Hunter's Ramblings about Performance wheels & tire

Over the years, the Bridgestone Blizzak line of tires has proven to deliver the best in ice and snow traction. Of course, other brands are always making advancements in their designs. For example, this year saw the release of Michelin's X-Ice Xi3 and we felt it was time to test its capabilities at a local ice rink. We have found this surface to be the most difficult you'll encounter. It's similar to black ice, as well as the slippery conditions you experience at intersections. 

During the test we took measurements on a 60-foot acceleration run and stopping distance time from 12 mph to zero. The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 made the acceleration run in the quickest time at 3.86 seconds compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 at 4.17 seconds. However, when it came to stopping, Bridgestone's Blizzak WS70 brought the BMW down to zero in 31.1 feet, while the Michelin needed 32.5 feet. We also set up a 90-degree turn at the ice rink. By running the vehicle up to the same speed and then entering the turn, we found the Bridgestone to execute the turn with the least amount of slippage. X-Ice Xi3 tires exhibited just a little more slide in comparison. During my time of testing the tires, the vehicle equipped with X-Ice Xi3 tires hit two cones, while the Blizzak WS70 made it through cleanly. For a complete recap of our testing, read "Testing the Newest Studless Ice & Snow Winter Tires."

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

When compared to the previous generation X-Ice Xi2, the X-Ice Xi3 has closed the gap in ice traction significantly. Size coverage with this tire is pretty extensive for passenger vehicles. As with all winter products, production tends to be limited. Therefore, buying your winter / snow tires early is always a wise decision. 

Many drivers still call and ask "Do I really need a set of winter / snow tires?" With many vehicles being equipped with electronic systems to help control the vehicle, it's not unusual to think you don't need a dedicated winter tire. While traction control, anti-lock brakes, stability control and all-wheel drive systems help make it easier to utilize your tire's potential, none of them increase the amount of available traction. These systems are only capable of manipulating or limiting your vehicle's acceleration, braking and cornering capabilities to the traction provided by your tires.

By adding a dedicated winter tire to the mix, you'll be increasing available traction on ice and in snow compared to all-season options. To help demonstrate, Tire Rack tested both options to see the difference between wintertime gripping and white knuckle slipping. Starting at 30 mph on packed snow and then engaging the ABS until the cars reached a complete stop provided some interesting results. The vehicle equipped with winter tires stopped a full 30 ft. shorter than the identical vehicle driving on all-seasons.

During the acceleration portion of the test, we measured the tires' ability to provide traction when accelerating as quickly as possible in a straight line with the vehicle's traction control operating. Both vehicles began at the start line and we were timing how long it took the cars to accelerate 200 feet. The difference was three seconds, as it took the car with winter tires eight seconds and the vehicle equipped with all-season tires 11 seconds. We don't recommend trying to accelerate as quickly as possible in snow when driving on the street. This test demonstrates how much more traction winter / snow tires can provide when accelerating from a stop.

For a complete recap of our testing, take a look at "All Season vs. Winter (Passenger Vehicle): The Difference Between Wintertime Gripping and White Knuckle Snow Slipping."

Even with the new traction management aids on newer vehicles, dedicated winter tires play an important role for driving on ice and in snow. While all-season tires may provide enough wintertime traction for drivers in areas of the country that receive occasional light snow, we feel there isn't a viable alternative to snow tires for drivers who encounter deep or frequent slush, snow or ice. Remember, tires are often the difference between wintertime gripping and white knuckle slipping!

A very common question that arises when customers are shopping for tires and wheels relates to the Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). While they've been around for well over a decade, Federal regulation has mandated vehicle manufacturers provide TPMS as Original Equipment on model year 2008 and newer vehicles. Even though these systems are very prolific in the marketplace, there is still a lot of confusion about how the systems work and what needs to be done when buying new sensors.

In my previous blog post, "What About TPMS Sensors for My Winter Wheels?", I went over the differences between direct and indirect systems. However, what do you do when you purchase new sensors with your Tire & Wheel Package?

When working with an indirect system, you can reset the system from inside the vehicle. If you're changing your wheel's diameter, which is very popular when purchasing a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, you're going to need to adjust the tire sizing to maintain a similar overall diameter. While Tire Rack makes every attempt to keep the rolling circumference the same, inevitably there may be some small variation. Since the indirect systems are calibrated based on the circumference, even a small variance should be recalibrated.

In the case of the more popular direct system, the computer in the vehicle needs to be informed of the sensor change. The procedure to make this update varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some systems are very straight forward, where you simply drive a short period of time and the sync is automatic. In some cases, you'll be required to go back to the dealership where they will take care of the changeover for you.

To help verify the correct procedure for your application, contact one of our sales specialists. You can also check out our tech article, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Servicing" for further assistance.

An often overlooked aspect during the Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package research process is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Starting with the 2008 model year, Federal regulations require TPMS on all passenger vehicles. Most use a direct system which attaches a pressure sensor to the vehicle's wheels. An in-vehicle receiver warns the driver if the pressure in any tire falls below a predetermined level. Direct systems are typically more accurate and reliable and most are able to indicate which tire is underinflated. To learn more about the differences in TPMS sensors, read "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

While these sensors vary in price, they are worth the cost as they provide a safety feature to your driving experience. While not required in most states, it is recommended that you maintain the system with your winter tires and wheels. In some locations, vehicle inspection regulations require operating tire pressure monitoring sensors on every vehicle that came with TPMS as Original Equipment. The following states require the TPMS to be functional in order to pass inspection:

• Hawaii
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• West Virginia

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also recently modified how installers must deal with these systems when it comes to swapping wheels and tires. To help verify the latest information for your application and how these rules may affect your vehicle, contact one of our sales specialists for assistance. 

Tire Rack works with wheel manufacturers to develop aftermarket wheels that accommodate direct tire pressure monitoring sensors. This results in our ability to provide a wider selection of aftermarket alloy wheel styles that accept Original Equipment direct system components. Our fitment specialists also carefully determine which wheels will be compatible with the vehicle and system installed for customers purchasing Tire & Wheel Packages or wheel upgrades. Search results on our site include notes regarding TPMS sensors and sensors can confidently be purchased online with wheels.

As you're shopping for winter wheels and tires, you'll likely come across the recommendation of going to a narrower tire. This is the exact opposite approach that you would take for summer traction, where wider is better. If you're likely to drive through deep snow this year, you'll want winter / snow tires and wheels in sizes that help put the laws of physics on your side.

The reason for this is that traction is achieved in winter by cutting through the ice and snow. With wider tread, you're more likely to start snow plowing or floating on top of the surface instead of pushing down and through. This floating will result in loss of traction sooner than with a thinner or narrower option. A good way to picture this is imagine a pizza cutter slicing through a pizza.

Another way to think about this is from the perspective of the contact patch. A tire's contact patch or "footprint" greatly influences its performance and is dependent on its profile. The narrower the width, the smaller the contact patch will be. This is the area that makes contact with the ground as rotation occurs.  With the vehicle still weighing the same, a smaller contact patch results in more pounds per square inch. This will produce more force on the tire to help it cut into ice and snow and deliver optimum traction for the worst winter will throw at you. 

You can try to achieve a narrower solution for your vehicle in different ways:

• Shop by vehicle in the winter section of our site and we'll list alternate sizes if applicable. You can also refer to the owner's manual found in your vehicle. Sometimes you will find recommendations there on different tire sizes. For example, it may list the alternate size for the base model of your vehicle.
   
• Most vehicles will allow for minus sizing, too. Minus sizing is where you purchase both a wheel and tire by dropping the wheel diameter by an inch. This will typically lead you to a narrower tire in the process. Build a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for optional minus sizes after entering your vehicle's year, make, model and trim level on our website.

For more information on selecting a narrower tire, read "Size Selection of Winter / Snow Tires."

When looking for new brake pads for your vehicle, it can quickly become confusing with multiple options from the same manufacturer being offered.  Let's try to clarify the differences by focusing on the pads available from Hawk Performance.

Hawk Performance Ceramic

Hawk HPS Street

Hawk HP Plus

Hawk Performance Ceramic Pads are the solution you're looking for when low dust and low noise are the priority. The stopping power will be slightly higher than the Original Equipment pad. They also feature a fade resistant, linear friction profile that allows your ABS brake system to work more effectively. Overall, these pads are going to deliver an Original Equipment type experience.

Hawk HPS Street brake pads use a more aggressive compound for high frequency stopping and/or performance driving. You'll experience more stopping power with a slight increase in dust and noise levels.  Hawk Performance HPS pads offer 20-40% more stopping power and higher resistance to brake fade than most Original Equipment or standard replacement pads. This is really a great all-around pad and I recommend it the most frequently.

Hawk HP Plus Race brake pads are targeted for the autocrosser and clients that do some track days with their vehicle. This is a street pad that delivers stopping power similar to what's found in a racecar. The trade off is more noise, dust and quicker wear. However, they'll withstand serious, repeated braking efforts.

Shop by vehicle to find the brake pad that best suits your driving style.

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."

For quite some time the Blizzak brand has proven to be one of the best options on ice and in snow. Introduced in 2010, the Blizzak WS70 had big shoes to fill, based on the brand's history. After two winters let's see how it has done in both testing and real world feedback.

When first introduced, we took it over to a local indoor ice rink and did some measured testing against the competitors. This included the Michelin X-Ice Xi2, Dunlop Graspic DS-3 and Continental ExtremeWinterContact. The Bridgestone earned top honors in ice acceleration, cornering, braking modulation and handling predictability. It was runner-up in ice steering response and braking which were both aced by the Continental entry. As was fully expected, the WS70 gave a very strong showing on the trickiest surfaces. For complete results to our test, view "Testing Winter Weather Specialists: Studless Ice and Snow Tires."

The cream rises a bit more to the top when looking at the survey data we collect from people driving on the tire. Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experiences with the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70:

"The best tire for Michigan winters. Simply amazing!." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

"Best tire for winter driving ever. These have lowered my blood pressure significantly." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Toyota Corolla

"The best I've used in over 40 years of driving." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Honda Accord

You'll see one glowing review after another about how great the tire performs in the worst winter conditions. The reviews above were from people that have exceeded 30,000 miles of driving, which lend some extra weight to their input. 

I also use the WS70 on my vehicle and couldn't be happier. While last winter was a bit disappointing if you love winter weather, we did still experience a few icy mornings. While my neighbors and fellow commuters were slip-sliding away, I was safely and securely moving down the road.

Available in a variety of sizes, shop for winter / snow tires by vehicle to see if the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 is right for your application.

As you begin to shop for winter / snow tires this year, you may discover there are different types available. Which leads to the obvious question: "Which one will work best for me?"

General AltiMAX Arctic - Studdable Winter/Snow

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 - Studless Ice & Snow

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 - Performance Winter/Snow

Studdable Winter / Snow

Tires in this category offer your traditional winter compound and tread design. They meet severe snow service requirements and are marked with the "mountain/snowflake" symbol. The tread is designed to accept metal studs as a traction aid on packed snow and ice. One disadvantage includes an increase in noise from the studs hitting the road surface. You also have to be aware of local restrictions on their use. A studding service is available at Tire Rack for $15 per tire.

Studless Ice and Snow

Through the use of advanced rubber technologies, Studless Ice and Snow tires deliver studded tire performance without the studs. This is the most popular option as you don't have to worry about local restrictions and the noise associated with the studded solution. In fact, in our tests, results show that studless tires proved they have what it takes in the areas of acceleration, control, traction and cornering, surpassing that of studded tires. To see why Studless Ice and Snow tires perform so well, watch "Ice Traction Testing: Studded vs. Studless."

Performance Winter / Snow

For those that need a winter / snow tire more for the cold temperatures than for actual ice and snow, this is a great category to consider. Performance Winter / Snow options will be more responsive and offer more wet and dry road traction than the other categories. The tradeoff is they're not quite as effective in snow and on ice. These low profile tires are designed to suit winter driving on European highways and are branded with the "mountain/snowflake" symbol.

Take a look at all the winter / snow tires we carry and find one that's right for you.

A very common decision that presents itself when considering a winter / snow tire purchase is whether or not you should buy wheels to go along with your tires. The following information is some of the benefits of going with a complete Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.

By purchasing one of these packages, you gain flexibility when it comes to swapping out summer or all-season tires for winter options. Instead of having to make an appointment and then transporting tires to an installer, you can go out to the garage and the do swap yourself. It usually takes only minutes to install tires and wheels on your vehicle, so be sure to install them properly by reading "How to Install Your Tire & Wheel Package."

Additionally, in many cases you can downsize wheel diameter by an inch or two. The benefit of this relates to better performance and a lower price. Typically, when you reduce the wheel diameter, you'll end up with a narrower tire in the process. A narrower tire cuts through ice and snow better, resulting in improved winter performance. You also have more sidewall, which provides additional wheel protection from pot hole damage. Winter packages that include smaller wheel diameters tend to cost less. In some cases the savings can be substantial.

And finally, winter conditions are the harshest environment for your wheels. By purchasing a dedicated winter solution, you're preventing your expensive Original Equipment wheels from traveling through salt and gravel, thereby saving the finish.

Tire Rack puts a lot of effort into assembling vehicle specific and high quality packages for your exact application. We include all required hardware, such as lug nuts, at no additional cost. The tires will be mounted to the wheels at no extra cost, too. You just have to check air pressure and install. You're now ready for the winter season!

Shop by vehicle to start your search for the right winter wheel and tire solution.

It will be here before we know it -- winter and snow. Tread depth is critical to winter traction, so if your tires are more than 2/3rd worn out it can be worthwhile to replace them before the snow flies. While dedicated winter tires are the best solution, this does require swapping twice a year. While it is in my opinion the best approach, it is not for everyone. I will explore those solutions in a future post. Today, though, let's look at the best solutions in the all-season categories.

For cars, you should look at the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring  and Michelin Primacy MXV4. Based on survey data, the Goodyear has a slight edge over the Michelin. However, the Michelin has been on the market longer. This means the survey results/reviews feedback we have will show lower tread depths on the Michelin. These are two very comparable options and will both do a great job. Size and speed rating offerings span a wide array.

For trucks and SUVs, I want to explore a couple different options. First from the more traditional Highway All-Season performance category, I would look at the  BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A and the Michelin LTX M/S2 . The Rugged Terrain T/A has a nice, open-block tread pattern to get the critical snow-on-snow traction. The LTX M/S2 and its predecessor have been a favorite amongst consumers for years. As with the car options, neither will disappoint for an all-season solution. The second option I want to explore are the more aggressive all-terrains. Their snow and deep water traction will be superior to the standard highway tires, with some trade-offs in longevity and tread noise. I am going to recommend the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO because in some sizes of these two tires, you will get the coveted mountain/snowflake rating. This is an indicator that the tire passed an extra test for snow traction. 

You can shop by vehicle to see which options are available for your vehicle.

Earlier this year, Michelin released their latest entry in the Standard Touring All-Season line-up. The Michelin Defender is designed to replace the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X. Offering the best in industry warranty package that includes a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty for T- and H-rated tires and an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty for V-rated options. It also carries a 30-day satisfaction and 3-year flat changing service, too. Take a look at the owner's manual (PDF) for more information on these options.

Michelin focuses on providing the best value over the life of the tire. This means higher levels of traction and lower noise as the tire ages. With some lower priced options in the market, you may find a quicker drop off in those key areas as the miles rack up.

When comparing to the HydroEdge with Green X, the new Defender delivers over 5% more treadlife, slightly better wet performance, 10% less noise, 17% better rolling resistance (for increased fuel economy) and 15% better performance in the snow. Those are some pretty impressive numbers that make this the best passenger all-season tire Michelin has offered.

Available in a variety of sizes and speed ratings, shop by vehicle to see if the Michelin Defender is right for your application.

With a focus on a smooth and quiet ride, the Serenity name in the Bridgestone line-up has been one of the best. The latest evolution is the Turanza Serenity Plus. Released earlier this year, expectations are high for another winner from Bridgestone, who focused on improving treadlife, fuel economy, wet traction and winter weather performance. 

A quiet ride is achieved through various elements of the asymmetric tread design. Resonance Noise Attenuated silencer grooves help to trap noise in the pattern elements. Extended sub platforms increase pressure on the tread block edges to provide less vibration and distortion. By having different patterns across the face of the tire, you get optimized performance, handling and ride characteristics in various conditions. The use of high angle lug grooves helps evacuate water, while silica in the compound increases flexibility to improve wet traction.

Treadlife improvements are gained by optimizing the footprint, or contact patch, resulting in more of the tread on the ground at all steering angles to provide even wear. Bridgestone also uses proprietary polymer technologies to provide a long lasting, yet comfortable tire. Backed by an industry leading warranty package, the H-rated version feature an astonishing 80,000-mile treadlife warranty, while the V-rated option comes with a 75,000-mile warranty and the W-rated coming in at 50,000 miles.

With the tire being so new, feedback is currently limited. However, what has been received has been glowing, take a look: 

"WOW! For the price of a new set of tires I am driving a new car." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Volvo XC70

"The most dramatic difference is the ride comfort and smoothness of this tire. The noise level was minimal..." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Subaru Legacy

Available in a variety of sizes and speed ratings, shop by vehicle to see if the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus is right for your application.

The LTX A/T2 is Michelin's On-/Of-Road All-Terrain tire developed to meet the needs of today's recreational and commercial pickup, van and SUV drivers. It's touted for its ability to provide even wear, low noise and good fuel economy. Offering comfort and toughness, the tire excels with off-road traction and on-road handling. 

An upgraded rubber compound results in an increase of 35% treadlife on gravel. Additionally, a 60,000-mile warranty helps to back up the durability claims. They are able to achieve the long life through MaxTouch Construction that optimizes the contact patch for long, even wear through the life of the tire. A comfortable ride is achieved through Comfort Control Technology, which uses computer-optimized design and precision manufacturing to reduce vibrations and road noise. Three circumferential grooves provide ample water evacuation for hydroplaning resistance.

Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with the Michelin LTX A/T 2:

"This is by far the best tire I've ever put on a truck. These tires grip extremely well and are super quiet, too. You can feel comfortable that they will grab when you want them to." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Ford F150 FX4 SupCrew 4wd

"Michelin's LTX A/T2 is the best tire I have ever owned! Perfect dry and wet handling. These tires have been great." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 QuadCab 4wd

"I love these tires! They are great in the mud and on dirt roads. Quiet and comfortable. Very secure in the rain. I would definitely recommend and will buy again." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2000 Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road

Available in a variety of sizes and load ratings, shop by vehicle to see if the Michelin LTX A/T2 is right for your application.

In 2004 and 2005 Mazda offered a Mazdaspeed version of the Miata that featured a turbo charged motor and 17" wheels and tires. With a 0 - 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds and an upgraded suspension, this a performance machine. Unfortunately, the 205/40R17 size deployed with the car is somewhat lacking in performance tire options -- many of the top choices in the Max Performance Summer category aren't available in this size. However, we have found that 205/45R17 is also a fit for the vehicle. It is in this size that you'll find the big hitters in this particular performance category.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position

Continental ExtremeContact DW

We have tested the Super Sport against the Potenza S-04 Pole Position twice, with the Continental ExtremeContact DW included in one of those comparisons. Each time the undisputed king is the Pilot Super Sport. When backed into a corner to find a needed improvement for the tire, the ride comfort is a bit harsher when encountering a large impact when compared to some other selections. The Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position's performance comes up just shy while delivering a bit less harshness. Continental's ExtremeContact DW was the leader for ride comfort, but has a little less responsiveness for those performance drivers.

To find the right tire for your application, shop by vehicle.

Starting in 2010, Mazda started to offer the CX-7 with a 17" wheel option equipped with a 215/70R17 tire. As we sometimes see, this is the only vehicle that uses this size. This of course means replacement options can be a challenge. When dealing with a tire size that fits just one vehicle, tire companies (other than the Original Equipment supplier) are hard pressed to justify the investment of entering the market. Typically, the Original Equipment tire doesn't receive high marks in the feedback collected and this leaves customers shopping for replacement options in a bit of a pinch. Fortunately, Tire Rack has an alternate size recommendation of 235/65R17 that offers some very good choices.

Firestone Destination LE2

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza

General Grabber HTS

The Destination LE2 is the latest entry from Firestone in the Highway All-Season category. Check out my previous blog post "The All-New Firestone Destination LE2" to see how it may be a good option for your vehicle.

Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza is a perennial favorite amongst our customers. It's currently sitting in fourth place in our Tire Survey Results after 21 million miles reported. With this many miles reported, customers like the tire throughout its life, even when it's close to being worn out.

Another highly rated and long-term favorite is the General Grabber HTS. The tire offers a good ride, low noise, responsiveness and great wet traction.

By going to this optional size, it opens up all sorts of great solutions for your Mazda CX-7.

"How long will it take for my tires to arrive?" This is a question I am frequently asked by customers as I place their order. 

Tire Rack has strategically placed six distribution centers across the United States:

• South Bend, Indiana
• Windsor, Connecticut
• Midway, Georgia
• Shreveport, Louisiana
• McCarran, Nevada
• Delaware - No customer pick-up

This allows us to provide ground service to most U.S. locations within 1-2 business days. Due to the locations of our facilities, UPS Ground is often the fastest and most economical shipping method. If you need Saturday service or guaranteed delivery dates, we can provide that, too. For those services, just contact one of our sales specialists and we'll be happy to quote the cost. Also, after your order has been placed, our sales team will be sure to send you emails with tracking and delivery confirmations. This allows you to stay informed throughout the entire order and delivery process.

Now that you know how long it'll take for your order to arrive, find the right products for your vehicle.

About a year ago, Kumho released their latest entry into the very competitive Ultra High Performance All-Season category. During this time we have compared the tire against its competitors and have been collecting feedback from our customers.

Looking at the survey results, which is a summary of the reviews, it is currently sitting in third place. It's within one percent overall of the very successful Continental ExtremeContact DWS.

Take a look at what others are saying about their experience with the Kumho Ecsta 4X:

"...With the Kumho Ecsta 4X, wet traction is amazing compared to my sports tire, and I give up nothing in the dry." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2003 Honda Civic Si Hatchback

"...now I have 5,000 miles in all types of weather - great tire - wonderful ride -fabulous traction - best tire I have driven on..." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Mazda Mazda3

"...Excellent wet and dry performance with very sure/confident steering feel." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 BMW 328i

We also put it through the paces in our test cycle. This comprises of a real world road loop over various surfaces and speeds, as well as time on our test track. The test track simulates conditions similar to those one might experience in an emergency maneuver. The Kumho took first place of the four tires tested. 

During my time behind the wheel, I was tested the tire in wet conditions and was the quickest on the Kumho. While this didn't hold true with the rest of the team in all sections, it was a close second when it wasn't first. Overall, we really liked how the tire responded and felt on the road. This higher level of feel does come with a bit less ride comfort than the others. It wasn't significant but noticeable in a controlled test. Read "Testing Value-Priced Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires" for complete results.

Until recently, owners of the Toyota Highlander running 245/55R19 tires had struggled with replacement options. The 2008 Toyota Highlander was the first vehicle to utilize that size and the only option was the Original Equipment. This size was typically found on the limited and limited hybrid trim levels. As we see very frequently with Original Equipment, people weren't happy with them, particularly with the wear. There simply wasn't enough demand perceived by the manufacturers to step in with some of the premium aftermarket solutions. So much so, that we had to move many of our customers into 255/55R19 to open up some different choices. As time marched forward, we have seen the popularity of this size increase and along the way some attractive options have entered the market. 
 

Dunlop Signature CS

Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia

Goodyear Assurance CS TripleTred All-Season

The Dunlop Signature CS, Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia and Goodyear Assurance CS TripleTred All-Season are three examples of new entrants in the original size. I am confident these will offer much better solutions than the Original Equipment.

Take a look at what some Highlander owners are saying about these tires:

"Excellent, vehicle rides smooth and handles well." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Toyota Highlander (Goodyear Assurance CS TripleTred All Season)

"The Bridgestones are a great touring SUV tire with a nice ride and traction for the cost and would recommend them to anyone."  -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Toyota Highlander (Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia)

"Immediately after installing the tires the ride in our Highlander improved dramatically. Tires were quiet and extremely smooth."  -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Toyota Highlander (Dunlop Signature CS)

If you want an option that has a longer track record, it may still be worth considering the alternate size. In this size you'll find the long time favorite Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza. It has maintained a top five ranking in the survey results even after millions of reported miles. The 255/55R19 is just under a 1/2" taller and just under 1/2" wider than the original size. That's a very minor size change and will work well on the Highlander. Again, I feel with the new entries this isn't as attractive as before, but in some situations it may still be worth considering.

In summary, as the market has evolved, some really nice alternatives to the Original Equipment have become available. When your Highlander is in need of replacements, there is less reason to explore alternate sizes than there was before. With all these new options, it's time to start shopping.

Originally an exclusive aftermarket wheel design for the Dodge Viper, O.Z. Racing has expanded the fitment offerings of their Challenge wheel line. Available in black or silver, this wheel is intended to be used in a track environment as it provides extra durability in tough conditions, and is also a great option for the street. The wheel is offered in the 5-130 bolt pattern and as a centerlock for Porsches. It's also available for BMW M3s and the Nissan GT-R.

O.Z. Racing Challenge (Black)

O.Z. Racing Challenge (Silver)

What makes the Challenge wheel such an attractive track option? Utilizing casting under low pressure and then shot peened allows this wheel to have a reasonable weight while also achieving the coveted TUV approval. This is considered one of the most rigorous wheel tests in the industry. Combined with one of our competition tires, you'll find a great combo for the track.