[Boneyard]

So I am thinking of getting new rims for my 06 Mazda 3 sedan.
Here is a picture of my ride.

I have a couple of questions first, so I am looking for some help. I've already looked through the FAQ's and how to guides, but I've still got some questions as I am a rookie when it comes to wheels.

The wheels I have picked out are Stern ST-1 Face III Beast - Gloss Black
18" x 8"
5/114.3 Bolt pattern
48 Offset

From this place http://www.1010tires.com/
They are selling for $249CDN. This seems to be the best price I've found.
I am fairly sure they will fit, as other forum members have this wheel.

Do I need to buy news lugs and wheel locks? Or will the stock ones work/look good with the new rims?
Should I buy this Universal Wheel Installation kit (Tuner nuts) from the same site?
http://www.1010tires.com/accessories.asp?pid=INSTNUT%2DTUNER

Tires
Most people seem to go with a 225/40/18 tire?
I have the stock 17's and they have a profile of 205 correct?
So this will give me the same profile as stock and it won't mess up my speedometer etc?

Any other tips or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
Boneyard

 

[Boneyard]

[quote author=deluxe link=topic=72498.msg1279415#msg1279415 date=1174418330]
[quote author=the415 link=topic=72498.msg1279120#msg1279120 date=1174413939]
you will need new lugs....wheel locks are up to you

the lugs you need are: 12mm pitch 1.5" length

225/40 is the best size...your speedo will be off by 1.8mph i believe.
[/quote]

Why do you need new lugs? What is different between aftermarket and stock lugs if you don't care about locks?

You need hub centric rings also so check if they will send you some with the wheels otherwise you will have to buy a set. They will have them anywhere you can buy rims(dicount tire) or you can buy them online for like $35. Aftermarket wheels come with a larger hole than the hub of our car and these rings take up the space and prevent wobbling at highway speeds.
[/quote]
I do care about wheel locks, if that matters. I absolutely want them on my new rims.

The site that I was looking to order them from says that if I get tires they will mount and balance them and include "wheel nuts, hub rings, and valve stems." I assume wheel nuts are the same as lugs?

 

[Boneyard]

Okay the guy from 1010tires got back to and said that when I order the wheels and tires together all the hardware is included. So I assume I can use my stock lockers, right? Since I am already spending over $1800 saving any money would be great.

EDIT: Never mind answered above, thanks 415.

 

[Boneyard]

Thanks tdbab

Another question to throw out there. I am not overly concerned with performance with my tires. I am concerned about tread wear. So typically which will last longer? A summer tire or an all season tire? On 1010 tires they seem to be around the same price for either.

 

[Boneyard]

[quote author=trbab032886 link=topic=72498.msg1280062#msg1280062 date=1174433901]
summer tires should, under no circumstances, be used in snow or winter climate; such as canadia. all season tires last longer. kumho ecsta asx's are an inexpensive tire, and are also a forum favorite, check em out! and it looks like youve been on 1010tire alot, but have you looked at tirerack.com, they are very competitive and extremely knowledgeable! please keep in mind that when shopping for tires, there is no standard tests for measuring treadlife. i.e: a 420 rating with nitto may be a 340 with yokohama; thus: a 420 rated nitto will last, in essence, twice as long as a 210 rated nitto. the numbers only mean something within each respective company.
[/quote]
Well I wouldn't use them in the winter obviously. It's not winter here all the time.

 

[Boneyard]

Bah ordering these wheels has been quite the process...

Now the guy at 1010tire is telling me that my tire selection of 225/40/18 is "not the recommended fitment for my car" and I should be going with a 215/40/18. I was under the impression that 225 was the recommended size for my car...What the hell? The latter choice is also $260 more for all four. I am having a tough time figuring this out so help a tire newb out here guys. Thanks.

 

[Boneyard]

Nope, no drop. And I don't have any plans to do so any time soon either.