Challenger Tires

Tire Rack is proud to have continued our title sponsorship of this year's One Lap of America event. One Lap consists of 17 timed events over 8 days. In total, competitors traveled over 3,400 in just over a week. It is a true test of endurance and performance

For the third year in a row, the overall winner's vehicle was equipped with the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. The Super Sport has been on the winning vehicle since it was introduced to the market in the spring of 2011. As the 30th running of this extreme challenge for driving enthusiasts, this year's competition featured many of America's fastest street-legal cars. View results for the 2013 event here.

If you're in the market for the best of the best in wet and dry traction performance, check out the Pilot Super Sport. It has proven its worth not only in the One Lap competition, but also in our testing and feedback from customers. The tire is the top-ranked option in the Max Performance Summer category. After reading a few of our customers' comments, you'll understand why:

"Quite honestly the BEST tire I have ever had on my cars." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX.

"These tires have oooogles of mega grip, even wet. I am going to need a new seat with harness just to stay in the seat." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Also, when you buy a set of four Michelin Pilot Super Sports before June 18, 2013, you can receive a $70 MasterCard Reward Card.

Researching for the right tire can be a challenge for some. Here at Tire Rack, we make it simple by providing you helpful information when you're shopping for tires.

We provide expert, unbiased tire performance comparisons with our Tire Test Results. Our Performance Test Track Drives and Real World Road Rides provide us with feedback on the ride, noise and handling qualities of a tire across a variety of conditions our customers experience on a daily basis. Our team follows consistent procedures designed to minimize variables that could influence results. And because many of our customers live in the Snowbelt region, we also test the wintertime traction of all-season and winter tires on the ice and in the snow.

In addition to our tire tests, we maintain independent consumer surveys to help drivers help each other by sharing their long term tire experiences. At the time of this post, we have information on 445 different tire models, as well as 2,783,445,686 miles reported on over 150,000 surveys. You can view tires based on their performance category and see how customers rank their performance on categories, such as hydroplaning resistance, cornering stability, dry traction, ride comfort and more.

We try to post all reviews as written to give you insight into each responder's experience with the tire for better or worse. Just like movie reviews, different people have different opinions and reference points, so it's always important to read as many reviews as possible to gain a better perspective. You can look at reviews by vehicle or by tire brand. This is helpful because you can see what owners of your same vehicle are saying about tires!

With the help of our Tire Test Results, Tire Survey Results and Tire Reviews, you have the information you need to find the tire that's right for your application.

Buy your vehicle and hold onto it for as long as possible. That's typically the best way to get the most out of your car and budget. Obviously, you'll need to maintain and take care of it as best you can.

If your vehicle originally came with chrome wheels and you live in snow country, one challenge you'll probably face is peeling chrome. Eventually this peeling chrome will prevent your wheels from properly sealing against the tire beads. One way of fixing this is by having an installer clean the wheel and use a bead sealant to reduce or eliminate the air loss.

If leaks persist to the point you're still adding air to your tires every morning, then it's time to replace your wheels. A great option to consider is a set of Sport Edition F7 wheels. This five-spoke wheel is available in both a 16" and 17" rim diameter. Sport Edition wheels combine quality, style and price to offer an exceptional value. Using the latest production standards, Sport Edition wheels complement the appearance of many popular vehicles.

Not only could new wheels fix your leaking problem, but your vehicle will look better, too!

I am often challenged by customers to provide country of origin information on their tire of interest. I say challenged because, well, it can be challenging. While Tire Rack makes every effort to track this information, all of the major tire manufacturers take the view that we are in a global economy. As such, we have found the same tire in the same size can move around from various production facilities.

Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology

Although regularly updated, the country of origin for any tire may vary from the country shown on our site. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for tires with a specific country of origin. You can view country of origin information under the "Specs" tab of each tire. For example, you can view the information for the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position here.  Another example can be found with the Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology.

For more information, read "Tire Specs Explained: Country of Origin."

Do you own a new Camaro or Challenger with 18" wheels? We've just received our first batch of 245/55R18 BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec tires with the famous red stripe! This size is standard on LS and most LT Chevrolet Camaros and will also work on the Dodge Challenger equipped with factory 18" wheels. The 1/4" wide stripe recalls the muscle car days of the late sixties when similar tires were a factory option. The tire is being used by Hurst on their limited Redline Edition Camaro. 

With a 102T service description, the Radial T/A Spec is designed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride for cruising around town, while the 245/55R18 sidewall height provides plenty of cushion. While not a high performance tire intended for the track, it does provide plenty of wet and dry grip for the occasional enthusiastic drive. Take a look at what our customers are saying about their experience with the BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec:

"This is the most comfortable tire I have run in an 18". It has a level of comfort and still lets you feel like you're in a sports car without cringing every time you hit a bump. The tire holds the car out of the hole and exceeded my expectations in the corners. You get a lot more than you pay for!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2012 Chevrolet Camaro LS

"These tires well exceeded my expectations. This is an excellent tire and I will definitely buy it again." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro LT

"This is a phenomenal tire. I can't believe they can make a tire this good for such a great price. Probably the best tire I have owned." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro LS

Our customer's feedback is a great tool to use when shopping as it'll help you with input from other drivers and their long term experience with each tire.

While we won't see the red line option in other sizes soon, availability of the 245/55R18 size is limited. If you have a new Camaro or Challenger with 18" wheels, consider the BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec.

Is it time for some new wheels for your Mustang, Camaro or Challenger? New for 2013, Tire Rack offers a great selection of Hurst and Hotchkis wheels for your American classic. In addition to these brands, we still offer American Racing wheels, which has always been a popular choice.

Hotchkis' Y-Sport is offered in a 20" rim diameter with two finish options, matte graphite silver and machined with matte graphite accent. It's also offered in 9" and 10" widths to give you the option to stagger the tire sizes. As a new wheel style that goes outside the muscle car 5-spoke style, it's aggressive looking to give your car some attitude.

If you prefer the classic 5-spoke style, Hotchkis offers the S-Sport. As a split-spoke design, the wheel looks great and will show off your Brembo brakes. The S-Sport comes in a 20" rim diameter and 8.5" and 9.5" widths. Two finish options provide drivers different styles to show off their car the way they want, machined with black accent and silver machined with clearcoat.

Last, but not least, is my favorite wheel, the Hurst Stunner New Version. Also available in a 20" rim diameter, the wheel's finish is machined with anthracite accent. For Mustangs and Challengers, it's available in 9" and 10" widths, and for the Camaro, it comes in 9" and 11" widths.

Hotchkis Y-Sport

Hotchkis S-Sport

Hurst Stunner New Version

Set your American muscle car apart from the rest by searching by vehicle to find the wheels available for your application.

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the epitome of the new age American muscle car. A massive HEMI V8 and performance-tuned suspension make the Challenger a top choice among auto buyers looking for vintage-inspired good looks. There are two versions when it comes to the tire packages offered on the Challenger SRT8. Typically, if you're in a region that sees winter weather, the Challenger comes with the 245/45ZR20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires on all four corners. If you're in a warmer climate or opted for the performance tires, the Challenger SRT8 would have come with 245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Max Performance Summer tires.

Goodyear Eagle RS-A

Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar

Since the Challenger SRT8 with Max Performance Summer tires are staggered larger in the rear than in the front, you lose the ability to rotate the tires front-to-back. Although the tires are staggered, the wheels are not and the same 20x9 wheel is used at all four corners.

I have had many Challenger SRT8 owners using the factory Dodge 20x9 wheels with Max Performance Summer tires switch to 255/45R20 in the front. Now that the 255/45R20 tire is used at all four corners, you can have the best of both worlds: wide performance tires and the ability to rotate tires from front-to-back to gain overall treadlife and more even tire wear.

Shop by tire size 255/45R20 to view the options available and reap the benefits of being able to rotate your tires.

There's quite a bit of excitement among the performance enthusiasts for the new Extreme Performance Summer BFGoodrich g-Force Rival. Trying to regain the "King in the Dry" reputation that BFGoodrich achieved with the now-discontinued g-Force T/A KD, the g-Force Rival is being released size by size as production is completed. For SCCA autocrossers, this roll out would normally present a bit of a challenge because of SCCA's "6 and 4" rule that requires a new tire to be available in six sizes across four rim diameters by April 30th.

Great news! SCCA has confirmed that BFGoodrich's production will meet the "6 and 4" requirement by this date. So, the SCCA has ruled the g-Force Rival legal for immediate use. This is very exciting new for early season autocrossers!

At the time of this writing, three sizes are available:

1. 205/50R15
2. 225/45R17
3. 245/40R18

A total of fifteen sizes have been announced, so be on the look for the additional sizes to become available between now and early June.

Everyone wants good, safe and affordable tires. However, sometimes the challenge can be getting these tires without going over your budget. Thanks to the hard work of our buyers, you can now save money when you purchase Fuzion HRi and VRi tires on closeout. Available options in selected sizes include:

205/40R17 Fuzion HRi $42*

205/50R16 Fuzion HRi $49*

205/50R16 Fuzion VRi $49*

215/50R17 Fuzion HRi $59*

225/60R16 Fuzion HRi $63*

245/45R17 Fuzion HRi $65*

This wide spectrum of sizes means the Fuzion (owned by Bridgestone) HRi and VRi tires on closeout are available for many applications:

• Modded Honda Civics running on 205/40R17
• Second-generation (2009-2013) Honda Fit Sport with popular alternative size of 205/50R16
• 2006-2011 Chevy HHR LT
• Eighth-generation (2000-2005) and ninth-generation (2006-2013) Chevrolet Impala
• 1996-2004 Ford Mustang GT (17" wheel option)

The Fuzion HRi and VRi are more than just a great buy, they're also good tires as they tested well across the board in "Testing Value-Oriented High Performance All-Season Tires 2006." I was really impressed with each tire's wet grip capabilities. Customers are also impressed with the HRi and VRi, especially their ability to combine decent grip and good treadwear.

Good tires at a great price, what more can you ask for?

*Limited stock, prices subject to change

Hotchkis has been well known as a manufacturer of performance-oriented suspension products for a variety of vehicles for many years. Building on their knowledge and quality reputation, Hotchkis is proud to offer a new line of performance wheels available in 20" sizes to fit modern Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and more.

The H-Sport model features a unique multi-spoke design in both a black and silver painted finish that's available in staggered widths to give you the option of a wider rear tire for that classic muscle car look. All Hotchkis wheels are machined to accept the factory tire pressure sensors. We also offer new sensors for sale if your vehicle requires.

S-Sport wheels have a more traditional five-spoke design meant to show off your brake calipers. They also feature a brushed aluminum face with either a silver or black accent for the barrel and center sections of the wheel. All Hotchkis wheels have multiple layers of clearcoat paint to protect the brushed aluminum from pitting under their one-year limited warranty.

Hotchkis' Y-Sport has the more modern split-spoke look associated with European sport sedans and coupes. The wheel is available in a matte graphite silver finish with or without the brushed aluminum face. Like the other models, the Y-Sport comes complete with all new lug nuts and center caps at no charge for a complete and hassle-free install. 

Hotchkis H-Sport

Hotchkis S-Sport

Hotchkis Y-Sport

Take a look at all the Hotchkis wheels available and find one that's right for your vehicle.

Although Prius and Camry sales continue to climb, Toyota may still be best known for its reliable, economical and affordable Corolla. Not only did the Corolla put Toyota on the map, it still reigns as one the world's best-selling cars.

Have you joined the many with a new Corolla in your garage? Your Corolla has been engineered for durability and dependability, however snowy and icy conditions will challenge your all-season tires. No worries, a set of dedicated winter / snow tires is all you need to keep your Corolla steadfast and dependable in winter's harshest conditions.

Winter / Snow Tire Size

The Corolla is shod with 195/65R15 (L Trim Level) or 205/55R16 (LE and S Trim) tires as Original Equipment sizes. As covered in "Which Winter Performance Category is Right for You?", the relatively lightweight Corolla will benefit from a skinnier size.

When should you run a narrower size and how narrow should you go? Going to a narrower tire is especially helpful if you drive in deep snow. For example, Green Bay, Wisconsin averages 53.9" snow per year; if you're a Corolla driver in this area, narrower 185/65R15 tires are better at cutting through moderate and deep snow. At 24.5" in overall diameter, the 185/65R15 is about 1/2" smaller. This negligible difference in ground clearance and speedometer error (2% error) is trumped by the ability of the narrower tires to cut through snow.

For areas at a higher risk of ice storms and less of seeing deep snow, 195/65R15 is best. 195/65R15 is 25" in overall diameter, which is the same as the Original Equipment. This size offers a better balance for a winter weather mix of ice, wet roads and an occasional snowstorm. If you're a Corolla owner who resides somewhere like Cincinnati, Ohio (average snowfall of 22.1"), stay with 195/65R15.

"Green Bay" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

With the Corolla XRS phased out, all Corolla trim levels are tuned for a balance of ride comfort and safe handling. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS70's packed-snow and glare-ice grip provide the ultimate safety in the worst conditions. Therefore, the optimum winter package including this tire is the 185/65R15 option on black painted steel wheels at $576* (excludes TPMS sensors) plus shipping.

185/65R15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

15x6 5-100 33mm ET Black Painted Steel Wheel

"Cincinnati" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

The ideal "Cincinnati" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is the 195/65R15 Blizzak WS70 on black painted steel wheels at $600* (excludes TPMS sensors) plus shipping.

195/65R15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

15x6 5-100 33mm ET Black Painted Steel Wheel

*Prices subject to change

The three critical components for snow and ice traction were covered in-depth in one of my previous blog posts. Again, they are:

1. Tread design
2. Tread compound
3. Tread depth

Now that you understand the how behind winter traction, what actually determines a tire as being a winter / snow option? It comes down to whether or not the tire is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Fortunately, the industry has established an easy way to find these tires that provide higher levels of wintertime capability. In 1999, the U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) created the mountain/snowflake standard. This symbol is predominately displayed next to the M+S (Mud and Snow) marking on the tire's sidewall and indicates a tire has met the higher winter performance requirements. Finding a tire with this marking almost guarantees you have a dedicated winter / snow tire. There are exceptions, as a handful of truck-sized On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires also meet the requirement without being a dedicated winter solution.

Of course, a tire that's marked solely with the M+S symbol will do a good job during the summer, spring and fall months. Anything beyond some light snow and these tires can become traction challenged quite quickly. When it comes to handling winter's toughest conditions, choose a tire with the mountain/snowflake symbol and skip the white knuckle driving!

Search for winter / snow tires by vehicle to find the option that's right for you.