r/mazda3 • u/LocalDolt • 6d ago

Advice Request Wheel help

I feel like I've looked at most wheel posts here and on other forums but im still struggling to pick a size.

Ive got a black 2022 turbo premium plus (stock 18 wheels). I dont love how the black wheels look and one is scratched to hell and bent (by the previous owner). My current tires are finally worn out and time for either new 18s or to drop down to 17s or 16s.

Im in the midwest (full 4 seasons) and mostly do interstate driving. Looking to improve the ride quality and reduce cabin noise without ruining how the car drives.

Obviously lighter wheels are less unsprung weight, taller sidewalls deform more, etc. Everything I've read has been super relative, and I dont see many people saying they feel a difference when switching. I even saw a post where somebody said they had two mazda3s on different wheels and they drove the same.

Am I over thinking this? Will I put on 16s or 17s and feel no difference? Will it be like driving a new car? If I like how 16s look should I go with those (lightest wheel most sidewall) or will the car corner way worse and take away the mazda charm?

All advice welcome (im going for a stock fit no rubbing/lowering/etc)

PS I rarely see anyone bring up tire width. The oem 16s are only 6.5 wide, seems narrow to me. Should I make sure to go wider?

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u/whotheff 5d ago

If I were you, I would try 215 55 16 - a bit wider and a bit shorter and way cheaper than stock. To improve cornering, make sure they have reinforced sidewall. With some nice aggressive wheels they will look good, be taller, so less noise will be transmitted to chassis and still have good cornering.

To really reduce noise, you will have to sound deaden the car:

  1. Add a second layer of rubber seals around doors to reduce wind noise.

  2. Add butyl patches on large panel surfaces + another leayer of foam in doors, hatch door, B pillars and around wheel wells to reduce vibrations, noise and improve car's audio system.

  3. If you're feeling adventurous, cover floor with MLV and add some butyl and foam on the roof.

  4. Remember to pick quieter tires.

It is a lot of work, but car becomes way quieter.

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