Mazda 3 All Seasons And Speed Rating

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:14

Over the last couple of weeks it has become painfully obvious that my wife's 3 needs some new/better all season tires. She doesn't need dedicated winter tires, just something to get her through the winters and be decent enough to drive during the summer.

I went to tirerack to do some research and found a couple of tires that scored well, but they don't meet the recommended speed rating for the 3. They have a speed rating of T = 118mph and recommended is H = 130mph. Will it really make that much of a difference if I don't get the higher speed rated tires? She rarely does 80mph let alone over 100mph.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for all season tires for the three at a reasonable price?

Thanks.

MazdaTom · Postby **MazdaTom** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:14

No. Handling will probably not be as good at lower speeds, but unless the car is really pushed, you would never know the difference.

I'm guessing her car is just "a normal car"- by that I mean it's people mover, goes from point A to B and doesn't get involved in any type of spirited driving at all.

You should be fine with the T rated tires.

tsx_guy · Postby **tsx_guy** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:14

I have the Yokohama yk520's (DTC only tire) on my 6 now. They are all seasons. They seem to do fine on dry and decent in the snow,,, not so good on ice...but it's ice....

MS3_Mafia · Postby **MS3_Mafia** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:14

Hankook makes some pretty good budget priced all season/snow tires. I've got some studded snows on my work vehicle that do VERY well in the snow.

Colombia28 · Postby **Colombia28** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:14

The 3 is governed to 117mph anyhow, so even if she decided to go all out and max the car out it exactly meets the cars speed limit (not saying this would be a good idea)

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:14

Thanks guys. I am looking at the Yokohama Avid TRZ or BF Goodrich Traction T/AT.

Both are priced reasonably well and both scored well for all season handling in both snow and dry roads.

Rich · Postby **Rich** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:14

I agree, a T-rated tire should be just fine.

cprtrainer · Postby **cprtrainer** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:14

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bobopud @ Dec 21 2007, 10:24 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=15048]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Thanks guys. I am looking at the Yokohama Avid TRZ or BF Goodrich Traction T/AT.

Both are priced reasonably well and both scored well for all season handling in both snow and dry roads.[/b]

I've had both of those and vote for the BFG's. They corner surprisingly well and handle wet roads well. I drove on them in the desert so I cannot speak on snow traction. The TRZ's were nice- a bit floaty and tended to follow grooved roads more. The Bridgestone 960 A/S is another awesome tire for a few more $$. Have fun!

Mazda 3 All Seasons And Speed Rating

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