Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

Monday, February 6, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole PositionReviewer's Overall Rating: 10

2012 Honda Accord Sedan
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 4000
Location: Colorado springs, Co
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 4000 Miles on Tires
February 06, 2012

I bought a 2012 accord from the local dealer when it was the first one on the lot and immediately switched out the tires from the OEM MICHELIN HX Mxm4s and I have definitely not had a better tire. I had a set of continental extreme contact DWS previously and thes by far out shine them in every category especially ride comfort and noise. We had a snow storm recently and I couldnt feel more secure in the slush ice and snow. I would recommend these tires to everyone if they ask.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position Reviewer's Overall Rating: Not Rated

2004 BMW 545i Sedan Sport Pkg
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 100
Location: Seneca, SC
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
January 26, 2012

Just bought - 245/40 fronts and 275/35 rears. Initial thoughts - very happy so far. Ride is as soft and quiet as summer-only tires, and better than OE run-flat tires in both categories. Still breaking them in, so have not pushed performance criteria. Have driven on wet interstate at 70+ mph with no hydroplaning. No freezing conditions yet. BMW dealer recommended increasing TP by 2 psi over BMW factory specs. Will write more after driving more miles.

Keep Cruising in Your Toyota FJ Cruiser

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Cy Chowattukunnel
2012 Army Green Toyota FJ Cruiser

Doesn't this FJ Cruiser look like it's ready to go anywhere? Well, with the right winter / snow tires, it can. Your FJ Cruiser will be ready to race anywhere this winter with the proper set-up.

Winter / Snow Tire Size

Unless your FJ Cruiser has the unusual 18" or 20" optional wheels, you either have an Original Equipment size of 265/70-17 (31.6" overall diameter) or 265/75-16 (31.7").

Either the 245/75-17 (31.5") size for deep snow areas like Anchorage, Alaska or the 265/70-17 for moderate snow areas such as Cincinnati, Ohio are good size choices. The narrower tire cuts through deeper snow better, while the wider tire drives more like your all-season tires for those better weather days.
 
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Toyota uses valve-stem mounted direct TPMS sensors which are $71* each. Your Toyota dealer must initialize your winter sensors as well as your summer sensors when your second set of tires is installed in the spring.

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice and Snow Tire

For Anchorage, Alaska, which averages over 100 inches of snow a year, the narrower 245/75-17 Blizzak DM-V1 on a 17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition TK6 at $1,396** would be a great selection.

245/75-17 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1
245/75-17 Bridgestone
Blizzak DM-V1
17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition TK6
17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted
Sport Edition TK6

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Studless Ice & Snow Tire


For Cincinnati, Ohio which averages a moderate amount of snow a year, the wider 265/70-17 Continental ExtremeWinterContact on the 17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition TK6 at $1,440** is a suitable combination.

265/70-17 Continental ExtremeWinterContact
265/70-17 Continental
ExtremeWinterContact
17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition TK6
17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted
Sport Edition TK6

Toyota FJ Cruiser FAQ:
  1. Does the Sport Edition TK6 have the same offset as my Original Equipment wheel? Both the 17x7.5" and 16x7" O.E. wheels have a 15 mm offset, therefore there is a 5mm difference when compared to the Sport Edition TK6. 

  2. I noticed that some of the 16" winter / snow tire options are Load E 10-ply rated. What's the disadvantage of using a load range E 10-ply rated snow tire? A load range E 10-ply rated tire has heavier construction that allows it to carry more weight than a standard load tire. Your FJ Cruiser doesn't need a load range E 10-ply rated radial as each standard load O.E. tire carries 2,535 lbs. The downside to this heavier construction is additional rotational weight negatively affects fuel economy. For example, the standard load O.E. 265/70-17 Bridgestone Dueler H/T D684 II weighs 39 lbs., while the 265/75-16 load range E 10-ply rated Blizzak W965 weighs 53 lbs.
*Prices subject to change
**Prices subject to change, includes TPMS sensors and excludes shipping

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity

Friday, January 6, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Turanza SerenityReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.4

2003 Honda Accord Coup V6
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 1500
Location: Meridian, ID
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 1500 Miles on Tires
January 04, 2012

This is an excellent all season tire. I recently returned from a 1,000+ mile trip across the Pacific Northwest under typical winter conditions. The tires handled very well in dry, very wet and cold situations. Temporary inventory shortages made them unavailable through a local dealer, but TireRack had them and was able to ship directly to my local store. I probably paid a little more after shipping and the TireRack installation "deal", but am completely satisfied.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport

Thursday, January 5, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Potenza RE760 SportReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.86

2009 BMW 328i Sedan
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 2000
Location: Houston, Tx
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 2000 Miles on Tires
January 05, 2012

The RFTs had to be replaced due to the significant road noise and terrible ride. These tires are a very good replacement at a good price. I've been pleased with the reduced road noise and improved ride (I don't feel every change in pavement with a thump). Going with no spare has a risk, but a quality travel compressor (Viair 70P) and plug kit will mitigate the risk. My BMW dealer didn't have any issues with my choice of non-RFTs.

Best Volkswagen Mark VI Tires

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by Steve Huffman
Currently, a few of Volkswagen's most popular cars with the Mark VI chassis design are the Golf and GTI. These sporty cars are quick and nimble, great on fuel economy and are a lot of fun to drive for not a lot of money.

Most VW enthusiasts love German engineering and want to get the most out of their cars. As many of you know, choosing the right tire can make a big impact on how the car rides and handles.

Many of these cars came stock with the Continental ContiProContact. While this isn't a bad choice in regards to Original Equipment, there are a few upgrades that are better performing VW tires. 

If you own a Golf equipped with 15" tires, I would suggest looking at the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. This is a great all-around, all-season tire. It has excellent traction, even in light snow. And, as the name entails, it also has a very impressive smooth and comfortable ride. If you would like to buy Goodyear tires, take a look at our wide selection of options available.

For drivers of the Golf TDI or the GTI with 17" or 18" tires, you're probably interested in more of a performance tire. When looking for an option with all-season capabilities, I would recommend the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position. This Ultra High Performance All-Season tire has excellent handling and responsiveness to go along with fantastic all-season traction.

Are you really into performance? Then you may want to consider a summer tire. A summer tire will have "sticky" traction in the dry and provide confidence in the wet. The tires' handling and steering response are second to none. When it comes time to have your Mark VI handle more like a go-kart, view the Continental ExtremeContact DW. This tire, just like the car, provides a lot of performance for a great price.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring
Goodyear Assurance
ComforTred Touring
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS
Pole Position
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Continental ExtremeContact
DW

Whether you're looking for Continental tire dealers or are leaning towards the Goodyear or Bridgestone option, shop by vehicle to get all choices that are a perfect fit for your vehicle.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Dueler H/T D689

Friday, December 16, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Dueler H/T D689Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.18

2003 Toyota Tundra Extra Cab 2wd
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 70000
Location: Herndon, VA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 70000 Miles on Tires
December 13, 2011

I am going on my 3rd set of these tires at 140,000. They were the OEM tires on my '03 Tundra and both the original set and the replacement set have lasted almost exactly 70,000 miles each and I routinely haul a 7x14 dual axle box trailer full of dirt bikes. I could probably get a few thousand more out of the current set but winter is here and I am due for an inspection so... time for a new set. I doubt I will keep the truck long enough to wear out a 3rd set but I have to get them sooner or later anyway. I do not understand any of the negative remarks, in 140,000 miles on these tires I have suffered only one puncture and had the dealer patch it rather than replace it (they offered pro-rated replacement but I did not want mis-matched tires) and that was 40k ago and I have had no further problems. Great tires, monitor your pressure and rotate regularly like you should with any tire and they will offer plenty of great service. Probably the best tires I have ever owned.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Ecsta 4X

Friday, December 16, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Kumho Ecsta 4XReviewer's Overall Rating: 9

2007 BMW 328i Sedan Base Model
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 200
Location: Fairfax, VA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 200 Miles on Tires
December 06, 2011

Finally took the dive to replace the stock bridgestone turanza el42 run-flats with these ecsta 4x. What a difference they make! Road noise and ride comfort are much improved while no noticeble difference in the cornering and road tractions. The tire shop manager i went for the tire installation (who is a bridgestone dealer) kept saying i made a mistake to replace the pricy run-flats to cheapo kumhos. But boy i am so glad i did it. Those run-flats are JUNK,JUNK,JUNK. Call me cheap but for the price ecsta 4x is unbeatable!

Best All-Season Tires for the Honda Accord

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by Steve Huffman
The Honda Accord has been one of America's best-selling cars for decades. With great styling and ample room for passengers to go along with excellent fuel economy, the Accord is a staple on the American highway. And, when the time comes to replace tires, Accord drivers should take a look at the following all-season options.

If you're in an area like the Northeast or Midwest that receives its fair share of snow, then consider the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. This tire has superior all-season traction and as its name entails, the tire offers a very smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. This Grand Touring All-Season option is currently the top-rated tire in our Tire Survey Results.

Maybe you're looking to make your Honda a little more responsive? Then check out the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position. This Ultra High Performance All-Season tire has superior handling and cornering, as well as great traction. This summer, when we compared a set of these Bridgestone tires against three competitors, the RE970AS Pole Position came out on top. A detailed report of our testing can be found by taking a look at "Testing Bridgestone's Potenza RE970AS Pole Position Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire."

Finally, if you're looking for great value, the General AltiMAX HP is the tire for your Honda. This General tire is one of the most popular all-season tires for the Accord as it offers excellent all-season traction, a smooth and comfortable ride and typically, tire prices for the AltiMAX won't break the bank.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring
Goodyear Assurance
ComforTred Touring
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS
Pole Position
General AltiMAX HP
General AltiMAX
HP

When you're looking at auto tire dealers for your next set of Honda tires, be sure to shop by vehicle to find the proper set for your driving needs.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A II RFT

Thursday, December 8, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Potenza RE050A II RFTReviewer's Overall Rating: 7

2011 BMW 328i Sports Wagon
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 28500
Location: The Hague, The Netherlands, NA
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 28500 Miles on Tires
December 03, 2011

These tires came stock on my 2011 328i. They started off well enough. However, by 15K miles, they got pretty loud. By 20K, noise was crazy. At 28K, people don't want to ride in my car due to the noise.

The front tires have loads of tread left on them while the rear's were toast at 25K. I took the car to my local BMW dealer two weeks ago. They told me that the tires were "cupped" (no longer round) and should be replaced as soon as possible.

I've driven the car on the autobahn several times. The car's been very stable at 130MPH+. Cornering is pretty stable as well; however, steering feel does not seem ideal (that said, I've never had other tires on this car so I'm not sure). Also, the ride is pretty decent. I lot people complain how harsh these tires are. I don't agree. Maybe because I'm in Europe and the roads are quite good.


I'll probably replace with Michelin Pilot Sport 3s. I don't see the value in run flats.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Thursday, December 8, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.57

2009 Honda Fit Sport
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 2000
Location: New Orleans, LA
Driving Condition: Easy Going

Initial Review, 2000 Miles on Tires
December 06, 2011

These tires, in size 205 50 R16, replaced the stock 185 55 R16 OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL470 supplied with 2009 Honda Fit (Sport trim level).

The two biggest improvements are in ride comfort and fuel economy. Whether it's the tire or just the larger footprint and changed sidewall geometry (the 205 is about a half inch wider on each side of the stock 6" Sport wheel), potholes and sharp ridges are much smoother under this tire. THe tire is also somewhat quieter, except when driving on pavement with rough aggregate or grooves (as in the Houston area, for example). On such surfaces, tire noise is slightly higher than OEM.

Hydroplaning resistance is good, though I was able to induce it on rutted highway pavement with standing puddles (US 31 in AL, south of Montgomery).

AT stock pressure, the tires felt soft and unstable at highway speeds. Increasing the pressure to 39 PSI on all four wheels eliminated that problem, and the stiffened ride is still better than stock Turanza OEM (which apparently are now only available as a dealer part; only the Dunlop OEM remains available as a replacement tire). The go-kart steering responsiveness of the Fit Sport with stock 185 tires is reduced by the wider tires, but it's a minor change. The wider tire feels much more robust in hard cornering, especially over irregular pavement, provided that they are run at higher than stock pressure.

Fuel economy on the road increased by a full 4 MPG at 70 mph, from 34 to 38 consistently. On recent road trips with brand new tires, mileage would not dip below 38 mpg even with some hard driving and urban segments. CIty mileage seems unaffected, but not enough data has been collected. (OEMs were also run at 38-40 PSI).

Second-generation Fit Sport owners despairing over replacing the stock size should know that Honda supplies the 205 50 R 16 on the Mugen wheel. The Mugen wheel 1/2" wider than the stock Sport wheel, but nearly the same offset. No clearance issues experienced here.

Be Safe in Your 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by Cy Chowattukunnel
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.

Michelin X-Ice Xi2
205/65-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi2
16x6.5 Black Steel Wheel
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
215/55-17 Michelin X-Ice Xi2
17x7.5 50mm offset Silver Sport Edition F7
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

One of the Best: Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza

Monday, November 28, 2011 by Doc Horvath
Bridgestone Dueler H/L AlenzaFor the past four years, we've used Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza tires on my wife's GMC Envoy with great results and found it to be a very comfortable and quiet radial that performs well in wet and snowy conditions.

Most H/L Alenza sizes feature Bridgestone's patented UNI-T AQII technology that uses two distinct rubber compounds in separate layers to help with wet traction as the tire wears away. As the miles go by, the lower layer of high-grip rubber is exposed to offset the effects of heat and wear the tires encounter. Through our own testing and over 18 million miles of customer feedback, the H/L Alenza is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire that continues to impress year after year.

For more information on the Dueler H/L Alenza's technology, read "Bridgestone's UNI-T Technology."

When you're looking for Bridgestone tire dealers, be sure to take a look at our selection of Bridgestone tires here.

Winter / Snow Tires Keep Sienna Drivers Safe

Friday, October 28, 2011 by Cy Chowattukunnel
"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
235/60-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70
17x7.5 Silver Machine Elbrus I05
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
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
235/55-18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 RFT
18x8
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!

New Tires for Your NSX

Friday, October 28, 2011 by Cy Chowattukunnel
Supercars are great but supercars that you can drive every day are even more special. A shortlist of everyday supercars would consist of the Acura NSX, the C5, C6 Z06 and the 911 GT3. All great cars, but the NSX is more of a rare bird since the Z06 and GT3 share styling cues with their stablemates. The NSX's wheel sizes are relatively small compared to current supercar sizes, therefore it can be a bit of a challenge to find tires that are NSX worthy. Here's a guide on some of the available options.

1991-1993 Acura NSX O.E. Sizing

The O.E. Yokohama ADVAN A022 used on the 91-93 NSX was discontinued in 2007. Fortunately, when the time comes for your Acura tires to be replaced, there are four great Extreme Performance Summer options available in the 205/50-15 (front) and 225/50-16 (rear) sizes.

Yokohama Advan Neova AD08
Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08
Bridgestone Potenza RE-11
Bridgestone Potenza RE-11
Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec
Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec
Kumho Ecsta XS
Kumho Ecsta
XS

All of these extreme performance tires offer great dry grip, however I personally prefer the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 for its remarkable handling predictability. While every tire will lose its grip if you drive fast enough, the AD08 won't surprise. A set of these Yokohama performance tires will provide plenty of feedback so you always know where you are with the car. During testing, the performance tires review showed the tire had laser-sharp steering response and a balance of wet and dry traction. Also, while we were taking the time to compare performance tires we noticed the ADVAN Neova AD08 had the most consistent range of times compared to the other tires.

The RE-11 is the most refined tire of the four. It has a good ride comfort and relatively low tread noise, along with great grip and overall handling. A set of these Bridgestone performance tires will improve your vehicle's steering response, as indicated by the 9.3 rating in our Tire Survey Results. And customers enjoy a set of Bridgestone Potenza tires, as the RE-11 is currently the top-rated tire in the Extreme Performance Summer category.

The Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec is a great value choice. If you're looking for Dunlop tire dealers who can help you find good performance while saving some extra money, take a look at our inventory of Dunlop sport tires. 

The Kumho Ecsta XS offers the best dry cornering grip but lacks the wet traction of the other tires. Also, the tire did not perform as well as the the other three options in ride comfort, noise comfort and overall road rating.

And, the Yokohama and Dunlop tire are both great options for the 2002-2003 NSX, with the Yokohama being my preference for this vehicle. Find your preference and the tire that is best for your vehicle when you shop by vehicle.

Make Your 2010+ Outback Even Better in the Snow

Friday, September 16, 2011 by Cy Chowattukunnel
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
Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
Sport Edition A7
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

TPMS Required!

Friday, January 7, 2011 by Mac McNabb
Thinking of going to a winter set-up on your Toyota, Honda or Lexus and really don't want to add a tire pressure monitoring system sensors to your new wheels because you'll have to go back to your dealer for calibration?

To date, these states require that your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) always be functional!TPMS
  • HAWAII  
  • RHODE ISLAND
  • VERMONT
  • WEST VIRGINIA
So what should you do if you really love the idea of a simple Sport Edition wheel with Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 winter / snow tires on your 2010 Toyota Camry, but you really don't want to spend the money for the sensors and calibration.

You are going to have to bite the bullet and maintain the functionality of the TPMS. Depending on your vehicle, there may even be some do-it-yourself calibration tools available so you don't have to pay a visit to the dealership. But in the end, you are safer and your tires will perform at their best when your system is properly calibrated and tire pressures are monitored and remain at optimum levels. And with tires optimized for the season, too, it's a win-win situation.

The Benefits of Winter Tires and Wheels!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 by Chad Hocker
A recent consumer review told this story:

"I bought these for a separate set of winter wheels (17s for a BMW 3 Series). My rating is relative to the season, of course. We got record snow in SD last season (about 7 feet over the season). Many of these were heavy/wet snow. I drove the car on several occasions when I probably shouldn't have, but I never got stuck. I changed out my 18" Michelin Pilot Sports on a night with light snow and ice. I could barely move w/the summer tires. I took the car out immediately after the tire change to compare and practically felt like AWD. Of course, you can break them loose and get the car unstable if you try, but they are outstanding for heavy-weather conditions. I had a hard time justifying the price, but I am POSITIVE that they saved me a tow bill or two, and consistently got me where I was going every time (which is worth a little extra, to me). I don't drive much in the winter, but I can barely see any wear on rears (fronts still look new). On dry roads and warmer conditions (30+ degrees), they can be choppy in the corners, but they aren't meant for being aggressive on dry roads, so that is to be expected. Overall, they are VERY GOOD winter tires."
Winter Tires and Wheels
This customer was reviewing the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 which is still available in limited sizes and also available for some BMW and Miata fitments in a run-flat tire option. The Blizzak LM-25 has been replaced by the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60.

I share the contents of this consumer review not to rave about how good the tire is, but to illustrate the concept of a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. This reviewer was able to wait until snow hit and then change into his winter tires on his time frame and didn't have to pay ($15-$20 per tire) to get them switched at the dealer. (If you are on summer tires, I would recommend switching when the temperatures start to get below 40 degrees.) When switching to a winter package, it's recommended to choose a shorter wheel to get better traction from a slightly narrower tire. A winter package allows owners of sport coupes, sedans, crossovers and SUV vehicles who live in colder climates the ability to get the most out of their vehicle with the tire that can give the most performance relative to the season.

Build your own Winter Tire & Wheel Package if you like or look at our Preferred Package (available for most vehicles).

Check out the A4 tires and wheels on this Quattro.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
Audi A4s are sleek, sophisticated vehicles—which is why they should roll on an equally sleek and sophisticated set of A4 tires and wheels.

Your options are virtually endless, and at Tire Rack, we do our best to help you narrow it down. We'll produce a list if you search by vehicle. And because we like to play in our own on-site garage, we can even show you a picture or two.

Take a look at the A4 at right. We upped the ante a bit with some O.Z. Energy wheels, and as your Bridgestone tire dealers, we chose a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires to match. As Max Performance Summer tires, they top off the sporty look of this Tire & Wheel Package.



Firestone Truck Tires Get "Big" Representation

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
Every Firestone truck tire is backed by over 100 years of industry research and manufacturing excellence. And since 1970, they've been backed by a monster as well. Yes, a monster. And today, Bridgestone Firestone announces a development in that monster/tire relationship.

Of course, the monster we speak of is none other than Bigfoot, the world's first monster truck. It doesn't fit just any old Firestone truck tire, but Bigfoot does use special edition Firestone tires. And has been since 1991. Though that won't be changing anytime soon, Bigfoot did just get a face-lift. According to Bridgestone Firestone, Bigfoot is now "emblazoned with the iconic Firestone shield in a dramatic new paint scheme designed to evoke the pride and tradition of the Firestone brand."

So keep your eyes peeled for Bigfoot—it likes to show up at Firestone tire dealers every so often.

See all Firestone tires at Tire Rack.