Miata Tyre Size Calculator
Calculate the perfect tyre size for your Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA, NB, NC, ND) with precision. Compare speedometer accuracy, rolling diameter, and fitment.
Ultimate Mazda Miata Tyre Size Calculator Guide
Introduction & Importance of Proper Miata Tyre Sizing
The Mazda MX-5 Miata’s legendary handling characteristics are heavily influenced by tyre selection. Even minor deviations from factory specifications can dramatically alter steering response, speedometer accuracy, and overall driving dynamics. This comprehensive guide explains why precise tyre sizing matters for each Miata generation (NA through ND) and how our calculator helps you make data-driven decisions.
Key reasons proper tyre sizing is critical for Miata owners:
- Speedometer Accuracy: A 3% difference in rolling diameter can result in 2-3 mph discrepancies at highway speeds
- Suspension Geometry: Miata’s double-wishbone suspension is sensitive to unsprung weight and rolling diameter changes
- Power Delivery: The NA’s 116hp and ND’s 181hp react differently to tyre compound and contact patch variations
- Legal Compliance: Many regions have strict tyre protrusion regulations (typically ≤10mm beyond fenders)
How to Use This Miata Tyre Size Calculator
Follow these step-by-step instructions to get accurate results:
-
Select Your Miata Model:
- NA (1989-1997): Original pop-up headlight model with 14″ wheels
- NB (1998-2005): Fixed headlight model with optional 15″ wheels
- NC (2005-2015): Larger body with 16-17″ wheel options
- ND (2015-Present): Current generation with 17″ standard wheels
-
Choose Stock Tyre Size:
Select your vehicle’s original equipment size from the dropdown. Common sizes include:
- 185/60R14 (NA base model)
- 195/50R15 (NB/NC popular upgrade)
- 205/45R17 (NC/ND standard)
-
Enter Proposed Tyre Dimensions:
Input your desired width (in mm), aspect ratio (%), and rim diameter (in inches). The calculator supports:
- Width: 155-245mm (in 5mm increments)
- Aspect Ratio: 30-80% (in 5% increments)
- Rim Diameter: 14-19 inches
-
Review Results:
The calculator provides four critical metrics:
- Rolling Diameter: Total tyre diameter in millimeters
- Speedometer Error: Percentage difference from factory calibration
- Width Difference: Comparison to stock tyre width
- Sidewall Height: Actual sidewall measurement in millimeters
-
Visual Comparison:
The interactive chart shows:
- Stock vs. new tyre profiles
- Relative height differences
- Width comparisons
Pro Tip: For track use, consider these popular Miata tyre setups:
- NA/NB: 205/50R15 on 15×8″ wheels (autocross favorite)
- NC: 225/45R17 on 17×9″ wheels (street/track balance)
- ND: 235/40R17 on 17×9.5″ wheels (aggressive street)
Formula & Methodology Behind the Calculator
Our calculator uses precise mathematical formulas to determine tyre dimensions and their impact on your Miata’s performance. Here’s the technical breakdown:
1. Rolling Diameter Calculation
The total diameter of a tyre is calculated using:
Total Diameter = (Rim Diameter × 25.4) + (2 × (Section Width × (Aspect Ratio ÷ 100)))
Where:
- Rim diameter is converted from inches to millimeters (1 inch = 25.4mm)
- Section width is the tyre’s width in millimeters
- Aspect ratio is the percentage of the section width that makes up the sidewall
2. Speedometer Error Calculation
The percentage difference between stock and new rolling diameters:
Error % = ((New Diameter - Stock Diameter) ÷ Stock Diameter) × 100
Example: If your new tyres have a 580mm diameter vs. 560mm stock:
(580 - 560) ÷ 560 × 100 = 3.57% error
This means your speedometer will read 3.57% slower than actual speed.
3. Sidewall Height Calculation
Determined by:
Sidewall Height = (Section Width × Aspect Ratio) ÷ 100
For a 205/45R17 tyre:
(205 × 45) ÷ 100 = 92.25mm sidewall height
4. Width Difference Calculation
Simple subtraction showing how much wider/narrower the new tyre is:
Width Difference = New Width - Stock Width
Data Sources & Validation
Our calculations are validated against:
- SAE J1992 Tyre Dimension Standards
- Mazda factory service manuals for all Miata generations
- Independent testing data from NHTSA and SAE International
Real-World Miata Tyre Size Examples
Let’s examine three common Miata tyre upgrade scenarios with precise calculations:
Case Study 1: NA Miata Track Setup
Vehicle: 1993 Mazda MX-5 NA (1.8L)
Stock Setup: 185/60R14 (rolling diameter: 558.8mm)
Proposed Upgrade: 205/50R15 on 15×8″ wheels
| Metric | Stock Value | New Value | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Diameter | 558.8mm | 576.5mm | +17.7mm (3.17%) |
| Speedometer Error | 0% | +3.17% | Shows 60mph at 58.1mph |
| Section Width | 185mm | 205mm | +20mm |
| Sidewall Height | 111mm | 102.5mm | -8.5mm |
Real-World Impact: This popular autocross setup provides:
- 11% more contact patch area
- Slightly taller gearing (better for high-RPM track use)
- Requires -1.5° camber to optimize wear
- May require fender rolling on aggressive alignment
Case Study 2: NB Miata Street/Track Hybrid
Vehicle: 2001 Mazda MX-5 NB (VVT engine)
Stock Setup: 195/50R15 (rolling diameter: 576.5mm)
Proposed Upgrade: 225/45R16 on 16×9″ wheels
| Metric | Stock Value | New Value | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Diameter | 576.5mm | 586.0mm | +9.5mm (1.65%) |
| Speedometer Error | 0% | +1.65% | Shows 60mph at 58.9mph |
| Section Width | 195mm | 225mm | +30mm |
| Sidewall Height | 97.5mm | 101.25mm | +3.75mm |
Real-World Impact: This setup offers:
- 22% more contact patch for improved grip
- Minimal speedometer error (within acceptable range)
- Requires 15mm spacers for proper fitment
- Optimal for 200tw street/track tyres
Case Study 3: ND Miata Aggressive Street
Vehicle: 2019 Mazda MX-5 ND (2.0L)
Stock Setup: 205/45R17 (rolling diameter: 603.1mm)
Proposed Upgrade: 245/40R17 on 17×9.5″ wheels
| Metric | Stock Value | New Value | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Diameter | 603.1mm | 600.9mm | -2.2mm (-0.36%) |
| Speedometer Error | 0% | -0.36% | Shows 60mph at 60.2mph |
| Section Width | 205mm | 245mm | +40mm |
| Sidewall Height | 92.25mm | 98mm | +5.75mm |
Real-World Impact: This aggressive setup provides:
- 38% more contact patch area
- Near-perfect speedometer accuracy
- Requires fender modification for full lock clearance
- Best paired with coilovers for proper alignment
- May trigger traction control adjustments needed
Miata Tyre Size Data & Statistics
The following tables present comprehensive data comparisons between stock and popular aftermarket Miata tyre sizes.
Table 1: NA/NB Miata Tyre Size Comparison
| Tyre Size | Rolling Diameter | Speedo Error | Width | Sidewall | Recommended Rim | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185/60R14 (Stock NA) | 558.8mm | 0% | 185mm | 111mm | 14×5.5-7″ | OEM replacement |
| 195/50R15 | 559.5mm | +0.12% | 195mm | 97.5mm | 15×6-7.5″ | Street upgrade |
| 205/50R15 | 576.5mm | +3.17% | 205mm | 102.5mm | 15×7-8″ | Autocross/track |
| 225/45R15 | 570.7mm | +2.13% | 225mm | 101.25mm | 15×8-9″ | Aggressive street |
| 205/40R16 | 568.2mm | +1.68% | 205mm | 82mm | 16×7.5-9″ | Track focused |
Table 2: NC/ND Miata Tyre Size Comparison
| Tyre Size | Rolling Diameter | Speedo Error | Width | Sidewall | Recommended Rim | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205/45R17 (Stock ND) | 603.1mm | 0% | 205mm | 92.25mm | 17×7-8″ | OEM replacement |
| 215/40R17 | 595.3mm | -1.29% | 215mm | 86mm | 17×7.5-8.5″ | Street performance |
| 225/45R17 | 609.5mm | +1.06% | 225mm | 101.25mm | 17×8-9″ | Street/track balance |
| 235/40R17 | 600.9mm | -0.36% | 235mm | 94mm | 17×8.5-9.5″ | Aggressive street |
| 245/40R17 | 600.9mm | -0.36% | 245mm | 98mm | 17×9-10″ | Track/performance |
| 255/35R18 | 598.9mm | -0.69% | 255mm | 89.25mm | 18×9-10″ | ND Club/Track |
Data sources: NHTSA Tyre Safety Standards and TireRack fitment database
Expert Miata Tyre Selection Tips
General Fitment Guidelines
- Width to Rim Ratio: Follow the “±1″ rule – tyre width should be within 25mm of rim width × 25.4 (e.g., 9” rim = 228.6mm, so 205-255mm tyre width)
- Diameter Limits: Stay within ±3% of stock rolling diameter to maintain speedometer accuracy and ABS/TCS functionality
- Load Index: Match or exceed OEM load rating (typically 82-88 for Miata applications)
- Speed Rating: Minimum V-rating (149mph) for street use, W or Y for track
Model-Specific Recommendations
-
NA Miata (1989-1997):
- Maximum width without modification: 205mm on 15×8″
- Popular track setup: 205/50R15 on 15×8″ with -2° camber
- Avoid diameters >600mm to prevent fender rubbing
- Optimal street tyre: 195/50R15 (Michelin Pilot Sport 4)
-
NB Miata (1998-2005):
- Can accommodate 225mm on stock suspension with slight fender roll
- Best all-around: 205/50R16 on 16×8″ wheels
- For forced induction: 225/45R16 with upgraded suspension
- Winter setup: 195/60R15 on steel wheels
-
NC Miata (2005-2015):
- Maximum width on stock fenders: 235mm (requires 15mm spacers)
- Popular autocross size: 225/45R17 on 17×9″ wheels
- For hardtop models: 245/40R17 fits with minor modification
- OEM+ recommendation: 215/45R17 (Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS)
-
ND Miata (2015-Present):
- Can fit 245mm on Club models with BBS wheels
- Best street/track compromise: 225/45R17 on 17×8.5″
- For RF models: 235/40R17 clears with no modification
- Winter option: 205/50R17 (same diameter as stock)
Performance Considerations
- Autocross: Prioritize width and soft compound (200+ treadwear) over diameter
- Track Days: 200tw tyres on 17×9″ wheels with proper camber (-2.5° to -3.5°)
- Daily Driving: 400+ treadwear rating for longevity (Michelin PS4S, Continental ExtremeContact)
- Winter: Narrower tyres (195-205mm) with high sipe count (Bridgestone Blizzak)
Alignment Specifications
Recommended alignment settings for modified tyre sizes:
| Use Case | Camber (°) | Caster (°) | Toe (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street (OEM size) | -0.5 to -1.0 | 4.0-5.0 | 0 ±1mm | Balanced wear and handling |
| Street (Wider tyres) | -1.0 to -1.5 | 4.5-5.5 | 1-2mm total toe-in | Compensates for increased grip |
| Track/Autocross | -2.5 to -3.5 | 5.0-6.0 | 0 ±1mm | Maximizes contact patch |
| Drift | -1.5 to -2.5 | 3.5-4.5 | 2-3mm total toe-out | Enhances transition response |
Interactive Miata Tyre Size FAQ
What’s the widest tyre I can fit on a stock NA Miata without modification?
On a completely stock NA Miata (1989-1997) with 14″ wheels, the widest tyre you can fit without any modifications is 195/60R14. This provides:
- 5mm more width than stock (185mm)
- Minimal speedometer error (+0.5%)
- No clearance issues at full lock
For 15″ wheels (common upgrade), you can fit 205/50R15 with:
- Proper offset (ET35-40)
- No rubbing during normal driving
- 3.17% speedometer error
Anything wider than 205mm on 15″ wheels will typically require:
- Fender rolling
- Negative camber (-1.5° to -2.5°)
- Possible bump steer adjustment
How does changing tyre size affect my Miata’s gearing?
Changing tyre diameter directly impacts your Miata’s effective gear ratios. Here’s how it works:
Taller Tyres (Larger Diameter):
- Longer gearing: Each gear feels “taller” (lower RPM at given speed)
- Reduced acceleration: ~1-2% power loss per 1% diameter increase
- Higher top speed: ~1-1.5mph gain per 1% diameter increase
- Better highway cruising: Lower RPM at 70mph
Shorter Tyres (Smaller Diameter):
- Shorter gearing: Higher RPM at given speeds
- Improved acceleration: ~1-2% power gain per 1% diameter decrease
- Lower top speed: ~1-1.5mph loss per 1% diameter decrease
- More responsive throttle: Better for autocross
Miata-Specific Examples:
| Change | NA 1.8L Effect | ND 2.0L Effect |
|---|---|---|
| +3% diameter |
|
|
| -3% diameter |
|
|
Important Note: The ND’s 2.0L engine is less sensitive to gearing changes due to its broader powerband. The NA’s 1.8L benefits more from shorter gearing for autocross use.
Will larger tyres affect my Miata’s speedometer accuracy?
Yes, changing tyre size will affect your speedometer accuracy because the speedometer is calibrated to the factory tyre diameter. Here’s exactly how it works:
How Speedometers Work in Miatas:
- All Miata generations use a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) that counts driveshaft or transmission output shaft rotations
- The ECU calculates speed based on:
- Number of rotations per minute
- Final drive ratio
- Factory tyre circumference
- The speedometer displays this calculated speed
Calculation Method:
The percentage error is calculated as:
Error % = ((New Diameter - Stock Diameter) ÷ Stock Diameter) × 100
Practical Examples:
| Miata Model | Stock Size | New Size | Speedo Error | Real Impact at 60mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA (1990) | 185/60R14 | 205/50R15 | +3.17% | Actual speed: 58.1mph |
| NB (2000) | 195/50R15 | 225/45R16 | +1.65% | Actual speed: 58.9mph |
| NC (2008) | 205/45R17 | 235/40R17 | -0.36% | Actual speed: 60.2mph |
| ND (2019) | 205/45R17 | 245/40R17 | -0.36% | Actual speed: 60.2mph |
Legal Considerations:
Most jurisdictions consider speedometer errors up to 5% acceptable, but:
- California: ≤3% error required for smog certification
- EU: ≤4% error per ECE Regulation No. 39
- Japan: ≤5% error under MLIT standards
Pro Tip: If you’re running significantly different tyre sizes, consider getting a speedometer recalibration or using a GPS-based speed display for accuracy.
What are the best tyre brands for Miata performance driving?
The best tyre for your Miata depends on your specific use case. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown by category:
1. Street Performance (200+ Treadwear)
| Tyre Model | Best For | Sizes Available | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Daily-driven performance | 205-245mm |
|
Expensive |
| Continental ExtremeContact Sport | Spirited street driving | 205-255mm |
|
Slightly noisy |
| Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS | Street/track hybrid | 205-245mm |
|
Poor in cold weather |
2. Track/Autocross (100-200 Treadwear)
| Tyre Model | Best For | Sizes Available | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falken RT660 | Autocross, time attack | 205-245mm |
|
Wears quickly |
| Toyo R888R | Track days, hill climbs | 205-275mm |
|
Expensive |
| Nitto NT01 | Drift, extreme grip | 205-295mm |
|
Poor in rain |
3. Winter/Snow Tyres
| Tyre Model | Best For | Sizes Available | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 | Snow/ice conditions | 185-225mm |
|
Soft compound wears on dry pavement |
| Michelin X-Ice Snow | Cold weather driving | 195-225mm |
|
Less aggressive than Blizzak |
4. Budget Options
| Tyre Model | Best For | Sizes Available | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General G-MAX RS | Budget performance | 205-245mm |
|
Not as precise as premium brands |
| Federal 595 RS-RR | Budget track use | 205-245mm |
|
Poor wet performance |
Miata-Specific Recommendations:
- NA/NB: 195/50R15 or 205/50R15 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for street; 205/50R15 Falken RT660 for track
- NC: 215/45R17 Continental ExtremeContact Sport for street; 225/45R17 Toyo R888R for track
- ND: 225/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS for street/track hybrid
How do I know if my new tyres will rub on my Miata?
Tyre rubbing is a common concern when upsizing. Here’s how to determine if your proposed tyre size will fit your Miata:
1. Physical Clearance Checkpoints
Miata tyre rubbing typically occurs at these points:
- Front:
- Inner fender liner (especially at full lock)
- Strut housing (on lowered cars)
- Sway bar end links (with aggressive camber)
- Rear:
- Inner fender lip
- Trailing arm (on lowered cars)
- Exhaust heat shield (on some models)
2. Miata Model-Specific Clearance Guide
| Model | Max Width (Stock) | Max Width (Lowered) | Max Diameter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA (1989-1997) | 205mm | 195mm | 600mm |
|
| NB (1998-2005) | 225mm | 215mm | 610mm |
|
| NC (2005-2015) | 245mm | 235mm | 620mm |
|
| ND (2015-Present) | 245mm | 235mm | 610mm |
|
3. The “String Test” for Clearance
To check for potential rubbing before purchasing:
- Park on level ground with wheels straight
- Tie a string to a fixed point at hub height
- Stretch string to outer fender lip
- Measure distance from string to wheel at:
- 12 o’clock (top)
- 3 o’clock (front)
- 9 o’clock (rear)
- Compare to tyre’s actual dimensions
4. Camber and Rubbing
Negative camber helps with clearance but has tradeoffs:
- -1.0° to -1.5°: Minimal clearance benefit, good for street
- -2.0° to -2.5°: Noticeable clearance improvement, increased inner tyre wear
- -3.0°+: Significant clearance gain, rapid inner tyre wear, reduced straight-line stability
5. Modifications to Prevent Rubbing
If you’re committed to a larger tyre size, consider these modifications:
- Fender Rolling: $100-200, adds ~10mm clearance
- Adjustable Camber Plates: $300-500, allows precise alignment
- Coilovers: $800-1500, adjustable ride height to optimize clearance
- Fender Flares: $400-800, adds visual aggression and clearance
- Bump Steer Kit: $200-400, prevents rubbing at full lock
Pro Tip: Always test fit with the suspension at full compression (jack up the corner and let it hang) to check for rubbing under load.
Can I mix different tyre sizes on my Miata?
Mixing tyre sizes on your Miata is generally not recommended, but there are specific scenarios where it might be acceptable. Here’s what you need to know:
1. When Mixing is Acceptable
- Staggered Setups (RWD cars):
- Wider tyres on rear (e.g., 205 front / 225 rear)
- Common on NC/ND models
- Helps balance handling characteristics
- Temporary Use:
- Donut spare tyre (temporary only)
- Mismatch due to unexpected flat
- Should be corrected ASAP
- Seasonal Changes:
- Different summer/winter tyre sizes
- Should be changed as a complete set
2. When Mixing is Dangerous
- Different Tyres on Same Axle:
- Creates uneven traction
- Can cause unpredictable handling
- Increases risk of spinouts
- Different Tread Patterns:
- Uneven water displacement
- Inconsistent grip levels
- Potential ABS/TCS malfunctions
- Different Wear Levels:
- Uneven braking performance
- Can pull to one side
- Increases stopping distances
- Different Speed Ratings:
- Higher-rated tyres may mask speedo errors
- Lower-rated tyres could fail at speed
3. Miata-Specific Considerations
The Miata’s lightweight and rear-wheel-drive nature makes it particularly sensitive to tyre mismatches:
- NA/NB Models:
- Very sensitive to rear tyre size changes
- Even 10mm width difference can cause oversteer
- Staggered setups not recommended
- NC/ND Models:
- Can handle slight staggering (20mm max difference)
- Limited-slip differential helps manage traction
- Still requires careful alignment
4. Legal Considerations
Most jurisdictions have specific regulations about tyre mixing:
- United States: DOT regulations require same size on each axle
- European Union: ECE Regulation No. 30 mandates matching tyres on same axle
- Japan: MLIT standards prohibit mixing on same axle
- Canada: Provincial regulations vary but generally follow US standards
5. What to Do If You Must Mix
If you find yourself in a situation requiring mixed tyres:
- Keep the same size on each axle (front matching, rear matching)
- Place newer tyres on the rear for RWD vehicles
- Match tread patterns as closely as possible
- Keep speed ratings consistent
- Drive cautiously, especially in wet conditions
- Correct the mismatch as soon as possible
Expert Recommendation: For optimal Miata performance and safety, always run matching tyres on all four corners. The only exception is a properly configured staggered setup on NC/ND models with:
- No more than 20mm width difference front-to-rear
- Same brand and model tyre
- Proper alignment to compensate
- Limited-slip differential (standard on most Miatas)
How often should I replace my Miata’s tyres?
Tyre replacement intervals for your Miata depend on several factors including driving style, tyre compound, and maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
1. Tread Depth Guidelines
| Tread Depth | Condition | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8/32″ – 10/32″ | New tyre | Optimal performance |
| 6/32″ – 7/32″ | Lightly used | Still excellent performance |
| 4/32″ – 5/32″ | Moderately worn | Noticeable reduction in wet grip |
| 3/32″ | Worn | Reduced hydroplaning resistance |
| 2/32″ or less | Legally worn out | Replace immediately (illegal in most areas) |
2. Miata-Specific Replacement Intervals
| Driving Style | Tyre Type | Expected Mileage | Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily driving | All-season (500+ treadwear) | 40,000-50,000 miles | Every 10,000 miles |
| Spirited street | Summer performance (300-400 treadwear) | 20,000-30,000 miles | Every 5,000 miles |
| Autocross (weekend warrior) | 200 treadwear | 10,000-15,000 miles | Before each event |
| Track days (4-6 events/year) | 100-200 treadwear | 5,000-10,000 miles | After every 2-3 track days |
| Drift | Any | Varies wildly | After every drift session |
3. Signs Your Miata Needs New Tyres
- Visual Indicators:
- Tread wear bars are flush with tread
- Cracks in sidewall (especially on older Miatas)
- Bulges or blisters
- Uneven wear patterns
- Performance Indicators:
- Reduced grip in dry conditions
- Hydroplaning in wet conditions
- Increased braking distances
- More road noise
- Miata-Specific Symptoms:
- Increased oversteer (rear tyres worn)
- Understeer (front tyres worn)
- Traction control activating more frequently
- Vibration through steering wheel
4. Tyre Rotation Patterns for Miatas
Proper rotation extends tyre life by 15-20%:
| Drivetrain | Rotation Pattern | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWD (All Miatas) | Rearward cross | Every 5,000-7,500 miles |
|
| RWD (Directional tyres) | Front to rear (same side) | Every 5,000 miles | Cannot cross directional tyres |
| RWD (Staggered) | Not recommended | N/A | Different front/rear sizes can’t be rotated |
5. Seasonal Considerations
- Summer Tyres:
- Replace when tread depth ≤ 3/32″
- Compound hardens after 3-4 years regardless of tread
- Store properly in cool, dry place off-season
- Winter Tyres:
- Replace when tread depth ≤ 4/32″
- Lose effectiveness after 5-6 seasons due to compound aging
- Should be replaced in pairs at minimum
- All-Season Tyres:
- Replace when tread depth ≤ 3/32″
- Typically last 40,000-50,000 miles on Miatas
- Check for uneven wear every 10,000 miles
6. Miata-Specific Tyre Maintenance Tips
- Pressure Monitoring:
- Check cold pressure monthly (including spare)
- NA/NB: 30-32psi front, 32-34psi rear
- NC/ND: 32-34psi front, 34-36psi rear
- Track: Increase by 4-6psi when hot
- Alignment:
- Check every 10,000 miles or after hitting potholes
- NA/NB are particularly sensitive to toe settings
- NC/ND benefit from slight negative camber (-0.5° to -1.0°)
- Balancing:
- Balance every 5,000 miles or when vibrations occur
- Road force balancing recommended for track use
- NA/NB wheels are particularly sensitive to imbalance
- Storage:
- Store on wheel dollies or hang tyres
- Avoid stacking tyres
- Keep away from heat sources and sunlight
- Maintain 15-20psi during storage
Pro Tip: For track-driven Miatas, consider using pyrometer to measure tyre temperatures across the tread surface. Ideal temperatures should be:
- Street tyres: 160-180°F
- Track tyres: 180-220°F
- Temperature difference: ≤20°F across tread