Comparing Michelin vs. Goodyear Tires

Friday, May 24, 2013 by Colin .

Michelin and Goodyear both make very good products and offer a large selection of tires for driver's cars, trucks and SUVs.

In the Grand Touring All-Season category, Goodyear offers the Assurance ComforTred Touring while Michelin provides customers with the Primacy MXM4. As you can see below, Michelin's offering performed better in our testing. "There's not much that needs improvement" sums up how much we liked this tire during our time with it.

When it comes to Max Performance Summer tires, Michelin has the Pilot Super Sport and Goodyear designed the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. Here again, the Michelin scored better in our tests. It is also the top-rated tire in its category. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 hasn't logged enough miles to be added to our Tire Survey Results. However, speaking to customers, many have provided a positive review of their experience with the tire. 

In the Passenger All-Season category, Goodyear's option, the Assurance TripleTred All-Season, is currently the top tire. Customers like it for its hydroplaning resistance, wet traction, dry traction and ride comfort. The tire will get a good run for its money from the newer Michelin Defender.

Both manufacturers offer great tires. Shop by vehicle to see all Goodyear and Michelin tires available for your application.

Our Customer Surveys and Reviews Help You Decide Which Tire is Best

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by Doc Horvath

Researching for the right tire can be a challenge for some. Here at Tire Rack, we make it simple by providing you helpful information when you're shopping for tires.

We provide expert, unbiased tire performance comparisons with our Tire Test Results. Our Performance Test Track Drives and Real World Road Rides provide us with feedback on the ride, noise and handling qualities of a tire across a variety of conditions our customers experience on a daily basis. Our team follows consistent procedures designed to minimize variables that could influence results. And because many of our customers live in the Snowbelt region, we also test the wintertime traction of all-season and winter tires on the ice and in the snow.

In addition to our tire tests, we maintain independent consumer surveys to help drivers help each other by sharing their long term tire experiences. At the time of this post, we have information on 445 different tire models, as well as 2,783,445,686 miles reported on over 150,000 surveys. You can view tires based on their performance category and see how customers rank their performance on categories, such as hydroplaning resistance, cornering stability, dry traction, ride comfort and more.

We try to post all reviews as written to give you insight into each responder's experience with the tire for better or worse. Just like movie reviews, different people have different opinions and reference points, so it's always important to read as many reviews as possible to gain a better perspective. You can look at reviews by vehicle or by tire brand. This is helpful because you can see what owners of your same vehicle are saying about tires!

With the help of our Tire Test Results, Tire Survey Results and Tire Reviews, you have the information you need to find the tire that's right for your application.

What Size Rims or Wheels Fit My Car?

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by Hunter Leffel

Upgrading the wheels on a car is one of the most popular modifications drivers like to make. It allows you to add a personal touch, while also helping it stand out in a crowd.

What wheels will fit on your car? Simple. Just use our shop by vehicle feature and we'll show options that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle. In some situations, our site will also let you know if a modification to the vehicle is needed for the wheel to fit. This message will appear under the "Important Notes" section. Situations like this are likely to occur with trucks where a lift kit is used. To ensure the wheel is a perfect match for your vehicle, we measure or verify many items, including:

  • Bolt Pattern
  • Centerbore Diameter
  • Hub Diameter
  • Load Capacity
  • Lug Hardware
  • Suspension Components Clearance

Once you have selected your wheel, the next step is choosing a set of tires that's best for how and where you drive. If you select a wheel diameter that's different than the Original Equipment, you may need a new set of tires. You can shop by size to help you find the tires that are right for your application.

For more information on selecting the proper wheel, read "What is Wheel Offset and Backspace?"

Want a Unique Look?

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by Ben Rooney

Recently, Kazera has been adding some very unique finishes to their line-up. Traditional finishes like silver, black and chrome will always have their place in the market, but sometimes you need a wheel that stands out from the crowd. Whether the reason is to draw some extra attention, to horrify traditionalists or just because you want to, it can be a lot of fun to do something unusual with your wheels. So, be adventurous and try something a little bit off the beaten path. A wheel change is not permanent, so if you get tired of them after a few years, you can always put the stock wheels back on or try something else.

The Kazera KZ-Y is the wheel that inspired this post. A black with green face accent is definitely something you don't see every day. But on the right car, it could be a great addition. It could also be a good option for the track. Besides the black with green face accent, Kazera's KZ-Y is available in the following finishes:

If you're looking for something with a similar design, but fewer spokes, take a look at the KZ-P with a bright PVD with blue stripe finish. Bright PVD gives much of the same shine as chrome, but with greater durability. The two-tone finish also adds a unique touch.

Regardless of the look you desire, shop by vehicle to find all options that are a match for your car.

High Mileage Tire Offering from Michelin

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by Marshall Wisler

Michelin, one of the most respected names in the business, has always been a brand that's associated with excellent wear and long treadlife. While the company previously offered the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X with 80,000-mile or higher treadwear warranties, these products have been consolidated and replaced with the Defender. Like its predecessors, the Defender has been extremely well received in regards to excellent treadlife, low noise and a good ride.

The Defender is available in 38 sizes to fit many of today's passenger cars and light-duty crossover vehicles. It features a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty and has proven itself as a capable all-season option. Currently ranked as the top tire in the Standard Touring All-Season category, the Defender receives high marks in the following areas:

  • Dry Traction
  • Steering Response
  • Ride Comfort
  • Treadwear
  • Hydroplaning Resistance
  • Cornering Stability
  • Wet Traction
  • Noise Comfort

Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with the Michelin Defender:

"These are the best tires I have ever purchased. They run quiet and have a soft ride. There is no slipping or sliding on turns and they feel like they are glued to the road." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Toyota Prius IV

"Fantastic tire. Definitely the best tire I have ever had. Extremely quiet, stable and a great ride." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2003 Pontiac Vibe

"The Defenders are quiet and have amazing traction in Oregon rain. No hydroplaning and I get 36 mpg on the freeway. They are on our 2009 Toyota Camry XLE. I'm now buying them for our Cadillac! I have never been more pleased with a tire purchase." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Toyota Camry XLE

What Size Rims Fit My Car?

Friday, May 17, 2013 by Colin .

Deciding what size wheels fit a car isn't a simple process. You must consider details, such as bolt pattern, offset, width and diameter. We have made the process easy by already taking these factors into account. When you shop for wheels by vehicle on our site, you'll be able to see all options that fit. Tire Rack's website only shows sizes we know will safely work on the vehicle. We also let users know important information, including the fitment may be aggressive and may require fender modifications for a proper fit. 

To ensure a match for your car, we measure your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our fitment engineers to create extremely accurate drawings of these parts. We do the same for the wheels that we offer and then use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to match the wheels to a vehicle. Using these electronic tools helps us verify the numerous different critical areas before a wheel can be listed for a vehicle. The items we measure or verify include:

  • Bolt Pattern
  • Centerbore
  • Hub Interference
  • Load Capacity
  • Lug Hardware
  • Suspension Components

When viewing wheels in our Upgrade Garage, you can filter options by diameter, price, finish, brand and even weight. Some vehicles come from the factory with a staggered wheel size fitment and our fitment listings will indicate if we have larger rear wheels for your car. Even if your car originally came with larger rear wheels, you can elect to use the same size in the front and rear if you don't want to stay with a staggered set-up. This will allow you to rotate your tires. Also in our Upgrade Garage, you can select the option that allows you to view the wheels on your vehicle.

For more information on choosing the right wheel for your car, read "Why Shop for Wheels by First Selecting a Vehicle?"

Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Pressure Sensors

Thursday, May 16, 2013 by Doc Horvath

Starting with 2008 model year cars and light trucks, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been required for all new vehicles sold in the United States. While some vehicles (Audi and BMW most recently) use the ABS system (or indirect system) to keep watch for a deflating tire, most use a battery powered sensor (based in the base of the valve stem assembly) to give the most accurate read of your tire pressure. When replacing tires or wheels and tires as a complete package, the presence of these remote sensors can require a few extra steps in the purchase and/or installation process.

Why does my installer charge a "TPMS" service fee for installing new tires?

Many of our Recommended Installers will charge a TPMS service fee as part of new tire installation. When the old tire is being removed from your existing wheel, it's best to remove the TPMS sensor (and the attached valve stem). This avoids any damage caused by breaking the tire bead loose from the wheel as well as seating the new tire onto the wheel. Once the sensor has been removed, it will require a new "O" ring and/or compression ring to seal the sensor properly.

What happens if I do not add new TPMS sensors to my Tire & Wheel Package?

When we sell a set of wheel and tires, we're happy to mount and Road Force balance the tires to the wheels at no cost prior to shipment. Given the TPMS sensors are located inside the wheel (opposite the valve stem hole), the sensors (if requested) need to go in the wheel before the tires are installed. Without the sensors installed, most vehicles will display a warning light and chime upon engine start up (the light will continue to blink as long as the engine is running). Some vehicles may also limit your ability to turn off traction control if you need to "rock" out of a snow drift in winter or even limit engine output. In many states, an active TPMS system is required as part of the state's safety inspection, and any illuminated warning lights may cause the vehicle to fail its annual safety inspection. With your purchase, you can elect to add the correct sensor (at an additional cost) or choose to have your existing sensors removed from your old wheels and installed on the new wheel. If run-flat tires are being purchased with new wheels, new sensors are required.

If I purchase new sensors as part of my Tire & Wheel Package, what else needs to be done before use?

Many vehicles require new TPMS sensors be activated or initialized at an authorized repair facility or dealership. This process normally involves connecting the vehicle to a service computer (via the ODB port under your dashboard) and having a technician load the new sensor's ID codes into the car's computer. Most cars will need to have this activation service performed each time wheels and tires are changed out (like when changing from dedicated winter wheels and tires back to your summer/all-season set). As always, consult your owner's manual or contact your dealer for more information. 

Enkei Tuning Series Kojin and Tenji: Traditional Style Meets High-Tech Design

Thursday, May 16, 2013 by Zig Ziegler

The introduction of a new wheel design by Enkei is always an event among car enthusiasts. And, the Kojin and Tenjin are no exception. Enkei Tuning Series wheels are a perennial favorite among those looking to upgrade the performance and look of their vehicle with an option that's lightweight, strong and stylish.

 Enkei Tenjin - Black w/ Machined Lip
Enkei Tuning Series Tenjin
(Black w/ Machined Lip)
 Enkei Tenjin - Gunmetal w/ Machined Lip
Enkei Tuning Series Tenjin
(Gunmetal w/ Machined Lip)


The Enkei Tuning Series Kojin takes the traditional five-spoke design and adds just the right contours to give it an aggressive tuner look without being too loud. Enkei Tuning Series' Tenjin is the latest addition to the Enkei lightweight tuning line. In keeping with Enkei’s design philosophy, the Tenjin exhibits nine spokes carefully designed to achieve ultra high rigidity while maintaining low weight and style.


Enkei Tuning Series Kojin
(Matte Silver Painted)

Enkei Tuning Series Kojin
(Black Painted)


Both the Kojin and Tenjin are built using Enkei's state-of-the-art MAT Technology and SPEC-E wheel testing:

MAT Technology

Enkei developed a manufacturing process to produce the next aluminum wheel generation. The Most Advanced Technology (M.A.T.) combines one-piece cast wheel technology with a rim forming technology called spinning process. Using this new technology of casting and rim forming by MAT process is critical to improve the material property and strength of the wheels. Rim-Rolled technology shapes the rim to improve material elongation without sacrificing the wheel's hardness.

SPEC-E

All Enkei wheels are engineered to pass rigorous testing. In fact, Enkei established its own test standard called “Spec-E,” which is tougher than JWL requirements. Enkei’s Spec-E test setting requires a higher drop point in the impact test and 20% more cycles for the rotary bending fatigue and dynamic radial fatigue tests than JWL standards. The Spec-E represents Enkei’s confidence in its technology and quality of their wheels.

Goodyear vs. Michelin Truck Tire Comparison

Thursday, May 16, 2013 by Ben Rooney

In the first installment of my Goodyear versus Michelin comparison, I focused on car tires. Now, let's take a look at the truck and SUV tires offered by these two heavyweights of the tire industry.

Category: Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season

Contenders: Goodyear Assurance CS TripleTred All-Season vs. Michelin Latitude Tour

Verdict: Goodyear wins this close match-up with superior traction in wet and wintry weather. The same aggressive tread that helps it gain better traction in the worst weather conditions comes with a trade-off in ride and noise comfort. Customers who value a luxury ride and do most of their driving in moderate climates may find that the Michelin suits them better.

Category: Highway All-Season

Contenders: Goodyear Wrangler RT/S vs. Michelin LTX M/S2

Verdict: The Michelin LTX M/S2 wins this category by a wide margin. It's consistently rated near the top of the category for an excellent all-around combination of ride, traction and treadwear.

Category: On-/Off-Road All-Terrain

Contenders: Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor vs. Michelin LTX A/T2

Verdict: Michelin's LTX A/T2 squeaks ahead with better balancing, road manners and longevity with traction on loose surfaces. The Goodyear has a more aggressive tread and would be a more popular choice for those who spend more time off the pavement.

Category: Off-Road Maximum Traction

Contenders: Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar vs. Michelin (none)

Verdict: The highly capable Goodyear wins this one unopposed.

Roundup: In this very close match-up, Michelin wins two categories, while Goodyear also wins two. These categories were extremely close and selection often come down to a driver's preference.

Goodyear vs. Michelin Performance Tires

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by Gary Stanley

There are many rivalries in today's competitive world: Chevy versus Ford, Coke versus Pepsi and Burger King versus McDonald's may come to mind when thinking of two prominent companies within an industry. When it comes to tires, Goodyear and Michelin is one of the most common rivalries.

In some categories, such as the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season, the Goodyear Assurance CS TripleTred All-Season ranks just a bit higher than Michelin's competing tire, the Latitude Tour. In other categories that include performance tires, Michelin's tires often rank higher. For example, in the Max Performance Summer category, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is on top. I was so impressed by this particular tire that I bought a set for my own car. My experiences with the tire can be found by reading, "Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires Installed on My Car." The Pilot Super Sport also picked up a win against Goodyear's Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 last summer during our testing. You can see how well the Michelin tire performed by taking a look at "Testing Max Performance Summer Tires."

Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
 Goodyear F1Asymmetric 2
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2


So, who really has the better tires? When it comes to performance tires, Michelin is tough to beat right now. However, the tire market is fast paced and new technology is constantly pushing the performance envelope further. When changes are made, you can always count on us to provide you with the best tire options for your vehicle.

Spring Sale on Sumitomo HTR Z III

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by Marshall Wisler

If you're looking for a good performing summer tire on a budget, take a look at the latest offering from Sumitomo. Their HTR Z III features an asymmetrical pattern that provides noticeable noise reduction when compared to the directional, previous generation HTR Z II.

While this tire may not be the top-ranked option in the Max Performance Summer category, it has one of the most attractive price points in the group. Developed for sports cars, sporty coupes and high performance sedans, the HTR Z III showcases Sumitomo's technical resources by providing high speed handling stability along with traction on dry and wet roads. The inside shoulder is linked by a continuous circumferential rib that enhances wear quality to help reduce noise throughout the tire's life, especially on vehicles with independent suspensions and alignment settings that specify negative camber. Straight and wide circumferential grooves along with long, sweeping lateral grooves evacuate water from under the tire's footprint to increase hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

Through May 31, 2013, when you purchase a set of four Sumitomo HTR Z III tires you may be eligible to receive a $50 Tire Rack Prepaid MasterCard by mail. See special offer details here.

Best Tires for Honda Odyssey

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by Steve Huffman

Is it time to replace the tires on your Honda Odyssey? If so, consider the following all-season options for your minivan. My favorite tire for this vehicle continues to be the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. This tire certainly lives up to its name. It's a premium Grand Touring All-Season tire that provides excellent ride qualities, including superior comfort and low tread noise. In addition to a great ride, the tire offers fantastic all-season traction and long treadwear with a 70,000- or 80,000-mile treadlife warranty depending on speed rating.

Another great option for the Odyssey is the Michelin Defender. Although it is only made in the 235/65R16 size for this van, it's still a very popular choice. The Defender is currently the top-ranked Standard Touring All-Season tire in our customer survey results. This tire also has superior all-season traction and comes with a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty. Designed to help enhance fuel efficiency, Defender tires meet Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives.

Finally, the Firestone Precision Touring is a good value priced option for Odyssey owners. This tire performed very well in our testing with good grades in wet traction and stable handling. Customers really enjoy the tire, as it sits is second place in its category, only behind the aforementioned Michelin Defender.


Goodyear Assurance
ComforTred Touring

Michelin
Defender

Firestone Precision
Touring


To view all tire options for your Honda Odyssey, shop by vehicle.

What are the Best Tires for My Honda Odyssey?

Friday, May 10, 2013 by Hunter Leffel

Since 2005, the primary size found on the Honda Odyssey has been 235/65R16. Due to the overall size ,weight and higher center of gravity than a car, the Odyssey's tire wear can be disappointing to some. The following popular options can help deliver better performance, ride quality and longevity than the Original Equipment.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring
Goodyear Assurance
ComforTred Touring
Continental Cross Contact LX20
Continental Cross Contact LX20
with EcoPlusTechnology
Michelin Defender
Michelin
Defender


Goodyear's Assurance ComforTred Touring has been a favorite with our customers for a few years. Sitting solidly in third place in the Grand Touring All-Season category, the tire carries an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty. The Assurance ComforTred Touring features a mildly asymmetric tread design that combines indepedent shoulder blocks with notched intermediate ribs to blend dry and wet road traction and handling. Four circumferential grooves evacuate water from under the tread to enhance wet traction while the grooves, notches and sipes form biting edges to deliver all-season traction in light snow.

"I have had these Goodyear tires on my van for 31,000 miles now (90,000 currently), have balanced them every 5,000 miles and they are in excellent condition! No cupping, no road noise, plenty of treadlife left!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Honda Odyssey

The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is a newer entry to the market that quickly became a best seller. Designed to enhance driving pleasure, save fuel and maintain grip when braking on wet surfaces, this Continental tire provides long wear and all-season traction.

"I drive the family van quite hard and the grip and handling of these Continentals is far better than the O.E. Michelins." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Honda Odyssey

Michelin's Defender is the latest high mileage tire entry from the manufacturer and carries a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty. Currently ranked number one in its category by our customers, it appears Michelin has hit another home run with this offering. Defender tires enhance vehicle fuel economy by meeting Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives.

"This is the best tire I have ever purchased. Hands down!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Honda Odyssey

What Brake Rotors are Best?

Friday, May 10, 2013 by Colin .

A key component in your brake system is the rotor. A rotor's primary job is to dissipate the heat caused by braking. Eventually the rotor's thickness will wear down to the point where replacement is needed or they need to be replaced due to warping. Which rotors are best for you will depend on your budget and needs. 

Standard rotors, like those offered from Centric, are a good choice for those who want an Original Equipment replacement. If you want better resistance against warping, the Cryo-Stop rotors are a great choice. They're cryogenically treated for enhanced durability.

Those who wish to upgrade braking performance and appearance of their vehicle can opt for slotted or drilled rotors. StopTech's SportStop Drilled Rotor and Sport Slotted Rotor are both excellent options and reduce brake fade by helping evacuate the surface film of gases that are often released during heavy braking.

For the serious driver who's concerned about performance, take a look at the DBA line. They are all slotted and have a unique ventilation system to maximize heat dissipation. 


Cryo-Stop
Rotor

StopTech SportStop Drilled
Rotor

DBA 5000 Series T3 2-Piece
Rotor


All individual rotors we offer are a direct fit for a vehicle. Shop by vehicle to view the rotors available for application.

Hoosier A6 vs. R6: Which to Choose?

Thursday, May 9, 2013 by Ben Rooney

The Hoosier A6 and R6 are two of the most successful DOT-legal racing tires in recent years. A6 and R6 tires look identical, but are designed for different types of competition. How do you know which is best for your vehicle?

The Hoosier A6 was developed with autocross competition in mind. It uses a softer compound for maximum grip and comes up to temperature more quickly to reach optimal grip between 110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A6 tires deliver more traction, but give up longevity to do so. In autocross, where runs are extremely short, this lack of longevity is not a problem and allows a set of A6 tires to last for multiple events. Though the tires are generally ready to run when brand new, a light scuff-in can be beneficial.

Hoosier R6 tires are designed for roadrace competition. They have a more durable compound that's better able to hold up to multiple lapping sessions, higher speeds and larger race courses. The R6 should be heat cycled before competition use for the most consistent performance. Tire Rack offers heat cycling service for competition tires. With this service, the tires arrive ready to use.


Hoosier A6

Hoosier R6


Some drivers will also use the A6 on road courses for sprint races or qualifying sessions where a few fast laps are of the utmost importance. Used in this way, the A6 will often be used up in one session. Using the A6 in a roadrace setting is only recommended for experienced drivers who know exactly what they need and are willing to go through a set of tires in one event. Lightweight vehicles with moderate horsepower may also use the A6 in cooler weather when they're not able to get the R6 up to the optimal temperature range of 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit .

Drivers preparing to run Hoosier tires on the track should also read Hoosier's care and feeding document.

Best Performance Tires for Wet Weather

Thursday, May 9, 2013 by Marshall Wisler

Unfortunately, not all days can be sunny and dry. While we all experience varying weather patterns, some people see more wet weather than others. If you live in Florida, or another state known for heavy and frequent rains, you may choose a tire that performs well in the wet above all else.

If this sounds like the conditions you experience, take a look at my favorite Max Performance Summer tires that feature wet weather performance, yet make no compromises in the dry.

The Continental ExtremeContact DW features a large amount of tread void that does extremely well in the wet. Looking at its pattern will display a large amount of water channels to aid in hydroplane resistance. While one of our strongest tires in the wet, the ExtremeContact DW can also hold its own in the dry and has long since been a favorite amongst consumers looking for performance and value.

Michelin's Pilot Super Sport has been a standout in nearly every test we've done since it was released last year. This tire tends to be one of the fastest Max Performance Summer tires in the dry, and also has exceptional balance when the going gets slippery. While the tire doesn't quite have as much tread void as the Continental, it's an exceptional performer and is very composed at the traction limit.

Continental ExtremeContact DW
Continental ExtremeContact DW

Michelin Pilot Super Sport


Take a look at all Max Performance Summer options and find the one that works best for you.

What is Wheel Offset?

Thursday, May 9, 2013 by Zig Ziegler

One of the most common questions when purchasing wheels is: "What is wheel offset and how do I know which is right for my vehicle?" Tire Rack takes the guess work out of shopping for wheels. One simple trip to our Upgrade Garage will allow you to enter the year, make and model of your vehicle, and view wheels that properly fit your vehicle.

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. It can be one of three types (measured in millimeters): positive, negative or zero.

  • Zero offset - The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.
  • Positive - The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front-wheel drive cars and newer rear-wheel drive models.
  • Negative - The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the vehicle, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. Tire Rack has test fitted thousands of vehicles and our extensive database allows us to offer the proper fit for your vehicle.

To view the full list of wheels specifically offered for your car, shop by vehicle and upgrade the look of your vehicle with confidence.

Best Tire Brands for Long Treadwear

Thursday, May 9, 2013 by Gary Stanley

Not too long ago, finding a tire with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty was not easy. Modern construction methods, advanced tread compounds and other technology has lead to tires that can wear for even longer. With treadwear warranties on some replacement tires approaching 100,000 miles, they may even outlast your car! 

Achieving long treadlife requires more work than simply installing the tires and driving. Proper maintenance of the tires' inflation pressures, tire rotation and keeping your vehicle aligned all play a role. In fact, manufacturers require that the tires are worn down evenly in order to qualify for treadwear warranty coverage. Find more information about this by reading "The Good, the Bad and the Impossible Regarding Treadlife Warranties."

Here are some of my top picks for tires that feature a long treadwear warranty, while still maintaining acceptable levels of grip and ride quality:


90,000-Mile Treadlife Warranty or Longer

 
Michelin Defender
Michelin Defender
Hankook Optimo H727
Hankook Optimo H727

80,000-85,000-Mile Treadlife Warranty

 
Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring
Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring
Pirelli P4 Four Seasons
Pirelli P4 Four Seasons

70,000-75,000-Mile Treadlife Warranty

 
General AltiMAX RT
General AltiMAX RT
Dunlop Signature
Dunlop Signature


To see if these tires are available for your car, SUV or crossover, shop by vehicle.

Michelin Defender vs. Michelin Harmony

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 by Steve Huffman

Recently, drivers were introduced to the Michelin Defender. This tire has been very well received and has now replaced some of Michelin's popular models, including the Harmony. What is the difference between these two tires?

The Michelin Harmony is a Passenger All-Season tire suitable for minivans, family sedans and compact cars. It has good all-season traction and is relatively quiet and comfortable. Harmony tires also last long as they come with an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty.

Michelin's Defender took these attributes and improved upon them. It's a Standard Touring All-Season tire, which means it will have a better ride better than the Harmony. The tire has shown to have better all-season traction and lasts longer with an incredible 90,0000-mile treadlife warranty for T- and H-rated models. An 80,000-mile warranty is available for the V-rated version. In addition, the Defender enhances fuel economy by meeting Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives.

Michelin Harmony
Michelin Harmony
Michelin Defender
Michelin Defender


If you own the Harmony or have owned it in the past, and are looking for a replacement tire for your vehicle, take a look at the Michelin Defender.

WORX Wheels Now Available at Tire Rack

Friday, May 3, 2013 by Zig Ziegler

WORX wheels are the newest addition to the Ultra line. Ultra also manufacturers Ultra Muscle, Ultra Motorsports Xtreme and Ultra Motorsports wheels. The WORX line of wheels are designed and manufactured as "Serious Truck Wheels" because all WORX wheels are covered by a lifetime structural warranty.

Located in Fullerton, California, WORX takes pride in its workmanship and offers unique styling with a healthy dose of attitude and attention to detail. Available to fit a broad range of light trucks and SUVs, the wheels are developed to accommodate most tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). WORX wheels are offered in different styles and finishes, such as chrome plated, black painted, black painted with spot milling and bright PVD.

 WORX 801 Triad
WORX 801 Triad
 WORX 802 Havoc
WORX 802 Havoc

 

 WORX 803 Beast
WORX 803 Beast
 WORX 805 Tyrant
WORX 805 Tyrant 8-Lug


The WORX 801 Triad has an aggressive look and unique three-spoke design. It's offered in 8-lug configurations for both single rear wheel and dually trucks. WORX 802 Havoc and 805 Tyrant wheels have a rugged off-road appearance with a simulated bead-lock look. The WORX 803 Beast has a more classic and clean looking design with six-split spokes.

To see which WORX wheels are available for your vehicle, shop by vehicle and upgrade the look of your truck or SUV today!