-rated at 'V' (149+mph / 240+ km/h) and it has a threadwear of 400 [:-] so they will last plenty long . I'm very impressed and sold to them ; that's not an easy feat !

It has all the caracteristics of a 'govermental severe winter conditions ' tire with the snowflake-in-the-mountain pictogram . It's a worldwide first for an all season (mis-nomer IMO) tire ! Nokian are world leaders in winter tire (at least) and they test their tires at the North Pole (instead of interior simulated climate facilities) .

 

Hard to believe it is the same company that makes cell phones! Well, I have had great experiences with Blizzaks in the past but have been thinking about the Nokian's. Your experience may have just convinced me. Price difference isn't big enough to be a factor. 400 threadwear is quite a bit better than the Bridgestone's I believe which wear very quickly. Interesting though, Consumer Reports has only a mediocre rating for snow grip on the Nokian's. They really like the Michelin X-Ice. I think I'd have to see that to believe it though.

Grew up pretty much downtown Montreal, near the old forum. Family now lives in Dorval on the lake side. I have gone down the 401. I still come back every couple of months. Though the 401 has too many cops and too many trucks to much fun anymore.

 

i'm going to take my chances with the snow this season. heh heh, dont really have the money to buy snow tires so i'm rolling on my new stock ones. we'll see what these all season tires have in store for me. but by spring, i will have a summer pair as well as save up for a winter set for next summer. those nokian's sound promising from the reviews that you have generated as well as others that i have read online.

 

Pittsburgh isn't that far from Toronto so I guess winter can still creep up on you there. Last time I was there I notice it was a little more hilly than I remembered (still plenty of bridges though). Do they use salt on the roads? Here in TO they are starting to use a water/brine solution instead of salt this winter. I hope it works well because the salt was just so nasty on the cars. Good luck on stock Michelin all season I think you might be okay.

 

yeah, the salt is still used in mass quantities here. the stock tires aren't that great, but you cant expect much out of them. might be buying those winter tires sooner than expected. couldn't even make it up a hill when flying up it. oh well, **** happens. haha

 

when i get some snow tires, do i need to buy all 4 tires or is it safe to just get 2 front tires for my ride? I figured i havent slipped around with my rear tires in the snow yet, let alone my front when driving on semi-sloped hills. besides, the front tires are the only ones that really need to grip, right? thanks