Special Fitment Tyre

[MikeO]

Hi All,

New CX-5 owner. I have had my 2015 2.2 (175) AWD Sport Nav for 3 weeks now.

I need two tyres - I don't think the previous owner rotated them. At all....

My question is around the special fitment - What is the implication of using a tyre other than the Proxes and also I have seen the Proxes listed, but not as special fitment, but with the exact same specs - Are they the same?

Thanks

[BigAl]

I have the same model (actually my second of those), but haven't come across the "special fitment" you mention. The first one I ran on the standard Toyo Proxes R36 225/55/R19 except for a short period where there were none in the UK (long story) and Mazda found another tyre (Sonar) to use temporarily until I could get some more. At that time the Proxes was pretty much the only one available. On my second one, I replaced all four at the same time with Michelin Latitude Sport 3's. These are much better in the wet than the Toyos.

Other than that, have a look here... http://mazdacx5forums.co.uk/index.php?board=20.0

Original story on the lack of Toyos here http://mazdacx5forums.co.uk/index.php?topic=25.0

Alan

[MikeO]

So when I go on Black Circles and look for 225/55/R19 it comes up with a "Special Fitment" Mazda tyre - The Proxes R36.

The Mazda dealership also states that these are the only tyre they will fit to the car and state they have had issues with other tyres on this car.

I have seen the Proxes for £107 each (excluding fitting) which is a lot cheaper than the dealership, so wanted to make sure there is no difference between what black circles are saying is a special fitment, and these others.

What I am struggling with is why they are so adamant I should use the proxes - When I had the 6 they gave choices but on this one they are saying they wont fit anything else. Just wondered why really...

[MikeO]

Also to add, the same website which has them for £107 has a "Mazda" fitment version, which is £10 a tyre more.

[BigAl]

Hmmm, my only guess then would be that (I believe) Toyo made this tyre specifically for the CX5 originally? Fortunately, there's several manufacturers making this size now so there's no need to stick with the Toyos. However, if you are only changing two, then it would be best to as you generally want four matching tyres on an AWD car. Put the new on the front, switch the worn to the rear and then next time they'll hopefully all need doing together, in which case you have more choice.

Alan

[twabrigs]

Put the new on the front, switch the worn to the rear and then next time they'll hopefully all need doing together, in which case you have more choice.

This is exactly what I did, although received wisdom is to put your best tread on the rear axle.

[BigAl]

received wisdom is to put your best tread on the rear axle.

True, but it doesn't help when trying to even up wear...

[MikeO]

It does seem it was made for the CX-5. I got this reply from Toyo:

"Good morning Mike

Thank you for getting in contact.
The simple answer to your question is that the 'R36' on the sidewall denotes that it is the Mazda OE fitment. See link below.
The only tyres in this size we bring to the UK are the R36, an Open Country Urban Terrain and a CF2 SUV.
If you have a Mazda CX-5 then the R36 is obviously ideally suited. If not, it may be worth looking at the others to avoid the premium of the OE fitment R36.

Hope this helps."

I am thinking of going with the Latitude Sport 3's and maybe get 4 and sell my existing rears as part worns to a dealer. Might get £40 for them if I am lucky. Only thing is I am a bit loathed to spend another £600 after just paying a lot of money for the car.

Also not sure what the age / mileage is like on the original pads / discs on these and when they might need doing too, which will also be pricey, so deciding if it is worth doing all the tyres, or maybe doing what you say around the rotation for this pair, then replace them all for the LS3's later.

[rmvf]

Mike I used black circles and put the CF2 on for 465 quid fitted, currently put 12k on them just now, the r36 only lasted 20k for me

[BigAl]

Kwik Fit charged me £575 inc fitting, balancing, disposal, etc, in February this year to fit the 4 Latitude Sport 3's

Alan

[MikeO]

£630 now Did you get some kind of deal / offer?

Although I can get that down to £610 with cash back. Kwik Fit seem to be the cheapest place for them.

[BigAl]

That was the price at the time if ordered and paid for online. Mazda Dealer wanted £740 for the same! 

Alan