Used Mazda RX-8 Tyre

The RX-8 was produced from 2003 to 2012 as a single generation, and the standard tyre size across most of the range is 225/45 R18 on the rear and 215/45 R18 on the front, though some earlier or lower-specification cars used 225/45 R18 all round — confirm the exact sizes printed on your door jamb sticker or existing tyres before ordering. Trim level does not affect the tyre size in the way that engine or specification differences can, but it is always worth double-checking your specific registration with the breaker. Never assume a used tyre from another RX-8 will match without verifying the size markings on the tyre sidewall yourself.

The RX-8 ran as one continuous generation from 2003 to 2012, with a facelift introduced for the 2008 model year, but the facelift did not change the wheel or tyre specifications. A used tyre from a 2004 car could well be the correct size for a 2009 car, provided the size markings match exactly, but you should confirm this with the breaker against your registration rather than assume compatibility. Tyre condition and tread depth are also critical considerations when buying used tyres, so ask the breaker to confirm the remaining legal tread.

Both the 192hp and 231hp variants of the 1.3-litre Wankel rotary engine were available in the RX-8, and tyre size can differ between them — the higher-power 231hp cars were more commonly fitted with the wider rear tyre setup. Confirm the exact tyre size for your specific engine variant with the breaker against your registration number, as getting this wrong could affect handling and speedometer accuracy. Do not assume a tyre pulled from a different engine variant will be the correct size without checking the sidewall markings against your own tyres or door sticker.

The RX-8 was sold in the UK in various trim levels including the base RX-8, the SportTec, and the higher-specification R3, and while trim level can influence wheel size and therefore tyre size, the trim itself does not change whether a tyre physically fits the car. What matters is matching the exact tyre size marked on the sidewall, which is ultimately determined by the wheel fitted to your specific car rather than the trim name alone. If you are sourcing a used tyre from a breaker, confirm the size against your registration and the actual wheel fitted to your car rather than relying solely on the trim name.

You can buy a single used tyre from a breaker, but it must match the size, load index, and speed rating of the tyre currently on that axle — mixing sizes or ratings on the same axle is not recommended and may be illegal. The RX-8 uses different sizes front and rear on some variants, so make sure you specify to the breaker whether you need a front (NS or OS) or rear tyre and give them your registration. Tread depth should also be as close as possible to the matching tyre on the same axle, so ask the breaker to confirm the remaining tread depth before purchasing.

Used RX-8 tyres do appear on the UK breaker market, though supply depends on availability of dismantled cars at any given time, and the less common tyre sizes used on the RX-8 mean you may need to be patient. When buying from a breaker through Findapart, always ask for the exact tyre size from the sidewall, the remaining tread depth across the full width, and whether there is any visible cracking or damage to the sidewall. Age of the tyre is also important — a tyre over six to seven years old may be unsafe regardless of tread depth, so ask the breaker for the DOT date code on the sidewall.