Competition Tire

For optimum snow grip, nothing compares to dedicated winter / snow tires. But, what if you live on the edge of the Snowbelt and need to run one set of tires year-round? Then you're better served by purchasing a set of all-season tires with decent light snow capability. 

How do different all-season tires perform in the snow? Our test team has traveled to Sweden the past few winters to find out. Below are brief recaps of five different all-season categories and how certain tires performed during our time near the Arctic Circle.

Ultra High Performance All-Season Test

In comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position, Continental ExtremeContact DWS, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and Pirelli PZero Nero All Season we found the Continental ExtremeContact DWS to perform best in the snow with the Pirelli finishing a close second. On ice, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus led the way with Continental's ExtremeContact DWS and Pirelli's PZero Nero All Season coming in next. Bridgestone's Potenza RE970AS Pole Position trailed the others by a fair margin. Complete test results can be found here.

Eco-Focused All-Season Test

When driving on the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422, Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology, Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max and Yokohama AVID TRZ we found the Goodyear and Bridgestone options to be tops in the snow and on ice. Goodyear's Assurance Fuel Max delivered impressive results, especially under braking. Yokohama AVID TRZ tires were competitive, but showed lower overall snow traction than the other three tires.

High Performance All-Season Test

The Dunlop SP Sport Signature, Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS and Goodyear Eagle GT all offered decent snow and ice performance. The fourth tire in the test, the Yokohama AVID ENVigor, couldn't match the others on both surfaces. It provided a considerably lower level of acceleration, braking and cornering traction. To see how Dunlop's aggressive tread pattern paid a dividend in the snow, read "Testing High Performance All-Season Tires."

Eco-Focused Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season Test

Amongst the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia, Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology and the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max, the Bridgestone did the best in the snow with the Goodyear coming in next. When it came to braking on the ice, Goodyear's Assurance CS Fuel Max edged out the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia. The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology was fairly easy to control, but showed somewhat lower overall traction than the other two.

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season Introductory Comparison Test

In assessing the General AltiMAX HP, Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season, Hankook Optimo H727 and Michelin HydroEdge with Green X, the Hankook Optimo H727 performed the best in snow and on ice. It was rather impressive in the snow, delivering very good overall traction and predictable handling. To view results from our test, take a look at "Testing the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season."

The Competition Package (ZCP) for the BMW M3 includes 19" wheels that are a half-inch wider than the standard options. We commonly recommend 235/35R19 on the front and 255/35R19 on the rear for a typical M3 Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, but those sizes will give a stretched look on the ZCP wheels. While the 9" and 10" wide wheels are technically within the recommended range for these tire sizes, winter tires tend to run slightly narrow, and the net result is a tire that looks like it's stretched to fit the wheel. 

A better solution when using ZCP wheels for winter driving is the combination of 255/35R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires. While the wider sizes are generally not preferred for deep snow use, they're the better choice for this particular wheel application. Bridgestone's Blizzak LM-60 is offered in these size configurations for the 2012-13 winter season. If you need narrower tires for more severe snow and ice conditions, an 18" Winter Tire & Wheel Package would be the recommended size.

See what customers are saying about their experience with the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 to help you in your search for a winter tire:

"Totally impressed with the ice and snow traction from these Blizzaks. Being a rear-wheel drive car, they really hook up and get me going. Deep snow or ice-covered roads are no problem for these. Good job, Bridgestone!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500

"I have had these tires for about two months and I can say that they perform very well in winter conditions. Being a powerful car (2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe), these tires have never come close to slipping when starting and stopping on ice. I fully endorse and recommend these tires to anybody with a smaller, AWD sports car." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

"This is the premier winter tire, and for good reason. Never again will I go another Wisconsin winter without a set of these. It's literally a night and day difference when driving on this tire in the snow, slush and ice. We recently experienced one of the worst snow storms here in Southeast Wisconsin - part of my area got hit with more than 20" of snow in less than a day. Even in the unplowed driveways and side streets, I was able to get to work the next day with no problems!' -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Volkswagen GTI

"These tires shined in the Chicago Blizzard in early 2011. When most people were sitting and spinning, I was confidently driving forward." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe Performance Wheel Package

Create a Winter/ Snow Tire & Wheel Package that's right for your application.

100 meters in 9.63 seconds, that was Usain Bolt's winning time at the 2012 Olympics. This is approximately 1.2 seconds faster than the winning time in 1912. How did we become this much faster in 100 years? Well, competition definitely played a part. The better the competition, the harder athletes work to reach the top. Just like athletes, tire manufacturers are constantly challenging one another. They're always looking for ways to improve grip, efficiency, ride compliance, tread noise, treadwear and a myriad of other traits.

Recently, we tested some new competitors in the Grand Touring All-Season class. We compared the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus (replacement for the Turanza Serenity), Yokohama AVID Ascend (H- or V-Speed Rated), Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology, along with Michelin's Primacy MXV4.

All four tires offer good ride compliance and low tread noise, however we noticed variations in the wet grip portion of our testing. The new Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology excelled on the wet track. It stopped 8 feet shorter than the second place finish of the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. Overall, the tire bested its competitors across the board in wet cornering grip, slalom time and wet lap time.

I view wet traction as the most important differentiator between average and great tires. Most tires are competent enough in the dry so that dry grip variances aren't felt in day-to-day use. Wet grip differences will be noticeable as a less effective tire slips and spins on wet surfaces.

Given its stellar wet performance, I feel that the Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology is our best Grand Touring All-Season tire. Although our official test report found the PureContact somewhat lacking in ride compliance, I personally didn't feel a significant deficiency during my time testing the tire. The bottom line is that the tire is a great choice in a very competitive field.

To see how our testing of these tires went this summer, watch "Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires."

For most of our customers, a smooth, comfortable ride is mandatory when considering a replacement tire. In a recent test of four Grand Touring All-Seaon tires, the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus proved to be the best in a very competitive field. It just edged out the winner of the last test, Michelin's Primacy MXV4.

Testing options from Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin and Yokohama, we put each model through a series of tests on our Real World Road Ride and on-site test track to determine each tire's strengths.

One of the primary requirements of a Grand Touring All-Season tires is ride quality, and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 held a slight edge over the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus during our Real World Road Ride, especially over rough roads. The Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology was close behind, with the Yokohama AVID Ascend falling just short of the others when encountering larger impacts.

On our track, we can take tires right to the edge of their capabilities to simulate emergency lane changes and other situations where traction (both in wet and dry) is paramount. In the dry, both the Bridgestone and the Michelin were nearly identical, with the overall score duplicating our Road Ride results. In the wet, the Continental edged its way to the top by exhibiting superior traction and stability over the Turanza Serenity Plus and Primacy MXV4. Thorough all the challenges, all four tires proved to be very closely matched with just subtle variations in ability.

In the end, the tires finished in the following order:

1. Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
2. Michelin Primacy MXV4
3. Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology
4. Yokohama AVID Ascend (H- or V-Speed Rated)

All four models are worthy of consideration when it comes time to buy new tires. For complete results of our test, take a look at "Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires."

The title seems to be a conflict. However, when you look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), there are situations where spending more today can save you money in the long run. Initial purchase price tends to be the first and sometimes only thing considered when looking for a new set of tires. Tires are a major purchase that most drivers will face every three to four years. Looking at other costs involved can result in the realization of spending more does in fact cost less.

While initial tire cost is a big part of the decision, consumers should consider three operating costs their tires influence:

• Initial purchase price and installation
• Vehicle fuel economy
• Cost per mile of treadwear

Many of the newer premium options in the marketplace are offering longer treadlife warranties and lower rolling resistance. While these may not be the lowest priced tires, over the life of the product, we can see where they truly are a great value. Take for example the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring with up to an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty. Competitive options in the Grand Touring All-Season category commonly have life expectancies in the 55,000 - 60,000 mile range. In many cases, this longer life alone can make up for any initial price premium. Once you add in avoiding mounting and balancing fees that are needed sooner, you can quickly be on the positive side in the long run by spending more now.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring

Michelin Defender

Another example is the new Michelin Defender with a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty. It also adds a focus on lowered rolling resistance which delivers better fuel economy. Michelin's testing has shown a 2% improvement in fuel economy over their HydroEdge with Green X. For a typical driver averaging 30 mpg for 15,000 miles a year, Defender tires will help them save 10 gallons of fuel per year (approximately $40 of savings per year) and about 60 gallons of fuel during their lifetime of six years (for an estimated $240 in fuel savings).

There's no doubt that vehicle depreciation, insurance premiums and mechanical repairs costs associated with buying, driving and maintaining a vehicle have gone up over the years. However, high-quality, longwearing tires may be the real value in the equation, as they will cost drivers less than a penny per mile for their treadwear. To see how you may be able to spend less by paying more, read "Tire Cost Analysis."

We recently completed our ice rink testing of several Studless Ice & Snow tires. One thing that really stuck out to me was how impressive the new Michelin X-Ice Xi3 was in our acceleration and braking tests.

We have not yet compiled all of our test data, but the Xi3 was very competitive and seemed slightly ahead of the highly rated Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 in the straight line portion of the test. The tire also seemed to be close, but slightly behind the Blizzak WS70 when it came to cornering on the ice. 

Michelin's X-Ice Xi3 tires were also some of the best handling in their category during our testing on dry roads. Many of the sizes available for the Xi3 are H-speed rated, which is higher than usual for options in the Studless Ice & Snow performance category. This also contributes to superior handling and high speed stability. 

On top of many sizes being available in H-speed ratings, most sizes meet Michelin's Green X standard for low rolling resistance. Branded with their Green X symbol provides visual confirmation of the tire's positive contribution to vehicle fuel efficiency and the global environment. The application of the Green X symbol is determined by laboratory testing on a model-by-model, size-by-size basis. It's Michelin's guarantee that the tire provides a level of energy efficiency among the highest in the market for its category without compromising other key characteristics, such as traction and treadwear. For more information on what this symbol on some Michelin tires represent, read "Michelin Green X."

X-Ice Xi3 tires provide a definite advance over the X-Ice Xi2 in traction. The difference is significant enough that Michelin recommends against combining the two tires on the same vehicle. As always, Studless Ice & Snow tires should only be used in sets of four. To see if the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is available for your vehicle, view available sizes.

As a replacement for their popular Potenza RE960AS Pole Position, Bridgestone's newest Ultra High Performance All-Season tire has big shoes to fill. Much like its predecessor, the new Potenza RE970AS Pole Position features a directional tread design with a host of biting edges for all-season use. Tread compounding on this tire is firmer than a quick wearing summer tire and allows Bridgestone to offer this tire with a 40,000-mile treadlife warranty. Although less than some of their other models, this tire does a phenomenal job of blending treadlife, lively performance and good road manners.

With heavy hitters such as the Continental ExtremeContact DWS and the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus found in the same category, the new Bridgestone RE970AS Pole Position has faced stiff competition. However, it has come out on top with the number one rating in our consumer-driven survey results.

Drivers of sports coupes, sedans and sports cars who are looking for balance should consider the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position. Available in 34 different sizes with a W-speed rating, this tire is available to fit most of today's popular applications.

For the last couple of years, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS has consistently been highly rated by our customers in the very competitive Ultra High Performance All-Season category. With our most recent test, we have found a new leader worthy of attention, the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position.

The Ultra High Performance All-Season category is aimed at drivers who demand a sporty handling tire that can also provide cold weather handling with some light snow capability. Popular applications that would use tires from this category would be sport sedans like the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Audi A4 and A6, as well as sporty coupes from Germany, Japan and the USA. This summer we tested the following four tires against one another to see what each tire's best characteristics were and which one would come out on top:

• Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
• Continental ExtremeContact DWS
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season
• Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season

At the track, all four tires were within 0.3 seconds of one another, with the P Zero Nero All Season posting the quickest time in dry conditions. When we factored in cornering and braking capabilities, the Bridgestone came out as the overall winner. Also, when we turned on the sprinklers, the Potenza RE970AS Pole Position really began to impress. It was definitely the clear-cut winner for performance driving on the wet test track.

In conclusion, as a group these Ultra High Performance All-Season tires do a pretty good job when it comes to dry and wet roads. The Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position sets the standard for the category with an excellent blend of handling, road manners and overall dry and wet traction. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS delivers a great blend of road and track manners, and is known for delivering good winter weather traction. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season tires are one of the most responsive tires in the category, while Pirelli's P Zero Nero All Season rounds out the test with a reasonable ride and handling, but doesn't quite have the wet traction.

For a complete recap of our test, watch "Testing Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires."

If you're the proud owner of a C4 Corvette, particularly between the years of 1984 and 1988, you are well aware of the scarcity of 255/50R16 tires for your car. This is the only vehicle that uses this size and therefore, there aren't many manufacturers who make a tire in this size.

Today, the only street tire Tire Rack carries in this size is the new BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2. There are other options available in the 255/50R16 size, but they're only meant for competition use. BFGoodrich has a long history of outfitting American muscle cars, including the Corvette. We went for almost two years without any tire for this vehicle. Fortunately, BFGoodrich stepped up to the plate and put their best foot forward with this Ultra High Performance Summer tire.

The g-Force Sport COMP-2 features BFGoodrich’s Performance Racing Core (PRC) internal structure that includes twin, high tensile steel belts reinforced by an enhanced ETEC System (Equal TEnsion Containment) of spirally wound nylon that stabilizes the tread area to optimize the contact patch for traction at speed and in hard cornering. Also, g-Control sidewall inserts featuring up to a 40% higher sidewall stiffening structure help improve lateral stability and cornering precision. A new silica-infused COMP-2 compound that's derived from racing technology delivers a sharp steering response and grip in wet and dry conditions without sacrificing treadwear.

Watch "Testing Ultra High Performance Summer Tires" to see how the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 could improve your classic Corvette.
 

Winter is just around the corner and that means shorter days and longer nights. Many of us will be driving back and forth to work in the dark. The only thing between you and the unknown in front of your vehicle are your headlamps. So don't be the person who neglects them and drives down the road with only one working bulb. If your bulbs need replaced, replace them. Better yet, upgrade your lights so you can enjoy improved visibility during your night drives. High-performance bulbs will help you see clearer, improve your vision distance and get the attention of oncoming traffic. 

With safety at the forefront, your headlamps, sidemarkers, fog lamps, turn signals and tail lamps are all critical in nighttime navigation. Tire Rack proudly offers PIAA and Hella bulbs to improve night and inclement weather driving.

PIAA

Whether it's endurance racing, rally, off-road or for the street, PIAA products are designed for drivers to use with pride and confidence. They combine desirable products with the latest technology to make nights and inclement driving as safe as possible. No matter who you are or what you drive, upgrading to PIAA bulbs can be nothing short of enlightening. Not only will your car get noticed, you'll have improved visibility, too. PIAA's bulbs are SAE and DOT approved, so you can upgrade your vehicle's bulbs and be street legal in all 50 states and Canada.

Hella

Hella has been setting standards in the light technology used to increase active safety and driving comfort. They have lead the way with innovative lighting products for both vehicle manufacturers and driving enthusiasts whose need to see doesn't end when the sun goes down. Hella lights are used to light the way to victory at many of the world's most notable endurance races and rallies. The winning teams have used their lights at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans races, as well as, in International, Club and Pro Rally competition.

Improve your vision and enhance your overall vehicle safety by shopping by vehicle to find the right lights for your application.