Choose the Best Tires with Zig

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is for the driver who truly wants it all -- a twin turbo V8, top Speed over 170 mph and the space and comfort of a luxury SUV. All of that power can be rendered useless in the winter without the proper amount of grip for snow and ice. A Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is the answer to ensure your Cayenne Turbo performs its best this winter!

Because the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is not the average SUV, many drivers don't want to put an average aftermarket wheel on their high performance SUV for winter driving. The best complement to Porsche's high style is to add an equally impressive wheel to your winter package. O.Z. Racing's Superturismo Dakar is an Italian made masterpiece that will rival your German masterpiece.

O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Bright Silver Paint

O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Matte Graphite Silver

The wheel features a clean 15-spoke design in both a matte graphite silver and bright silver paint finish. Since both wheels boast a fully painted finish, they will easily withstand whatever winter conditions are thrown at them. Road salt and grime can be rinsed right off during a typical car wash. Each wheel is a one-piece, low pressure cast that's offered with a two-year finish and two-year structural warranty.

Shop by vehicle to see if the O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar is offered for you Porsche Cayenne Turbo. If so, build a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!

Winter weather has now covered much of the United States, and while your tires may not be legally worn out, they may not be suitable for wintertime driving. If you're like many, you simply look at your tires to see if there's enough tread remaining. However, when is the right time to change them?

Although tires aren't legally worn out until they reach 2/32" of remaining tread, snow traction and the evacuation of water and slush become diminished many miles before this. If you are entering the winter season with a partially worn set of all-season or winter tires, Tire Rack recommends drivers consider replacing their tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. Tires need more tread depth in wintry conditions to compress snow in their grooves and release it as they roll. Without sufficient tread depth, tires do not have enough biting edges and shallower circumferential grooves to effectively evacuate deep snow and slush.

The illustration below shows tires (from left to right) at new tread depth, worn to 6/32" and then worn to 2/32". You can see as the tire approaches 6/32" the tread blocks are noticeably smaller, circumferential grooves are shallower and the sipings for ice traction are much smaller. At 2/32" of remaining tread depth, the tread blocks are almost worn smooth and siping has been lost. With little height left in the circumferential grooves, tire's will hydroplane much easier.

Winter weather is here and it's important to check your tread depth and remember 6/32" or more of remaining tread depth will be needed this winter season. If you need new tires, be sure to use our Survey Results and Test Results to assist you in finding the best wintertime performers.

Most often, one of the biggest concerns when replacing tires is winter weather performance. If you're the owner of a light truck or SUV and need an On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tire that can perform to an exceptional level in winter conditions, then choosing a tire branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol will assure you have the very best winter traction offered.

In 1999, the U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) agreed on a performance based standard to identify passenger and light truck tires that attain a traction index equal to, or greater than 110 (compared to a reference tire which is rated 100) during the specified American Society for Testing and Materials traction tests on packed snow. The new standard helps ensure that drivers can easily identify tires that provide a higher level of snow traction.

On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires typically have as much capability off the road as they do on the road. These tires feature multifaceted tread blocks to help deliver traction in any direction on gravel roads and dirt trails, as well as are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol indicating their ability to provide all-season versatility, including traction in snow.

Currently, three well-received options in this category include the General Grabber AT 2, Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor, and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO. Certain sizes of these tires display the mountain/snowflake symbol for severe snow service requirements and will be suitable for all-season use.

General Grabber AT 2

Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO

The General Grabber AT 2 has a chip- and tear-resistant tread compound molded into an aggressive, symmetric tread design featuring five rows of independent tread blocks that blends on-road handling with off-road traction. Its internal structure includes twin steel belts on top of a two-ply polyester cord body to combine strength and durability with a quiet ride.

Wrangler SilentArmor tires feature Goodyear's Durawell rubber compound molded at the base of the tread grooves to increase resistance to stone/rock drilling. The tire's internal structure is designed with an Armor Zone that consists of twin, high-tensile steel belts that are reinforced by a layer of DuPont KEVLAR cord to combine strength with comfort.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires are designed to deliver go-anywhere traction along with outstanding durability and great wear. The tire is ranked in the top ten of our Tire Survey Results and our customers have great things to say about it, including the owner of a 2003 Ford F150 Super Crew 4wd who says "This is my fourth set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires. These tires are rugged. Despite the rugged tread design, they are quiet on the highway. They will get you anywhere you want to go: sand, mud, light snow, deep snow...bring it on!"

NOTE: While most General Grabber AT 2, Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements (and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol), selected tires do not. Specific tires/sizes not meeting the industry's severe snow service requirements are identified with a "Not Rated For Severe Snow" notation under the Sizes & Pricing, as well as the Specs tab.

To find the tire that's right for your on-road and off-road travels including snow-covered roads, view all On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires.

The BMW X5 is a sleek, sophisticated and high-powered SUV, which meets today's needs of sports car like performance with truck like versatility and cargo space. With the optional Sports Package, the BMW X5 boosts large 20" staggered wheels and run-flat tires. While the package offers a more aggressive stance with wider tires than the standard X5, it also complicates tire shopping when looking for a tire that can perform in all seasons. The 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear tires equipped on the BMW X5 offers a pretty slim selection of all-season tires.

Unbeknownst to many BMW X5 owners, most of these SUVs have been equipped with high performance summer tires. These tires are designed for temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and do not provide traction in the snow or on ice. If you decide to stay with run-flat tires, the only current option is to use a dedicated set of summer tires in the summer, spring and fall and a dedicated set of winter / snow tires during the winter months.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

However, if you've done your research and want a non-run-flat tire, there's an all-season option to consider, Continental's ExtremeContact DWS. I have had many customers opt out of a run-flat tire for this Ultra High Performance All-Season tire with great results. The ExtremeContact DWS will maintain the high level of performance feel you're used to while adding the ability to use the same tire all year long. Keep in mind there are some drawbacks to switching to a non-run-flat tire and you can find those details by reading "Do I Need to Put Run-Flat Winter Tires On My BMW".

Search by vehicle to see if the Continental ExtremeContact DWS is available for your car.

Have you always admired the look of center lock wheels? The clean design born from racing heritage has only been featured on ultra high-end sports cars. O.Z. Racing now offers the Formula HLT wheel, which provides the center lock look without the need for a center lock equipped vehicle.

O.Z. Racing Formula HLT

O.Z. Racing Formula HLT

Even if the center lock look isn't what you're after, the wheel comes packaged with two center cap options. In addition to the center lock cover plate, O.Z. Racing includes a center cap with their logo which exposes the vehicle's lug pattern.

The Formula HLT is made using O.Z. Racing's High Light Technology (HLT) which according to them is: "The direct result of experience of supply to both F1 from which O.Z. has developed an inimitable knowledge resource at the pinnacle of competitive motorsport. The HLT exclusive manufacturing process achieves mechanical features comparable to those of a forged wheel both in terms of weight reduction and structural strength." During the manufacturing process, rollers are used to compress and elongate the material along with the barrel of a low-pressure cast aluminum wheel to obtain the desired profile. This process, which is directly derived from O.Z.'s experience in F1, produces the Formula HLT to be extremely light and strong.

O.Z. Racing's Formula HLT is offered for a wide array of vehicles including Porsche, BMW and Audi. Currently available in a matte grey finish, the wheel is available in the following sizes:

• 17"
• 18"
• 19"

To see if the O.Z. Racing Formula HLT wheel is available for your vehicle, visit our Upgrade Garage.

Recently, I had to replace worn rotors and pads on my Lexus IS 250 AWD. After hearing many praises from customers and co-workers, I decided to give the Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads a shot. The Hawk pads have made an instant improvement in braking power. I noticed a marked increase in stopping power from the moment I left the garage. Also, I was worried about an increase in noise with the improved stopping power, but the Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads have been equivalent to my Original Equipment Lexus pads that were previously installed on the vehicle. 

According to Hawk, these pads offer 20-40% more stopping power and higher resistance to brake fade than most O.E. or standard pads. The Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads are designed for a wide array of vehicles that experience high speed driving or repetitive heavy braking. As standard brake pads wear, brake dust is released as the friction material wears in everyday braking. Hawk HPS pads are formulated to run cleaner and release extremely low levels of dust in normal driving conditions.

Key Features and Benefits of Hawk Performance HPS Brake Pads:

• High friction/torque hot or cold
• Gentle on rotors
• Very quiet, low noise
• Improved braking over O.E. pads
• Extended pad life

Shop by vehicle to see if Hawk's HPS Street Brake Pads are available for your application.

When choosing a winter / snow tire, the first step is to determine which type of tire you'll need. There are two distinct categories for winter driving: Studless Ice & Snow and Performance Winter / Snow. Finding the tire that best suits your needs is quite simple and the following options are worth considering to get you through winter's toughest conditions.

Performance Winter / Snow

These tires are designed for high-speed wintertime use. This includes drivers who routinely reach highway speeds in winter weather for their daily commute. Performance Winter / Snow tires have enhanced dry and wet weather traction with better steering response and overall handling when compared to a Studless Ice & Snow tire. However, tires in this category trade some deep snow and ice traction for better high-speed performance. Consider the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D and Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 as they are highly rated within the category.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60

Studless Ice & Snow 

These are the most high-tech winter / snow tires developed to provide snow and ice traction similar to studded winter tires without using the studs. There is some trade of steering response and handling at highway speeds in order to have a higher gripping tire. So if your dally commute demands the utmost in winter traction or consists of mainly city streets without regular highway travel, the Studless Ice & Snow is the way to go. If this sounds like the category for you, take a look at the Michelin X-Ice Xi3, Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Continental ExtremeWinterContact.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Continental ExtremeWinterContact

For further information on the differences between Performance Winter / Snow and Studless Ice & Snow tires, read "Understanding the Tire Performance Categories for Winter / Snow Tires."

The Range Rover Sport model is a perfect blend of off-road prowess and high performance capability. It offers one of the most sophisticated all-wheel drive systems and can come equipped with a supercharged V8 for unbelievable performance on paved roads. However, there are not many choices in the 275/40R20 size the vehicle needs. As limited as the choices are in this size, there are three standouts when it comes to complementing the high horsepower Range Rover Sport.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Yokohama Parada Spec-X

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza

If you're a spirited driver looking for a tire that'll provide great steering response and cornering feel while retaining all-season use, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS and Yokohama Parada Spec-X will be perfect choices. Both tires are high speed rated all-season tires while the Continental boosts a very high rating for snow and ice traction. Directional tread pattern on the Yokohama gives this tire very high marks in wet weather and hydroplaning resistance.  

If ride comfort and low road noise are your biggest concerns, the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza is definitely one of the quietest and smoothest tires offered for the Range Rover Sport. The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza is also very a capable in light snow and wet weather situations.

Take a look at what customers are saying about their experiences with these three tires:

"Much better than the Original Equipment - quieter and softer ride. At the same time, they give a very positive steering feedback and less susceptible from grooves in the road. Very pleased." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (Continental ExtremeContact DWS)

"Improvement over the Original Equipment. Rides better, handles better, looks better and definite increase in traction and braking. Aggressive tread pattern with extra weight capacity and all-season traction makes for a great package." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged (Yokohama Parada Spec-X)

"These tires have performed well and the tread still has many miles left on them. With 25,000 miles on them, I still have excellent snow and ice traction and stability. I have no complaints about this tire, especially at the price point." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE (Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza)

To view the full list of tires available for your Range Rover Sport search by vehicle and find the option best suited for your driving needs.

Every year I am asked by BMW drivers with factory installed run-flat tires if they need to stay with a run-flat option when it comes to purchasing winter / snow tires. There is no stipulation or rule that requires run-flat tires to be reinstalled as the dedicated winter tire choice, however there are some drawbacks you should be aware of before making the switch.

The BMW can make the switch to non-run-flat tires, however, in most cases the vehicle did not come with a spare tire. If you were to decide to make the switch to non-run-flat winter tires, a road hazard would leave you stranded on the side of the road without a spare to put on the car. However, a solutions to this issue is to purchase the Continental ContiComfortKit. The kit is capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures making it possible for you to complete the drive home, to work or a tire repair facility. It combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid tire sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in a vehicle.

Features and Benefits of the Continental ContiComfortKit:

• Braided air hose
• Threaded hose end (more secure than push-on, thumb-lock inflation head)
• 15-foot power cord
• Lighted pressure gauge
• Low-intensity LED supplemental work light

Continental ContiComfortKit

Road Hazard

Another option worth considering is purchasing a full-size matching spare tire and wheel. Going this route essentially creates a set of five tires that will last longer than just four. The spare should be integrated into the vehicle's tire rotation from the beginning, as this will "wear out" the spare tire before it "ages out."

The choice to switch to non-run-flat tires for the winter boils down to your comfort level. If having a tire failure and being on the side of the road until road side service arrives or changing a spare on a busy highway are things you could never cope with, then staying with run-flats is probably best for you. If you're confident changing a spare tire in only a matter of minutes or waiting for road side service is not a big deal, then you may be someone who could easily make the switch to a non-run-flat winter tire.

To view all available winter options for your BMW, shop by vehicle.

Winter season will soon be upon us again and it's about time to take off your summer wheels and tires and install more capable winter options. But where and how do you safely store your summer set? Tire Rack offers the Tire Storage Rack to hold your extra tires and wheels when not in use.

The part I like most about this storage system is the fact it clears up precious garage floor space. Are you like me with cabinets, tool boxes, mowers and other items taking up room? Our Tire Storage Rack is a well-engineered solution to help organize the garage and keep extra tires out of the way.

This storage system is adjustable to fit your specific wheel and tire widths. It attaches directly to wall studs to provide a convenient and safe storage method. The Tire Storage Rack's heavy-duty construction has been load tested to a weight capacity of 400 lbs. Currently priced at $129, be sure to view the rack's installation instructions (PDF) to see how easily this storage system can be installed and become a great addition to your garage.

Looking for a truly durable all-season wheel to keep on your vehicle year-round without the worry of the finish starting to deteriorate? Or a wheel that's a great option for your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package? Andros wheels are designed to perform in harsh winter conditions by resisting damage to road salt and the inevitable potholes left behind every winter season. This makes them strong enough to generally withstand abuses with driving in any season and on most roads.

Andros Spec F

Andros Spec P

Andros Spec D

The wheels are named after the Andros Trophy, a French ice racing series started in 1990 by rally driver, Max Mamers. It quickly grew and today attracts drivers of all backgrounds including Formula One and rally racing. True to their namesake, Andros wheels are suited for harsh winter weather but keep a clean, sophisticated look for any month of the year.

Offered in a variety of colors and styles, there is even a specific wheel (Spec F) for the hard-to-find fitment on the Lexus LX570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Shop by vehicle to see if an Andros wheel is right for your application.

Currently, we offer over 30 different Performance Winter / Snow tires, but only one reigns supreme as the highest rated overall by our customers, the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3. The Pilot Alpin PA3 is the flagship performance winter / snow tire offered by Michelin and is designed to meet the needs of drivers who want to retain the precision of their ultra high performance sports car, sedan or coupe during winter conditions.

Pilot Alpin PA3 tires feature a sunflower oil-enriched Helio Compound to increase traction at low temperatures for improved braking and handling in the wet, as well as better overall performance in the snow. On top of providing better traction in winter conditions, most sizes meet Michelin's Green X standard for low rolling resistance that confirms the tire's contribution to reducing vehicle fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 gases.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

An asymmetric design of the tread allows for a side to side tire rotation or front to back for even wear over the life of the tire. Also, featuring Variable Thickness Sipes (V.T.S.) technology, Pilot Alpin PA4 tires have sipes on the inboard side of the tread design to provide traction in the snow and narrower sipes on the outboard side to enhance handling in the dry. The tire also features a unique internal construction reinforced by Michelin's BAZ technology, where polyamide cord is spirally Banded At Zero (BAZ) degrees to the direction of travel to combine high-speed capability with ride comfort.

Meeting the industry's severe snow service requirements, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 winter / snow radials are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with this Performance / Snow tire from Michelin:

"What is amazing to me is how they are in all weather conditions. These tires handle incredibly well in the snow, ice, mix precipitation without compromising the performance on those dry, cold winter days. The cornering and stopping is phenomenal. If you have a performance/sporty car and you want the security of snow tires for those nasty winter days, but want to maintain the sporty feel and not compromise cornering, acceleration, braking and the fun of driving, then these are the tires for you." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 BMW 335i Sedan Base Model

"Last winter season when we experienced 'carmageddon' here in the DC metro area, these tires got me home without getting stuck. It was the longest commute home ever, all the highways were a parking lot. I had to take a lot of back roads with hills and the tires performed well. When people were spinning out, getting stuck or turning around, I ventured up those hills and made it. Where AWD and 4WD were having trouble, I didn't. The car just kept going. I passed a lot of abandoned cars in the middle of the road or on the side and many times I figured "this is it, I am going to get stuck", but it never happened!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 BMW 535i Sedan

View our Tire Survey Results to compare tires in the Performance / Snow category and help you find the tire that's right for your vehicle.

The collaboration between Subaru and Toyota has created a lot of buzz and anticipation for car enthusiasts. Both companies had previous success in the sports car market with the Toyota Supra and Subaru SVX, and drivers have been waiting for a fun sports car from both again. This new rear-wheel drive platform promises to reignite the fan base of both manufacturers.

Tire Rack's parking lot now has a nice assortment of both the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ in many colors and customized in different ways. Our employees that bought these new sports cars knew what was approaching this winter. All of the Subaru BRZ models and a majority of the Scion FR-S vehicles came factory installed with 215/45R17 Michelin Primacy HP tires, which is a Grand Touring Summer tire. If you drive the BRZ or FR-S in cold weather, snow and ice, a separate set of winter / snow tires will be needed.

We offer plenty of options to keep your new BRZ or FR-S going when winter weather is at its worst. Take a look at the cost-effective recommended Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package consisting of the 205/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 mounted to a 16X6.5 black steel wheel. We'll also install new TPMS sensors in your winter package for an additional $62 per wheel.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Black Steel Wheel

If you would like to reuse your existing 17" wheels, you can mount the 215/45R17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 to your current wheels. Keep in mind you'll have to pay someone to mount and balance your summer and winter / snow tires twice per year, so buying wheels with your winter tires can pay for themselves relatively quickly.

Create a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for your Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ today!

The Porsche 911 is one of the most sophisticated and fun to drive vehicles on the road today. Many passionate drivers can't imagine putting their 911 in the garage for the winter and with the right equipment the thrill of the Porsche 911 doesn't need to end just because winter has arrived.

Tire Rack offers a wide array of products tailored to the Porsche lineup, like N-Spec tires and winter wheels that'll accept Original Equipment Porsche center caps. The fitment data for each particular model of vehicle will allow you to determine if you can minus size in the winter time. For example, some Porsche 911 (997) models came with 19" wheels, you can save money and have a smoother ride by switching to 18" wheels and tires. For additional information on how selecting a smaller diameter wheel may benefit your winter driving this year, read "Size Selection of Winter / Snow Tires."

When looking for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for a '12 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (997 chassis), I would recommend the Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II tire in a 235/40R18 for the front and 265/40R18 for the rear mounted to Sport Edition Cup 4 wheels in either a silver painted or black painted finish. Tire pressure monitors can also be added for an additional $97*/wheel. Sport Edition Cup 4 wheels can accept your O.E. Porsche center caps or you can purchase replacements for $49*/each.

Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II

Sport Edition Cup 4 Silver Painted

Sport Edition Cup 4 Black Painted

After purchasing a set of these tires and wheels, you can be sure the fun of driving your Porsche 911 will continue even after the snow has fallen. The Winter Sottozero Serie II is Pirelli's second-generation Performance Winter / Snow tire developed for drivers of premium, high performance vehicles facing challenging wintertime road conditions. Designed not just as a winter / snow tire, but as a seasonal tire suitable for the weather and road conditions typically experienced in parts of the U.S. between November and April, the Winter Sottozero Serie II provides traction and handling in cold, dry, wet and wintry conditions.

Shop by vehicle to find the right Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for your Porsche.

*Prices subject to change

BMW has rolled out its latest F30 3 Series platform and there are many changes from the previous E90 3 Series. The winter / snow tires and wheels from your BMW E90 can't be directly transferred to your new F30. Major items that make the swap incompatible are the much larger diameter tires and different TPMS hardware. Now may be the time to think about upgrading your winter tires and wheels for your new F30 in order to be ready for the harsh winter conditions on the way.

The BMW F30 328 can minus size down to a 16" wheel and the F30 335 can minus size down to a 17" wheel. We offer an assortment of product options catered specifically to BMW customers. For example, a recommended Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for a 2013 BMW 328i xDrive would be the 225/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 mounted to 16" Sport Edition A7 wheels in your choice of a black painted or silver painted finish. Sport Edition A7 wheels also allow you the option to use factory BMW center caps to complete the package.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Sport Edition A7 - Silver Painted

Sport Edition A7 - Black Painted

A similar package can be chosen for the 2013 BMW 335i, however it would need the 225/50R17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 tire mounted to the same Sport Edition A7 wheels in 17" instead of the 16" that's used on the 328i model.

Possibilities are endless for wheel and tire options to complement your new BMW F30 3 Series. To view products specifically tailored for you vehicle, use our Upgrade Garage and you can easily switch between product category results with one click.

The Subaru Outback is known as one of the most versatile vehicles on the market today. It combines everyday drivability, SUV cargo space and all-wheel-drive capability. But even the Outback can be stopped by winter weather because electronic drivers aid and AWD systems aren't enough to tackle what winter has to offer. 

Anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control make the car easier to drive in winter weather but none of these provide more traction. These systems only limit engine power and braking force -- you're still ultimately limited by the amount of grip you have from your tires. Although the Outback comes with a sophisticated AWD system to keep the vehicle moving forward in slippery conditions, when it comes to stopping and steering you still depend on your tires to provide the level of traction needed to keep safe on the road.

Most Subaru Outback models can use a 16" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. This is usually the most attractive route as it allows you to use a dedicated winter tire mounted to an inexpensive black steel wheel. For example, for the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i I would recommend using the 225/65R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Continental ExtremeWinterContact mounted to the 16x6.5" black steel wheel. Tire Pressure Monitors Systems can also be added if you wish. If the wheels and tires are purchased at the same time, we'll also provide Hunter Road Force balancing for free.  

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Continental ExtremeWinterContact

Black Steel Wheel

Shop by vehicle to view the winter / snow tires and wheels available for your Subaru.

Slick snow- and ice-covered roads are inevitable in the winter, but you can be prepared to handle anything with a Studdable Winter / Snow tire. These tires can be used with or without studs. Without studs, a Studdable Winter / Snow tire will handle light and deep snow with ease due to a vast amount of siping and a dedicated cold weather rubber compound. 

The increased siping creates hundreds of biting edges for improved snow traction. Designed to stay soft and pliable even in subzero temperatures, the tires' rubber compound allows them to more easily conform to the road in winter driving situations.

When studs are installed to a Studdable Winter / Snow tire, tungsten carbide pins are added to prescribed locations molded into the tire's tread design. Studs give the tire unsurpassed traction in icy conditions by using the vehicle's weight and the centrifugal force of the tire to effectively chip and tear away at the ice. Tire Rack can add studs to any of our Studdable Winter / Snow tires for only $15 per tire.

Several options in this performance category are available, including: General AltiMAX Arctic, Pirelli Winter Carving, Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter, and Firestone Winterforce. 

General AltiMAX Arctic

Pirelli Winter Carving

Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter

Firestone Winterforce

All of these winter / snow tires meet the severe snow service requirement and are branded with the "mountain/snowflake" symbol. Due to their unique designs, these tires must be used in sets of four. Use of studded tires is often prohibited or restricted. Check with local authorities to confirm legality.

Shop by vehicle to view the Studdable Winter / Snow tire options available for your vehicle.

The X-Ice Xi3 is the newest Studless Ice & Snow tire from Michelin. Designed for coupes, sedans, family vans and small crossover vehicles, the tire provides superior wintertime traction and safety.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

X-Ice Xi3 tires feature Michelin's FLeX-Ice silica-based winter tread rubber compound. FleX-Ice offers the firmness needed for dry and wet road stability, but will remain flexible at lower temperatures to enhance snow and ice traction. Further enhancing wintertime driving, the X-Ice Xi3 features micro-pumps to wick water and variable angle Cross Z Sipes to provide hundreds of biting edges. All of these traits are molded into a directional tread design to help evacuate water and slush to improve hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, the tire features:

• Treadlife Warranty: 6 Year / 40,000 Miles (when worn 2/32" depth)
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee
• 3-year flat changing

The X-Ice Xi3 is also a standout in the Studless Ice & Snow category because it meets Michelin's Green X standard for low rolling resistance which contributes to lower fuel consumption and less CO2 gas emissions. Shop for winter / snow tires to see if the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is available for your vehicle.

If you're someone who notices the details on any vehicle, you can probably recall seeing a nice set of black wheels only to have your eyes wander to the bright silver valve stem. These silver valve parts look out of place on a black aftermarket wheel.

Tire Rack offers an optional black TPMS sensor / valve part kit for $2.99 per wheel. Therefore, when you order black wheels like the O.Z. Racing Ultraleggera or Enkei Racing Series PF01, they can arrive with the complete black-out appearance. Purchasing the optional black sensor kit can provide you the look you desire at a very low price!

O.Z. Racing Ultraleggera - Black Painted

Enkei Racing Series PF01 - Black Painted

To view black wheel options for your vehicle, shop by vehicle and filter by finish to view all black finished wheels for you application.

Tire Rack carries black painted steel wheels for an assortment of vehicles. Steel wheels are the designated choice for a low cost and durable winter wheel. If you're like many Americans with frigid winters and the persistent threat of snow, you'll take off your summer or all-season tires and install a more capable dedicated winter / snow tire.

The thoughts remains though, "What about damaging my summer wheels on terrible winter roads?" and "Is it really cost-effective to pay someone to change my tires twice per year?" Using a steel wheel in your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package would answer both of these questions.

Having separate steel wheels allows you to remove your nice looking and expensive summer or factory wheels for the duration of the winter season while roads are at their worst. Tire Rack will mount and balance your winter / snow tires to your steel wheels at no charge when you purchase them as a package. This will allow you to easily install your new winter tires and wheels yourself!

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

Simply unbolt your summer wheels and tires and bolt on your winter / snow tires and wheels yourself at home at your convenience. You won't have to lug a set of tires to the mechanic and pay him to change your tires twice per year. Therefore, from the first winter, the steel wheels begin to pay for themselves and after a short time will actually cost you less than if you had only purchased winter tires and paid each year for mounting fees. To make sure you put your new tires and wheels on your vehicle properly, read Tire & Wheel Package Installation.

If the black steel wheel is too plain for you, we also offer a few wheel cover options to keep your vehicle looking good, even when the weather is not. 

Wheel Covers

Wheel Covers

Wheel Covers

To see if there are any steel wheels offered for you vehicle, begin by searching for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.