What are the recommendations for changing to 18-inch tires on the Axela?
3 Answers
The recommendation for changing to 18-inch tires on the Axela is to purchase the original 18-inch tires. After the tire change, the overall body lines of the Axela will appear more streamlined and dynamic in terms of appearance, while also significantly improving comfort and noise reduction compared to the original standard tires. Pay attention to tire size: When changing tires, it is important to choose the appropriate ones. The specifications of the new tires should match those of the other tire on the same axle, such as speed rating, load index, tread pattern, brand, size, etc., to ensure safe driving. Replace the valve stem as well: After changing the tires, the aging cycles of the new tires and the valve stems differ. During the lifespan of the new tires, the valve stems may develop issues, which are not easily noticeable. Therefore, it is best to replace the valve stems at the same time as the tires.
When I drove the Mazda3 Axela before, I also upgraded to 18-inch tires, which was quite an interesting experience. After switching to larger wheels, the car looked much more stylish, and the handling felt more stable with stronger grip during cornering, eliminating any sense of drifting. However, it's crucial to ensure proper size matching: the original wheels were 16 or 17 inches, so for 18-inch wheels, you must choose the correct tire specifications, such as tire width and aspect ratio that match the wheel's ET value. Otherwise, the dashboard readings might be inaccurate or trigger ABS warnings. Fuel consumption will increase slightly, possibly by around 0.5 liters per 100 km in city driving, and comfort may decrease a bit, with more noticeable vibrations on bumpy roads. I recommend opting for mainstream brands like Michelin Primacy, which offer good durability and noise reduction—avoid cheap no-name brands to reduce the risk of blowouts. Also, have them installed at a reputable shop, don’t skip the wheel balancing, and check tire pressure regularly. In short, it’s about both looks and safety.
Upgrading to 18-inch wheels makes a super noticeable difference in handling! I've tried several combinations, and 18-inch wide tires feel like a whole new level—steering becomes more precise, response is quicker, and high-speed cornering feels rock solid. Opt for high-performance tires like Bridgestone Potenza or Goodyear Eagle, which offer excellent grip and complement the Mazda 3's sporty tuning. But size is crucial: ensure the tire's outer diameter stays close to the original 16 or 17-inch setup to avoid rubbing against the wheel arches or interfering with the ABS system. Choose lightweight wheel materials to minimize fuel efficiency impact, and keep the ET value under 40. Post-modification, the car's weight changes little, but driving enjoyment soars—just be mindful of increased road noise, which can be mitigated with quieter tires. Regular maintenance will keep everything in top shape.
