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.
