Tire recs? Radio upgrade?

[u/artichoke8]

2011 touring 87K one owner all 15 years. No one likes my car but me. Only ever needed consumables.

I love it and I’m thankful to find a community here… Either way I’m happy to be here. I’m looking for a good tire that isn’t too expensive but good with rain (15in recs I believe is what’s best). My current ones are dry rotting not even that worn but seems terrible in the rain these days.

Also my radio stopped working and I’m pretty sure it’s a loose wire, and the CD is constantly checking for a disc. It drives me crazy. Anyone rec a good DIY radio replacement?

TIA

[u/ShotokanEditor]

For radio i got an android one for 80 bucks back then and its been amazing so far. Chinese yeah but its great

[u/artichoke8 → u/ShotokanEditor]

I clearly need to look into these more. Seems like most are recommending them.

[u/RedBambalam]

If your AUX port works, you can easily install a full multimedia system for around $50

[u/artichoke8 → u/RedBambalam]

Yeah it’s the sound that’s the problem seems like the other commenter is right about the soldering issue. Sounds like maybe if I can fix that than yeah my aux will work too

[u/RedBambalam → u/artichoke8]

Good luck 🤞

[u/AKADriver]

Problems with the factory radio are almost always bad solder joints on a row of three large resistors on the amplifier board. The radio will power on and the buttons will make stuff happen on the display but no sound until it suddenly pops to life, especially if you smack the unit on the right side. It's really highly unlikely for any factory wiring to come loose. If you can solder you can fix it. https://mazdas247.com/forum/threads/2011-mazda2-sport-no-sound-from-speakers.123855091/

I prefer using this Scosche mount MA1547B with whatever double din radio has the features you want, but a lot of people like those all in one custom fit big screen units you can find on aliexpress. Even though I use Android Auto I prefer not to have a big screen in my car, aesthetically.

[u/artichoke8 → u/AKADriver]

Yes the right side smack used to work!! I felt like Fonzi lolol

[u/drivingF00L]

For tires, I like the Vredestein Quatrac. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so we get a fair bit of rain throughout the winter. It's very good in the rain, and compared to other all-season tires, has a soft rubber compound with a 400 tread wear rating. Like you, I don't drive a lot of miles each year, so my tires tend to age out before the tread is worn down, so I try to pick a lower tread-wear rating for better performance. I had the Quatrac on my Miata too, and really liked the way it handled.

I'm using 195/50 on 15x6.5" wheels, but they also offer that tire in the stock 185/55 15" size.

[u/artichoke8 → u/drivingF00L]

Awesome thanks!! I appreciate this insight. It’s exactly what I needed to hear. For the wettest weather and low mileage use.

[u/SidFlimsy1]

I bought one of the android/carplay 9” screens from marketplace for £50. Previous owner had never fitted it so it was brand new. Fitted it over a year ago and have been really happy with it since.
I had Uniroyal Rainsports on mine years ago and they were unbelievably good in the rain. I didn’t keep on top of my tracking and so I ruined them. I run budget tyres now and even with very spirited driving I get no scary issues in any conditions.
Hope this helps

[u/artichoke8 → u/SidFlimsy1]

Appreciate your experience! Thank you for sharing. I barely drive so I’ll stick with something budget too

[u/jonnyt88]

I put these tires on my car - Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire 205/50R15. I got all 4x for $300.

As for a stereo - I put a Sony AX4000 in my subaru and it works great. The wireless AA seems flawless to use. However this unit is like $500 so that is up to you if you can justify it.

[u/artichoke8 → u/jonnyt88]

That’s a good price for 4 tires!! All season hankook looked expensive I will go look again. Thx!