Brake System

The Camaro is definitely one of those cars that everybody seems to love. If you're a Camaro driver who lives up north, you'll need winter / snow tires to keep your vehicle safe. Given the wide variety of Camaro trim levels and drivers' needs, both the Studless Ice and Snow and Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire options should be considered.

Winter / Snow Tire Sizes

Depending on your trim level and engine, your Original Equipment tires may have one of the following set-ups: 245/55-18 or 245/50-19 on all four corners, or the staggered set-up of 245/45-20 on the front and 275/40-20 on the rear or 245/40-21 on the front and 275/35-21 on the rear.

If you live in a harsh winter area like Green Bay, Wisconsin that receives lots of snow and you can moderate how hard you drive when the temperatures are warm and the roads are dry, then you should look at 225/65-17 Studless Ice and Snow tires. Camaro SS drivers should consider 235/55-19 Studless Ice and Snow tires since 17" wheels won't clear the O.E. Brembo brakes.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Your Camaro uses a valve-stem-mounted Direct TPMS. O.E. sensors are $50* each and installation is part of our standard mounting and balancing. Your Camaro won't automatically learn the new sensors but you can initialize them yourself by following the instructions in your owner's manual.

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Studless Ice and Snow)

A great Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Studless Ice and Snow tire option would be the 225/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on the 17x8 Moda EB1 at $1,116** plus shipping.

225/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

17x8 35mm offset Moda EB1

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow)

A Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package to consider with a Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire would be the 245/50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow on the 19x8.5 Sport Edition WX5 at $1,720** plus shipping.

245/50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow

19x8.5 Bright Silver 28mm offset Sport Edition WX5

2011 Chevy Camaro Winter FAQ:

1. The Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow is listed as a Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire but you're recommending it for my Camaro, why? Because many of today's full-size sport sedans, muscle cars and sports cars share vehicle platforms with smaller crossover and sport utility vehicles, they also share their tall tire sizes. The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow was introduced in 2003 with selected sizes for crossover vehicles and smaller SUVs. Then, well before the current Camaro became available for enthusiasts, Pirelli began adding 50-, 45- and 40-series T-, H- and V-speed rated tires in 17", 18", 19" and 20" wheel diameters for higher performance crossover vehicle applications. Pirelli chose to put these sizes into their Scorpion family and by doing so, the Scorpion Ice & Snow line also "crossed over" to be appropriate for many of today's car applications that use tall tire sizes. So while the Scorpion Ice & Snow's tire category may seem unusual for a Camaro, its combination of dimensions, wintertime traction and high speed durability are appropriate.
   
   
2. I have 20" wheels as Original Equipment, can I run 20" winter / snow tires? You can run 20" snow tires but there isn't a matching set in a 245/45-20 front and 275/40-20 rear set-up, so you would have to run 245/45-20 on the front and back.
   

*Prices subject to change
**Including sensors, prices subject to change

Like all 3 Series E90 BMWs, xDrives come with run-flat tires and no spare. It's difficult to engineer a winter tire with good ice grip and the ability to handle the duress of running 50 miles with 0 lbs. of air pressure. Therefore, there are no compatible run-flat winter tires for the xDrive with the ice grip of a Studless Ice and Snow winter / snow tire.

Winter / Snow Tire Size

Depending on engine and trim, your Original Equipment sizing ranges between 16" to 18" with staggered (wider rear tire) options. 

328i xDrives can run either 16" or 17" winter / snow tires while 335i xDrives are limited to 17" or 18" options because 16" wheels won't clear the larger 335i xDrive brakes. Personally, I believe the 205/55-16 Studless Ice and Snow tires would be an ideal fit for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The US-spec E90 3 Series uses valve-stem-mounted Direct TPMS that you can reset yourself by following instructions in your owner's manual.

16" Studless Ice and Snow Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for 328i xDrive

When selecting a Studless Ice and Snow tire for the 328i xDrive, I'd recommend the 205/55-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi2 on 16x7.5 35mm offset Sport Edition A7 wheels in either silver or black for $1044.**

205/55-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi2

16x7.5 35mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition A7

16x7.5 35mm offset Black Painted Sport Edition A7

17" Studless Ice and Snow Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for 335i xDrive

For a Studless Ice and Snow tire for the 335i xDrive I'd recommend the 225/45-17 non-run-flat Continental ExtremeWinterContact on the Sport Edition A7 at $1228.**

225/45-17 Continental ExtremeWinterContact

17x7.5 32mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition A7

17x7.5 32mm offset Black Painted Sport Edition A7

2011 BMW xDrive 3 Series FAQ:

1. Will the Sport Edition A7 accept my O.E. BMW center cap? Yes.
2. If my vehicle is equipped with the Sport Package or the M Sport Package with wider tires in the back, is it okay to run the same tire size in the front and back? Yes. Since 225/45-17, 255/40-17, 225/40-18 and 255/35-18 are all 25" in overall diameter you'll be maintaining the same overall diameter, therefore this will have no effect on the vehicle's Dynamic Traction Control.
3. If I'm using my Sport Package or M Sport Package wheels, is it okay to run a narrower size tire on the wider rear rim? Yes, a 17x8.5 wheel will accept a 225/45-17 tire and a 18x8.5 wheel will accept a 225/40-18 tire. Just be more careful when parallel parking because you'll have less rubber protruding beyond the edge of the rim. So, it's easier to scrape a wheel against a curb.

*Prices subject to change
**Prices subject to change, including sensors and excluding shipping

For the longest time, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord dominated the mid-size sedan game. Recently, however, a new contender has entered the ring - the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. And with many Sonata owners valuing safety over dry road handling, it's best they look at winter /  snow tires in the Studless Ice and Snow performance category.

Snow Tire Size

The GLS and Hybrid versions come equipped with 205/65-16 (215/55-17 is an optional Hybrid size) tires, while the Sonata Limited runs either 215/55-17s (2.4L engine) or 225/45-18s (2.0T). The Sonata SE runs on 225/45-18s in both engine models. For the GLS and Hybrid, 205/65-16 gives optimum balance between deep snow, ice and dry roads. Because 16" wheels won't clear the brakes on the Limited and SE trim levels, this makes 215/55-17 the best choice.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata uses valve-stem mounted TPMS sensors that must be initialized by the dealer to function. We can install sensors ($57* or $64* ea) purchased as part of a Winter / Snow Tire & Whee for free, but your dealer must initialize your sensors in the fall and spring as your summer wheels go back on.

Winter/Snow Tire & Wheel Package for GLS and Hybrid Sonatas

As I covered in a previous blog post, I believe the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 to be a slightly better choice compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70, therefore I recommend a package that includes the 205/65-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi2 on steel wheels with the KT962 wheel covers for $735* plus shipping.

205/65-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi2

16x6.5 Black Steel Wheel

Winter/Snow Tire & Wheel Package for Limited and SE Sonatas

The ideal Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for the Limited and SE Sonata is the 215/55-17 Michelin X-Ice Xi2 on 17x7.5 50mm offset Sport Edition F7 wheels at $972** plus shipping.

215/55-17 Michelin X-Ice Xi2

17x7.5 50mm offset Silver Sport Edition F7

2011 Hyundai Winter FAQ:

1. I would prefer not to use the wheels listed above, can I use something different? When you're creating a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, different wheel options will be provided to allow you to choose the combination that you prefer. 
2. I live at the North Pole and need a skinnier tire size for more emphasis on deep snow traction, what sizes can I run? There aren't any great super-skinny 16" or 17" choices, as the 195/60-16 (25.2") size is over 1" smaller in diameter compared to the 205/65-16 (26.5"). While 205/55-17s are 25.9" and their overall diameter is comparable, you're restricted to winter / snow tires which aren't great for the North Pole.
3. I'm leasing my car and will not have it for a long period of time, can I mount winter / snow tires on the vehicle's wheels? If your leased vehicle is equipped with either the 16" or 17" O.E. painted finish wheels, then it's fine to use them as snow wheels. If you have 18" wheels, then you're restricted to the wider 225/45-18 size. This wider tire will plow through deeper snow instead of cutting through it, so using the 18" O.E. wheels aren't ideal.

*Prices subject to change
**Prices subject to change, excluding sensors

Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) is a required marking on the tire sidewall intended to provide a standardized metric that helps consumers purchase tires based on relative treadwear, traction and temperature capabilities. When viewing UTQG ratings, it's important to note that the grades are assigned by the tire manufacturers and not the originators of the test, the U.S. Department of Transportation. The following three components will help you better understand how the UTQG rating works:

1. 100-700 - The first number is an indication of how long the tire will last based on how the tire wears during a predefined test. Each manufacturer assigns Treadwear Grades based on wear during a 7,200 mile test. The test includes a vehicle running a prescribed 400-mile loop for a total of 7,200 miles in which the tire's wear is measured during and at the conclusion of the test. Since most tires last longer than this, interpretation of the data can vary. It was intended to be used as a multiplication system, meaning a grade of 100 would indicate the tire tread would last as long as the test tire, a 200 would last twice as long, 300 would indicate three times as long, etc. With each manufacturer interpreting the data differently, this system is somewhat helpful while attempting to compare the grades within a single brand and not as helpful when comparing two or more brands.

2. C-AA are the Traction Grades and they measure how much force the tire generates in the wet at lock up. Most cars on the road today don't lock up as ABS is pushing almost 20 years as standard equipment. When ABS is working, the tire rotates, allowing the tread shape to help disperse water. Besides hydroplaning resistance, the test also doesn't take into account dry braking, dry cornering or wet cornering. It's only testing the rubber compound itself.

3. C-A are the tire's Temperature Grades. This is important if you live in a climate that is warm and drive at high speeds. Typically, the size of the tire and the speed rating are more appropriate for consideration, but this does play a backup role in indicating what types of temperatures your tire can disperse. Every tire sold in the United States must be capable of earning a "C" rating which indicates the tire's ability to withstand 85 mph speeds. While there are numerous detail differences, this laboratory test is similar in nature to those used to confirm a tire's speed rating.

While the UTQG was designed for most passenger car tires, it's not required for deep treaded light truck tires, winter / snow tires, temporary spare tires, trailer tires, tires under 12" in diameter and other select tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards hasn't met its original goal of clearly informing customers about the capabilities of their tires. With tires being so complex and their uses being varied, the grades don't always reflect their actual performance in real world use. To better understand each category of the UTQG test, read "Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) Standards."

"Are we there yet?" It's a question that many Sienna drivers may tire of hearing. They should take solace in the fact that their precious, albeit sometimes annoying cargo is well protected by a bevy of safety features. The 2011 Sienna has seven airbags, ABS, traction control and other safety features which help keep your family safe.

What about safety in snow country? Your all-season tires are a big chink in the armor. Dedicated winter / snow tires and proper winter driving will shield your family from winter's threat. Since many Sienna drivers are concerned about optimum safety in snow and on ice, selecting an option from the Studless Ice and Snow performance category would be an ideal set of Toyota tires.

Snow Tire Size

Front-wheel drive (FWD) Siennas come with either 235/60-17, 235/55-18 or 235/50-19 conventional tires as Original Equipment. While the all-wheel drive (AWD) Sienna is typically equipped with 235/55-18 run-flat tires and no spare. 

In general, a narrower tire is a better selection when sizing a winter / snow tire. Running narrower tires puts more weight, and therefore more grip on your tires. With a very light vehicle, such as the Toyota Yaris, there's less weight on the tires which makes it imperative to run skinnier tires. Given the Sienna's high curb weight, most drivers should stay with a 235/60-17 or 235/55-18 winter / snow tire.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The 2011 Toyota Sienna uses valve stem-mounted TPMS sensors, so sensors will need to be installed in your car wheels for the TPMS to function. Since TPMS sensors have unique serial numbers, your Toyota dealer will have to initialize your "winter" sensors in the fall and your "summer" sensors in the spring.

Original Equipment sensors are available for $38* each and installation is included when you purchase a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. There are no functional issues if you decide to run without sensors, however you'll notice a constant warning light.

Winter/Snow Tire & Wheel Packages for FWD Siennas

Wheels and Tire Packages for the front-wheel drive Sienna are available with the 235/60-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on the 17x7.5 Silver Machined Elbrus I05 for $1012** plus shipping. Plus, the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 is a great contender, however, winter inventory can move quickly, so be sure to place your order well before the snow begins to fall. 

235/60-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70

17x7.5 Silver Machine Elbrus I05

The 235/55-18 Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 on 18x8" Bright Silver Painted Sport Edition SE-14 wheels is priced at $1,224.00** plus shipping.

235/55-18 Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2

18x8 Bright Silver Sport Edition SE-14

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Packages for AWD Siennas

Since there are no 235/60-17 run-flat winter / snow tires, AWD Sienna drivers should look at the 235/55-18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 RFT on Sport Edition SE-14 wheels for $1728*** plus shipping (the LM-60 RFT is the only compatible 235/55-18 run-flat winter / snow tire).

235/55-18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 RFT

18x8 Bright Silver Sport Edition SE-14

2011 Toyota Sienna Winter / Snow FAQ:

1. Does Tire Rack offer steel wheels for the 2011 Sienna?

No, there are no compatible 16" or 17" steel wheels currently available.

2. Will my 16" wheels and tires from my old Sienna fit?

No, unfortunately your old 16" wheels won't clear the larger brakes in the 2011 model.

*Prices subject to change
**Prices subject to change, excluding sensors
***Prices subject to change, including senors

Create your perfect Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!

As a sales specialist at Tire Rack, I get the opportunity to test all of the tires we sell. This includes performance auto tires, Passenger All-Season tires, truck tires and more. Occasionally, I like to step outside the box and review products that don't catch as much attention on our test track as the tires. It's nice being able to recommend all products we carry to customers through first-hand experience.

Having recently purchased a Mitsubishi Eclipse to use during the winter months, this vehicle was long overdue for random maintenance. One project at the top of my list was to fix the vehicle's brake system. Following years of driving abuse, the brake pad's metal backing plate had worn its way into the OEM rotors surface prompting immediate need for replacement brake rotors. 

Many vehicles on the road today have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or some kind of stability control. These features help the vehicle to maximize the available traction. Having said that, it may be concluded that these safety features negate or reduce the need for a winter / snow tire. However, these safety features can not provide more traction. They merely assist the driver with braking, cornering, acceleration and utilizing the existing traction. By switching out to a dedicated winter solution for the colder months, you now have the right tool to get the job done. Your available traction on the ice and snow will increase dramatically, in some cases upwards of 40% or more. For more information on how switching to new winter / snow tires can affect traction, read "Traction, Confidence and Control."

Snow and ice are the most challenging conditions drivers typically face; and the tires you choose can make a big difference. Today's dedicated winter / snow tires have proven to be able to blend good noise, comfort and winter traction. Take a look at, "Testing on Ice: Winter / Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires" to see the difference winter / snow tires make to the traction and control of your vehicle in winter driving.

Shop by vehicle to find the winter / snow tire that works best for your vehicle.

We have many Canadian drivers who call us to see how ordering from Tire Rack works on orders shipped to Canada. Using UPS Canada, orders can be delivered to your home, office or mechanic's shop or a Recommended Installer that's just across the border in the U.S. (we also have a few in Canada, but the selection is limited).

Shipping Directly to Canada:

When we ship directly to Canada, we'll calculate all duties and taxes, and all fees are paid up-front as part of your order total. You won't receive a  second bill for duties, taxes or other fees. Canadian orders are shipped by UPS Canada and most orders arrive within 2-5 business days.

Shipping to a Recommended Installer in the United States:

Do you reside close to the U.S. border? If so, you can find a Recommended Installer by entering a United States zip code.

If you're in the Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchen or Hamilton area then you can visit an installer in Niagara Falls, New York (14304) or Buffalo (14203).  Will you be shopping at the Walden Galleria Mall when you're in town? Then take a look at Recommended Installers in the zip code of 14225.

Below are a few more installers that may interest you if you live near the United States:

• If you're in Kingston or Ottawa area then visit an installer near Watertown, New York (13601).
• Canadian residents in Fredericton, Moncton and St. Johns are close to installers in Houlton, Maine (04730).
• And if you're from the 403 area code of Alberta then the 59401 zip code of Great Falls, Montana can assist you.

Once find your installer you'll see the respective installation costs and other information. 

Using the hypothetical case of Torrie from Toronto in her 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 who drives 15,000 km at 10-20 km/h above the posted speed limit,  a great choice for good wet grip, overall handling, good ride comfort and low tread noise is the 215/60-16 Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology at $95* plus shipping. Shipping cost to Monro Muffler and Brake in Buffalo, New York is $52* so we'll bill Torrie's credit card $432*. 

The installer's page shows installation costs of $14.50* per tire on tires that are 60 Series and higher in size. With 215/60-16 being a 60 Series size (Series and aspect ratio are the same), each tire costs $14.50 to install. Disposal of each tire is $2.00* and this installer charges $2 per tire on vehicles equipped with direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors. So Torrie's installation cost is $18.50 per tire and her net total for her new tires and installation is $506*.

With six distribution centers across the country, most orders shipped within the United States arrive within one to two business days.

Now that you know how to get your tires, shop by vehicle to find the tire that works best for your vehicle.

*Prices subject to change

Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York;
And all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
    Richard the 3rd (Act 1 Scene1) -William Shakespeare

Remember when you bought your new sport coupe or sedan last spring? You marveled at the performance, the handling, the level of grip you got on those long sweeping off ramps. Shakespeare opens his play with Richard not actually protesting his discontent, but by celebrating an upturn in his family's fortunes, much as you felt when you first purchased your new car. Well, it's autumn now, the leaves are starting to turn. That new car "made glorious summer" may lead to "the winter of discontent," if you are not prepared for it. 

If you live in the snow belt like I do, you know that sooner or later we will be battling snow, slush and ice. If you look carefully, you will probably find that your car came equipped with summer performance tires. Tires such as these provide great handling in warm temperatures but were never intended to be driven at temperatures approaching freezing, let alone on ice or snow. Attempting to drive in winter conditions on summer tires is a recipe for disaster. See the results in,"Testing on Ice: Winter / Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires."
 

   

Your new car may have come equipped with sophisticated anti-lock brakes, traction control and/or vehicle stability systems but they still rely on the friction provided by the tire on the driving surface. Do you want to continue to get full use out of your new car this winter and feel confident about your safety and that of your passengers? If you do, you should seriously consider installing a set of dedicated winter tires. See the improvement in this video:.
 

The type of winter tire you should buy, in large part, depends on the type of driving you do, and the conditions you encounter during the winter months:

•  Studless Ice and Snow tires, such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70, or the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 will provide the best possible traction for the worst weather conditions. Using this type of winter tire will improve your ability to accelerate, brake and negotiate slick corners with a new level of confidence and control.
• Performance Winter / Snow tires such as the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D and the new Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 come with higher speed ratings. They allow you to travel unplowed, snowy roads with ease while allowing you to drive clear paved roads with the type of handling you might expect from a performance all-season tire.

Whatever type of winter tire you choose, your ability to get around in bad weather this season will be dramatically improved on dedicated winter tires. In many respects, it's still winter for the restless Richard, who himself has ambitions for the throne. He attempts to bring on his own summer through manipulation, treachery and murder.

The new car smell has faded a little by now, but your car still runs and handles like new. Don't become discontented, as Richard did. Drive right through winter weather with a great set of winter tires from Tire Rack. Once you try them, I can assure you, you will never want to drive in winter without them.

Here in northern Indiana, winter tires are really a must to give you the greatest degree of mobility in the accompanying snowy and icy weather. With three vehicles and the need to store at least two sets of tires and wheels for each, I was beginning to feel buried in a sea of tires. I needed to come up with a solution to the impending chaos. Fortunately for me, Tire Rack has several tire storage options.

Choosing the right tire storage solution can reduce clutter, improve tire care and enhance safety. Solutions to tire storage range from wall mounted steel racks that hold one set of (4) tires, to covers for tires stored vertically and individual covers or totes that can help transport or store tires protected from the elements. Read Tire Rack's recommendations for storing tires safely.

The Tire Storage Rack has a flexible design that allows room for a set of tires and wheels and can be adjusted to accommodate "aggressive" tire widths. The adjustable rack quickly attaches to wall studs providing a convenient and safe storage method. Its heavy-duty construction has been load tested to a weight capacity of 400 lbs. An average Tire & Wheel Package usually only weighs in the neighborhood of 150 lbs. This systems works great for my larger SUV tires. This wall mounted storage rack is easy to install with simple hand tools as you can see in the Installation Instructions (PDF)

Another way to keep your tires organized is the Tire Garage. It allows you to store tires covered, keeping them clean, dry and protected. Tires are stored vertically to keep them organized and free up extra space in your garage or storage area. The Tire Garage is made of the same rugged, mildew resistant and weatherproof material used for boat covers. The material cleans easily and retains its color and strength after years of normal use. I chose the Tire Garage to store my son's tires as his are smaller than mine. The maximum tire diameter that this storage method can accommodate is 27". Even though the material used in this system protects tires from UV radiation, it is not recommended for outdoor use. Follow these handy Installation Instructions (PDF) for use.

Many Subaru Outback drivers chose their vehicle because of its symmetrical all-wheel drive that provides great accelerating and cornering grip in the rain and snow. With all of its advantages, the Outback is still limited by the amount of grip available with each tire. The right snow tire will let you take your vehicle even further.

To gain a better understanding of which snow tire will work best for your vehicle, read "Which Snow Tire: Studless Ice and Snow, Studdable Winter / Snow or Performance Winter / Snow?" Given the vehicle's moderate weight, all-wheel drive dynamics and go-anywhere intentions, I would recommend a Studless Ice and Snow tire.

Snow Tire Sizes

The ideal winter tire size for 2010+ Outbacks with a 2.5L engine is 215/70-16. This size is narrow enough to cut through moderate and deep snow and wide enough to handle hard-packed snow, ice and dry roads. Outbacks with a 3.6L engine should run 225/60-17 as 16" wheels won't clear the larger brakes of the 3.6L Outback.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Each wheel has a valve stem-mounted TPMS sensor that you can run with or without for winter driving. If you decide to run without the TPMS sensors, you'll see a warning light, but there are no functional issues associated with the light. And if you're in need of O.E. TPMS sensors, we have them available for $36* each. Your Subaru dealer will have to initialize your winter sensors in the fall and your summer sensors in the spring. For a better understanding on using TPMS sensors, read "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Servicing."

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for 3.6L Outbacks

For 3.6L engine Outbacks, one of the best package options is the 225/60R17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on 17x7.5" Sport Edition A7 wheels at $936** plus shipping. The Blizzak WS70 uses Bridgestone's NanoPro-Tech silica-enhanced Tube Multicell compound for superior ice and packed-snow grip.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Sport Edition A7

And between August 29, 2011 and September 30, 2011, you can receive an American Express®-branded Reward Card valued at $50 when you purchase a set of four Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 tires. See promotion details here.

*Prices subject to change
**Excluding TPMS sensors

The General Grabber HTS is a Highway All-Season tire developed for the drivers of crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and full-size vans looking for pleasant road manners and a long life while providing year-round traction.

Duragen technology is the use of ultra-strong steel belts with a microfiber casing. Combined with a broad tire contour that results in greater stability, the adaptive performance delivers exceptional traction, responsive handling and a steady ride. This is done through the use of Stabilink bars, where the system of connecting the tread elements enhances stability. Drivers will see the benefit in acceleration, cornering and confidence in their braking. The response grooves and hydro channels are specifically designed to eject water while also giving directional guidance, which is very useful when experiencing a hydroplaning situation.

The General Grabber HTS is not only about performance as it also delivers a fantastic ride. Noise capturing pockets provide a remarkably comfortable and quiet ride by absorbing high and low frequencies. In addition, impact suppression tread blocks provide a quiet, more comfortable ride by design. General's Eco-Ride technology reduces rolling resistance by 15% compared to other General tires, which ultimately saves you money on fuel. Take a look at what customers are saying about their experience with the General Grabber HTS:

"These HTS tires are the best tires I have put on any of the SUVs I've owned. They wear evenly, get great fuel mileage and are great in any weather condition. In the dry, I am not afraid to take a corner and on the gravel roads that I travel every day, they just won't fish tail like my previous set of tires." -- Tire Rack Consumer, 2000 Ford Expedition

"I recently purchased the Grabber HTS tires for my Honda Pilot and immediately saw an increase in ride comfort, noise and traction over the O.E. tires. I would definitely recommend these tires for the price, road comfort, traction and road noise." -- Tire Rack Consumer, 2009 Honda Pilot

The Grabber HTS has been one of the top-rated tires by our customers for years. View Tire Survey Results here. 

As summer comes to a close and the leaves prepare to turn, don't let winter sneak up on you! Here at Tire Rack we begin selling many winter / snow tire options in September. Many customers have been in the circumstance of waiting until later in the season to buy and being subject to what we have left in stock, not necessarily their first choice. That is why buying early is a great idea, plus our Get Ready. Get Fifty. promotion lowers your purchase price. You can receive an American Express®-branded Reward Card valued at up to $50 when you purchase a select set of four winter tires between August 29, 2011 and September 30, 2011.

Very often I am asked, "What are the benefits of having a dedicated set of winter tires?" And simply the answer is better traction and control and more confidence behind the wheel. For example, I drive a four-wheel drive vehicle and that alone is not enough considering the braking and cornering traction needed for winter driving. For more information on driving your 4WD vehicle this winter, read "Why Electronic Drivers Aids and AWD/4WD Systems Aren't Enough (Winter)."

Also, when it comes time to select the right snow tires for your vehicle, it's important to purchase four tires and not just two. Snow tire technology has advanced considerably over the years and you need to keep equal traction at all four corners. Keeping the same level of traction with a set of four winter tires provides that the full benefits of ABS or traction control will not be lost.

Shop by vehicle to find the tire that works best for your vehicle.

No one likes having to get down on their knees to scrub brake dust off of their alloy wheels. To make the chore less difficult, take a look at Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner. Made from premium, biodegradable ingredients, the product is safe for you and the environment, while cleaning all types of wheels.

However, many enthusiasts and drivers are discovering the joy of low-dust ceramic brake pads. While most ceramic pads have a less initial "bite" compared to higher performance brake pads, ceramic pads produce a light colored dust that is much less noticeable and less likely to stick to the wheel. Ultimately, this leads to wheels maintaining a cleaner appearance longer.  

• Very low dust
• Improved braking over many inexpensive pads
• Stable friction output
• Extremely quiet
• Extended pad life
• Increased rotor life 

Read "Why Ceramic Brake Pads" to learn more about the benefits of ceramic brake pads.

After putting a nice Tire & Wheel Package on my son's car, we noticed that we could see a lot more of the brake caliper than we could with the old wheels. We had previously upgraded the brake system with good looking and great functioning Ate PremiumOne Slotted Rotors and Goodridge Stainless Steel brake hose, but the brake calipers looked dull, faded and rusty.

Rather than buy new calipers, we decided to clean and coat the existing parts with the G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem. The PaintSystem Sets are available in nine high-gloss, wear-resistant colors. Available colors include: red, yellow, blue, silver, gold, black, purple, green, white, pink and orange.

We decided to paint the brake caliper mounts silver and the calipers red, so we had to purchase two kits. The G-2 PaintSystem Set provides sufficient material to paint four brake calipers, or two brake calipers and two brake drums. However, vehicles with large brake calipers on the front axle and large brake drums on the rear axle may require two complete PaintSystem Sets to assure adequate coverage. We had plenty of paint for two coat coverage and even had half a can of each color left over when we were finished.

G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem's two-part paint system does not require caliper removal, however because we decided to use two different colors we removed and cleaned the caliper mounts. We then masked the brake hose and bleeder screw and supported the caliper at each corner with coat hangers.

G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem has a shelf life of six months and must be used between 56-70°F (13-21°C) ambient temperatures. Higher temperatures will cause paint to harden faster than normal. Unfortunately the day we had to complete this job was much warmer, so we had to work fast. We did our best to shade the area we were working in but, once the paint and reactor are mixed, there are only 4-6 hours working time. After that, paint left in the can will harden and will not be useable. I still had plenty of time to apply two coats of paint on both the calipers and the mounts. Give yourself at least two hours curing time before reinstalling wheels and don't use the vehicle for 24 hours to allow the paint to fully harden. Plan application accordingly.

The G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem Set consists of:

• Detailed Instructions
• Brake Cleaner Spray
• Brake Caliper Paint
• PaintSystem Reactor
• 1 stir stick
• 1 application brush

Since our calipers were not new and accumulated rust over the years from exposure to Northern Indiana's weather, I spent a little extra time with a wire brush, a little sand paper and a Scotch-Brite pad on the exposed metal surfaces initially. I then used the brake cleaner spray provided to degrease the surfaces to be painted and let them dry thoroughly prior to paint application.

As you can see from the photos of our final product, this kit will give your stock brake calipers the look of expensive, high performance calipers. The final coating will even help protect vital brake components from potentially harmful oils, chemicals and rust. When you are all done you will have:

• High-gloss finish
• Fade resistant colors
• Seals and protects exposed metal
• Heat-resistant up to 950º F
• Oil and chemical resistant coating

If you do it right, you can be seeing red too.

With all the talk about horsepower, torque, 0-60 times and top speed, what often gets overlooked is the performance of a vehicle's braking system. Let's face it, how important is 600 bhp and a 0-60 in 2.9 seconds if your car takes a country mile to stop? This may be obvious to some, but ask yourself when was the last time you saw a commercial for a car or truck bragging about engine performance without ever mentioning the brakes?
 
Brake pads, referred to in the industry as friction material, are the least expensive component of the braking system, yet they offer the most impact on performance. Like tires, not all brake pads provide the same performance characteristics and it's important to know which products best fit the vehicle and the driver's needs.

Ceramic pads are designed for very low dust and noise, but compromise on braking force. Ceramic pads are O.E. on most domestic and Japanese coupes and sedans.  

Semi-metallic pads provide maximum braking force or bite but are louder and leave heavier dust on a car's wheels. These pads are commonly O.E. for performance European vehicles and the most aggressive semi-metallic pads are used in specialty applications such as cars used in racing events.

Composite friction material offers a balance between braking force and low dust/noise. Think of these pads as a happy medium over ceramic and semi-metallic.

Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads

Hawk Blue 9012 Track Only Pads

Satisfied GranSport 6 Pads

Shop by vehicle to find the brake components that work best for your vehicle.

As soon as you see ATE PremiumOne® Rotors, you know they’re different. A distinctive set of elliptical grooves have been machined into the rotor face. A satin silver coating covers the entire rotor.

The patented RotorLife® Elliptical Groove Wear Indicator and MetaCote® protective coating deliver performance and convenience unequalled in other rotor lines.

The unique pattern you see on the face of the ATE PremiumOne Rotor is the RotorLife Elliptical Groove Wear Indicator. It’s a groove cut into the rotor surface at complementary angles to allow heat and gases to escape more easily from under the brake pad when it’s in contact with the rotor. Moving the gases out quickly reduces brake fade and extends pad life.

As an added feature, the RotorLife Groove shows you when it’s time to replace the rotor. When the groove’s worn away, it’s time for new rotors – simple as that.

Most rotors look good when they are first installed. But, after only a few trips their looks start to fade. They develop rust around the edges of the rotor face –- and sometimes over the whole rotor face -– making your car’s appearance less than it could be.

MetaCote protective coating provides an attractive, durable surface that helps prevent rust and corrosion and sheds water and dirt, to maintain a clean appearance. MetaCote protects against road salt, brake fluid and other corrosives, and it looks great behind alloy wheels. MetaCote also eliminates the need to use removeable coatings that need to be cleaned off prior to use, saving installation time.

"These brake rotors are great. Way better than OEM rotors. Car stops on a dime now even at highway speeds. I am very impressed with the product and would buy these rotors for every car I buy and the price is not that expensive for a slotted rotor." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review

ATE PremiumOne Rotors all feature an application-specific design. The brake parts that ATE make for your vehicle have been engineered to work with your vehicle’s brake system, vehicle weight and handling characteristics.

Unlike other rotors that take a one-size-fits-all approach, ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Rotors are based on the Original Equipment design and engineered to tighter tolerances.