The Snow Broke My 8!
12-15-2003 | 10:40 AM
#26
Bert angry!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 337
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From: Madison, WI
Originally posted by FighterPilot
Obviously I made a mistake by not stopping immediately, but like many of you, this weather snuck up on me too. My inexperience in such didn't help and taught me a tough lesson the hard way...but how bout a little compassion for a guy whos 8 is stuck in the shop!?!
Obviously I made a mistake by not stopping immediately, but like many of you, this weather snuck up on me too. My inexperience in such didn't help and taught me a tough lesson the hard way...but how bout a little compassion for a guy whos 8 is stuck in the shop!?!
12-15-2003 | 12:29 PM
#30
Registered
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by miata2rx8
so will 17" tires fit on the GT? I want to get inexpensive rims for snow tires
so will 17" tires fit on the GT? I want to get inexpensive rims for snow tires
As mentioned, there are many threads here (in this section, in the Tires and Wheels section, and in the Canada regional section) discussing suitable 17" wheels that fit the RX-8. If you don't want to expend the minimal effort to do the research here, just go straight to www.tirerack.com and check out their winter packages for RX-8 for 17".
Oh, and avoid the Blizzak WS-50 unless all the other winter tires are sold out!
Regards,
Gordon
12-15-2003 | 12:55 PM
#31
SpellingNazi
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
No to the Blizzaks? Whyzzat? Are the Blizzak WS50 similar to the Maypop WD-40?
Bit the bullet (the big one) and ordered Pirelli Winter 210 and ASA LW5 wheels from TireRack. Will be here Thursday, after all the snow melts. But at least I'll be mobile when the snow comes again.
Thanks for your feedback, Gordon.
Bit the bullet (the big one) and ordered Pirelli Winter 210 and ASA LW5 wheels from TireRack. Will be here Thursday, after all the snow melts. But at least I'll be mobile when the snow comes again.
Thanks for your feedback, Gordon.
12-15-2003 | 03:52 PM
#32
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 105
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From: Rochester, NY
Originally posted by Natew00
What is the deal with Mazda and the dealers? They seem to be very determined to get these RX8s out this winter on factory tires.
I probably would have had a similar problem with our last big snow storm, but I couldn't move my car 20 ft out of my parking lot.
I'm also interested in the other posting where a dealer threatened that the warrenty would not be valid with non-factory tires/wheels.
What does Mazda know about this car that they are not saying?
What is the deal with Mazda and the dealers? They seem to be very determined to get these RX8s out this winter on factory tires.
I probably would have had a similar problem with our last big snow storm, but I couldn't move my car 20 ft out of my parking lot.
I'm also interested in the other posting where a dealer threatened that the warrenty would not be valid with non-factory tires/wheels.
What does Mazda know about this car that they are not saying?
Mazda easily could have offered a winter tire package. With a volume buy on their part, with wheels and tires selected for the car, they could have offered a discounted package deal that would have been more convenient and a good service to their customers.
It does snow in Japan, after all, and the car had to be tested in frigid conditions.
Since Mazda did not offer such, the dealers could have been more on the ball and offered winter tire packages. Some may have.
Maybe future buyers will find more economical 17" steel wheels available.
12-15-2003 | 04:17 PM
#33
Pu-36 Space Modulator
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: St Charles, MO
First of all, the topic of this thread states that "the snow broke (your) 8". Sorry, but the snow did not break your 8, you did. Fortunately, it sounds like you've learned from your mistake and will be getting winter tires.
Second, people keep calling these tires, "snow tires". Well, actually, they're winter tires; designed to be used in cold weather conditions, AS WELL AS snow. The summer performance tires do not perform as well (traction wise) in cold conditions. So, even if it does not snow much in your area, if it gets cold, you're better off with winter tires.
Second, people keep calling these tires, "snow tires". Well, actually, they're winter tires; designed to be used in cold weather conditions, AS WELL AS snow. The summer performance tires do not perform as well (traction wise) in cold conditions. So, even if it does not snow much in your area, if it gets cold, you're better off with winter tires.
12-15-2003 | 05:20 PM
#34
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by Dick Carlson
No to the Blizzaks? Whyzzat? Are the Blizzak WS50 similar to the Maypop WD-40?
No to the Blizzaks? Whyzzat? Are the Blizzak WS50 similar to the Maypop WD-40?
Well, there's several reasons (why I don't like the WS-50s). Number one is that on dry pavement, their responsiveness is incredibly mushy - they make your car feel like you're driving through mud all the time. Many other winter tires, including the LM-22, do not feel like that. The WS-50s will give slightly better traction on ice than other winter tires, but the other winter tires are still great, and provide equal traction on snow and better traction, cornering, and responsiveness on cold dry pavement. In the tradeoffs department, the WS-50s bet the farm on ice traction, and are less effective on everything else. Second, the WS-50s use Bridgestone's now-traditional layered tread compound, where the outer 50% is the hydrophilic (ice-grabbing) compound which wears quickly, and the inner 50% is a decidedly average all-season compound. So, once the WS-50 is half-worn, it becomes a less-than-ordinary all-season tire, while something like the LM-22 or other winter tires are still providing decent winter grip.
Big picture, the WS-50 is fabulous in nasty conditions (ice/snow), but less satisfactory than the other winter tires when conditions are just cold but not so nasty. They're still far, far better than all-seasons or certainly summers!
Big picture, the WS-50 is fabulous in nasty conditions (ice/snow), but less satisfactory than the other winter tires when conditions are just cold but not so nasty. They're still far, far better than all-seasons or certainly summers!
Gordon
12-16-2003 | 03:47 AM
#35
Forum Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally posted by Gord96BRG
... You mean like having one forum member who has made it practically a personal crusade to post in every thread discussing winter driving in the RX-8 and point out how the OEM tires will be useless and that people should get winter tires?
Yeah, that would be handy, wouldn't it?
Regards,
Gordon
... You mean like having one forum member who has made it practically a personal crusade to post in every thread discussing winter driving in the RX-8 and point out how the OEM tires will be useless and that people should get winter tires?
Yeah, that would be handy, wouldn't it?
Regards,
Gordon
BTW, my 8 ROCKS on icy/snowy roads with my Nokians on it.
I have never had so much fun driving in winter!
12-16-2003 | 03:50 AM
#36
Forum Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally posted by zoomalot
Mazda easily could have offered a winter tire package. With a volume buy on their part, with wheels and tires selected for the car, they could have offered a discounted package deal that would have been more convenient and a good service to their customers.
It does snow in Japan, after all, and the car had to be tested in frigid conditions.
Since Mazda did not offer such, the dealers could have been more on the ball and offered winter tire packages. Some may have.
Maybe future buyers will find more economical 17" steel wheels available.
Mazda easily could have offered a winter tire package. With a volume buy on their part, with wheels and tires selected for the car, they could have offered a discounted package deal that would have been more convenient and a good service to their customers.
It does snow in Japan, after all, and the car had to be tested in frigid conditions.
Since Mazda did not offer such, the dealers could have been more on the ball and offered winter tire packages. Some may have.
Maybe future buyers will find more economical 17" steel wheels available.
A few of us have called Mazda Canada and asked, but no, we are stuck on our own for wheels, tires, and not even a way to install a block heater.
The car rocks, and Mazda North America sucks.
But we already know that.
Try buying tires with that cheesy AMEX debit card..
12-16-2003 | 07:47 AM
#37
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Tirerack had no problem taking my AMEX debit card as part of the purchase, with the balance going on another card. I got 17" wheels with LM22's and they are great in the snow and ice. When I ordered them tirerack didn't have the sensors, or know about them - wish I had waited a bit to order. as the blinking light is sure distracting. Yes I know I can cover ti with tape, but I just haven't done it yet.
12-16-2003 | 08:11 AM
#38
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
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FighterPilot Needs Your Help!
As many of you know, I had a slight run in with a curb after being caught in the first snow of the season (See the "The Snow Broke My 8" thred).
Here's my problem: I took it to be fixed and found that I bent one or both of the lateral links on the left rear wheel. The dealership tells me that there are none in the US and it will be at least next week before they can get one. However, I am in the military and due to report to Texas very soon. I have to leave the area here this weekend.
I know this isn't the parts section, but does anyone either have a spair one or both of these links, know where I could find them, or have helpful suggestions? This board has been a great help to me, and now I'm reaching out for some more.
Thanks,
Justin
Here's my problem: I took it to be fixed and found that I bent one or both of the lateral links on the left rear wheel. The dealership tells me that there are none in the US and it will be at least next week before they can get one. However, I am in the military and due to report to Texas very soon. I have to leave the area here this weekend.
I know this isn't the parts section, but does anyone either have a spair one or both of these links, know where I could find them, or have helpful suggestions? This board has been a great help to me, and now I'm reaching out for some more.
Thanks,
Justin
12-16-2003 | 10:35 AM
#39
Registered
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by canzoomer
True, but you are taking this a bit personally, aren't you Gord?
True, but you are taking this a bit personally, aren't you Gord?
I hope not - I'm trying not to, but I don't want the RX-8 to start getting a reputation as a terrible winter vehicle when it's all down to the tires. Helping raise awareness here, at the home of RX-8 enthusiasts, seemed to be a good place to put in a bit of effort. I've actually controlled myself and ignored several opportunities to post "I told you so"s! :D
BTW, my 8 ROCKS on icy/snowy roads with my Nokians on it.
I have never had so much fun driving in winter!
I have never had so much fun driving in winter!
Regards,
Gordon
12-16-2003 | 11:26 AM
#41
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Gord is correct about the Blizzak WS-50s, and as I'm sure Canzoomer can attest Nokian makes probably the best studless winter tires in the business, so if you can afford them get them! Uou guys might want to consider Discount Tire Direct as an alternative to Tirerack, just don't count on a knowledgable service department from them, so know what it is you're after. Also for whoever was asking about a good all season tire in the wet I can't say enough good things about Contiextremes. I've even gone through a few winters with those tires without a hitch, however this was on a DSM AWD car so if you have extreme winters it's not advised to use them on a RWD car.
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