My nickname is Doc, and I'm a sales specialist at Tire Rack. We are very fortunate to have our own test track and test cars from BMW and Porsche at our disposal. It's very exciting coming to work and knowing I get the chance to drive on just about every type of tire from twenty different manufacturers. Please keep an eye on my blog for my take on new tires, wheels and suspension components that you can use on your vehicle. Thank you!
For Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Packages, it's often beneficial to use a smaller diameter wheel (combined with a taller profile tire) compared to your stock wheels. In many cases, an expensive, low profile tire size and wheel combination can be substituted with a more cost-effective tire and wheel set that'll also afford added sidewall height to minimize pothole damage. With more and more vehicles coming standard with 19" and 20" wheels and tires, "minus sizing" has become very popular.
How do we know which wheels will fit your vehicle? By measuring your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our fitment engineers to create accurate drawings of these parts. This also helps us check for any interferences. Items we measure or verify during the process include:
- Bolt Pattern
- Centerbore
- Hub Interference
- Load Capacity
- Lug Hardware
- Suspension Components
Once a wheel is guaranteed, we can develop the corresponding tire size that will both maintain proper load capacity and overall diameter for accuracy of the vehicle's electronic instrumentation and safety systems. Proper fitment engineering allows us to offer Tire & Wheel Packages that are specifically designed for your vehicle. Our attention to detail prevents vibration, wheel/tire interference and unbalanced handling that can result from improperly designed packages.
For further information on how we verify what wheels are a match for your vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."
Tire Rack is proud to offer a broad line of automotive cleaning and detailing products from the experts at Griot's Garage, a company devoted to quality and innovation. Consider the Machine Polishing & Waxing Kit that provides a safe and easy way to remove swirl marks or fine scratches. You can also apply a protective coating to your vehicle's paint. The kit comes complete with the following products and items:
- 6" Random Orbital Polisher
- Paint Cleaning Clay
- Speed Shine (35 oz.)
- Finest Sprayer
- Machine Polish 3 (16 oz.)
- 6" Orange Foam Polishing Pad
- Best of Show Wax (16 oz.)
- 6" Wax Applicator Pad
- Machine Polishing DVD
- Detailed Handbook
Designed for the beginner, the Griot's Garage Machine Polishing & Waxing Kit provides quality an expert can appreciate!
 Machine Polishing & Waxing Kit |
 Total Chrome Wheel and Tire Care Kit |
It is easy to keep chrome wheels looking good when you have the correct cleaning tools and cleaners. And that's what you'll find with the Total Chrome Wheel and Tire Care Kit. With the included Chrome Wheel Cleaner, you can gently remove brake dust deposits, heavy road oils and other contaminants without the worry of etching the wheel's surface. You can reach every angle and bend in the wheel with the 3-Finger Detail Mitts and 3" Red Pad and Holder. The Total Chrome Wheel and Tire Care Kit includes:
- Tire and Wheel Wash Bucket (1)
- Chrome Wheel Cleaner (1 - 35 oz.)
- Paint Sealant (1 - 8 oz.)
- Long Lasting Tire Dressing (1 - 8 oz.)
- Finest Sprayer (1)
- 3-Finger Detail Mitts (2)
- 3” Red Pad and Holder (1)
- 100% Cotton Buffing Cloths (4)
- Detail Sponge (1)
Take a look at how we can help your car look great on the inside and outside today!
For many years, studded winter / snow tires provided the ultimate in winter traction. As technology has improved over the years (and as many states and countries have outlawed the use of studs), tire manufacturers have been able to develop specialized rubber compounds that can now exceed the ice traction capabilities of traditional studded snow tires!
A few years ago we outfitted our test cars with the latest Studless Ice & Snow offerings from Bridgestone, Dunlop and Michelin and ran them against the Firestone Winterforce outfitted with carbide tipped studs. On our Real World Road Ride loop we found (as expected) that while none of the studless tires produced noise levels that were considered dramatic, the Firestone Winterforce tires generated so much noise that they were considered objectionable by many of our testers. Complete test results can be found by reading, "Technological or Traditional Traction for Ice and Packed Snow?".
We also went to a local ice rink for testing and the results of our braking tests were pretty impressive (since this test, each Studless Ice & Snow model has been replaced by a newer model). As you can see by the graph below, all three Studless Ice & Snow tires performed better than the studded option.
In the end, the results spoke for themselves. We learned that the advanced technology found in Studless Ice & Snow tires exceeded that of the traditional traction of studs on ice. Especially considering the unacceptable noise generated when studs contact dry and wet roads, we recommend using today's advanced tread compound and design technologies to drive through snow and on ice in winter.
In nearly any condition, the Studless Ice & Snow tire is up to the task and can provide better traction than a studded winter / snow tire. To see what tires will be best for you this winter, shop by vehicle.
While studded winter / snow tires aren't an everyday topic, there are a few items that need to be remembered for long life and effectiveness. First, it's important to understand that many states either outlaw the use of studded tires all together or limit their use to certain times of the year. Always check your local laws before ordering a set of these tires.
Next, the tire’s tread is normally lubricated to ease stud installation. Since it takes some time for the lubricant to evaporate and the tread rubber to securely compress around the stud, drivers should "tread lightly" at first. Relatively slow driving (less than 31 mph/50 km/h) without fast acceleration, aggressive cornering or hard braking is recommended for the first 62 miles (100 kilometers) to allow for proper studding. Normal studded tires aren't recommended for high speed driving because it'll cause the studs to wear faster and increase their possibility of being ejected.
Finally, only new tires that have never been driven on can be studded. Tires already driven on should never be studded nor re-studded as unseen debris (sand, cinders, salt or stones) can be trapped under the stud in the molded hole, which would prevent the stud from seating properly. Over the life of the tires, it's expected that some studs will work themselves loose and be ejected. Breaking in and properly rotating the tires will help extend their life.
For more information on properly maintaining your set of studded tires, read "Studded Tires for Winter Driving."
For many people, their car is a reflection of themselves. Whether your loved one has a sports car, pickup truck or SUV, most likely they would appreciate a gift that would improve their vehicle's looks or handling. From Fords to Ferraris, the Tire Rack Gift Guide can recommend the right gift for any budget!
By simply entering the year, make and model of the car you're shopping for, you can select from all items guaranteed to fit. Once you pick the category you are interested in, you'll see a full range of products by price and can even calculate the shipping charges from the same screen. From tires and wheels to suspension and tools, there's always something you can find to make the car enthusiast on your list happy.
Looking to stay on a budget? View products by price range to find a great gift within the price point you're looking for. Or are you having trouble deciding on what to give? Let them decide by purchasing a Gift Certificate that can be sent via postal mail or email.
Order by December 19th for Christmas delivery!
For many enthusiasts, their car is not only a means of transportation but also a source of recreation, too. With vehicles that see double duty as a daily driver and track car, many find that a separate set of track-only wheels and tires are a great luxury to have. Sticky track tires can greatly improve handling, however they can wear quickly to the point they aren't an option for daily use. This causes many drivers to have a second set they can install separately for each dedicated use. For best results, a track wheel needs to be lightweight and strong. And if you're looking to combine these characteristics at a great price, consider the line of wheels from TRMotorsports.
Ranging from vehicles such as older BMWs to the Mazda Miata, TRMotorsports wheels reflect form and function by using race-inspired styles with a focus on maintaining minimum mass to obtain the required strength. Many of their wheels are vehicle specific.
The C1M is a 4x100 bolt pattern wheel intended for the Mazda Miata and features a lower offset than a factory wheel to allow for larger brake calipers. More importantly, this allows for the wheel and tire to be moved out to the very edge of the body for better handling. This lower offset does require that the fenders be modified to avoid rubbing, so they aren't considered to be very street car friendly.
MT1 wheels are primarily offered in a 4x120 bolt pattern aimed at BMW E46 (3 Series) applications. They run much wider than factory wheels to allow for a wider tire option. The ultra wide tire on the vehicle's front can affect directional stability, therefore they are also not considered to be appropriate for street car use.
TRMotorSports' F1 is a Lotus Elise and Exige specific wheel that mirrors the 16" diameter front and 17" diameter rear wheel sizes used as Original Equipment with similar offsets. F1 wheels are also unique because they accept the O.E. Lotus center cap to give that factory look.
 TRMotorSports C1M |
 TRMotorSports MT1 |
 TRMotorSports F1 |
TRMotorsports wheels are also available for many Subaru, Audi and Mitsubishi applications, so be sure to shop by vehicle to see which option is a match for your car.
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:
- Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
- Michelin Primacy MXV4
- Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology
- 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."
Looking for a complete lowering spring and damper kit that'll add improved handling without a big sacrifice in comfort? Then take a look at the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit. By combining Eibach's proven Pro-Kit springs with specially tuned Bilstein shocks and struts in one complete package, you can get the best that both companies have to offer for the following vehicles:
- Late model C- and E-Class Mercedes-Benz
- Fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf
- Fifth-generation VW GTI
In nearly all cases, the use of a lowering spring requires replacement of the Original Equipment struts and shock as the higher spring rates are more than the O.E. units can handle. For best durability, switching to a performance oriented shock with heavy duty components will maximize the performance of the spring and eliminate the chances of premature wear. Eibach went to one of the best in the suspension industry and asked them to design a durable and responsive companion for their Pro-Kit spring.
Key Features & Benefits of Bilstein's B12 Pro-Kit:
- Professional Cornering System
- Lowers up to 40mm
- Bilstein monotube gas pressure technology
- Eibach Pro-Kit application-specific progressive rate performance springs
To see if the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit could improve your vehicle's performance, shop by vehicle.
While most passenger car tires come new with at least 10/32" of tread depth, most people don't realize that once the tire has less than 6/32" of remaining depth, your wet road and snow traction capabilities dramatically decrease. Even if the tire looks like it has plenty of life left, do yourself a favor by grabbing a penny and doing a quick tread depth check. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is exposed, your tire is under 6/32" and should be replaced heading into winter. For more information about checking your tread depth with a penny, check out my previous blog post "What Your Change is Telling You About Your Tread Depth."
Tire Rack recently wrapped up an extensive test of the newest all-season tire offerings from Bridgestone (Turanza Serenity Plus), Continental (PureContact with EcoPlus Technology), Michelin (Primacy MXV4) and Yokohama (AVID Ascend H- or V-Speed Rated) to see which ones delivered on their promise of a quiet and comfortable ride with good traction when the weather gets bad.
With the Michelin Primacy MXV4 well established as the top-ranked tire in our Tire Survey Results and our in-house track and Real World road tests, the newcomers from Bridgestone, Continental and Yokohama had big expectations to meet. While we'll have to wait for the snow to fly to complete the picture, our initial findings showed that the Michelin was still among the best, but not the best.
On our 6.6-mile loop of back roads and highway stretches, all four tires were evaluated in conditions similar to what most would expect as part of their daily commute. The Michelin continued to set the bar high by providing a soft and quiet ride without compromising handling. Bridgestone's Turanza Serenity Plus wasn't far behind by providing just a hint of harshness over rough pavement. Continental and Yokohama's models ranked lower, with slightly less capability to smooth out the roughest spots.
During the testing on the track, we were able to introduce other common elements of your daily drive, like simulated on-ramps, tight street corners and even emergency steering maneuvers. To give a more complete picture, we tested the tires on both dry and wet road conditions.
In dry, the Michelin and Bridgestone offerings again led the field, both delivering crisp handling and predicable response to driver input. The Continental received high marks for responding quickly to steering input, but fell behind by not holding the turns as well as the others.
Once the sprinklers were on, the Continental demonstrated the best wet traction, with the Bridgestone a close second. Both the Michelin and (most notably) the Yokohama were a few steps behind the other competitors, leaving us wanting a little more grip and confidence in the tires.
With so many capable tires with very similar abilities, it came down to the narrowest of margins with the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus coming out on top. For a complete recap of our test, take a look at "Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires."
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."
Subarus and other all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles have a great reputation for being able to get through just about any type of weather by applying the engine's power to all four wheels while compensating for wheel spin. Given the complexity of most AWD systems, the common task of replacing tires can become difficult. Most dealerships and garages will state that in order to prevent damage to the transmission and differentials on the car, tires need to be replaced in full sets of four. By having all four tires at the same tread depth, power can be distributed evenly. This avoids the strain of shifting power to one pair of tires (per axle) or one individual tire when mixing old and new tires on the same axle. However, if the differentials or viscous couplings are forced to operate 100% of the time because of mismatched tires, they will experience excessive heat and unwarranted wear until they fail. To make sure your tires are working in unison, read "Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles."
What if three of your tires are still in great shape and you only need to replace one? We can shave a replacement tire for you to the proper tread depth. For a cost of $25 to $35 per tire, our Indiana and Nevada distribution center can shave a brand new tire down to the desired tread depth to best match the damaged tire(s) wear. This keeps your costs down by replacing one tire instead of all four. Shaved tires will also better match the traction and handling qualities of the remaining worn tires. Before calling in your order, measure the damaged tire's tread depth in several places to get the best average and by combining that information with the exact tire size, brand and model, we can shave a single tire down and provide a near perfect match for the damaged tire.
Bear in mind, that at 2/32nds of an inch of remaining tread depth the tire is considered completely worn out according to most states' laws. You should consider replacing your entire set of tires if wet roads are a concern and your tires' tread depth reaches approximately 4/32". Replacing your set when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth is also recommended if you encounter snow-covered roads. To see if your tires are in need of replacement, take a look at "Measuring Tire Tread Depth with a Coin."
While the ne
w Subaru Outback, BMW X3 and other mid-size SUVs are built for limited off-road duty, the 17" wheels that come from the factory all but eliminate the possibility of getting tires up to the challenge. The Original Equipment tires on most of these vehicles are built for a quiet and comfortable ride, but leave some yearning for more snow and mud traction when roads get rough. Enter the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S in the 225/60R17 tire size for vehicles like the current generation Subaru Outback, BMW X3, Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson and older Toyota RAV4 models.
The Geolandar A/T-S features multi-stepped grooves and staggered center blocks to give multiple biting edges for great traction in loose dirt and wintry roads. Yokohama was sure to add aggressive sidewall protectors near the tire's shoulders to increase loose-surface grip while they help minimize sidewall cuts and abrasions from rocks, stumps and the occasional curb.
Our customer's reviews and survey results have been very positive, putting the Geolandar A/T-S in the top ten for the category. Even with impressive off-road capability, the tire is also tuned to provide long life and even wear. In the 225/60R17 size, Yokohama provides a strong 50,000-mile warranty for peace of mind.
Shop by vehicle to see if the Geolandar A/T-S is available for your SUV.
As autumn approaches, most of us aren't yet ready to put away the summer toys and prepare for cooler temperatures. But if you have an interest in autocrossing or road racing, cooler temperatures can affect your race tires' performance and take some fun out of your run; so getting the right tire is essential.
Tire Rack recently added a select number of models from Toyo Tire to better meet the needs of our autocrossing and road racing customers, specifically the Proxes R1R, Proxes RA1, and Proxes R888. Based on our customers' feedback (and our own experiences) the Proxes R1R has proven itself to be a strong performer with an emphasis on dry grip in cooler temperatures.
The Proxes R1R has a directional tread pattern that is molded at 8/32" which gives it a very good blend of wet and dry traction at full tread depth,. The tire can also be shaved to enhance dry grip. The R1R is classified as an Extreme Performance Summer (street) tire (and not a Competition/DOT tire), so they can be driven to and from the track or as a "daily driver" if durability is not a concern. The R1R's internal structure features an advanced competition-inspired radial construction for crisp handling and consistent acceleration. For reference, Toyo assigns a 140 AA A UTQG rating to the Proxes R1R to make it eligible for many SCCA classes that require a "street" tire.
The Proxes R1R is available in a limited number of sizes for 15", 16", 17" and 18" wheels, so be sure to check which sizes you need beforehand, and also note Toyo's specific recommendations for the proper use and handling of this model!
Nearly all cars that come with high performance run-flat tires use a summer only rubber compound to maximize grip levels and make the most of the car's power and suspension. While strong on performance, nearly all summer compounds are short on durability. Many of the customers I deal with are willing to give up a little high-speed performance for more mileage, so they opt for an all-season compound. We recently tested four of the leading high performance tires that maintain run-flat capability to see which one is considered the best.
The four tire manufacturers we tested (Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama) are globally recognized for offering high quality performance tires, so we put each model through a series of tests, both on our Real World Road Rides and on-site test track.
At the track, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP led the way in wet traction and came in a close second to the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT in our dry pavement runs where we simulate abrupt emergency avoidance maneuvers and other situations. The Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season Run Flat came in third with the Yokohama AVID ENVigor ZPS close behind as it didn't provide the same level of grip as the others.
Our Real World Road Ride consists of a 6.6-mile loop of two-lane roads, four-lane roads and expressways, as well as surfaces that include asphalt (some very smooth areas while others are patched) and concrete (complete with expansion joints and some studded tire wear) that are similar to what our customers can expect on their daily commute. Out on the road, we found the Potenza's new 3G technology can minimize the expected harsh ride that run-flat tires are known for and set the bar very high for all the others. The Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP was just a step behind but both the Pirelli and Yokohama options seemed to transmit the noise and road feel from bigger impacts and expansion joints.
For a complete report of the test, take a look at "Testing Performance All-Season Run-Flats."
Early spring 2012 brought a new and exciting tire from BFGoodrich, the g-Force Sport COMP-2, which I wrote about soon after its release. At the time, our tire techs had been invited to test the tire at an event sponsored by the manufacturer using an assortment of vehicles in various conditions. While the results of the test were impressive, we were anxious to get the tire back home to our track and use our vehicles to get a closer look. Last month, we were able to put the COMP-2 through its paces here in Indiana and found that our initial impressions were correct that the tire can hold its own with the best in its category.
Our extensive Real World Road Ride and test track have always separated the contenders from the pretenders, and both tests provided valuable information yet again when we compared the COMP-2 to the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport, the Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 and Yokohama S.drive.
At the track, the COMP-2 came in a close second in the dry to the the Potenza RE760 Sport with its excellent handling. The tire proved to be superior when the track was watered down. At the end of several days at the track, the COMP-2 proved to be a little more responsive and displayed somewhat higher cornering traction compared to the competition.
Out on the road, the COMP-2 was near the top with excellent handling at the expense of a little more road noise. Overall, just a fraction of a point separated all four tires for overall supremacy on the road.
In the end, here is how they stacked up:
- BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2
- Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport
- Yokohama S.drive
- Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500
If an Ultra High Performance Summer tire is in your future, check out our full test report before making your decision.
Bridgestone combines great traction and low rolling resistance technology in their Ecopia family of tires in an effort to deliver better fuel economy for both passenger cars and light truck / SUV applications. Lowering tire rolling resistance by reducing a tire’s weight, internal components, tread design and tread compound make it possible to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
 Ecopia EP20 |
 Ecopia EP422 |
 Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia |
The Ecopia EP20 is an all-season capable tire designed for use on the Toyota Prius and other small cars using the P195/65R15 tire size. This size is also found on many other applications such as the Honda Civic, MAZDA 3 and Nissan Versa.
Ecopia EP422 is a Grand Touring All-Season tire with a much broader selection of sizes covering coupes, sedans and some SUV/CUV applications. Like the EP20, the EP422 features a symmetrical tread design to minimize road noise, resist hydroplaning and enhance wet traction. The EP422 also comes with a 5-year, 65,000-mile treadlife warranty for added peace of mind.
The Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia rounds out the family with all-season capability for SUVs and even some light truck applications. Our most recent test using Porsche Cayennes as test vehicles showed the Dueler H/L 422 to be a very capable and predictable performer.
Take a look at all Bridgestone options and see if one is right for your application.
This summer we performed an extensive test of Michelin's successor to the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X, the Defender.
We pitted four high mileage all-season tires against one another on our test track and Real World Road Ride to see which one could claim to be the best: the Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology, Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season, Michelin Defender and the Yokohama AVID Ascend. With both the Michelin and Yokohama models being brand new, would either have an advantage over some all-season veterans?
Over our loop of expressways, state highways and county roads (which recreates nearly every road condition our customers face on their daily commutes), all four tires behaved very well with a slight advantage going to the Defender which exhibited the least amount of tread and impact noise. The Continental was a close second, giving us just a little road noise compared to the Michelin, but less than the Yokohama and Goodyear models. All four models provided crisp handling and ride comfort, with a slight edge going again to the Defender for the smoothest ride.
On our test track, each tire was pushed to the limit of their capabilities in an effort to simulate abrupt emergency avoidance maneuvers or competition events. In dry conditions, each model felt composed and predictable, but the TripleTred and Defender proved agile and responded quickly to steering input. The ProContact with EcoPlus Technology and AVID Ascend provided just a little less grip. In wet conditions, the differences between the tires was more evident as the ProContact's combination of excellent handling and good overall traction helped it score the fastest wet lap time on our track. With the TripleTred All-Season a close second, the Defender and Ascend were noticeably weaker.
In the end, both the Michelin and Continental models tied as the Michelin's weaker wet traction was offset by a slightly quieter and more comfortable ride. When deciding between the two, it'll be important to recognize which attributes are most important to you in your everyday use of your vehicle. We will also conduct tests in the snow and on the ice in the coming winter season, so stay tuned!
Axis now offers the Klassic wheel in a mesh style for the following vehicles:
- VW Golf
- VW Scirocco
- BMW E36 (3 Series)
- BMW E32 (5 Series)
Available in a 17" rim diameter with a polished lip in either black, gold or silver centers, the Klassic wheel uses the tightly spaced spoke design and a solid lug cover to replicate the look of the old 14" and 15" wheels from the past -- right down to the imitation assembly lugs. This style of wheel was used as Original Equipment on many BMW sedans and coupes, and has continued to remain popular throughout the years.
Visit our Upgrade Garage to see if the Klassic wheel is a great fit for your vehicle.
While most 2012 BMW cars and SUVs are equipped with run-flat tires, the M3, M5 and new M6 are all equipped with non-run-flat tires to maximize performance. While the M3 and the most recent M5 use the Pilot Sport PS2, BMW has elected to equip the 2013 M6 with Michelin's Pilot Super Sport (currently available on Ferrari's 599 GTO).
Michelin's eventual replacement for the Pilot Sport PS2, the Pilot Super Sport features a redesigned tread pattern and a lighter weight design to provide enhanced grip and better durability. The Pilot Super Sport utilizes Variable Contact Patch technology to maintain rubber on the road at any given time (strait line or cornering), along with improving the footprint distribution which aids in handling and improved treadwear. Motorsport inspired Bi-Compound technology features different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread to maximize grip.
Our most recent test of the Super Sport proves that it can more than hold its own with the latest offerings from Bridgestone, Pirelli and Continental. The tire provides excellent steering response and front-end responsiveness in both wet and dry conditions.
Shop by vehicle to see if the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is available for your car.
Yokohama introduced the AVID Ascend in a variety of popular sizes for most passenger car and minivan applications. The AVID Ascend is Yokohama's first mass-produced Grand Touring Touring All-Season tire in the United States to feature their Orange Oil technology which uses oil extracted from renewable orange peels to improve treadlife, fuel efficiency and traction in dry, wet and light snow conditions.
AVID Ascend tires feature a mildly asymmetric tread design that allows for criss-cross tire rotation and a quiet ride. With a 75,000 mile warranty for the H-speed rated tire and an 80,000 mile warranty for the T-speed rated option to go along with a 30-day test drive guarantee, customers are sure to love this latest offering from Yokohama. We are in the process of wrapping up our testing for this tire, however customer reviews are already pouring in with positive feedback.
"Best tires I have ever bought in my 50 years of buying tires! After buying the Yokohama AVID Ascend, my Hyundai Genesis rides like a true luxury automobile like I expected when I bought it. As a bonus, because they are LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) tires, my mileage improved." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8
"I got the tires installed just 3 days before driving a 2,000 miler to Florida from Ohio and back with family and luggage in tow. I was immediately glad I had these new tires, as it poured rain and hailed along most of the drive to Florida. The tires felt firm and sure the entire time, which was a great experience in comparison to the Kumhos which were previously on our van. The tires handled remarkably well in cornering, stopping and under quick acceleration. While in Florida we did a good but of driving under dry conditions and was equally impressed with the Ascend. My wife and I both noticed how solid and sure these tires felt. We are very impressed with this tire!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
