Firestone's line of Precision tires is offered in two models: the Precision Touring and Precision Sport. Each tire is well received as the Sport is a top ten ranked tire in the High Performance All-Season category and the Touring model sits at number two in the Standard Touring All-Season category.
The Precision Touring is designed to feature many good characteristics, including a quiet and comfortable ride. It's available in 29 popular sizes ranging between 15" and 17". Featuring a 560 treadwear rating and a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty, this tire is a great option for passenger sedans and coupes, as well as minivans and crossover vehicles. When we tested the tire a couple of summers ago, we liked it for its traction in the wet and stable handling. To see our complete report on this tire, read "Testing New Standard Touring All-Season Tires."
Firestone's Precision Sport offers great handling and responsiveness. Designed for sports cars, coupes and sedans, this tire comes in H- and V-speed rated options. With 23 sizes available between 14" and 17", the Precision Sport also comes with a 40,000-mile treadlife warranty. The tire has performed well for many drivers. Take a look at what a few of our customers are saying about their experience with this tire:
"These tires have proven to be excellent in all conditions. On the highway they are quiet and responsive, I am very, very happy with them!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SE
"Great tire. Superb wet traction. Overall, a great tire that I would definitely recommend and buy again." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2000 Jetta GL 2.0 4cyl
If you're looking for an exceptional value in your next tire purchase, be sure to look at the Precision Sport and Precision Touring from Firestone. You'll be glad you did!
Having a lower price point than many winter / snow tires, some customers question the effectiveness of the General AltiMAX Arctic. This tire is perhaps not as soft as certain Studless Ice & Snow tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3, and it may give up a small amount of ice traction. However, this Studdable Winter / Snow tire has proven quite effective for multiple seasons and continues to get strong reviews by consumers.
As a studdable tire, the AltiMAX Arctic can be sold with studs to further increase traction in the most severe winter conditions. While studded tires are certainly not for everyone and have some negative features, such as reduced dry road handling and increased road noise, the ability to add studs is optional and available for those who desire. It's also important to check with local law enforcement officials to see if studded tires are allowed in your area. To learn more about how studded tires may or may not be right for you this winter, read "Studded Tires for Winter Driving."
As mentioned earlier, customers have been giving the General AltiMAX Arctic great reviews. Take a look at what some of them are saying about their experience with this tire:
"This tire is the best I've ever used in 45 years of driving in Vermont winters!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta S
"Awesome snow tire. Not only was it one of the cheaper tires in my size, but one of the best reviewed - and I can see why. My rear-wheel drive BMW got around our 6", one-day snow accumulation as good as any of the 4WD trucks I've had in the past. It is a beast of a tire in the snow, and still very quiet on the highway. If this tire can get a BMW through a North Dakota winter, I'd be confident using it anywhere!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 BMW 330CI Performance Package
"Fantastic winter tire at a great value price. Ride and noise are good to very good. Ride and cornering are amazing being better than the factory standard tire on this vehicle. Snow traction is good in all conditions and really snow plows through deeper conditions. Ice performance is very good. I have purchased this tire for two vehicles to date and recommend it to my friends as an affordable option for a great winter tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan
To see if the General AltiMAX Arctic tire is right for your application this winter, shop by vehicle.
The current Volkswagen GTI is one of the most popular cars in the hatchback segment. It usually comes equipped with either summer tires from Bridgestone or all-season options from Pirelli or Dunlop. While these tires work well in the warmer months, they do not have much focus on snow traction. Which means purchasing a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is your best bet for handling the toughest conditions winter has to offer.
For the driving enthusiast on a budget, buying steel wheels with your winter GTI tires can help keep the total cost down. Tire Rack currently has 16x6.5" steel wheels in stock that fit the GTI priced at $58 each (price and availability accurate as of 10/19/12). These wheels will not only fit the GTI, but many other Volkswagen and Audi applications using the 5x112 bolt pattern, including the A3, A4, new (2012+) Beetle, Passat, Golf and Jetta.
Winter weather hasn't yet arrived, but winter / snow tire season is in full swing. Many winter items are stocked seasonally, and October is often the month where we have the widest selection in stock. So be prepared this winter by purchasing early so you'll get the tires and wheels you want.