what's the biggest/widest tire size i can get onto my stock 16" rims? i am trying to decide on what tires i want to go with next spring when it comes time to replace my stock dunlops, and i do not want to get aftermarket rims.


thanks.

 

you really have two questions here.....what will FIT on the rim....and what sizes are recommended...and I don't mean by MAZDA either....you will find that the manufacturers of tires don't recommend putting tires any wider than the 195 on rims 6 inch rims.....which is what the stockers are......doesn't mean they won't go on....but IF you put a, say 205 or 215 on your rim...and the manufacturer doesn't recommend it for anything smaller than 7 inch rims.....you are screwed if anything happens to the tire....

 

205's will fit but like Sir Nuke said ... the stock rims are too skinny. The tire ends up looking pinched and you lose steering response because the sidewall sits at a weird angle.

I ran 205/45 on the stock P5 rims this past summer but don't think I would do it again.

Look for a good quality tire in a 195 if you don't want to get wider rims.

 

sounds great, thanks!

 

I don't know, but I have the stock rims an I am currently running 205/45-16's and I have loved them! They hold way better in the corners than the stock 195's. I have noted that it looses a little of the spot on feel, but if you have ever driven a car with larger tires (like a 'vette) you will feel (I think) that the darty quick low speed feel is ok to loose when you are on an off-ramp going 65mph and sticking like glue.
The stock suspension in the protege amazing!
Just my .02