Winter tire info I received from Mazda

[marty]

Hi everyone...

I just got a 2006 GFX and needed snow tires as Im from an even colder place than Toronto :D

I decided to call Mazda and take the trouble of actually finding and speaking to a technical person. I was told the following in summary...

1) Use 4 snow tires
2) Do not change the wheel size
3) Do not use steel wheels
4) Do not change the wheels period
5) He recommended four Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3

The reasons for #1 we are all well aware of. The reasons for #2 is that they claim that various electronic systems will malfunction if you change the wheel size. The explanation for #3 is that the brakes will not cool properly if covered by a full wheel. Thus #4 is self-explanatory.

I went out and purchased 4 of the tires recommended and have taken them for a real test run in real snow this past week and they were wonderful. :)

[billyfo]

which department of Mazda you were calling? Mazda Canada or dealer?

1) Use 4 snow tires -- that\'s exactly true

2) Do not change the wheel size -- no major difference if you use the same diameter when using different size.

3) Do not use steel wheels -- steelies actually last longer than alloy and no problem for cooling brake unless you block all the airflow

4) Do not change the wheels period

5) He recommended four Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 -- any other brands are also recommended, try read other topics about winter tires.

I asked the question cause if you get the answer through dealer, he/she try to sell you something that dealer has stock.

[majic]

billyfo nailed it..

they tell you not to change wheels period because:

i) they\'ll sell you 17\" tires (more $$ for them)
ii) they\'ll mount and balance the tires for you when swapping - 2ce a year (more $$ for them)

GW3 - most likely this is where their largest margin is or they have overstock of them... (more $$ for them)

you see where i\'m going with this? :p

lol.. brakes won\'t cool properly if covered by a full wheel.. i mean GX have smaller rotors but they still use steelies.. that\'s funny..

get a second opinion.. better yet.. you\'ve come to the right place for the info :)

[MAZDA Kitten]

wow

[ds2chan]

wow.. I\'m pretty shocked the guy fed you all that BS.. but bottom line is as long as you\'re happy with the tires then that\'s all that matters.. :)

btw, where did you find snow to drive in?? where are you from??

[mwaters]

Erin Mills Mazda here in Toronto is recommending a 16\' steel wheel and winter tire package for all Mazda 3s. As the others have said, your dealer is working you over.

[SABIO]

Even the sucky service dept. at DWM sells steelies for the 3.
But then maybe they want your brakes to fail and you have to replace your brakes.. even more $$$$

maybe a little body shop action for them too!!.. even more $$$$$$$$$