Winter Tire "Value" Package worth it?

[Nukey]

Hey All,

I called up my Mazda dealer to see how much they wanted for Winter tires on my new (2010) Mazda3. I've never had winter tires (or a car for that matter) before so I don't have a spare set of anything. The car currently has the OEM 16" alloy wheels and OEM all season tires on it.

They quoted me a $999 package for 16" OEM steelies (x4), TPMS sensors (x4), Firestone Winterforce Tires (x4), wheel covers (x4), and installation. They also told me there is an option to add $220 for a 3 year - 60,000km warranty against punctures, damage, etc. and nitrogen. This extra warranty seems high to me, since I'd need to destroy two tires for it to be worth the money.

Any opinions on this package? Can anything cheaper be had without driving to some remote location? I was looking on Costco, and they want ~$812 for a set of Michelin X-Ice Xi2 tires (including installation services and their warranty). I realize those are better tires, but that wouldn't include any rims, TPMS sensors, or covers.

Thanks!

[tkyoshi]

Hey All,

I called up my Mazda dealer to see how much they wanted for Winter tires on my new (2010) Mazda3. I've never had winter tires (or a car for that matter) before so I don't have a spare set of anything. The car currently has the OEM 16" alloy wheels and OEM all season tires on it.

They quoted me a $999 package for 16" OEM steelies (x4), TPMS sensors (x4), Firestone Winterforce Tires (x4), wheel covers (x4), and installation. They also told me there is an option to add $220 for a 3 year - 60,000km warranty against punctures, damage, etc. and nitrogen. This extra warranty seems high to me, since I'd need to destroy two tires for it to be worth the money.

Any opinions on this package? Can anything cheaper be had without driving to some remote location? I was looking on Costco, and they want ~$812 for a set of Michelin X-Ice Xi2 tires (including installation services and their warranty). I realize those are better tires, but that wouldn't include any rims, TPMS sensors, or covers.

Thanks!

Well regarding sensors, do you really want them for the winter? If you want it's possible to not have them, basically the TPMS light will just be lit the whole time your snows are on.

Wheel covers are also another personal preference.

[MS MSP]

look at threads here from Tires23 or SimplyTire.

I wouldn't bother with TPMS or wheel covers for winter wheels.

You can probably get tire & steelie setups starting around the $600 range

[QTheNukes]

First - drop down a tire size to 15inch, scrap the wheel covers and sensors. Winterforce are cheapy tires so you can get them without the other junk for about half that price.

FYI - Simply Tire prices are not the best out there

[cy]

look at threads here from Tires23 or SimplyTire.

I wouldn't bother with TPMS or wheel covers for winter wheels.

You can probably get tire & steelie setups starting around the $600 range

Yup. I picked up a set of 16" steelies + tires for around $600 from tires23.

[mr_raider]

Well regarding sensors, do you really want them for the winter? If you want it's possible to not have them, basically the TPMS light will just be lit the whole time your snows are on.

UNless you own the same model of car, I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. Not having TPMS can cause a simple light to come on, or you can end up with flashing lights and a center cosnole that's unusable like in my car.

The deal quoted above is OK if the TPMS is included. Tirerack can also get you wheels/tires/TPMS but you have to pay the dealer to program them in.

[9999]

Michelin X-Ice Xi2,
Costco.ca is $567.96 plus $60 for the install package. Wondering if this tire is worth it for $627.96 plus taxes plus 4 steel rims(Canadian Tire is $54.99 x 4=219.96). Total is $847.92 plus taxes

I had posted a topic on the above tires, these are the prices at Costco's website, even cheaper if the Costco steel rims are less$$$$$$.

[MS MSP]

First - drop down a tire size to 15inch, scrap the wheel covers and sensors. Winterforce are cheapy tires so you can get them without the other junk for about half that price.

15's may not fit his car, they don't fit my 2009 Mazda 3 Sport GT

[lumlum1013]

are u even from toronto?

'Simply tires' has deals for $650-$800ish...+$50 off if mre than 50 sets of wheels/tires sold~ this is found in TM3 forum and RFD BST forum....

[Nukey]

Thanks for all of the feedback, and no I'm not from Toronto.

Any input on this puncture/damage warranty?

[tkyoshi]

UNless you own the same model of car, I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. Not having TPMS can cause a simple light to come on, or you can end up with flashing lights and a center cosnole that's unusable like in my car.

The deal quoted above is OK if the TPMS is included. Tirerack can also get you wheels/tires/TPMS but you have to pay the dealer to program them in.

Hmm interesting, what kind of car do you have?

Mazda 3 should just be the light, the light is in the cluster not the center console . Some people put a little electrical tape for finishing touches hehe. Of course for some people the light on really bothers them so, then an investment in TPMS is probably worth it.

Some cars with the Centre Console stuff, will have a "Winter" or "Snow" mode which will surpress any TPMS warnings.

[BradT]

Shouldn't it be 3 year, 80,000 warranty since it is a Mazda?

Hey All,

They also told me there is an option to add $220 for a 3 year - 60,000km warranty against punctures, damage, etc. and nitrogen.

[mr_raider]

Hmm interesting, what kind of car do you have?

IS 250. I get a light with tire sign, a red triangle with an exclamation mark that flashes, and the message "TPMS malfunc" in the centre trip computer display. That means that all the other display functions (MPG, gear, outside temp, average speed, etc...) become unusable.

But every TPMS system is different. You need to find out of the Mazda one's work. Also, I'm doubtful as to whether valve stem type TPMS is compatible with steelies.

On a related note, tirerack.com had the exact model of TPMS I needed, as wheel as appropriately sized alloys and hubcentric rings. I highly recommend their services. I still had to go to toyota to register the 2nd set of TPMS in the computer.

[Nukey]

Shouldn't it be 3 year, 80,000 warranty since it is a Mazda?

I think you're thinking of the car warranty, this is just for the tires.