Winter tires and TPMS

Sarc · 11-10-2008, 09:01 AM

Since we were greeted this morning by a small accumulation of snow, I guess it's time to source a set on winter tires for my wifes Mazda3. Currently I'm searching all over for comparisons and recommendations on what tire to purchase, but I can't find any information regarding the tires and their compatibility with the Mazda's tire pressure monitoring system.

Can I run a set of non-TPMS equipped rims (winter steelies) on the car without harm to the system? I don't want a problem come spring when I put the OE rims back on, nor have the warning light beeping at me every 30 seconds (the system is fairly annoying as it is).

Also, any benefit of running a smaller diameter rim for the winter set (16" vs. the 17" OE rim)?

Finally, care to share any recommendations or links to comparisons on what tire to buy? I've been searching the archives but thought I'd ask in case any new models have been introduced to the market.

The car will be used 80% highway 20% surface streets. I'm a newbie when it comes to winter tires, but my trusty Farmer's Almanac is forecasting a long winter so I know it's a must

Thanks in advance.

gprsh924 · 11-10-2008, 09:27 AM

I can't help with much, but from what I have read recently in trying to help my dad find winter tires for the M, there are some advantages to going with the smaller diameter wheel in the winter setup. Doing so allows for a bigger sidewall which can improve the snow traction as well providing more cushion to protect the rims from potholes and other winter hazards. Disclaimer: that is just my $.02 from an hour or two of research over the weekend. I have never had any direct personal experience with winter tires.

Big Ed · 11-10-2008, 10:49 AM

I'd recommend contacting the guys at Tire Rack. They know this stuff and can answer your questions -- whether or not you buy from them, but I've found their pricing to be reasonable.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Look at Nokian tires.

Nokian is a Finnish tire company known for high-quality winter tires. The WR (now WR G2) is a year-round tire that is decent in the dry while still being a genuine winter tire (with the mountain+snowflake symbol that denotes a true snow tire), and is low-rolling resistance to boot which means better MPG. They are becoming increasingly popular, do a search. Nokians are a little hard to find, you may have to buy them mail-order, and they are not cheap. But being able to leave them on year-round, rather than buying an extra set of wheels and tires, is a plus in my book.

I just noticed that a few sizes are available in run-flat. http://www.tirefactory.net/wrg2.htm

I run Nokians (Hakkapelita CS or CR, I forget which) year-round on my van and they've been very good both summer and winter, including in the snow.

For the wife's car, we bought a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for the winter - this was before I learned about the Nokians. They work very well in snow, but treadlife is short. We're only going to get one more winter from them, and then I plan to switch her to Nokian WR's for year-round use.

I should add - winter here in Portland is almost all rain at the lower elevations, but as we drive over to Eastern Washington quite often our winter tires do get to show their stuff in snow and ice.

Also - on the wife's car (Prius) the TPMS system doesn't beep when running the winter wheels/tires without monitors, but the alert symbol is constantly illuminated on the dash. Your local Mazda dealer should be able to tell you how your car will act when running monitor-less tires. Finally, in theory you might want narrower tires for the snow, but in practice I think the stock size is fine.

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

I don't know if those questions were covered in this old thread, good information in it just the same.

All Season Tire Myth
The All-Season Tire Myth

Sarc · 11-10-2008, 12:12 PM

Thanks guys for the reply.
Kach, that's the thread I was looking for. Thanks!

Dave L · 01:49 PM

I dont know about the TPMS but I have 15 inch rims on my wifes Mazda3. Your might not be able to take 15s because It might have larger brakes so you might only beable to go as small at 16's. The reason to go with a smaller size for me is to save money, the rims and tires will be cheaper. I have used quite a few snowtires from various maunfacturers and the one thing I can tell you for sure is that even the cheapest snow tire is better than any all season. I have used Michelin, Khumo, Walmart!!!! and have some Hankooks on order.