The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires function perfectly as Lexus tires. For example, they enhance the performance levels of this IS F during the summer months. And as members of Michelin's family of low-profile, high-speed tires—they're the epitome of world class dry road traction, handling and cornering.
See what other Lexus drivers are saying:
"Michelin hit a home run with these performance asymmetrical tires. My Pilot PS2s rip. Quiet as you could ever hope! Fantastic tire in the rain. Tire at speed is rock solid! Buy these tires. They will impress you." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Lexus GS400, CA
"These tires stick like glue! The braking performance is insane too. I even got caught in light snow and they were surprisingly good in the snow." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Lexus GS3500, NY
Details make a difference. Like red stripes on the front or Volkswagen tires on the wheels. And when it comes to picking those VW tires, vehicle details—like model and year—make a big difference.
At Tire Rack, we do our best to maintain an inventory with a wide variety of tires. However, not all of those tires are meant for a Volkswagen or, more specifically, a GTI. For example, we outfitted this GTI with Continental ContiSportContact 3 tires—Max Performance Summer tires that combine outstanding braking capability with excellent steering response. But if you live in an area that sees some snow, you might be more interested in All-Season or Winter / Snow tires.
And that's where our expertise plays a role. We'll help you determine what you need. Our Tire Decision Guide is a great place to start, or search by vehicle. And you can always give us a call.
To be specific, the Audi tires we speak of are Continental ContiProContact tires. And as an Ultra High Performance Summer tires, wet and dry traction will always belong to you, the driver.
Buy Continental tires from Tire Rack before April 10 and you'll also own a free TomTom™ EASE GPS system. Any purchase equaling $440 or more will qualify you for this great deal.
Search all Continental tires for sale to find a set that works on your Audi. And while you're at it, you might want to consider purchasing a set of wheels, perhaps the O.Z. Crono HT wheels shown above. Or maybe some aftermarket Audi brake pads. At Tire Rack, we do our best to be your one-stop aftermarket shop.
With harsh winter weather dying down (hopefully), it's time to make sure your Acura is ready for spring and summer driving.
If you've been rolling on winter / snow tires, you may want to consider purchasing a new set of Acura tires. You don't have to worry about ice and snow anymore, so it's time for a tire that'll let you have some driving fun—without compromising safety, of course. We put Yokohama AVID H4S tires on the MDX below. (In fact, these tires are High Performance All-Season tires, which would carry you through the winter if your winter / snow tires have seen enough action.) In addition to the Acura tires, you may want to check out your brakes. A new set of Acura brake pads may be necessary, given the white-knuckle driving you've been doing on those unpredictable winter roads.
If you enter our Upgrade Garage, we'll show you a variety of aftermarket upgrades for your Acura. Including wheels, like the Sport Edition ST5 wheels shown above. Pick the products you want, and we'll get them to you as soon as possible.
You'll be out on those sunny spring roads in no time.
A recent customer was asking what the Recommended Installer Program is all about. I believe the Recommended Installer Program can help the newest customer to Tire Rack or one that has been with us from day one over 30 years ago. Tire Rack has a network of over 5,000 local independent Recommended Installers ready to handle your installation needs. The basic idea is to provide a reputable source in each local market to install products purchased through Tire Rack. The basic process of the program is as follows:
Select the products for your vehicle and add them to your cart.
During check out select the Recommended Installer you like.
Your tires can even be shipped directly to the Recommended Installer.
Before the tires arrive at the Installer, call for an appointment and then drive in for the installation.
All Tire Rack-approved Recommended Installers are carefully screened to ensure they have the right equipment and experience to satisfactorily serve our customers. In fact, to become a Recommended Installer a company must:
1. Use proper mounting and balancing equipment. 2. Employ properly trained technicians. 3. Be an automotive business that can offer additional services to customers. 4. Possess a positive attitude and the ability to treat Tire Rack’s customers with the highest level of professional courtesy.
So not every local shop can become a Recommended Installer.
A few thoughts I have concerning the best Recommended Installer for you.
Find someone convenient to your schedule and location
When viewing Recommended Installers Click "Select/More Info" to see the following:
Read some of the lastest reviews by other consumers
View the overall results (rated 1-5 stars, 5 being the best)
Most Installers also include pictures of their location
See where the installer is located prior to arrival
Summer is quick upon us and what better time to order your custom OZ wheels for your car.
In 2006, Tire Rack became the North American distributor for O.Z. wheels. This exclusive partnership includes O.Z.'s prestigious, custom 3-piece wheel program.
This program allows Tire Rack the opportunity to maximize wheel fitment without the limitations associated with one-piece wheels. Tire Rack's fitment specialists work to find the best balance between required brake clearance and maximum outer lip depth for the most aggressive appearance.
Applications are available for many of the world's most exotic cars including Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche. But you don't have to own an exotic car to enjoy the quality and prestige of an O.Z. Racing Tuner System wheel. Wheels are available for a wide variety of luxury and performance cars, as well.
Ever thought to buy brake pads and rotors online? With Tire Rack you can buy brake pads and brake rotors of your choice shipped to you, or your installer. Tire Rack has brake components to fit your vehicle broken down into four performance categories to help with the selection process.
About a year ago, I noticed my Chevy Impala's brake system was not performing like I remembered. The Impala is used to get me back and forth to work in an efficient manor. All I needed was an Original Equipment replacement level brake product. I selected the Akebono ProACT Ceramic Brake Pads from the Premium Brake Pad category. I always like to use the products Tire Rack carries to see for myself how they work in the field, so I made the purchase and got to work updating the Impala with my new Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads.
The Akebono ProAct Ceramic Pads have met my expectations. They work well in rain and dry conditions and do not make a lot of dust. One thing I did notice during winter driving is the Akebono ProAct Ceramic Pads do have a little more initial bite as the front wheels have locked up a few more times than last winter with my O.E. brake pads (no ABS on the Impala). No worries; a small change to my braking style and I'm happy with the overall performance of the brake system on my car.
Not to forget the brake rotors, as its always a great time to replace brake rotors and brake pads at the same time. The Centric Premium Rotor is a great Original Equipment replacement rotor. One thing I really like about the Centric Premium Rotor is the Electrocoating (E-coating) black finish. The finish really makes the rotors look sharp especially if you have a wheel that shows the rotors or, have a winter wheel that shows the rotor more than the summer wheels.
Check to see which rotors or brake pads work best for your car at Tire Rack. Tire Rack has many brake system options to chose from. I just wanted something like the Original Equipment brake system. You may want to step it up for some additional performance. Tire Rack can offer you the custom brake pad and rotor package to meet your needs.
Technically speaking, the answer is no. They're very different.
It's fairly obvious that an SUV is larger and therefore weighs more than a car. To reference Sir Isaac Newton, that means a greater force will be needed to stop an SUV when it is in motion. It's the law of physics, and we've made it the law of brakes, too.
SUV brakes take into account stop and go traffic in a larger, heavier vehicle. Also towing, and the fact that SUV wheels and tires are usually larger than those on passenger vehicles. It's important to note, however, that not all Original Equipment or high ceramic pads are capable of handling these factors. And that's why SUV brake pads are so important—because they were designed with all of these factors in mind.
They were designed to reduce stopping distance and pedal effort, which makes vehicle operation even safer.
Outfit your light truck or SUV with SUV-specific brake components to increase your margin of safety and to improve your vehicle's stopping performance. Shop by vehicle, and Tire Rack will produce a list of suitable options.
Like the many tire options available at the Tire Rack. There are quite a few brake pads available. Tire Rack carries Hawk brake pads. Hawk brakes do a good job offering brake pads in each performance category to enhance your brake system.
For high-speed driving, or repetitive heavy braking. Offering 20-40% more stopping power and higher resistance to brake fade than most Original Equipment brake pads.
Check the Hawk Brake products by clicking the links above. Tire Rack also has brake survey reviews if you would like to view them as well as a red colored dot system showing the Stopping Power rating, Low Noise Rating, and Low Dust Rating of each brake pad we carry.
We are happy to announce some new members to our aftermarket wheel family. While many choose alloy wheels for their custom look, there are equally important performance benefits including reduced weight compared to steel wheels that result in improved acceleration and braking. Added strength and increased brake cooling are advantages, as well.
And, when you add tires and create a Tire and Wheel package, your package is precision mounted and balanced at no charge and includes everything you'll need for easy, bolt-on installation at home. TPMS sensors, when purchased as part of a package, are installed free of charge, too. Buy your tire and wheel package today and beat the spring rush!
Below are new brands for 2010!!
/>
Focal wheels, Ultra Wheel Company's line of tuner wheels, are designed and engineered specifically for small performance cars. Featuring quality construction via state-of-the-art tooling and the latest manufacturing methods, Focal wheels are backed by a lifetime structural warranty.
Platinum wheels offer enhanced styling for today's passenger cars and SUVs. Quality control standards set by Ultra Wheels ensure durability and improved performance backed by a lifetime structural warranty. Match them to performance tire of your choice!
Sparco. In 2009, Sparco and O.Z. Racing announced their partnership resulting in an exclusive collection of wheels featuring both companies' Italian design heritage and motorsports background, as well as their commitment to using the highest quality materials and O.E.M construction technologies. O.Z.'s licensed Sparco wheels are TUV certified and tested using the LBF biaxial test. This rigorous testing procedure runs each wheel through a 15,000 km stress test simulating the driving conditions of the Nurburgring circuit to ensure quality and safety is built into every Sparco wheel.
My Blazer had Winterforce tires installed when I purchased it. Here is the information I offer when customers call with questions about this tire from my first hand feeling for how good these snow tires really are.
The Good
Their deep and light snow traction is very good. I found that braking, acceleration and turning can be done with little concern.
The Bad
The ice traction of these tires is not as strong. I think my all-seasons are almost as good when it comes to stopping on ice. I have experienced many ABS-assisted stops this winter. My performance winters, Dunlop Winter Sport 3D, have much better ice traction ability. The Winterforce are also on the noisy side. The Winterforce can be studded to give them much greater traction on ice. This will make them nosier still, and not as good on wet or dry roads. Also, studding is not allowed in all areas.
The Conclusion
The redeeming features of the Winterforce tires are that they are a competent winter tire at an inexpensive price. Even though they aren't the best, they are a much better overall tire for the winter than any all-season option. If you can upgrade to a better tire like the Bridgestone Blizzaks I would suggest it. That is what I am going to do next winter.
As an online wheel shop, Tire Rack understands the importance of "try before you buy." We do everything we can to make sure that what you see on your computer screen is, in fact, exactly what you'll get. And we've created a virtual playground so you can literally try on wheels before you buy them.
The Upgrade Garage takes your vehicle's make, model and year and creates a representation of it. In addition, we'll show you a list of wheels that fit. Pick the wheels you like and we'll virtually install them to create an accurate representation of the real thing. It's easy... And it's informative, because the Upgrade Garage doesn't stop at wheels. You're well aware of the fact that we're an online tire retailer, so of course we'll show you tires that fit your vehicle. In fact, the Upgrade Garage introduces you to a wide variety of aftermarket products like brakes, suspension, bulbs and batteries for your vehicle, too. You just can't virtually install them on your vehicle like you can wheels.
It's one-stop shopping. And it's fun, too. Come play.
Are you looking for some serious stopping power for your late model sports car? Do your rotors and calipers show through your wheels and you need a much bigger and better look?
Brembo Big Brake KITS are for you!
Magazine cover looks with road racing stopping power. What could be better?
Gran Turismo Kits are the complete caliper, line and rotor kit for your vehicle.
The Turismo Brake Systems are big brakes on a budget, utilizing your calipers in the assembly. This kit matched with some caliper paint could be the perfect "budget big brake kit" solution.
Are you looking for more initial bite and grab with your brake pads? Do you always buy the best in tires like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Continental? The Hawk HPS pad is the pad for you!
From a heavier vehicle to a sporty compact, the Hawk HPS pads are some of the best pads money can buy. Best-in-class stopping power, initial bite, and livable road manners! Low dust, quiet and long lasting. Perfect pairing for your BMW, Miata, 350Z, Mustang or even the family sedan or mini van!
"I wanted something that would perform better than stock and this combo fit the bill." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review
"Stopping distance in my VW Golf has been reduced from 164ft@60mph to 133ft@60mph (G-Tech readings)" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review
Like all of the brake components we carry, Cryo-Stop Premium Rotors blend quality with innovation. We're particular when it comes time to replace brake rotors, and we're sure you are, too. So check out the ways Cryo-Stop's manufacturing process makes their rotors ones to consider. Cryo-Stop rotors feature an electrostatically applied finish (an "E-coating") that covers every last bit of the rotor—which is something typical spray-on finishes can't necessarily claim.
So what's the advantage? Long lasting corrosion protection. And we do mean long lasting. The E-coating is actually formulated to withstand over 400 hours of saltwater exposure without rusting.
They are also cryogenically treated, which means they're cooled to -300 degrees F and then slowly brought back to room temperature. This process positively affects the metal to a point where it'll last up to three times as long as untreated rotors.
ATE ("Ah-Tay") brake pads come from one of the world's leading brake system manufacturers, Continental Automotive Systems—and we've put these brake pads online just for you.
Combining innovative technology with quality materials and expert engineering, ATE brake pads meet and exceed O.E. performance and safety standards across the board. And across the pond. ATE has been a trusted brake pad brand in Europe for over 100 years, and that proven expertise is something we at Tire Rack are very excited to share with our customers. Our list of ATE products includes the PremiumOne™ brake pads. Advanced friction formulations enhance pad performance, reduce wheel dusting and extend pad life while shims, chamfers and slots minimize excess noise. These are excellent O.E. replacement options for both domestic and Asian vehicles alike.
Aftermarket bulbs increase your margin of safety and enhance the appearance of your vehicle; so if you haven't put them on your F150 yet, you might want to consider the LED Tail Light/Third Brake Light Kit from Hella (shown). The kit includes two tail lights, a cab-mounted stop lamp and a complete set of installation instructions—and installation, of course, is really easy.
In addition, you can add to the kit above with a Grille Kit featuring Halogen or Xenon driving lamps. You can also choose a Blackout Head Lamp Kit.
When you install a new set of performance wheels & tires, you can't help but notice how awesome they look. They're shiny, so clean...and incredibly impressive.
Enter brake dust, salt, stones, cinders and tar. The nemesis of any new performance rims and tires.
Very quickly, your rim & tires can become the dirtiest part of your car. And consequently, damage caused by prolonged exposure to these troublemakers can void your wheel warranty. The solution? Keep your tires and wheels clean. Here's how:
1. Coat your wheels with wax before you install them, and then periodically throughout use. This will ultimately make them much easier to clean.
2. Treat your tires and wheels much like you treat your car—with a little soapy water and a sponge. (Just make sure the soap is mild, not abrasive. And the sponge should be soft, not a steel wool pad.)
3. Use a tar and/or bug remover to prevent permanent staining.
4. Scope out automatic car washes before you enter. Some use acid-based cleaners and stiff brushes, both of which can cause damage. (To your vehicle, too!)
Read more and then take a look at our collection of Griot's Garage products to help you keep your tires and wheels looking like new.
Low rolling resistance tires are helping put money back in your pocket at the pump! Last summer the Tire Rack conducted tire testing on the latest generation of low rolling resistance tires. We used the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicle as this was the best platform to include all the low rolling resistance fuel efficient tires
Even if you do not own a hybrid you are not excluded you from using a low rolling resistance tire. As you look through the low rolling resistance tires you will see there are new sizes added to fit many modern sedans and passenger vehicles.
Check out the Fuel Economy Results from the Road Ride testing using the 2009 Toyota Prius.
*Calculated based on GPS distances and ScanGage II recorded consumption (offset 6% for Prius Summer E10 regular grade fuel).
If your goal is better fuel economy for your commuter vehicle then these tires will be well suited for you. They however, may not be the best option for one that does drive with a little more "spirit." Read Switching from Worn-Out to New Tires. The new tires do have a higher rolling resistance than old ones do. The Tire Rack selected brand new tires at full tread depth from in stock inventory for the testing.
Take a look at the some of the category leaders from the Road Ride and Track Ride Testing.
The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires function perfectly as Lexus tires. For example, they enhance the performance levels of this IS F during the summer months. And as members of Michelin's family of low-profile, high-speed tires—they're the epitome of world class dry road traction, handling and cornering. 
Details make a difference. Like red stripes on the front or Volkswagen tires on the wheels. And when it comes to picking those VW tires, vehicle details—like model and year—make a big difference. 
To be specific, the Audi tires we speak of are 
In addition to the Acura tires, you may want to check out your 
Are you looking for some serious stopping power for your late model sports car? Do your rotors and calipers show through your wheels and you need a much bigger and better look?
When you install a new set of performance wheels & tires, you can't help but notice how awesome they look. They're shiny, so clean...and incredibly impressive.
Powered by Compendium Blogware