OK, I'm pretty stupid about this tire stuff. Figuring out tire sizes is not supposed to be complicated, but I'm often stumped trying to figure out alternate sizes that would fit--this coming from someone that does all his own car repair.

So, I bought a used 2004 Mazda 3. It has very bald tires that need replacing. The numbers on the sidewall are as follows: 215/50/17

As I shop for new/used tires, I would like to know what would fit on the current 17" rims.

Thanks for your help.

 

The correct size for your car is 205/50 R17; that's the size you should buy.

 

I'm running 225/45/17.

0.39% difference in MPH.

Wider tyre, providing more grip, more stable ride.

https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire...ismetric=False

 

More grip? Yes. More stable ride? No. Better steering feel? No again.

 

I beg to differ from my experience.

Don't knock it until you've tried it.