2002 Mazda Protege

Tiny
JETGIRL22
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
Tires and Wheels problem
2002 Mazda Protege 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

I have a 2002 Mazda Protege ES that came standard with 195/55R15 tires. I've replaced them once and they're due to be replaced again. However, the highest rated all-season tires are the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred, which don't come in that size. Should I upgrade the size of my rims in order to get the better tires? I live in Canada, and the car drives in all types of weather on a regular basis. The sports performance tires that fit my car aren't required for the type of driving I'm doing, and I'd rather have good solid tires than fast, sporty tires. What would you suggest?
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 9:19 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
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Ok on your tires I would buy what fits your driving habbits. If that is more of an all season tire then go with it. If you drive hard and corner hard then be honest with yourself and go that route. Now I have alway's used a good allseason tire on my wifes jeep and then have them siped for better traction and cooling makes the tires last longer too. If a larger tire in width or and in height is how you to get the tire that best suits your driving and driving habits then go with it. If you do go with a bigger tire then get back to me and I will see if there is a simple way to recalibrate you speedometer. Thanks and good day.
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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
JETGIRL22
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Okay, but if I do go with the bigger tire can I replace the rims on my car? Would the tires I've priced out (Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred) fit my far? It was the replacement of rims that I wasn't sure about. Thanks!
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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 10:14 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
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Ok if you want to replace the rims then the tire place should know what fit and will not interfer with the brake calipers and such. I would replace the rims only if the tread width is larger then the rim width you have now. Meaning for example if you buy a tire with an 8 inche tread pattern and you wheels have a 6 inch width then yes I would replace the rims to get as much contact to the road that I can. Is that more of what you were looking for? If not then get back to me with what you are realling wanting to know and I will try to better answer. Now if you go with the bigger tire find out if the height is much different and if it is then get back to me on that too and I will try to get you the calibration procedure so you speedo will be acurate. Thanks again.
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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 10:35 AM

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