Back in February I was in the French Alps and got caught in a little bit of snow in my Mazda5 Sport which proved very 'exciting'.

As I intend to visit the French Alps next year I want to be fully prepared with snow tyres and snow chains. Now as you can't use snow chains on Alloys,I thought I'd go and buy a set of steels and have Winter tyres fitted.

The problem I've encountered isMazda UK do not sell steel wheels. Their 'help'desk recommended I either buy them from a French Mazda dealer or from an independant. Additionally there seems to be a bit of confusion on whether I can fit 16' steels on my car which is calibrated for 17' Alloys.

I'm sure this situation is not insurmountable as Canadian and French Mazda5 drivers must solve this problem.

Any suggestians how I can address this problem in the UK

 

I would like to move to 16" or 15" wheels myself. In the US, all Mazda 5's come with 17" alloy wheels and low profile tires. We have already bent one rim due to a pothole, and scratched 2 others on a curb. The low profile tires do not offer any protection. For winter tires, tire www.tirerack.com. Philip.

 

Interesting re Alloys - as Roofbox stocks snow chains that are for alloy wheels - in alloy protectin process that would fit the 5 - worth speaking to them?