Bridgestone Truck Tires

While I will not go over every facet of tire construction in one post, there are several traits that I look for that are more likely to lead to a pleasant and quiet driving experience. When looking for a quiet tire, I try to avoid tires that have large tread blocks with spacing far apart. This pattern, which is commonly seen in aggressive all-terrain and off-road truck tires, offers a huge amount of biting edges. It also tends to produce a roar as the tire travels along the road surface. A tire doesn't have to be overly aggressive to be an effective all-season option. In most cases, finding a tire with balance is best. 

Even though directional tires serve their purpose at evacuating water effectively, they also tend to have a negative effect on noise quality. This type of tread pattern also reduces your ability to effectively rotate the tire. With symmetrical or asymmetric tires, you're able to rotate front-to-back and side-to-side. With a directional tire, you may only rotate front-to-back.

Consider the following options when looking for a tire that provides a quiet ride.

Michelin Defender

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Kumho Ecsta 4X

Passenger All-Season and Standard Touring All-Season:

• Michelin Defender
• Goodyear Assurance ComforTred    
• Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology

Grand Touring All-Season:

• Michelin Primacy MXV4     
• Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus      
• Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Ultra High Performance All-Season:

• Continental ExtremeContact DWS     
• Kumho Ecsta 4X

Take a look at our Tire Survey Results to compare options and find the tire that's right for you.

It seems the Audi Q7 is a vehicle that has issues with tire wear. Like most heavier vehicles, it'll tend to wear tires faster than a lighter car. While we can't change this or promise any treadlife miracles, the problem can be remedied to a degree.

The Q7's Original Equipment was made available with several different sizes and brands of tires, however most of the options had one thing in common: very soft tread compounds. Typically, the tires used on the Q7 were sport truck tires or performance tires featuring relatively soft compounds and correspondingly low UTQG treadwear numbers. This type of tire combined with the weight of the vehicle usually leads to poor tire mileage. From my own personal estimate, most Q7 owners usually see about 20,000 miles before needing to replace their tires. When looking for replacement tires, I find it often makes sense to move away from the Original Equipment and take a look at more proven options with the propensity for longer life.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza

The following are a few of my favorite tires that come with pleasing mileage warranties from the manufacturer:

Pirelli's Scorpion Verde All Season is their eco-friendly Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire that combines dry and wet road handling, comfort and year-round capabilities. Ecoimpact icons on the sidewall highlight its environmental compatibility where it reduces rolling resistance and tire weight to increase fuel economy and lower the vehicle's CO2 emissions.

Continental's ExtremeContact DWS satisfies drivers' year-round driving needs by blending dry and wet road performance with light snow and slush traction. A visible "DWS" indicates the tire has sufficient tread depth for dry conditions, as well as wet roads and light snow. After the "S" wears away, the remaining "DW" indicates the tire only has sufficient tread depth for dry and most wet road conditions. And after the "W" and "S" wear away, the remaining "D" lets drivers know the tire has appropriate tread depth for dry conditions only.

The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza provides elegance with an edge. Featuring Bridgestone's UNI-T technology, the tire takes behavior to a higher level by increasing comfort and control, in order to further enhance wet traction over the life of the tire. In our Tire Survey Results, the Dueler H/L Alenza receives high marks for dry traction, steering response and cornering stability. It's important to note that this tire is only available in an 18" size for your Q7.

To ensure you find the right tire for your Audi Q7, shop by vehicle.

While the new Dodge Journey has been well received, one thing that hasn't been popular is the optional 19" tire size that comes equipped on many of the vehicles. While the Original Equipment options have done well, many Journey owners have been left wanting more. 

In the 225/55R19 size, we recently added the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max. It's designed to provide year-round, all-season traction in dry, wet and wintry conditions, including light snow, as well as offer reduced rolling resistance to enhance vehicle fuel economy over the tire's lifetime. The tire comes with a 65,000 mile treadlife warranty.

We also know the slightly wider 235/55R19 to fit many of the Original Equipment wheels. 235/55R19 is 0.4" taller (overall) and 0.2" wider at the contact patch, for a mere 1.4% difference in diameter compared to the Original Equipment. 

The 235/55R19 size offers a full complement of all-season tires primarily for crossovers and SUVs that offer long life and a comfortable, quiet ride. Best sellers to consider are the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia and Yokohama Parada Spec-X.

Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max

Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia

Yokohama Parada Spec-X

Like the Assurance CS Fuel Max, Bridgestone's Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia helps enhance fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance. Combining year-round traction, handing and comfort, the tire is also developed for drivers of sport utility vehicles. We tested the Bridgestone and Goodyear options against a third tire and the results can be found by reading "Testing Eco-Focused Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season Tires."

The Yokohama Parada Spec-X features a more aggressive directional tread design aimed at drivers that are willing to sacrifice some durability for enhanced wet traction at higher speeds. This Street/Sport Truck All-Season tire is currently ranked number one in our Tire Survey Results. Customers give the tire high marks in many categories, including dry traction, cornering stability and ride comfort.

To find all tire options that are a match for your Dodge Journey, shop by vehicle.

For the most part, Tire Rack carries tires for passenger cars and light trucks. However, we do offer some options for heavier vehicles that require 19.5" wheels.

The Michelin XRV is aimed primarily at the recreational vehicle market. Featuring heavy-duty construction and a smooth, stable, straight-rib tread pattern, this tire is ideal for RVs used on the highway. It uses a cool-running tread compound molded into a shallow, stable tread design to reduce heat for greater durability and reduced squirm for enhanced handling. Currently, this Highway Rib Summer tire is available in a 225/70R19.5 and 245/70R19.5 size.

Continental's HSR is designed to be used on the steer (generally front) axle of medium-duty commercial vehicles. They can be used in conjunction with the Continental HDR which is designed for use on the drive axle. These Continental tires feature a rugged steel internal construction and a damage-resistant compound to accommodate use off of the pavement. Both Continentals are available in 225/70R19.5. The HDR is also offered in a 245/70R19.5 size. 

Michelin XRV

Continental HSR

Bridgestone R187

In size 8R19.5, we offer the Bridgestone R187. This tire is designed with a smooth-rolling highway tread that provides good wet and dry traction. It also features an all-steel construction and a deep 16/32" tread depth. 

Whether you're looking for a tire for a 19.5" wheel or a different size, shopping by size will give you the options that are a match for your application.

Having a lower price point than many winter / snow tires, some customers question the effectiveness of the General AltiMAX Arctic. This tire is perhaps not as soft as certain Studless Ice & Snow tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3, and it may give up a small amount of ice traction. However, this Studdable Winter / Snow tire has proven quite effective for multiple seasons and continues to get strong reviews by consumers.

As a studdable tire, the AltiMAX Arctic can be sold with studs to further increase traction in the most severe winter conditions. While studded tires are certainly not for everyone and have some negative features, such as reduced dry road handling and increased road noise, the ability to add studs is optional and available for those who desire. It's also important to check with local law enforcement officials to see if studded tires are allowed in your area. To learn more about how studded tires may or may not be right for you this winter, read "Studded Tires for Winter Driving."

As mentioned earlier, customers have been giving the General AltiMAX Arctic great reviews. Take a look at what some of them are saying about their experience with this tire:

"This tire is the best I've ever used in 45 years of driving in Vermont winters!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta S

"Awesome snow tire. Not only was it one of the cheaper tires in my size, but one of the best reviewed - and I can see why. My rear-wheel drive BMW got around our 6", one-day snow accumulation as good as any of the 4WD trucks I've had in the past. It is a beast of a tire in the snow, and still very quiet on the highway. If this tire can get a BMW through a North Dakota winter, I'd be confident using it anywhere!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 BMW 330CI Performance Package

"Fantastic winter tire at a great value price. Ride and noise are good to very good. Ride and cornering are amazing being better than the factory standard tire on this vehicle. Snow traction is good in all conditions and really snow plows through deeper conditions. Ice performance is very good. I have purchased this tire for two vehicles to date and recommend it to my friends as an affordable option for a great winter tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

To see if the General AltiMAX Arctic tire is right for your application this winter, shop by vehicle.

America's best-selling pickup truck, the Ford F-150, deserves Tire Rack's best-selling tires. Many F-150 owners are passionate about their truck and hold on to them for a long period of time. Most owners even go through multiple sets of tires, due to the truck's long-lasting dependability. With that in mind, Ford truck owners want nothing but the best for their pickup.

I believe the best Highway All-Season tire for this vehicle is the Michelin LTX M/S2. This tires does it all and is exactly what you would expect from Michelin. It has superior all-season traction, a smooth and quiet ride and is offered with a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty.

If you're looking to get a little dirty and go off-road with the truck, one of the best On-/Off-Road All Terrain tires is the Firestone Destination A/T. This tire has been around for many years, but it never gets old. It takes on all newcomers and is still a best-selling tire in its class. Featuring Firestone's UNI-T technology, the tire blends off-road traction with enhanced on-road capabilities. UNI-T is a combination of technologies that merge a comprehensive design method with innovative manufacturing features for improved tire comfort, performance and wear.

Finally, if you're looking for F-150 tires to handle winter's worst condition, then go with the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1. This tire simply gets it done on ice and in the snow. With a focus on ice traction and braking, as well as wet road handling and hydroplaning resistance, this tire provides wintertime driving competence. Blizzak DM-V1 radials meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Michelin LTX M/S 2

Firestone Destination A/T

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1

All three tires have provided our customers with the driving experience they've been looking for and their comments prove this:

"I've had these tires on my truck for two weeks and they are just outstanding. They grip the road like glue in the rain. On the dry pavement they handle superb. They don't roll or pitch in the corners. You won't be sorry if you buy them." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Ford F-150 XLT Sup Cab 4wd (Michelin LTX M/S2)

"Absolutely, hands down, the best all-terrain tire on the market. 90% on-road driving, 10% off-road. I wouldn't hesitate to drive my truck through anything with these. I've had more aggressive tires which gave up handling. These are a no compromise tire. Buy them ASAP if you're in the market before Firestone realizes they are worth double the price!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Ford F-150 XLT 4wd Super Crew (Firestone Destination A/T)

"After reading the reviews for this tire and other winter traction tires, I decided on the Blizzaks. Best snow tire ever! I live in the Pacific Northwest and drive in varied conditions: compact snow and ice, deep snow, slush, water, uphill, etc. Great traction in all conditions. I hardly ever need to use four-wheel drive. I would highly recommend these tires to anyone, and I will never buy anything else." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Super Crew (Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1)

The latest and greatest technology in winter / snow tires is found in options such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3. However, they can be priced higher than other winter tires with different technology. Even the most inexpensive winter tires will offer a noticeable improvement in snow and ice traction compared to all-season tires.  

During our testing at a local ice rink, we wanted to see how much of a difference winter tires make in winter conditions. As illustrated in the photo above, you can see winter / snow tires allow you to stop sooner when braking on ice. It could be the difference between rear ending another car at an intersection or stopping safely with room to spare. You'll also feel much more confident and in control of your vehicle when driving on snow- and ice-covered roads. To see the difference winter tires made at the ice rink compared to summer and all-season tires, read "Testing on Ice: Winter / Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires."

When looking for a value-priced winter / snow tire, consider the following three options:

Continental ExtremeWinterContact

Dunlop Graspic DS-3

General AltiMAX Arctic

The Dunlop Graspic DS-3 is a Studless Ice & Snow tire that delivers maximum winter traction without using metal studs. It uses Dunlop's Digital Rolling Simulation II technology (computer-enhanced design) and premium tread compounding to deliver wintertime traction in snow and on ice.

Continental's ExtremeWinterContact tire is developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossovers, as well as, passenger-oriented light-duty trucks and SUVs looking for traction on winter's slushy, snow-covered and icy roads. This tire delivers serious performance in winter weather conditions.

AltiMAX Arctic tires from General are a Studdable Winter / Snow option that receives high marks from our customers in the light snow traction, deep snow traction and ice traction categories. Molded to accommodate the use of optional metal studs, AltiMAX Arctic tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Don't wait too long to order. Many value-priced winter / snow tires sell out quickly. 

General Motors' best-selling full-size SUVs are all based from the same platform. These vehicles include the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade. There are many basic similarities between these three vehicles, including tires. The current generation of these three SUVs either came with a 17", 18" or 20" tire. Given the popularity of these vehicles, many owners are looking for the best tire selection for their vehicle. Take a look at the following options when considering tire replacements for your Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade:

Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza is the Original Equipment tire on most of these SUVs. This Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire is a very good option and I would continue to recommend it as a replacement option. It rides very nicely, offers good all-season traction and provides good treadlife. Designed to provide elegance with an edge, the tire has been ride and noise tuned to enhance comfort.

Another good option for these trucks is the new Michelin LTX M/S2. If you consider yourself a "Michelin Man", than this is your tire. This latest Highway All-Season radial from the French tire maker offers a very smooth ride and has the best all-season traction according to our most recent survey results. The LTX M/S2 molds a long wearing, silica-enhanced, all-season compound into a tread profile featuring Michelin's MaxTouch Construction to produce a contact patch that promotes reliable traction and long wear by evenly distributing acceleration, braking and cornering forces. Compared to the original LTX M/S, the LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks and a leap forward in performance.

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza

Michelin LTX M/S2

Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology

If you're looking for a tire with good value, then consider the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology. The tire is a favorite among our customers as it is currently ranked number one in our Tire Survey Results for Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tires. It's also engineered to help you improve your fuel efficiency and maintain grip when braking on wet surfaces while providing long wear and all-season traction, even in light snow. For more information about EcoPlus Technology, read "Continental Tire EcoPlus+ Technology, EcoPlus or 'E' Symbol."

When your Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade is in need of new tires, consider these options or shop by vehicle to find the tire that's best for your driving style.