Brake System

Do you have a light truck or SUV that needs to increase stopping power beyond the current O.E. brakes? If you use your light truck or SUV for hauling or towing heavy loads and need a brake pad that can handle the high temperatures and extreme forces these vehicles encounter, you may need to consider a purpose built, heavy duty or severe duty brake pad. The Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads, Hawk HP Super Duty Brake Pads and Satisfied Pro SUV Pads will be able to deliver stopping power beyond your vehicle's stock brake pads.   

Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads

Hawk HP Super Duty Brake Pads

Satisfied Pro SUV Pads

Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads - Designed for heavier vehicles with large brake systems likely to experience higher temperatures that require excellent heat dissipation characteristics.

• Improved braking over standard replacement pads
• Smooth engagement
• Low noise output
• Low dust output
• Extended pad life
• Increased rotor life

Hawk HP Super Duty Pads - Hawk's Super Duty Ferro-Carbon material is engineered for severe-duty professional truck fleets, as well as trucks and SUVs frequently carrying or towing heavy loads. This material offers unmatched performance under high inertia and/or repetitive braking applications.

• Stable friction output
• Extremely fade resistant
• Extended pad life
• Increased rotor life
• Much improved braking over O.E. pads

Satisfied Pro SUV Pads - Severe duty semi-metallic disc brake pads that meet the high-heat and high-speed demands of light truck applications, making them ideal for heavy vehicles that also tow.

• Require less pedal pressure
• Extend the life of the braking system
• GridLock Technology to bond the friction material to the backing plate to eliminate torque shear and heat separation
• 30-Day Satisfaction Pledge

Before setting off on your summer adventures, take some time to check your car over to ensure everything is in good running condition. A little bit of time spent in advance can save a lot of time and trouble on the road. The following is a good basic checklist to help get your vehicle prepared to take you wherever you want to go:

1. Brakes - Since many traction control systems use the brakes to prevent wheelspin, they may be working extra hard during your winter driving in the snow. Therefore, it's a good idea to get your brake pads inspected once the weather begins to heat up. Checking your pads is easy when replacing your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for your summer options since the wheels will be off. There should be a noticeable thickness of pad material between the backing plate and the rotor. If the pads need to be replaced, there are cleaner, higher performing pad compounds available. Take a look at "Brake Pad or Rotor Inspection & Replacement" to gain a better understanding if it's time for new pads.
    
2. Lighting - Recruit a friend or family member to stand outside the car while you turn on the vehicle's headlights, high beams, turn signals and step on the brakes. If they tell you one of those lights isn't working properly, take a look at our lighting options from Hella and PIAA to improve your visibility.
    
3. Tire Pressure - Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy, hydroplaning resistance and tire life. Make sure all four tires are inflated to the vehicle's specifications found in your owner's manual or on the door placard. Don't forget to check your spare tire, too. Also, be sure to have an air gauge in your car so you can check your tire's pressure while traveling.
    
4. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) - These systems only report tires that are significantly under-inflated, so checking tires yourself is still a good idea even if your car has TPMS sensors. While you're checking your tires' air pressure, also inspect them for damage and wear.
    
5. Jack and Lug Wrench - If you're relying on a spare tire in case of a flat, make sure that you have a working jack and lug wrench. It's nice to have something to serve as a wheel chock to make sure the car doesn't shift and fall off the jack. Something as simple as a block of wood will do. If you have custom wheels, it's important to make sure the lug wrench fits. The wheels could also have locks, so don't get stranded without the key! And since the lug nuts are different from stock, have some stock lugs for the spare.
    
6. Belts and Hoses - Check them for dry, cracking or rotting as the rubber may give way at an inconvenient time. Replacing these items is usually fairly inexpensive, and can save you trouble.
    
7. Check Fluids - Checking oil regularly is a good idea for any car, especially older vehicles that may be more prone to leak or burn oil. Even some newer cars can consume up to a quart every 1,000 miles. Make sure to check your coolant as well. Warmer weather can be harder on your cooling system and you want to be sure it's up to the task.
    
8. Windshield Wipers - Driving at highway speeds in the rain can be a challenge. Make sure that your wipers have survived the winter in good working order. Even with good wiper blades, consider applying a water-beading treatment from Aquapel to improve your vision in the rain.

Switching out your vehicle's heavy, factory steel or alloy wheels is one of the easiest bolt-on performance upgrades for your track vehicle. Just by switching to a lighter weight wheel, your car will instantly feel quicker and respond better compared to your stock wheels. The rotational force to get a lighter weight wheel to move and stop is less, therefore the engine and braking system of the car can now respond quicker. Reducing the unsprung weight by switching to a wheel with less weight will also reap benefits when cornering - as the shocks and springs will have less weight to dampen during rebound and compression - keeping the car more stable on the track.

Typically, the answer to a lighter wheel is purchasing a fully forged alloy wheel, however, this option can be expensive. There are many highly engineered cast alloy options that are more affordable and provide a great bang for your buck.

Kosei K1 Racing

Kosei K1 TS

Enkei RPF1

 

Enkei PF01

TRMotorsports MT1

TRMotorsports C1

These wheels are designed to achieve the strongest wheel possible using the least amount of material. Many cast wheels are created the opposite way from a track wheel: form over function. The wheel looks good, so people want to put it on their car and dress up their ride. A track wheel is designed to provide the function of being lightweight over the appearance of the chrome clad bling you can add to your car.

Many autocross and road race customers have had excellent results with Kosei K1 Racing, Kosei K1 TS, Enkei RPF1, Enkei PF01, TRMotorsports MT1 and TRMotorsports C1. And some of these wheels start at an astonishing 13.5 lbs. in 15x7!

Upgrading a vehicle's braking system is one of the easiest ways to increase driving performance and decrease lap times for any track event. The most common mindset a driver has is: "I need to make my track car go faster," but top-speed or acceleration is only half of the battle. Just because a track car is the fastest doesn't mean it'll finish first.  
 

The fastest car on the track will get you from corner to corner faster, but if the braking system is lacking in power the driver will need to brake sooner and for longer than a slower competitor with an upgraded braking system. Therefore, while you may be blazing by competitors on the straight-aways or make up time in between turns in an autocross event, the car with the better stopping power can carry a higher speed for longer into a turn, thus decreasing overall lap times. Decelerating is just as important to a track car as accelerating.

 

Hawk Blue 9012 Track Only Pads

Hawk DTC60 Track Only Pads

The easiest way to upgrade the braking system on any track car is to switch to a dedicated track only pad. These pads are not intended for street use as the friction material is too aggressive for everyday use, creating more brake dust and noise than your typical brake pad. However, they provide an unparalleled amount of stopping power that no street pad can match.
 

For lower speed autocross events and casual lapping days, Hawk has the Blue 9012 Track Only Pads and slightly less aggressive Black Track Only Pads. If you'll be autocrossing, lapping or road racing at higher speeds then consider the Hawk HT-10, DTC70, HT-14 and DTC60 pads.
 

Find brake pads online for your track vehicle when you shop by vehicle.

Brand new for 2012, BFGoodrich has reintroduced a new and improved Ultra High Performance Summer tire. The g-Force Sport COMP-2 is designed for high performance sports cars and modern muscle. It's engineered to accelerate faster, corner harder and brake in a shorter amount of distance. At first glance, it looks similar to its predecessor, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport, but there are big differences.
 

The tire features a new silica-infused COMP-2 compound that's derived from racing technology and delivers a sharp steering response and grip in wet and dry conditions without sacrificing treadwear.
 

g-Force Sport COMP-2 tires feature BFGoodrich’s Performance Racing Core (PRC) internal structure that includes twin, high tensile steel belts reinforced by an enhanced ETEC System (Equal TEnsion Containment) of spirally wound nylon that stabilizes the tread area to optimize the contact patch for traction at speed and in hard cornering. Also, g-Control sidewall inserts featuring up to a 40% higher sidewall stiffening structure help improve lateral stability and cornering precision.
 

This tire is a great fit for cars such as the new Chevrolet Camaro SS, Nissan 370Z, VW GTI and many others.

Many vehicles are offered with optional sport packages which usually include upgrades to the engine, wheels, tires and braking system. When replacing your current rotors be sure you're getting the same level of performance from your new rotors. Centric takes the guess work out of purchasing Original Equipment replacement rotors.  
 

If you own a performance vehicle like the Audi RS4, Porsche 911, Corvette or BMW M3 that came with factory cross-drilled and vented rotors, the Centric Plain 120 Series Rotors will be made to the exact specifications.
 

Plain 120 Series Rotors feature a layer of Electrocoating that provides long lasting corrosion protection. The black Electrocoating is applied to the entire rotor with the exception of the braking surface which gives a more attractive rust-free appearance when compared to your Original Equipment rotors.
 

Centric also offers value-added benefits such as balancing, split castings for better heat transfer and a double disc ground braking surface for a non-directional friction area.
 

When looking for brakes online, be sure to shop by vehicle.

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.

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 A

*Prices subject to change
**Excluding TPMS sensors