OK, well i saved up enough money to get a set of rims. I was wondering if anybody knows if i can fit an 18x7 inch rim with a 225/40/18 size tire on it. Also i live in ohio so the potholes here are within comparison to the grand canyon, so if any specific tire brands that have a nice stiff sidewall can be givin then i'd appreciate it. Thanks

 

As with everything else in life, it depends. Depends? Depends upon what? Well for starters, bolt pattern, hub size, offset and back spacing. That said, I've yet to find a single 18x7.0 wheel designed for the Mazda3, everything in the 18" size seems to be 18x7.5 or wider. As for using a 225/40 R18 tire on any of those rim sizes, yup, that's the tire size you'd want.

Ahhh, now there you go changing the rules on us. With potholes like that lurking under a puddle near you, there's no way I'd go with 18" wheels. I'm thinking that a set of 225/45 R17s mounted on 17x7.0 wheels would be the way to go if you live in pothole country.

 

I have 18X7.5 48mm offset wheels with 225/40 18 tires on mine, and it is lowered 1.5 inch in the front and 1 inch in the back

 

I concur with that and had shipo not already said it, I would have.
With a taller wheel and potholes, you want MORE flex in the sidewalls, not less. Unless you don't mind buying replacement wheels from time to time.
I also agree that staying with a 17" and a 225/45-17, or even A 215/50-17 is a better option for your situation as you've stated it.
Be extra careful to chose a wheels with an offset of +48-+50mm, the OE being +52.5mm. IMO, a +45 or less is taking you into handling territory you may not want to go into and may cause excessive wear on other suspension components.

 

Now what about the bolt pattern? I can either order the wheels 5x100 or 5x4.5. Are any of these compatible with the 3's bolt pattern? I know the bolt pattern is 5x114.3 but would any of those fit?

 

Mine are 5X100 and 5x114.5 or 4 1/2 inches

 

114.3mm IS 4.5". 114.3/25.4= 4.5

 

Thank you, i should of realized that by now, but thank you.

 

No problem.

 

Hi i have a 2005 Mazda3 with a stock suspesion, would RX8 rims fit without rubbing?