Trailer Tires Going Flat? Catch a Problem Before it Happens.

Monday, May 14, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

The most 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."

Coil-Over Suspension: Look Good and Stay in Control on the Street and Track

Monday, May 7, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

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:
 

Bilstein PSS10
Bilstein PSS10
H&R RSS ClubSport
H&R RSS ClubSport
KW Variant 3
KW Variant 3


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.

Mud Tires: It's the Season

Thursday, April 26, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

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.
 

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
Firestone Destination M/T
Firestone Destination
M/T
Yokohama Geolandar  M/T Plus
Yokohama Geolandar
M/T Plus

 

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!

Chrome Wheels: Keep Them Shiny and New

Monday, April 23, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

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.

More Miles from Summer Tires

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

Looking for a summer tire that offers longer mileage? Most summer tires make the trade-off of a longer life for higher grip. Many customers consider using Ultra High Performance All-Season tires to gain longer wear. The following options are two of the top tires in their performance category:
 

Bridgestone RE970 AS Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
Michelin Pilot Sport  AS Plus
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus


With proper rotation these tires can be expected to see approximately 40,000 miles of use, depending on how aggressively you drive. After all, these would be your sport tires. If you're not willing to sacrifice some dry and wet traction and handling, take a look at these summer tires:  
 

Bridgestone RE760
Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Michelin Pilot Super Sport


Potenza RE760 Sport tires are developed for the drivers of sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans who want to maximize sport driving pleasure without abandoning treadwear. The tire delivers sharp response and its asymmetric tread design allows for mounting on either side of the vehicle. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport expands the Max Performance Summer tire performance envelope by delivering durability, handling and traction while increasing treadlife. Pilot Super Sport tires come with a 30,000-mile warranty.

To gain a better understanding of warranties, read "Treadlife/Mileage Warranties."

Keep Accurate Tire Pressure

Monday, April 9, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

Many people don't consider the role tires play on their vehicle. Your tires make contact with the road and the total contact area is about the size of a sheet of paper. Tire sidewalls are extremely pliable and soft; the entire load of your vehicle is carried by the air that fills the tires.

For every 10-degree Fahrenheit shift in ambient air temperature, you can expect a fluctuation of 1 psi in tire pressure. Also, you'll lose on average 1 psi per month just from regular driving. A high quality air gauge or tread depth gauge will help you maintain accurate pressures, maximize your vehicle's tire wear and fuel efficiency.
 

Accutire Digital Set Point
Accutire Digital Set Point Programmable Air Gauge
Dill Digital Tread Depth
Dill Digital Tread Depth
Gauge
Intercomp Deluxe 4 inch
Intercomp Deluxe 4" Air Pressure Gauge


It's important that you adjust your air pressure in the morning before you drive more than a few miles, or before rising ambient temperatures or the sun's radiant heat affects it. For more information on the importance of maintaining sufficient air pressure, read "Air Pressure, Temperature Fluctuations."

Great Handling and Fun-to-Drive All-Season Tires

Friday, March 30, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

When most of the grip of a summer tire is enough and you'd like to have aggressive handling for on ramps and back roads, a good all-season option is for you. Offering light snow capability and sporty handling characteristics, these tires are longer lasting than their summer counterparts. Many drivers in the northern climates run Ultra High Performance All-Season tires as their summer tires, while keeping them installed during the other seasons as they provide year-round traction.

All-season tires have come leaps and bounds in their dry weather handling. The following tires are three options I really like in the category and our Tire Survey Results reflect favorably on each selection.
 

Bridgestone RE970AS Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS
Pole Position
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus
Michelin Pilot Sport
A/S Plus
Pirelli PZero Nero All Season
Pirelli P Zero Nero
All Season


We conducted our own test comparing these tires head-to-head last summer. The Michelin tire offered the best ride quality, steering and cornering feel in the dry conditions. Bridgestone led the pack in braking feel and wet condition handling. While the set of Pirelli P Zero tires had a very confidence-inspiring feel in the slalom and allowed for a high degree of traction on our skidpad. Overall a very fast set tire. Complete results can be found by reading "Testing Bridgestone's Potenza RE970AS Pole Position Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire."

To see which option is right for you, shop by vehicle.

Looking for the Best Value in a Street and Road Tire for Your Truck or SUV?

Monday, March 26, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

Most truck owners never intend to take their vehicles off-road. Highway All-Season tires offer the benefits of a quiet, smooth ride. They provide excellent mileage and good grip in water and light snow conditions. These tires are built essentially for crossover and sport utility vehicles, as well as pick-up trucks and full-size vans. The following tires are a few of our top sellers in the Highway All-Season category and provide an excellent value.
 

Firestone Destination LE
Firestone Destination
LE
General Grabber HTS
General Grabber
HTS
Yokohama Geolandar  HT-S
Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S
G051


Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experiences with these tires:

"The Destination LEs came O.E. on my 2006 Explorer and I currently have 65,000 miles on them. I'll be replacing them soon with another set of LEs, but could probably squeeze another 3,000-4,000 miles out of them. I've been completely satisfied with these Firestones." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2wd (Firestone Destination LE)

"After 45,000 miles I could not be happier. Still have plenty of tread and the ride is as if the tires were new. I would not hesitate to buy another set based on this experience. By the look of things, I may get 70,000 plus, not bad for a truck tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Toyota Tundra Double Cab SR5 2wd (General Grabber HTS)

"I really like these Yokohamas. Good traction in dry weather. Ran into a horrible thunderstorm a couple of days ago and these tires performed like a champ. No hydroplaning." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1998 Ford F-150 XL 2wd Pick-up (Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051)

I equipped one of my vehicles with a set of Firestone Destination LE for a few years and enjoyed the tire's performance. To see which tire is right for your vehicle, shop by vehicle.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport: Best Handling Max Performance Summer Tire? Offered with a Rebate?

Monday, March 12, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

High performance tires derive their technology directly from the manufactures' motorsports activities. The tire technology is a game of leap frog and Michelin has set the bar impressively high with the Pilot Super Sport.

 

The steering response I felt was very confidence-inspiring. It felt as if the car was on rails, specifically through the slalom section of our test track. Around the skidpad I was able to feel how easily this tire modulated at the slip angle.

 

When driving on the original Pilot Sport, I felt the tire offered razor quick turn-in response, but once you had crossed the limit, it was a matter of recovery vs. modulation. The PS2, like a pendulum, swung back to a very easy modulate feeling, which was a welcomed improvement over the first-generation tire. With the Pilot Super Sport, Michelin was able to strike a fantastic balance! The turn-in is lively, while the grip is very easy to predict and work with in aggressive-driving scenarios.

 

I did find the ride quality of the Pilot Super Sport to be firmer on the street than the previous models. It was a trade-off I was more than willing to make given its performance attributes. The tire also eclipsed its competition in wet conditions, which was a welcomed surprise. If you're looking for the best handling street tire, with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty (another first for a Max Performance Summer tire), look no further than the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. To see how the tire performed during our testing, view "Clash of the Titans: Testing Two New Max Performance Summer Heavy Hitters."

 

And when you purchase a set of four Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires between March 1, 2012 and March 24, 2012, you can receive a $70 MasterCard® Prepaid Card by mail-in rebate. View promotion details here.

Weekend Autocross and Daily Driving Tires? Bridgestone Has You Covered!

Thursday, March 8, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

There comes a time during a weekend warrior's motorsports activities that he or she realizes their daily driving tires just aren't cutting it. You end up chewing up the tires and imposing uneven treadwear. Participating in autocross events can literally shave the tread blocks at their sides. Track driving can easily overheat and blister or chunk the shoulder and intermediate tread blocks, rendering your tires as unusable.
 

Extreme Performance Summer tires are a great bridge between street tires and D.O.T. approved slicks. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 came out on top during our testing of tires in this performance category. This tire brings higher grip levels than a performance street tire in both wet and dry conditions, with durability that far exceeds a Track & Competition DOT tire.


The RE-11 is also a great learning tool if you'd like to make the step up to a dedicated track tire. Slick style tires remove much of the audible feedback, and most of the seat-of-the-pants feel to approaching the limit of grip. This tire offers more grip than Max Performance Summer tires, but keeps all the feedback tendencies, making it an ideal learning tool.
 

Bridgestone's Potenza RE-11 is also offers a great combination of aggressive performance with radical styling. Take a look at what a few of our customers are saying about this tire:

"Best handling tire I have ever owned. Perfect for street and and track. I love the RE-11s." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2001 Acura Integra R

"Awesome tire for on/off track. Very responsive and easy to identify the tire's limits. Used at autocross events and I blow cars away." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1997 Toyota Starlet, Glanza V
 

How to Get Your New Tires Installed

Friday, March 2, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

We offer many options when it comes to shipping destinations. Many customers prefer to receive their order at home so they can take their tires to an installation facility. We are able to ship to your place of work, home or alternate address. There's also the option of shipping directly to your local garage.
 

If you don't have a garage in mind, be sure to find one of our independent Recommended Installers near you. We've carefully screened each facility to ensure they have the right equipment and experience to satisfactorily serve our customers. In fact, to become a Recommended Installer a company must:

  • Use proper mounting and balancing equipment including touchless or rim clamp, European-style tire changers and high-speed computer spin balancers.
  • Employ properly trained technicians capable of safely performing damage-free installations.
  • Be an automotive business that can offer additional services to customers (alignments, complete repairs, auto detailing, etc.)
  • Possess a positive attitude and the ability to treat Tire Rack's customers with the highest level of professional courtesy.

Only after these criteria are met is a company approved to be a Recommended Installer for Tire Rack. So go ahead and find one near you.

Weds Sport Wheels at Tire Rack

Thursday, February 16, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis
Weds Sport designs race inspired, super light alloy wheels. With a rich motorsport history that has proven to be highly successful in the JGTC (Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship) series, these ultra-light street wheels contribute a race look while improving the performance of your sport import car. All the rims are engineered, developed and manufactured with space-age technology for Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan and VW cars. Here are a few Weds Sport styles we offer:
 
SA-55M
SA-55M
SA-67R
SA-67R
TC105N
TC105N
 
Weds Sport was founded in Osaka, Japan in 1965 as an automotive supplier to Nissan. In 1977, the company's Racing Forge was introduced as Japan's first 3-piece forged wheel. They opened their North American headquarters in 2008.
 
Take a look at all Weds Sport wheels we carry.
 
 

Better Ride with Bridgestone's RE960AS Pole Position RFT

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis

Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFTI was thoroughly impressed with the advances Bridgestone's made in their next generation of run-flat tires. With my time behind the wheel, I was able to test the Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT in dry conditions and on our wet test track.


Driving with and without air pressure on the street, the tire without air pressure felt strikingly similar to the fully inflated set. In fact, on the track it really shined, coming in a close second to its non-run-flat counterpart.


The tread design was a proven winner, particularly in wet conditions with the help of Bridgestone's UNI-T technology. As the tire wears, its wet traction maintains as the silica infused lower level compound is exposed.


One of the innovative features of the tire is Bridgestone's Cooling Fin Design molded into the tire's sidewall. A tire's number one enemy is heat build up, case in point is when running without air pressure. The sidewall tends to build up a large amount of heat with no air and the Cooling Fin Design helps to lower sidewall temperatures.


For a full test report, review "Is the Third Generation Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT 3G Run-Flat the Charm?"

 

Quiet Tires: Look No Further Than Michelin

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis
The Michelin brand is synonymous with quality tires. As a brand, they often showcase some of the quietest and smoothest riding tires.  

The Michelin Primacy MXV4 is known for longevity as it's offered with a 60,000 mile tread life warranty and provides good snow-handling capability for an all-season tire. Michelin's LTX M/S2 is also extremely long-lasting with a 70,000 mile warranty, along with nimble handling characteristics for your truck or SUV. If a great value in a passenger tire for your cruiser is what you're after give the Michelin Harmony a try. After testing all three tires, they are some of my go-to recommendations. You would be in good shape with any of them.
 
Michelin Primacy MXV4
Michelin Primacy MXV4
Michelin LTX M/S2
Michelin LTX M/S2
Michelin Harmony
Michelin Harmony

Take a look at what customers are saying about their experience with each tire:

"An extremely impressive tire that performs as advertised regardless of the climate or geography. I've ridden these tires coast to coast and many destinations in between and they have NEVER failed me. In addition to remaining quiet and comfortable even after all these miles, I was recently reminded how well they (still) perform on winter roads as our first real winter weather arrived with the new year. In short, if you're willing to pay for the best, look no further than the Primacy MXV4. It doesn't get any better in my opinion." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Lexus ES350 (Michelin Primacy MXV4)

"Amazing, I bought these roughly 4 years ago and have driven in just about anything with them. The tread is still there, but I am selling the truck. These tires are by far the best I have ever had on ANY vehicle. Little noise, OK traction in snow and water, and great traction in dry terrain. Simply amazing!
" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche (Michelin LTX M/S2)

"We're very pleased with our Michelin Harmony tires and would highly recommend them to anyone with a minivan. I bought a set of 4 at 80,000 miles and now have over 100K on them! They had approximately 80% expressway and 20% city driving (Chicago metro weather too!). Its time for them to be replaced due to low tread (3/32 on two and 4/32 on the other two). Regular tire rotations at 7-8,000 miles along with the use of Nitrogen helped prolong the life of these tires! We'll be buying another set of these within a few weeks. Thank you Michelin!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2001 Chrysler Town and Country LXi (Michelin Harmony)

KMC XD Series Monster - Aggressive Style

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis
KMC XD Series MonsterThe KMC XD Series Monster brings an aggressive style to your four-wheel drive pickup truck or SUV. Featuring a split-spoke design, the Monster's center is tucked back further than the lip section, offering a wide stanced, off-road appearance.

Designed using the gravity casting construction method, the wheel offers excellent quality at a very affordable price. It has a multi-piece look that emulates the appearance of more expensive beadlock truck wheels. Lug heads are actually cast into the wheel to create the two-piece effect.

Featuring a covered lug design, the Monster keeps the appearance of your 4x4 smooth and sleek. Monster wheels are offered in the modern 5- ,6- and 8-lug bolt spreads to fit your rig, with offsets ranging between +35 and -44. The wheel is available in the following sizes:
  • 18x9
  • 20x9
  • 20x10
  • 22x9.5
  • 22x11
  • 24x10
Available in black (shown above) and chrome, the Monster from KMC XD Series is a great option to improve the appearance of your vehicle.

How to Protect Your Tires and Wheels

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis
There are several ways to protect your tires and wheels. Obvious ways to keep them protected are to avoid potholes, curbs and impacts if at all possible.

Keeping wheels clean is one of the best ways to preserve your wheel's finish. I use Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner with every car I wash. To use, the cleaner is sprayed on the wheel, cleaned with a brush and rinsed off with water. With its unique penetrants that allow you to use less effort when cleaning your wheels, the products high concentrate allows the cleaner to stay on the wheel longer to remove stubborn brake dust, road oils and other deposits. The wheel cleaner is a non-caustic product that is very effective while being made from premium, biodegradable ingredients that are safe for you and the environment.

When it comes time to change my wheels out for the season, I clean each wheel thoroughly, knocking any tar or asphalt loose. I seal the entire wheel with a coat of Griot's Garage Paint Sealant. The product provides a high gloss finish that only needs to be applied once a year. This makes getting the wheels clean during a car wash much easier. Keep your investment looking brand new!

Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner
Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner
Griot's Garage Paint Sealant
Griot's Garage Paint Sealant
Griot's Garage Short Handle Boar's Hair Wheel Brush
Griot's Garage Short Handle Boar's Hair Wheel Brush

Keep Your Windshield Clear in the Rain

Friday, January 13, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis
Aquapel Glass TreatmentIf you have ever used a Rain-X product and felt it helped your vision in the rain, then you should take a look at Aquapel Glass Treatment. The primary advantage Aquapel has over Rain-X is durability. It's been my experience that Rain-X lasts a few weeks.
 
However, when I used Aquapel Glass Treatment on my vehicles, I noticed it lasted for about six months while reducing the friction that makes a wiper blade judder as it wipes. The key when applying Aquapel is to apply when the temperature is at least 40 degrees or higher. Personally, Aquapel is one of my favorite automotive products and is much easier to buff back off the window than Rain-X.

A good set of wiper blades will also help provide excellent visibility. I have enjoyed the performance of Valeo wiper blades. Typically, my blades last about 18 months even though I'm very picky about how well they work. One huge safety advantage of Aquapel is how well the windshield will bead water. Viewing the picture above, you can see how the product gives drivers the peace of mind when driving during rainy conditions.   
  

How to Properly Tighten Your Lug Nuts

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Alex Mouroulis
Lug nuts are handled differently at almost every garage. If you've experienced a lug that is extremely hard to loosen they were likely tightened with an impact tool. There is a device called a torque stick which can make pneumatic tools much more effective at avoiding over-torque. In most every shop, I see impact tools used, while I often do not see torque sticks. Maybe this is just my luck, or possibly I've only seen a small sample of garages.

I take lug nut torque responsibility into my own hands, literally. When one torques a lug nut or bolt, they're effectively stretching the lug stud or bolt. This is why I recommend always using the lug torque specified in your vehicle's owner's manual and tightening lugs in a crisscross sequence. To gain a better understanding of how to properly tighten and loosen your vehicle's lug hardware, read "Wheel Lug Torquing."

To keep the lugs moving like new on my vehicle, I clean the corrosion off of them with a wire brush. Speaking of new wheels, always make sure to re-torque them after the first twenty miles of driving.

The most effective way to set your lug torque is with a torque wrench.

Tire Rack Adjustable WrenchThe Tire Rack Adjustable Torque Wrench is great for handling tire and wheel duties. I'm going on my tenth year with the tool which equals approximately $4 a year (wrench cost me around $40) to have the correct torque settings.

When the time comes to break lugs loose, use a breaker bar.Gorilla Extendable Power Wrench Personally, I carry the Gorilla Extendable Power Wrench in every one of my vehicles as it's easier to work with than stock lug wrenches for roadside tire changes.

Snow Tires Part 2: How to Make Your Winter / Snow Tires Last

Friday, December 16, 2011 by Alex Mouroulis
Now that you have taken the plunge and made an investment in safety, let's talk about how to maximize the life of your winter / snow tires. Snow tires are truly different, so consider the following factors to ensure you get all you can from your investment.

Winter tires use the same pressure as shown on your door's placard. The key is to set it in the coldest temperatures outside that you will be driving in -  first thing in the morning before you drive and not in the sun. I do this by leaving all my garage doors open for a few hours. Also, I fill and drain my compressor each time it's used. An alternative if you don't want to freeze your garage out is to add a few extra pounds of air pressure to each tire. And, since many vehicle's owner's manuals recommend operating winter tires several psi higher than recommended, read "Higher Tire Pressures for Winter Driving."

Snow tires are soft. You'll want to rotate them regularly and usually more often than your all-season tires. If you're looking for a mile schedule, I rotate mine every 2,500-3,000 miles. I like to keep my winter / snow tires wearing out at the exact same time and matching treadwear keeps them as quiet as possible. The moment I see a 1/32" deviation between axles, I rotate them - you could say I measure tread depth often! Metal tread depth gauges are awesome and that's what I like to use. However, they can tend to get expensive, so if you are looking for something that works well at a great price, take a look at the Dill Digital Tread Depth Gauge.

Rotation Pattern

Designed to stay in contact with the snow and ice, winter / snow tires need to be connected to be effective. As it's not necessary to carry momentum when you have grip, you can reduce the vehicle's wheel spin. My car has Haldex four-wheel drive, the minute my traction light flashes I respond. I pull much larger vehicles out of snow drifts and ditches at less than 2 mph. Remember, keep that connected feeling.  

Each tire manufacturer has their appropriate temperature cutoff, as snow tires wear faster in warm weather. My rule of thumb is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, when the temperature regularly is around this mark, I consider taking the tires off.

Since measuring your tire pressure is so important, be sure to take a look at our selection of air and tread depth gauges.

Winter Tire Options for 3/4-ton and 1-ton Trucks

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by Alex Mouroulis
There are often times when your 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck needs additional snow and ice traction. In many cases, a good highway or all-terrain tire will cover your needs. When you plow in severe conditions or need to tow in adverse weather, higher grip levels are required. If you regularly find yourself driving in conditions with packed snow or ice, there's a huge advantage to owning a set of winter / snow tires. There are many snow tires on the market, but not very many that maintain the 3000+ lbs. load rating requirements for a heavy-duty truck. Take a look at the following LT-rated snow tires. While a set of Firestone truck tires in the Winterforce LT model are a great option, along with the Continental ExtremeWinter Contact LT and Michelin LTX Winter, I personally have excellent luck with the Bridgestone Blizzaks and highly recommend them.

Firestone Winterforce LT
Firestone Winterforce LT

Bridgestone Blizzak W965
Continental ExtremeWinterContact LT
Continental ExtremeWinterContact LT
Michelin LTX Winter
Michelin LTX Winter

"We've had several snowstorms back-to-back here and I've driven in every one and these tires worked great. I have no problem accelerating/braking or slowing with transmission (5-speed) on snow. At this time I only have a 1000 miles so I've yet to experience any noise issues but I'm not worried ,the truck is a diesel with 4" exhaust and noise isn't a concern. I would recommend to anybody that drives in snow."
-- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Reg Cab 4WD (Firestone Winterforce LT)

"This is my second set of Blizzaks, the first was on a 2wd Chevy 2500. Night and day on that truck, just the ability to handle on ice makes the price of the tires worthwhile. The confidence of sure footing in rough conditions is priceless! The tires do sing a little bit on dry pavement. My friend has those tires and they still look like new, they are about 10 years old! The wear on them is far better than expected. The set on the Ford were on my old Ford, 6 years later and they are not past the 'snow' wear bar yet. Don't be fooled by my 'location', I do lots of winter driving with trailers. Extremely satisfied all the way around. " -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2001 Ford F250 4WD Super Duty (Bridgestone Blizzak W965)

"These tires work very well in the cold weather. Good cornering and response and excellent traction in all kinds of snow. Glare ice traction is good but weight in the back of truck helps. Much better than all-seasons." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4WD SLT (Continental ExtremeWinterContact LT)

"Just put them on in time for a 4x4 chain-only situation, 1st time in 12 years here I have seen this, I bought chains so they would allow me to pass, but, never put them on, hammered up through the canyon at almost normal dry speed with zero slippage. Wet, to slush, to snow over ice and I didn't even kick out the rear, unreal tire for an incredible price." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2001 Dodge Ram Wagon B3500 (Michelin LTX Winter)