Recently we had the joy of testing the new BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire on our test track using an array of vehicles supplied by BFGoodrich. (Shown to the left is my Ford Mustang GT next to a demo 2012 Camaro SS.) In an effort to demonstrate this new Ultra High Performance Summer tire's dry and wet weather handling capabilities, we started out by firing up the track's sprinklers and were handed the key to a Volkswagen GTI.
The GTI is known for its nimble handling and tight, controlled steering and it was very easy to drive at the limit in the wet. With enough throttle, the cars would gently understeer around the skidpad, but remained very controlled during transitions and the slalom portion of our test. Despite standing water, the tire was impressive and I wasn't able to provoke any sensation of hydroplaning.
Having completed our run in the GTIs, we waited for the track to dry before the real fun began. Next up, a group of brand new 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392s were waiting for us. These cars, equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, were a blast to drive despite their bulky size and weight. Tipping the scales at 4,300 lbs. with 470 hp and 470 lb./ft. of torque on tap, I was surprised at how easy they were to maneuver. Hats off to the Chrysler/Dodge team for producing such a fun vehicle to drive! And to BFGoodrich for creating a tire that can help harness the vehicle's features. Although heavy throttle would break the tires loose in first and second gear, I don't hesitate to say this would happen with even a more competition-based tire. On tight technical portions of our track the tires kept their composure and didn't squirm or buckle under the Challenger's weight.
Overall, I was very impressed with the tire. As a replacement for the g-Force Sport, this tire has come a long way. While the COMP-2 shares the same basic tread pattern as the older model, it's a new compound with a greatly improved sidewall. If you're looking for an economically priced Ultra High Performance Summer tire, I encourage you to give the all-new g-Force Sport COMP-2 a look.
The mos
t common complaint I receive with any brand of trailer tire is when a customer gets a flat. One of the main reasons a tire fails is because proper inflation pressure was not maintained. Since many drivers do not use their trailer every day, I'd venture to say that the tire pressure isn't checked as often.
On average, a tire's inflation pressure will change by 1 psi for each month that passes, as well as, for every 10ºF change in ambient temperature. Remember, you can't set tire pressure and then forget about it. It has to be checked periodically to assure that the influences of time, changes in temperature or a small tread puncture haven't caused it to change. As discussed earlier, many trailers are left in one location for longer periods of time, and it's important to note that when the trailer is parked in the sun, the sun's radiant heat will artificially and temporarily increase tire pressures.
We don't always have the time or inclination to check tire pressures before we begin hauling, though we should make time. A great solution for real-time monitoring of four tires is Dill's High-pressure Retro-fit Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor. This system allows you to keep track of your trailer tires' pressure and temperature from within your vehicle. You can see a potential failure coming by rising temperatures and lowering pressures.
For more information on the effect the sun can have on your trailer's tires, read "Air Pressure, Temperature Fluctuations."
In a recent blog post titled "Goodyear Marathon Radial vs. Power King Towmax STR Trailer Tires," I covered the difference between two trailer tires we carry. Now, what about the tires used on the trucks to pull those trailers? Many full-sized pickups and cargo vans require load range E tires. If your pickup truck or van is a 2500 or 3500 (commonly called 3/4 ton or 1 ton), your vehicle falls into this category.
Load range E tires are the equivalent of the older 10-ply rated tires and are often still referred to as such, even though tires no longer have 10 actual plies in them. Regardless of what you call them, Tire Rack has what you're looking for. Below are two of my favorite recommendations for premium load range E tires:
If you're someone who does mostly street driving with some light off-road use and requires light snow capability, I would recommend the Michelin LTX M/S2. This tire is currently the top-rated option in its category according to our customer survey data and the customer reviews are outstanding.
"I just put these tires on the Yukon. I knew they would be good tires, I had no idea they would transform my vehicle. It rides like new! A Yukon Denali already rides well for its size, but this rubber, you'd swear it was a Cadillac!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL
"Best set of tires I've ever owned. The only thing better would be riding on a cloud of air." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 2wd
If you need a tire with a bit more off-road capability or desire a more aggressive tread pattern for cosmetics, then consider the Michelin LTX A/T2. This tire also offers better snow traction and the LTX A/T2 stands out for reliability, wear, wet traction and ride quality.
"Two snow seasons in Tahoe and tons of additional highway, city and off-driving - this is an awesome tire! When this set is gone, I will for sure get another." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 GMC Yukon 4wd
"I will likely buy another set when these wear out. I am impressed overall and really like how they handle the load when I have my 3,500 lb. camper on the truck. Awesome tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 4wd
The Yokohama AVID Ascend is the newest addition to the BluEarth line of ecologically friendly tires from Yokohama. AVID Ascend tires feature the "orange oil difference." Yokohama has become the first company to harness the power of orange oil technology in tire production. Orange oil properties allow it to bond natural and synthetic rubber to make a more advanced compound.
Advanced compounds offer benefits in treadlife, fuel efficiency and all-season capabilities. Most notable is the orange oil used as a renewable resource unlike the petroleum based products most other manufacturers use. The properties of the orange oil have allowed Yokohama to engineer a product that can make strides in better rolling resistance and not sacrifice treadlife or traction in all seasons and helps conserve our natural resources by saving on fuel costs.
The AVID Ascend's orange oil compound ensures pliability of the tire across all seasonal temperatures and features adaptive 3-D sipes that become even more aggressive as the tire wears - providing superior winter traction throughout the life of the tire.
The Yokohama AVID Ascend is offered in three speed ratings with great mileage warranties:
Shop by vehicle to see if there's a Yokohama AVID Ascend tire that's right for you.
I have taken my Michelin Pilot Super Sports into their second "summer" on my 2010 VW GTI. Here in South Bend, we were blessed with an early start to summer with warm temperatures beginning in March. I've clocked in just over 11,000 miles and the tire is still impressing me.
There hasn't been a sign of any degradation in the performance. Usually wet traction is the first to go and they're still bar-none the best tire I've used in wet. Last year, I had to pick up my sister-in-law from the airport during a torrential downpour, and gave her quite a scare when I wasn't driving "enough below the posted speed limit." While I was driving at an appropriate speed, the tire just provides so much confidence on wet roads.
For being as sticky and responsive as they are, these Michelin performance tires provide a great ride quality and quiet ride. I've only noticed a little tread noise on certain surfaces such as chip-and-seal, but a good tire won't hide bad road repairs.
My one observation is that it's important to check the wear of the tires where the Bi-compound rubber joins. You may see a difference in how the rubber looks between the two compounds. The outer shoulder has a slightly darker color to it, and the inner has a "grayish" hue to it. You can really see the difference in how the two compounds adhere by looking at the tire after driving through a damp parking lot. The inner compound will have more debris stuck to it.
To see if the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is the right fit for your application, shop by vehicle.
The first Saturday in May is no ordinary Saturday, especially if you like speed. This day means horses galloping down the stretch at Churchill Downs and even more horsepower on our skidpad. In Louisville, the Race for the Triple Crown begins with the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. In South Bend, we start the 29th edition of the Tire Rack One Lap of America.
Whether we're on the autocross track or the horse track, we all want to win. Winning the Derby requires a serendipitous collaboration between horse, jockey and trainer. Winning on the asphalt requires similar partnership between man, machine and tires.
We're all very excited about our new partnership with Toyo Motorsports. Tire Rack now offers the streetable road race/time attack Proxes RA1, the Proxes R1R, the Proxes R888 and the Track & Competition DOT Proxes TQ.
The RA1's strengths are its wide variety of sizes, a track record of relatively good wear and resistance to heat cycles, ease of use and handling predictability. R888 tires add even more grip but it's more sensitive to vehicle set-up. Both tires give you tons of grip but can still be driven to the track (as opposed to the track-only BFGoodrich g-Force R1 and Hoosier R6).
Although the Hankook Ventus R-S3 offers outstanding performance in dry conditions, the Proxes R1R has shown surprisingly good traction at cooler ambient temperatures and is a tire worth considering in the Extreme Performance Summer category. Toyo Proxes TQ radials help lower your 1/4-mile time at the strip, while allowing you to drive back home on the same set of tires.
With these new choices to choose from, we definitely have the right tires for the thoroughbred in your garage.
TOYO FAQ:
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Can I special order another Toyo tire that's not listed on your website? With our current Toyo agreement we only carry the Toyo tires that are listed on our website.
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You mention that many of these tires can be driven to the track, how come the Hoosier R6 and BFGoodrich g-Force R1 don't fall under this category? These tires have such a light carcass and gummy compound that any minor debris will work its way through the tread and puncture the tire.
About two weeks ago, I (William Loring) had a conversation about the upcoming Tire Rack One Lap of America event with one of my co-workers, wholesale sales specialist, Joe Woodward. Joe has run in the event four times before in his Miata and I briefly asked if he was participating again this year. I let him know that if he needed a co-driver that I'd love the opportunity to participate in this great and grueling event. It just so happened that Joe was in need of a partner and the Street Survivalists team was formed. A few years back, Joe and I were on a four-day trip in Mexico to drive "Baja 100" buggies in an event sponsored by Yokohama Tires, so this wasn't our first time as driver and co-driver.
As a long-time employee of Tire Rack, I've helped run the One Lap Skidpad Challenge many times. While it was fun to help out, it was always a little frustrating to see the drivers head out on their journey and just have to wait for them to return a week later - tired, dirty, laughing and full of stories. It was always in the back of my mind that I'd like to take part in One Lap.
With me getting my chance to participate, our team quickly traveled the first 1,000 miles of the event. And while it went by quickly, there are still over 2,000 miles left to go. We've had some problems along the way that caused us to get to our hotel in Iowa at 2:30 in the morning. Joe's heavily modified 2001 Miata encountered some complications that caused us to avoid using anything in the car that might stress the electrical system. Which meant, no AC, no radio and our GPS is powered by an auxiliary battery. Our team also had a major mechanical issue that caused us to miss one of the track sessions and lose precious points to our competitors.
Even with the trouble, I'm having a great time. The people are fabulous and there are some great cars to watch out on the track: ranging from a Honda CRX HF (which is currently in 11th place overall) to Nissan GTRs, a Ferrari and the meanest looking Honda Odyssey that you've ever seen. There's a camaraderie that is hard to beat. We even had drivers in our own class rush out to meet us along the highway in Oklahoma this morning, bringing us essential parts to fix our broken alternator. These are guys who would stand to gain from our breakdown, but they offered their help instantly, without hesitation!
This event is truly special and I'm grateful to Joe and Tire Rack for giving me the opportunity to take part in it. My back hurts and I'm sleepy, but I'm looking forward to the next 2,000+ miles and the adventure that awaits.
For over a decade, the Honda Odyssey has been one of America's top selling minivans. With its good looks, spacious interior and Honda's reliability, the Odyssey has logged millions of miles on U.S. roads. Along for the ride are some very good choices of tires, including the most common size of 235/65R16.
Having spoken with hundreds of Odyssey owners and having made several more recommendations, I've found three tires that have been solid choices.
My favorite option is the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. This tire is one on the best riding tires I have ever driven on. Period. It offers the qualities most drivers are looking for in a tire: very smooth, quiet, great all-season traction and will last a long time.
Next, the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is an ecologically friendly tire that's designed to enhance driving pleasure, save fuel and maintain grip while on wet surfaces. Technically, the tire is marketed as a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire, but works just as well on the Honda Odyssey. This tire is also very comfortable and offers excellent traction. The difference with this tire is its low rolling resistance technology that provides drivers with a little better fuel economy.
When in comes to a value option, I prefer the Hankook Optimo H727. This tire offers good all-season traction and reasonable ride manners. It's developed to deliver a premium appearance and long wear along with dry, wet and wintertime traction, even in light snow. Optimo H727 tires also come with a 100,000-mile treadlife warranty.
Do you need additional help with selecting your new tires? Then visit our Tire Decision Guide to see which performance category best suits your driving needs.
Looking for a coil-over system for your daily driver, but also want it to perform at the track? One of the most attractive features of the following options is their ride height adjustability. They feature an adjustable spring perch and a threaded shock body. You can thread the perch up and down, allowing you to customize how much lowering you prefer for each corner of the vehicle. These coil-over systems will also let you customize the tuck of the vehicle's corners.
Below are my three favorite track-ready coil-overs available at Tire Rack:
Utilizing Bilstein's shock absorbers that are designed for heat dissipation and ride control, the PSS10 Coil-Over System adds a matched performance spring and threaded ride height adjuster to provide a complete suspension system for your vehicle. The system offers ten vehicle adjustment settings and includes numbered adjusters at the base of the shock body so you know exactly what setting you are on without counting clicks.
The RSS ClubSport Coil-Over Kit is designed for the committed motorsport enthusiast who's willing to relinquish some ride comfort in return for handling performance. The firmest coil-over in the H&R street line, the RSS is the choice for weekend track and club sport events.
KW Variant 3 Coil-Overs are state-of-the-art motorsport technology for proven performance on the streets. Independently adjustable compression and rebound damping allows for custom driving set-ups. The exclusive KW patented system has dual-level valves to provide the adjustment of the rebound damping (comfort) and the compression damping in the low-speed range. High-speed settings for driving comfort are preset by KW engineers.
To find the suspension component that's right for your car, shop by vehicle.
Valeo wiper blades can help ensure that your windshield is kept free of heavy rain and dangerous streaks.
While traditional blades use a frame structure that can easily ice up and restrict the blade from coming into contact with a portion of the windshield surface during winter months, Valeo wipers rely on a center locking design and a flexible blade that allows them to operate free of this troublesome old technology. For roughly the same cost as an over-the-counter blade, these blades are not only superior, but also very cost-effective. Moreover, these blades feature more contact patches for cleaner passes time and time again.
If you're considering either the ULTIMATE Wiper Blades or OE Wiper Blades, both options utilize Tec-3 technology:
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Rubber wiping element combines synthetic and natural rubber with a patented, bonded protective coating
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Synthetic rubber upper body provides resistance to permanent set deformity in high temperatures and a superior wipe in all temperatures
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Natural rubber wiping edge provides improved wiping quality and is flexible in cold conditions
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Protective coating reduces chatter and squeaking noise during the life of the blade and makes them last longer than standard blades
Take a look at what consumers have said about their experience with the Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blades:
"I've had these wipers for over a year and they are just as good as the day I put them on. Living in Iowa is a great test for them: snow, ice, sleet and lots of rain. I can even see at night in the pouring rain. Love them and would never put anything else on [my vehicle]." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2000 Subaru Legacy GT Limited
"I've been using Valeo wipers for over five years and I am extremely satisfied with their performance and durability. I've used them on all my cars and have found them to clean the windshield significantly better than standard O.E. or refill blades.Valeo wipers are also ten times easier to install than the O.E. wipers and look so much better, too." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Ford Mustang GT Coupe
Customers also love the ULTIMATE OE Wiper Blades, see for your self:
"The car is parked outside 24/7/365 exposed to all weather conditions. We have driven in all types of weather as well as long highway trips and local daily driving since installation, and these blades have performed extremely well under all conditions." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Volkswagen Passat Sedan 3.6L
"I have purchased these wipers several times in the past, they are by far the best wipers I have used." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Ford
Recently, we added the Power King Towmax STR to our trailer tire line-up that also includes the Goodyear Marathon Radial. By adding the Towmax STR tire, we now have more sizes and load ratings available for customers looking for Trailer Service tires.
Both tires are similar in their exterior features. A rounded shoulder with an internal polyester cord body provides a smooth and stable ride. Circumferential grooves provide ample water evacuation. Constant and consistent contact with the road is achieved through the solid center rib and symmetric tread design.
Both the Goodyear Marathon Radial and Power King Towmax STR are radial construction. We don't offer bias ply lines. Additionally, Tire Rack only offers modern tire sizing in the form "ST205/75R15." If you have an older tire with a classic size such as 6.50-15, you'll need to convert to a modern size first. To make the conversion simple, take a look at this table.
Special purpose trailer tires aren't intended to be used on cars or light trucks and are not UTQG rated. Your trailer will be more stable and pull better on tires designed specifically for trailer use. Since Special Trailer tires are constructed with heavier duty materials, they are tougher than typical passenger vehicle tires. This is a plus because trailer suspension systems are generally stiffer and less sophisticated than automotive suspension systems. For more information on a trailer tire's design, read "Trailer Tires vs. Passenger Vehicle Tires."
Over the last several years, more and more car manufacturers have been offering larger wheel and lower profile tire options for new vehicles, even on lower-optioned models. Beyond the cosmetic appeal of a larger wheel, the accompanying lower profile tire is normally focused more on high-speed handling and grip - which makes the larger wheel option very popular. From standard 18" wheels and tires on a Toyota Camry to standard 22" wheels and tires for the Ford Edge, more vehicles come equipped with unique sizes that are often in short supply when they need to be replaced. If you're frustrated that the low profile tires don't provide the comfort you desire, we can help.
Besides our years of experience in "plus sizing" vehicles for performance tires and wheels, we can also offer "minus sizing" options for many vehicles. This allows you to move away from low profile / high-performance oriented tires and towards a more comfortable ride and better durability. While most often this practice is done when selecting a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (where a taller and narrower tire can help with protection from potholes and enhanced deep snow traction), we can also apply the same information to find a smaller diameter wheel that'll fit safely with the appropriate tire size to maintain speedometer accuracy for most applications. Not only would deep snow traction be enhanced with minus sizing, but the cost of the Tire & Wheel Package is usually lower than the package maintaining your vehicle's original size tires and wheels.
To gain a better perspective of minus sizing, read "Size Selection of Winter / Snow Tires."
Michelin's new Defender aims to replace two of Michelin's most successful tires: the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X. The Harmony, as its name describes, has long been one of the most comfortable and quietest tires offered. And the HydroEdge with Green X is one of the most successful tires in the Michelin line-up for its wet traction and long treadwear.
Michelin sought to combine the success of each of these tires into one complete package. Defender tires offer the smooth, quiet ride and proven winter traction of the Harmony with the 90,000-mile treadlife warranty and superior wet traction of the HydroEdge with Green X. This tire also meets Michelin's Green X objectives, which provides less rolling resistance and saves you money on fuel cost.
When compared to the Harmony, the Defender offers 22% better rolling resistance and 16% shorter wet braking. And compared to the HydroEdge with Green X, the tire provides 10% lower noise along with 15% better snow performance. Defender tires feature IntelliSipe Technology that increases the number of sipes in the tire's tread design to provide additional biting edges that enhance all-season traction in rain and snow.
IntelliSipe Technology enhances performance in three ways:
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Helps stabilize the tread block during acceleration, braking and cornering.
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Increases the number of sipes on the tread, which results in greater grip for confident braking.
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Interlocking action that creates a more rigid tread block and reduces tread depth without sacrificing longevity or fuel efficiency.
Shop by vehicle to see if there's a new Michelin Defender tire available for your vehicle.
We are excited to be carrying Toyo competition tires this spring. The Proxes R888 is Toyo's most advanced DOT-legal track tire. The tire is developed for driving enthusiasts participating in road racing, track days and high-performance driving schools. R888 tires are produced in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 13" to 20" wheel diameters.
While Proxes R888 radials meet DOT requirements, they're not appropriate for highway use. The R888 is molded at 6/32" tread depth and at this depth it offers the ability to handle intermediate wet conditions. Advancements in the Proxes R888's casing and tread design improve dry performance while maintaining wet traction and control. However, drivers should avoid wet conditions if the tire is shaved or worn down closer to 4/32" or less.
The Proxes R888 is the successor to the venerable Proxes RA1, which is still in production to serve a number of spec racing series events. Compared to the RA1, the R888 is noticeably faster around the track, although it requires a little more fine tuning of the car's set-up to extract the very best performance. Toyo recommends the following general set-up guidelines for the Proxes R888:
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Operating Temperature: 160ºF to 220ºF
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Hot Inflation Pressures: 32 to 38 (psi)
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Camber: -2.5º to -5.0º
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Caster: As much positive as possible
When racing on DOT-approved tires air pressure is a major consideration in tuning the handling of a car, especially in cases where suspension adjustments are limited. To see how you can change the balance of your car, read "Air Pressure for Competition Tires."
If you visit Europe or Asia, you'll notice a wide assortment of very small microcars you never see in the United States. Conventional wisdom says that since we don't buy these types of vehicles often, many major manufacturers won't sell microcars in the U.S. So why has Toyota, builder of the steady and reliable Camry, Corolla and Sienna launched the 10-foot-long Scion IQ?
Do Toyota's executives know something we don't? Is it now hip to be small? We'll see, but I wouldn't bet against Toyota. After all, this is the same company that took Lexus from the 1989 ES250 to the $400,000 2012 LFA "halo" car and also created one the world's toughest vehicles, the indomitable Hilux. The vehicle is so tough that even Top Gear can't kill it.
Regardless if you drive one of these aforementioned vehicles, the wheels still make the car. If your IQ came equipped with a set of the steel wheels, we can improve its look. Ideally we want wheels that maintain spoke symmetry on a 4-lug wheel, flow with the car's styling and work with your IQ's body color. To view the wheel options for your IQ and see what they look like on your vehicle, visit our Upgrade Garage.
I like the bright silver Borbet BS4 especially on the black currant, black sand and pacific blue IQs. For the blizzard white, classic silver metallic and magnetic gray vehicles, I'd consider the machined with anthracite accent MSW Type 21. I'm also a fan of the new Rial Murago. The anthracite painted finish would be ideal for the hot lava, pacific blue, classic silver metallic and black sand options.
After selecting the wheel, what tire should you consider? The 195/55-16 Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 is a great choice for overall performance and tire efficiency. Ecopia EP422 tires combine year-round traction, handling and comfort with reduced environmental impact. The tire is designed to enhance vehicle fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance along with the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions while delivering year-round, all-season traction. It's important to note that if you're using your Original Equipment 175/60-16 tires, they are too narrow for the options listed earlier, and can only accommodate a maximum rim width of six inches. The sole compatible option if you're sticking with O.E. tires is the 16x6 Rial Flair.
*Prices subject to change
Tire Rack is now a Toyo Tires Motorsports Dealer.
We have received our initial order of Toyo Proxes RA1, Proxes R888, Proxes TQ and Proxes R1R tires in our Indiana and Nevada warehouses (since both locations offer tire shaving and heat cycling services). In case you're not familiar with Toyo's line-up, listed below are four of the their more popular options:
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Proxes RA1 - Track & Competition DOT tire that offers long wear and good resistance to heat cycles. Autocrossers love this tire, especially for its consistent performance throughout its treadlife.
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Proxes R888 - Toyo's new-generation Track & Competition DOT tire for driving enthusiasts participating in road racing, track days and high-performance driving schools. The tire's advancements in casing and tread design improve dry performance while maintaining wet traction and control.
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Proxes TQ - The Proxes TQ is a Track & Competition DOT tire developed for drag racers looking for Top Quality performance at the dragstrip from a tire that's also streetable. Proxes TQ tires are designed to provide drive-to-the track-and-back versatility while delivering drag racing looks and traction.
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Proxes R1R - An Extreme Performance Summer tire that's engineered to elevate performance in dry and wet conditions. Developed from Toyo's years of grueling on-track experience, the Proxes R1R also has a good reputation for performing well in cooler, dry conditions. And like all Extreme Performance Summer tires, this Toyo tire isn't intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice. It's also essential these tires be stored indoors at temperatures maintained above 15 degrees F.
For a complete listing of Toyo tires we carry, take a look here.
With the temperature getting warmer, it's time to get your rig ready and hit the trails! The following tires are a few of our best sellers and would be a great fit for this year's mud season.
The Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 is inspired by BFGoodrich's extremely competitive T/A Krawler competition tire. It's a much more civilized ride with very good mud-clearing capability. TriGard internal construction and chip-resistant compounds both contribute to sidewalls that resist pinch flats at low pressure and produce sidewall cords that are 33% stronger than the previous Mud-Terrain T/A KM tires.
Firestone Destination M/T tires bring a very civilized road ride for such an open and aggressive tire. The tire features UNI-T technology and provides great wet traction capability. Long Link Carbon, a special form of molecular re-engineered carbon black, helps to resist sidewall cuts and abrasions on the trails. Not only does this tire work well on the road, but its tread pattern is the most aggressive of these three options. This tire clears extremely well and really shines when digging and biting into sloppy, muddy conditions.
The Yokohama Geolandar M/T Plus features a highly directional tread pattern - a design feature the other two tires lack. This allows the tire to provide excellent hydroplaning resistance. When running oversized, extremely wide tires, the bigger footprint is very subject to lift-up in deep puddles at speed; which the directional pattern can certainly help with this issue. The less aggressive tread patterns are very effective in sandy conditions. I have been dune jumping using the Geolandar M/T Plus and it's definitely up to the challenge.
Whether you're driving on the trails, the beach, or climbing slippery rocks and boulders, don't let anything stand in your way. All three tires are up to the task!
When it comes to light, fast, compact European hatchbacks, the MINI Cooper S has been the only game in town. With the release of the FIAT 500 Abarth, MINI finally has some serious competition. The 500 Abarth adds a whopping 59 hp and 72 ft. lbs. of torque compared to the FIAT 500 Sport. That's a lot of power for a 2,564 lb. car and some serious power for those front tires to handle.
If you have an Abarth on order, then you'll be counting on 195/45-16 all-seasons or the optional 205/40-17s. The 195/45-16 Original Equipment options for the vehicle are either the Grand Touring All-Season Continental ContiProContact or the High Performance All-Season Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season. The optional 17x7 is equipped with the 205/40-17 Max Performance Summer Pirelli P Zero Nero tire.
Given the Abarth's sporty suspension and short wheelbase, factory choices may not be ideal. In my opinion, the 16" tire choices offer relatively subpar grip, while the vehicle's ride is compromised with the 17" wheels. If I had an Abarth on order, I'd select one of the 16" options and sell them to a FIAT 500 Sport owner and look at a 205/45-16 Tire & Wheel Package.
If you're looking for wheels for a 500 Abarth with a black exterior and red mirror caps and red side stripes, I'd take a look at the black painted O.Z. Racing Alleggerita HLT. For the red-colored vehicle with black mirror caps and black side stripes, the red painted Alleggerita HLT is a great choice. With a white or gray Abarth, there's a number of Alleggerita finishes that'll work.
When looking for a tire that offers great dry and wet grip, predictable handling, optimal balance between steering response and ride compliance and relatively low noise take a look at the 205/45-16 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport.
Mounted, balanced and ready to install, the Tire & Wheel Package including the Black Alleggerita is $1,712*, while the package with the red painted (special order color) Alleggerita is currently $1,792*.
E 'in poi, è su come Donkey Kong (It's on, it's on like Donkey Kong).
2012 FIAT 500 Abarth FAQ:
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Can I run 205/45-16 sized tires on my Original Equipment 16" wheels? Yes, the O.E. 16x6.5 wheels will accommodate the 205/45-16 tires.
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Would the Sparco Assetto Gara be a good fit for the vehicle? The wheel is a good choice as well, however I personally like the Alleggerita design a little better. If you're open to either design, the Assetto Gara costs less and is priced at $1092* (the red painted Assetto Gara is estimated to be available in June).
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How do the above 4-100 wheels fit on 4-98 bolt pattern vehicle? You can install these wheels with the provided wobble bolts. Wobble bolts are bolts with floating seats. Each bolt seat moves slightly upward to accommodate the 4-100 bolt pattern.
*Price subject to change, excluding shipping
The biggest complaint most drivers have about their current brake pads is dust. We've all been there before with the black, greasy looking build-up on our wheels. The build-up occurs most dramatically in the front as that's where the majority of a vehicle's stopping power is generated.
All brake pads will produce dust as they wear, however there are some pad materials that create a less noticeable mark on the wheel. A newer form of friction material, called ceramic composite, will create a light-colored dust that's much less noticeable and is less likely to stick to your wheels. Ceramic pads are also quieter and easier on the brake rotors and can extend brake life beyond a semi-metallic pad. If you would like to make a switch to ceramic composite pads some good choices would be the Hawk Performance Ceramic, Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic, Satisfied Pro Ceramic VS, Akebono Euro Ceramic and Akebono ProACT Ceramic.
A ceramic pad meets or exceeds all Original Equipment standards for stopping distance, but isn't usually an upgrade in actual stopping power. If you have a track vehicle or are specifically looking to increase braking power, a semi-metallic pad would be a better choice. Semi-metallic pads will sacrifice the noise, durability and cosmetic improvements of the ceramic composite to increase stopping power.
To learn more about how ceramic pads can help with brake-generated noise and dust, read "Why Ceramic Brake Pads?"
Once you have made the investment in chrome wheels, you want to keep them looking great. And Griot's Garage can help. The first item to take a look at when the wheels are still brand new is Paint Sealant. Though your wheels aren't painted, a durable coating of Paint Sealant will protect them from grime and brake dust. While this isn't going to provide 100% protection, it's much better than the raw plating being exposed.
When it comes to keeping your wheels looking new, brake dust is the enemy. It comes to rest in the corners and nooks of your wheels and begins oxidizing your vulnerable plating. Washing the wheels often and using the Chrome Wheel Cleaner and a Long Reach Wheel Scrubbing Brush will help.
When the wheels begin to haze, and they will, be sure to clean them properly. I suggest using Griot's Garage's Chrome Wheel Polish Set on the entire wheel, including behind the spokes. Once you have polished to a shine, reseal with the Paint Sealant. Maintaining chrome wheels can be a lot of work, however it's important to properly maintain them. So be sure to clean them on a regular basis.
To properly maintain your investment, take a look at the full line of Griot's Garage products here.
