I'm not sure this is the correct section, but I hope it is!

I have a 2005 Mazda3 with the OEM 205/50r17 tires and rims. I've found some used low profile Blizzaks in 215/45r17. I've looked at the Miata tire size calculator, so I know the diameter is good, but I'm not sure about the width. My research thus far has shown that the OEM rim is 7 inches wide, but I'm not sure if that is for the OEM 16" rim or the 17" rim that I have. One of the sites mentioned that it is nigh impossible to find a low profile tire that will fit on a 7 inch rim, so now I'm confused.

TL/DR: Will low profile Blizzak 215/45r17 tires fit the OEM 17" rims on the Mazda3?

Thanks!

 

They will fit but they will not be optimal for winter use. A few comments:

• When one is looking for winter tires typically a narrower section width is desirable, not wider.
• 215/45 R17 tires will be roughly a half of an inch shorter than 205/50 R17s; your speedometer and odometer will both register high for any given speed and distance as a result.
• Why do you care what the wheel size is? Paying to have winter tires mounted and dismounted twice per year will typically cost more within just the first year or two than buying a separate wheel/tire setup dedicated to winter use. Said another way, once you decide to opt for a set of winter tires, you're probably better off buying a set of 16" wheels and a set of 205/55 R16 winter tires to wrap around them.