Are Your Chrome Wheels Leaking? Replace Them with Affordable Custom Wheels

Friday, April 19, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

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!

BFGoodrich Brings Back Classic Red Line Tire for New Camaro and Challenger

Thursday, March 28, 2013 by Doc Horvath

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.

Dunlop Sport Maxx Race: DOT-Legal Track Tire Expands Size Lineup

Monday, March 25, 2013 by Ben Rooney

The Dunlop Sport Maxx Race is a racing tire that is street legal. Unlike some other race tires that are DOT-legal but not intended for road use, the Sport Maxx Race is able to be driven to and from the track. This tire performs excellently on dry roads and was introduced as the stock tire for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series. Dunlop has recently expanded their offerings for the widths ranging from 235mm to 325mm.

These tires are a class up from Extreme Performance Summer tires that offer a balance of street longevity and track performance. The Dunlops are more track focused and have less longevity on the street. While we haven't had the opportunity to test the Sport Maxx Race yet, we have received some very positive customer feedback. In a recent review, one owner writes:

"Though it is soft and wears quickly, it is actually quite comfortable and not very loud at all. I have two sets of wheels/tires; one for the street and another for track. Other than the price and how quickly they wear, I can't find a single fault with this tire. It is designed for the track, and is only DOT-certified so that you can drive your car to the track, instead of trailering it there. The Sport Maxx is the best tire of its kind, in my experience."

While it's definitely not a tire for everyone based on price and limited treadlife, it could be just the ticket for a dedicated enthusiast. View available sizes to see if the Dunlop Sport Maxx Race is an option for your vehicle.

Hankook's Newest Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire: Ventus S1 noble2

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 by Hunter Leffel

Hankook Ventus noble2Hankook has started to release their latest entry into the Ultra High Performance All-Season category, the Ventus S1 noble2. Developed for the drivers of sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans, the tire is being released in a myriad of sizes and wheel diameters. This includes sizes between 16" and 20" diameters and widths ranging from 205mm up to 275mm. At the time of this post, many of the 16", 17" and 18" sizes are available, while the 19" and 20" options are expected to arrive at a later time.

Ventus S1 noble2 tires feature an asymmetric tread design pattern. The inside of the pattern is optimized for wet traction and wet traction channels were developed with 3D computer simulations for hydroplaning resistance. Asymmetric patterns can cause some questions for some customers due to the shape of their water channels, however this pattern allows for full tire rotation. For additional information, read "Are my Asymmetric Tires Running Backwards?"

The Hankook's outer edge focuses on cornering and noise reduction, while larger tread blocks and a solid rib provide stability under load. 3D vibration analysis technology was used to produce an advanced mold profile that delivers uniform contact pressure across the footprint to promote even wear and secure braking performance.

We plan on testing this tire during the summer months, so be on the look for those results.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Thursday, February 28, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

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


General Altimax ArcticReviewer's Overall Rating: Not Rated

2011 Mazda Mazda3 4-Door
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 3,000
Location: Iowa City, IA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
January 31, 2013

Four of these tires with studs makes a front-wheel drive car a brilliant performer on ice!

We live on a gentle hill that became slick as snot after freezing rain last week. It was so slick that it was perilous to walk down the sidewalk. But with their studs, these tires did great -- going down the hill our Mazda 3 never lost any traction. Even when I tried stepping hard on the brake, these studded tires did not slip even a little.

Besides ice, we've driven on a couple of inches of snow and with a set of four we had no problem in our front-wheel drive Mazda 3.

I bought these from TireRack, who also installed the studs and mounted them on rims. What we received from TireRack was ready to mount on the car, which we did at a cost of $25 at the local tire shop at the beginning of the snowy season. This was a good customer experience.

Good Savings on Great Tires: Closeout Pricing on Fuzion HRi and VRi

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

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:

205/40-17 High Performance All-Season HRI $42*
205/40R17 Fuzion HRi $42*
205/50-16 High Performance All-Season HRI $49*
205/50R16 Fuzion HRi $49*
205/50-16 High Performance All-Season VRI $49*
205/50R16 Fuzion VRi $49*

 

215/50-17 High Performance All-Season Fuzion HRI $59*
215/50R17 Fuzion HRi $59*
225/60-16 High Performance All-Season Fuzion HRI $63*
225/60R16 Fuzion HRi $63*
245/45-17 Fuzion High Performance All-Season HRI $65*
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:

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

Max Performance Summer Tire Review: Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position

Wednesday, February 20, 2013 by Marshall Wisler

As much of the country is dreaming about warmer weather, taking off your winter / snow tires isn't too far away. Which means we will be able to get to feel the rush of driving our ultra high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans!

One of my favorite tires in the Max Performance Summer category is the Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position. This tire has been a long time front runner in the category and is currently in second place only to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in our Tire Survey Results. In these rankings, the tire receives very high marks in the following areas:

  • Hydroplaning resistance
  • Wet traction
  • Dry traction
  • Ride comfort
  • Noise comfort

Bridgestone's Potenza S-04 Pole Position does everything well at a moderate price point. Without spending a fortune, the S-04 Pole Position gives you brand name quality, great performance and a tire that has good road manners. This tire has fared very well in both dry and wet traction and continues to be a strong seller for those considering street-friendly performance tires. It's available in a host of sizes ranging between 16" and 20" and widths from 205mm up to 305mm. Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with this Bridgestone summer tire:

"I replaced the Original Equipment with these and was amazed at the result. Fantastic street tire with excellent grip, low noise and very good steering response. Very pleased with the purchase and I recommend them for performance ranges of aggressive down to mild." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe

"By far the best tire I have ever had. I live in Seattle where it rains a lot and I don't hydroplane with these tires. I have a 2001 BMW 540 with rear-wheel drive and the car handles amazing. I never have a problem losing control or grip with this tire. I would definitely get another set when the time comes." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2001 BMW 540

"I doubt there is a better choice for the money. It completely changed the handling of my car for the better." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Pontiac G8 GT

Hankook's Ventus R-S3 Brings Competition Tire Grip to the Street

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Doc Horvath

Hankook's Ventus R-S3 provides an affordable street tire that best mimics the grip of a racing slick intended for the track. The R-S3 entered a very competitive group of Extreme Performance Summer tires dominated by the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 and the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec, both of which are considered excellent dual purpose tires for performance street and occasional track / autocross use. We had the opportunity to compare the Hankook against both these tires, as well as the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 and Kumho Ecsta XS on our test track. Results were published in the August 2011 issue of Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. During this test, the R-S3 shaved nearly a full second off the Dunlop's lap time and came in quicker than the Bridgestone, too! Our tester remarked: "The tire inspires confidence from the first turn of the steering wheel, making it easy to attack the course's elements."

Our extensive Tire Survey Results put the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 just slightly ahead of the Hankook in cornering stability and hydroplaning resistance. With that said, customers really like this tire and have spoken with high praise for this Hankook and say they would buy this tire again!

"I love this tire. I bought it mostly for autocross use. However, I have driven quite a few highway miles now and have had no problems. I'd say this is one of the best performance tires you can buy, especially for the price. Needless to say, I'll be buying another set when the time comes." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2002 Honda S2000

"I purchased this tire for mainly track use and it did not disappoint. The traction was great when accelerating, cornering and braking. I have just purchased another set for my TT. Excellent value!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe

Do you want to see if the Hankook Ventus RS-3 is available for sports car, sports coupe or performance sedan? Then shop by vehicle!

Sport Edition Wheels at Tire Rack

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 by Marshall Wisler

Sport Edition wheels feature a wide range of styles and sizes to fit a variety of vehicle types. As one of our house brands, these wheels are designed to provide low-cost wheel options and often times offer wheel fitments where there otherwise would be none.

Due to their pricing, Sport Edition wheels are a common choice for customers creating a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. With many options modeled after traditional five- and six-spoke designs, the brand is also home to many Original Equipment based styles, such as the Cup 4. This one-piece, cast construction wheel is styled for and unique to Porsche vehicles.

If you're looking for a low-cost cast aluminum wheel, search by vehicle to see if a Sport Edition wheel is an option for your car.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Pirelli Winter Sottozero

Thursday, January 31, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

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


Pirelli Winter SottozeroReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.1

2008 BMW 750Li
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 500
Location: Mansfield, OH
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
January 09, 2013

I kept the staggered set-up despite advice to use a narrower rear tire. The ride and handling in cold, dry conditons remained fine, and I am definitely glad I maintained the original set-up. This tire is outstanding in snow. Despite having rear wheel drive I was able to safely drive through 6-8 inches of snow and slop before the streets were treated. Last year I was caught with summer tires and got stuck in a suprise snowfall of only 1-2 inches. With these tires even the 8 inches of snow in my unplowed driveway couldn't keep me out of my garage. Have not had them long enough to gauge the treadwear. However, it feels great to no longer have to change vehicles when snowfall is predicted. These tires have given me peace of mind. P.S., Tire Rack's price, customer service, and fast delivery was great too.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

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


Continental ExtremeContact DWSReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.36

2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sedan
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 6,000
Location: New Windsor, NY
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 6,000 Miles on Tires
January 03, 2013

on the survey reviews for this category Ultra Performance All Season, this ranked #2 with over 2million reviews. Bridgestone was actually higher with 900K reviews. but having had poor experience with Bridgestones on Infiniti SUV & on Pathfinder, based on the excellent customer reviews for the Continentals, decided to give them a try. & it didn't hurt that the cost was much lower than the B's.
Overall, am very very happy & satisfied I had chosen these tires for my wife's car. Have to admit, in a rear wheel drive car this performed excellent in 2 very recent snow storms & 2 very strong rainstorms with driving wind, we felt so safe & confident vs. driving our Pathfinder (even tho I have my favorite General Grabbers AT2's on them, which btw are better performers on my Durango than the PF) - that says a lot about these Continentals! They were purchased with the express purpose of winter driving. I highly recommend these tires for overall top performance, traction & no noise smooth rides.

Get a Great Tire and Save Money with Closeout Fuzion Tires

Friday, January 18, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, everyone wants to save money without compromising safety. That's why we test tires and currently provide over 2.8 billion miles of customer feedback to help you select the right tire. With many different options to choose from, you're likely to find an option that works for you and your budget.

In addition to these services, we're also fortunate to have strong relationships with the manufacturers so we can offer you some great tires with closeout savings. At this time, take advantage of the the Ultra High Performance Summer Fuzion ZRi and On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Fuzion XTi at amazing pricing.

Mouseover Text Here
Fuzion ZRi
Closeout On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Fuzion XTI*
Fuzion XTi


Take a look at the popular 225/45R17 ZRi that's been marked down to $61*. This tire is a good choice for drivers in rainy climates, such as Florida, because of its wet grip capabilities. Developed to meet the needs of sport compact and sports car driving enthusiasts and tuners, the tire provides crisp and responsive handling in both wet and dry conditions. Fuzion ZRi tires also feature Rim Guard rubber ridges on its lower sidewalls to function as bumpers to help protect wheels from curb damage.

Other closeout ZRi sizes include:

Are you looking for some moderate off-road capability and a more rugged look for your Jeep, 1/2-ton truck or SUV? The Fuzion XTi will do the job without bombarding you with mud tire drone. Blending overall performance with aggressive styling, this tire meets enthusiasts needs without compromising comfort or affordability. Even better, you can purchase this tire at a great price! For example, the 225/70R16 option is priced at only $79*.

Other closeout XTi sizes include:

Whether you're ready for cruising the strip or about to hit some trails, take a look at what some customers are saying about their experiences with the tires:

"These tires have proved exceptional. Dry weather cornering is outstanding and very predictable. The main revelation is in the wet where the Fuzion has completely cured the unstable understeer exhibited with my previous tires. The A6 2.7T Quattro is quick, but heavy. It had an unpredictable push on the previous tires, but now it is a joy in both the wet and dry." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Audi A6 2.7T (Fuzion ZRi)

"I really liked the look of this tire for the price. This is the best tire I have ever bought. As an outdoorsman, this tire has been off road for many hunting trips. This tire has outperformed any tire in any condition I have subjected it to. I am on your website today to purchase a new set!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 Regular Cab Long Box (Fuzion XTi)

*Limited stock, prices subject to change

 

Best On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Tires in Snow

Thursday, January 17, 2013 by Gary Stanley

Dedicated winter / snow tires perform better than non-winter tires on snow- and ice-covered roads. The downside is that winter tires aren't designed for year-round use, therefore an additional set of tires is needed.  

In light of this, some light truck and SUV drivers choose to compromise and use one set of tires all 12 months of the year. Many will choose a tire from the Highway All-Season or Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category because of their quiet ride and long wear. 

However, for drivers who are willing to deal with more road road noise and slightly reduced road handling, On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires are worth considering for their better snow traction. On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires (commonly referred to as A/T tires) typically have snow and ice traction that's better than street all-season tires but fall short of the winter performance of a dedicated winter / snow tire. 

Which of the On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires have the best snow traction? The following are my top three choices:

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO
BFGoodrich All-Terrain
T/A KO
General Grabber AT2
General Grabber
AT 2
Goodyear Wranger SilentArmor
Goodyear Wrangler
SilentArmor


As you can see, all three tires have a fairly aggressive tread pattern with many small tread blocks and multiple sipes for better snow, ice and off-road traction. Based on our extensive customer survey data, the General Grabber AT 2 has higher ratings for deep snow traction, light snow traction and ice traction, while being a bit louder and slightly stiffer riding than the other two options. However, these differences were separated by very few points, so it's hard to go wrong with any one of these tires. 

Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experiences with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO, General Grabber AT 2 and Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor:

"I bought these to replace my Original Equipment which honestly were horrible in snow. I slid everywhere, even in the rain. Bought these (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO) and it is like a whole different truck. I love these tires and will buy them for every truck I ever own as long as they stay this good. Have had them on for about 10,000 miles and they still look new, and I am what they call an aggressive driver. I really love these tires. If they made them to fit all my vehicles, I would buy them for all of them. Best tires I have come across for my truck hands down! Buy them, you won't be disappointed." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Ford F150 XLT Super Cab 4wd (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO)

"These tires are amazing! i just put a new set on my truck because I was so happy with the performance of the last set. I live in rural North Dakota, so they get plenty of time to play in the mud, gravel and snow. My tire size is mountain/snowflake rated and I see why. They go through deep snow. When it starts snowing in town and you see all the other cars unable to get traction, I can keep it in two-wheel drive and go like it's dry pavement. Even blizzards can't slow them down!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1999 Nissan Frontier XE 4wd (General Grabber AT 2)

"Best tires I have ever bought! Awesome traction in any condition: wet, dry, snow and even ice. Goodyear hit a home run with this design. 5 stars. I can't say enough good about this tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review (Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor)

Shop by vehicle today and upgrade your vehicle's snow and ice traction!

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

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

Continental ExtremeContact DWS Reviewer's Overall Rating: 4.6
 
 

2011 Chrysler 300C
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 300
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 300 Miles on Tires
December 04, 2012

Bought these tires with new set of custom wheels(XIX), only ran them for about 300mi horrible vibration and road noise i have the hemi so i push it some time traction is definitely better than stock and they look ok but can't get pass the vibration. Wouldn't recommend them for this vehical. Replacing with General G-max Thurs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Wheel Size

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 by Ben Rooney

Often times I receive calls from customers who are curious about changing the wheel size on their vehicle. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the difference in wheel sizes:

Can I use a different wheel size than what came on my car? Yes. There are often sizes that'll work very well on a vehicle even though they were not originally installed on it. When you search by vehicle on our website, all the options listed have been verified to fit. This also allows us to show you the specific price for the wheel you need for your vehicle.

Why do you need to know my vehicle? We need to know your vehicle to ensure a proper fit. Experience has taught us that searching by wheel size, offset and/or bolt pattern alone aren't specific enough criteria to ensure an exact fitment. Attention to detail prevents vibration, wheel and tire interference and unbalanced handling. Read "Why Shop for Wheels by First Selecting a Vehicle?" to see what we check so the wheels you order are a fit for your car.

How does Tire Rack know what will fit my vehicle? So glad you asked! Because there are numerous wheel/vehicle combinations, this often means each wheel has to be individually tested on the vehicle either manually or electronically using Computer Aided Deign (CAD) data. Some of the items we verify to ensure a proper fit include:

  • Bolt Pattern
  • Centerbore Diameter
  • Hub Diameter
  • Load Capacity
  • Lug Hardware
  • Suspension Components Clearance

Take a look at "How We Know What Fits" to see how we offer Tire & Wheel Packages that are specifically designed for your vehicle.

Will the new size throw off my speedometer/odometer? No. If you stick with a proper plus- or minus-sized tire, the speedometer and odometer will still function correctly. To learn more about this topic, check out our tech article, "The Plus Concept."

Will I have to change anything else on my vehicle? Typically, the answer is no. The vast majority of our wheel fitments will bolt right on. We do list some specialized wheel fitments that are designed for vehicles used in racing, with lifted suspensions or modified fenders. Any wheels requiring modification are noted as such. 

Will my vehicle's ride or handling be affected? It depends on the size. Plus or minus one inch from the original wheel is not usually very noticeable. Bigger wheels generally have sportier handling but a harder ride. Smaller wheels have a softer ride and more flex in the tire's sidewall.

I shopped for a Tire & Wheel Package, but I only see wheels. What's going on? Creating a Tire & Wheel Package is a two-part process. First, you choose the wheel you want, then you choose a tire to go with it. As tire enthusiasts, we don't believe that the same tire is right for every driver, so we let you choose the tire that's best for you.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Dunlop Graspic DS-3

Monday, January 7, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

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


Dunlop Graspic DS-3Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.45

2004 Chrysler 300M
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 9,500
Location: Nelliston, NY
Driving Condition: Easy Going

Initial Review, 9,500 Miles on Tires
December 08, 2012

Great comfort, very low noise, great traction & good economics. Beginning third season with ample tread. I have an undersized tread width application for better traction as recommended by Tire Rack, and maintain higher tire pressures (34-35 lb/in2) for good freeway stability. I chose this tire because it's bi-directional like the no longer available Blizzak WS-50 and can be rotated from side to side, with out reversals on the rim. I found that living 3 years with directional WS60 tires to be expensive and rough on the custom wheel finish for required rotations and re-balancing. I hope that Dunlop and Tire Rack will continue to provide this tread style.

Alternate 19" Tire Sizing for Dodge Journey Now Available

Friday, January 4, 2013 by Doc Horvath

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
Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel
Max
Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia
Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422
Ecopia
Yokohama Parada Spec-X
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.

Can I Arrange To Pick-Up My Order at a Tire Rack Distribution Center?

Thursday, December 20, 2012 by Hunter Leffel

With six strategically located distribution centers across the country, Tire Rack is able to offer fast shipping service options to our customers. In fact, most customers are within one to two business days of our Indiana, Nevada, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana or Georgia distribution centers.

When talking to customers who live near one of these locations, I am often asked if they can arrange a pick-up of their order. Customer pick-up is available at all locations, except for Delaware. Below you'll find the order pick-up times (local time) for each location:

  1. South Bend, Indiana - Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday
  2. Windsor, Connecticut - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  3. Midway, Georgia - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  4. Shreveport, Louisiana - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
  5. McCarran, Nevada - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Customer pick-up is available at these locations only on orders placed via telephone. The option isn't available on orders placed through our website. Sales tax will also be included in your purchase price when finalizing your order for pick-up. Some additional customer pick-up information includes:

  • The credit card will be charged at the time of pick-up
  • Credit card holders must be present and show the credit card used to pay for the order at time of pick-up
  • Additional photo ID is also required
  • Installs are available only at our Indiana location

You can use the shop by vehicle feature on our website to research the products you're interested in purchasing before calling in to place your order. One of our sales specialists will place the order and arrange a convenient pick-up time. If ordering a Tire & Wheel Package, we'll need approximately four to six hours lead time to mount and balance and prepare them for pick-up. Most other items that are in stock will be ready shortly after your order has been placed.

Payment methods accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Cash payment is also accepted all locations except for Georgia.

All-Season Tires for a BMW X5 with 20" Wheels

Monday, December 17, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

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
 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.

Tire Size Alternatives for the Jeep Patriot Sport

Thursday, December 13, 2012 by Hunter Leffel

Recently, I had an inquiry from a client about his wife's 2010 Jeep Patriot. The Sport trim level has a 16" wheel, while the Limited model is equipped with a 17" wheel. In this case, we were working with the more difficult 205/70R16 - one of the Sport's Original Equipment sizes. The platform sharing Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber can use the 205/70R16 size, but it isn't an O.E. size. It didn't take me long to realize we were going to be looking for an alternate size for this particular customer. He wanted to to get away from the Goodyear Eagle LS-2 (O.E. tire), which regrettably is not highly rated in our survey results

I recommended the alternate size of 215/65R16 as it's just under a 1/2" wider and about a 1/3" shorter. This size will fit the Jeep correctly on the factory wheel. Below are a few of the popular tires in this size.

General Altimax HP
General AltiMAX HP
Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring
Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring
Michelin Defender
Michelin Defender


General's AltiMAX HP was developed to be a smarter tire for smarter drivers by addressing many of the treadwear quality and year-round traction challenges faced by today's drivers. With over 23 million miles reported from customers, this tire is highly rated and excels in road manners and stability.

Goodyear's Assurance ComforTred Touring combines looks, ride comfort and long wear with all-season traction, even in light snow. This tire has been available for a couple years and is proving to be an all-around winner. Currently ranked second in its category, we have found this to be a quiet tire with good handling characteristics.

The newer Michelin Defender enhances fuel economy by meeting Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives, while delivering extra long wear, comfortable driving characteristics and all-season traction in dry, wet and wintry conditions, even in light snow. The tire that has made some impressions so far as it tied for first in our testing this summer. We liked the tire's responsive handling in dry conditions. For complete results of our tests, take a look at "Testing Passenger and Touring All-Season Tires."

To view all 215/65R16 options, shop by size.