Since its introduction, Pirelli has impressed us with their Scorpion Ice & Snow winter tire. It has been a favorite option for many light trucks, SUVs and crossover applications. In fact, it's so well liked that the tire is currently ranked number one in our Tire Survey Results. Some of the most popular fitments have been the 255/55R18 and 255/50R19 size for the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Audi Q7 and VW Touareg. For BMW X5 owners, take a look at one of my previous blog posts, "BMW X5 Sport Package Winter Tires" to see how this tire can help your winter driving.
The Pirelli Scorpion Winter has a more aggressive, directional tread pattern to offer more biting edges on snow- and ice-covered roads. Featuring a more open directional center rib and directional shoulder ribs further help with snow and slush traction, as well as aid in water evacuation and hydroplaning resistance. Pirelli's Ecoimpact icons are branded on the sidewalls to highlight the tire's contribution to the environment with regards to energy efficiency, clean air and low noise.
For the 2012-13 winter season, the new Pirelli Scorpion Winter will be sold alongside the Scorpion Ice & Snow in many sizes. Both tires can make driving fun, even in winter. Shop by vehicle to see if either great winter / snow tire is an option for your vehicle!
Ever hear of someone changing out "summer air" for "winter air" in their tires? It may sound a bit silly, but that old myth does have a small degree of truth to it. Of course the air itself doesn't need to be changed, but the tire's air pressure does change over time and with changes in ambient temperature. Therefore, when the temperature is changing rapidly, it's a good idea to be extra vigilant during the seasonal transitions.
While it's always a good idea to frequently monitor your tire's air pressure, it can be especially important to check it as the temperature gets colder. This is because a change of 10 degrees Fahrenheit in air temperature can change your tire's inflation by about one psi. During some winter months the temperature can be 40 degrees Fahrenheit one day and below zero just a few days later - that could mean a 4-5 psi drop in inflation pressure!
You may think your tires support the weight of your vehicle, however they do not. It's the air pressure inside them that allows the tires to carry load. Maintaining proper air pressure is a must if your tires are to provide the best handling, traction, durability and fuel economy. The above example of a 4-5 psi drop may not sound like much, but consider this: some cars that lose 4 psi could be dropping 12%-15% in overall air pressure! With fuel prices as high as they are today, you can't afford to be negligent about maintaining your tire's air pressure.
We offer several excellent air pressure gauges to help you maintain proper psi and ensure the best performance and safety your tires can provide.
For further information on properly checking your tire's air pressure, read "Remember to Check Your Tire Inflation Pressure."
Many drivers have decided to purchase a set of four winter / snow tires this season. Why? So they no longer have to dread driving in winter conditions! When selecting your new set of snow tires, make sure to get the right choice for your driving style and the climate where you reside.
If you live in an area that doesn't see much snow during the winter, and you like to drive and corner fast on cold, dry roads, then consider an H-rated or V-rated Performance Winter / Snow tire such as the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3. Tires in this category are designed to enhance dry road handling and trade some snow and ice traction to get it. Available in many of the low profile sizes used as Original Equipment on sporty imported and domestic cars, Performance Winter / Snow tires are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.
You may want to look into a Studless Ice & Snow tire like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70, Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and Continental ExtremeWinterContact if one or more of the following are true about how and where you drive:
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You live in an area that gets heavy and/or lake effect snow
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You are often driving on packed snow and ice
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You are willing to give up some dry grip and steering response for maximum winter traction
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You require more confidence when driving in winter conditions
Choosing between Performance Winter / Snow tires and the more aggressive Studless Ice & Snow may be difficult for some. The decision is a personal choice of what you're willing to trade - snow traction or dry road handling. If you're still unsure, I'd suggest going with the option with better snow and ice traction. Keep in mind that driving on dry roads is easier, it's when roads are covered with snow and/or ice that the situation gets more challenging.
Search by vehicle to find the tire that's right for you to handle winter conditions.
Every winter season I'm asked, "Do I need winter tires on my four-wheel drive vehicle?" Your four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle can indeed see a significant benefit by installing a set of winter / snow tires.
It's a common misconception that a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle will not see much benefit from winter tires. This couldn't be further from the truth! The extra traction of four winter tires putting power to the ground is quite obvious in acceleration and cornering.
Most four-wheel drive owners don't have a problem with getting the vehicle going. An all-wheel drive vehicle equipped with good all-season tires can usually start moving without getting stuck. However, braking is another story.
A four-wheel drive vehicle with all-season tires can accelerate quicker than a two-wheel drive vehicle in slippery conditions. While this sounds like a good thing, it offers no advantage to braking and can create over confidence. In fact, most four-wheel drive vehicles are actually heavier and take longer to stop in slippery conditions than their two-wheel drive counterparts. A good set of dedicated snow tires make a big difference in braking during winter conditions.
As illustrated above, you can see how much of a difference winter / snow tires can make in braking, even if you have a 4WD SUV. It could be the difference between rear ending another car at an intersection (or worse).
I've owned a traditional four-wheel drive SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser) and went from Bridgestone's Dueler A/T REVO 2 all-terrain tires to Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Even though the all-terrain tires were quite good in snow, I can tell you from experience that there was quite a difference going to the Blizzaks, especially during braking.
On my Audi A4, an all-wheel drive sedan, I had the same experience when going from all-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS series of tires. The same results applied on my crossover SUV, a Mazda CX-7, when I installed a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1. All three upgrades were on different types of four-wheel drive systems on very different vehicles and all showed the same result: winter / snow tires make a huge difference.
While shopping for winter tires, consider creating a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package to make the changeover even easier!
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 has been a favorite among our customers in the Performance Winter / Snow category since its introduction. It's currently ranked number one in our customer survey results. While it doesn't quite match the snow and ice traction of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60, the Pilot Alpin PA3 is consistently praised for its great snow traction, while maintaining good dry and wet road grip.
Michelin has entered a new option into the Performance Winter / Snow category this season with the Pilot Alpin PA4. More than a subtle change, the Alpin PA4 features a new, more aggressive tread pattern, which should lead to improved snow and ice traction compared to its predecessor (Alpin PA3).
In the photo above, you can see the Pilot Alpin PA4's more radically swept-in asymmetric tread pattern. It features more biting edges and additional sipes. Michelin's high-density Stabiligrip 3D sipe technology and wrap-around shoulder designs enhance acceleration, braking and handling. All of these elements come together to also increase snow and ice traction over the already highly rated Pilot Alpin PA3.
Snow platform indicators (the equivalent of "snow wear bars") are molded into the Pilot Alpin PA4's tread grooves to inform the driver when ice and snow traction will be reduced as the tire's tread reaches the point where the remaining tread depth becomes less effective in deep snow. Pilot Alpin PA4 winter radials meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.
To see if Michelin's newest Performance Winter / Snow tire is made for your application, simply shop by vehicle.
The latest and greatest technology in winter / snow tires is found in options such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3. However, they can be priced higher than other winter tires with different technology. Even the most inexpensive winter tires will offer a noticeable improvement in snow and ice traction compared to all-season tires.
During our testing at a local ice rink, we wanted to see how much of a difference winter tires make in winter conditions. As illustrated in the photo above, you can see winter / snow tires allow you to stop sooner when braking on ice. It could be the difference between rear ending another car at an intersection or stopping safely with room to spare. You'll also feel much more confident and in control of your vehicle when driving on snow- and ice-covered roads. To see the difference winter tires made at the ice rink compared to summer and all-season tires, read "Testing on Ice: Winter / Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires."
When looking for a value-priced winter / snow tire, consider the following three options:
The Dunlop Graspic DS-3 is a Studless Ice & Snow tire that delivers maximum winter traction without using metal studs. It uses Dunlop's Digital Rolling Simulation II technology (computer-enhanced design) and premium tread compounding to deliver wintertime traction in snow and on ice.
Continental's ExtremeWinterContact tire is developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossovers, as well as, passenger-oriented light-duty trucks and SUVs looking for traction on winter's slushy, snow-covered and icy roads. This tire delivers serious performance in winter weather conditions.
AltiMAX Arctic tires from General are a Studdable Winter / Snow option that receives high marks from our customers in the light snow traction, deep snow traction and ice traction categories. Molded to accommodate the use of optional metal studs, AltiMAX Arctic tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.
Don't wait too long to order. Many value-priced winter / snow tires sell out quickly.
If you're shopping for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, you'll notice that steel wheels are offered for many vehicles and are more economical than aluminum alloy wheels. Keep in mind that price only tells part of the story. While they may be the right choice for you, be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using steel wheels versus alloy wheels.
Steel Wheels
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Meet the basic needs of drivers who want the convenience of a winter tire package without the additional cost of an alloy wheel
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Typically available in black or silver finish depending on the application
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Basic styling can often be updated with wheel covers
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Cost less than alloy wheels due to ease of manufacturing and lower material costs
Since steel wheels aren't the sportiest addition to your vehicle, wheel covers will hide the wheels while enhancing your vehicle's appearance. If a good look is especially important to you, alloy wheels may be the way to go! When creating a Winter Tire & Wheel Package, why should you consider an aftermarket alloy wheel? What are the benefits of alloy wheels over steel?
Alloy Wheels
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Enhance the look of your vehicle
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Are manufactured to precise standards to meet exact fitment and performance needs
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Weigh less than steel wheels and have often have superior strength
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May be the preferred option for your vehicle based on fitment requirements
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Will allow for better brake clearance (depending on wheel style and brake components installed)
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Some may require proper maintenance as finish damage may result in the harshest winter climates where salt and sand are routinely used
It's important to remember that alloy wheels may be the only option for your vehicle since steel wheels aren't made to fit every application. To learn more about the benefits of an alloy wheel, read "What is an Alloy Wheel?"
Whether you're looking for steel or alloy wheels, finding an option for winter driving at Tire Rack is easy! The winter section of our site is setup for quick and simple searching of all wheels that'll fit your vehicle and are appropriate for winter use.
Follow these simple steps to find the right winter wheel for your vehicle:
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Search for winter / snow tires in the winter section of our website
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Enter your vehicle's make, model and year
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When building your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, select the size of wheel you'd like to purchase
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This results in you seeing tire options for your vehicle and you can click on "Skip to wheels" to view all wheels available for your application
That's it! From there you can see if steel wheels are available for your car and also view different alloy styles. Up-to-date pricing and availability are also shown on the results page. If you need help choosing between steel and alloy wheels, take a look at "Alloy vs. Steel Wheels in Winter Tire & Wheel Packages."
You can even view minus size fitments. What are the benefits of downsizing and how can it help you when driving this winter? Benefits can include increased ride quality, better winter traction and a lower cost.
For more information on this topic, read "Downsizing to Smaller Diameter Wheels."
As you may know, Tire Rack is a mail order company, so we don't have traditional local retail locations where you can shop for our products. However, we do
have a handful of distribution centers across the country where we ship our products from, and you can also pick up your order in person.
Orders can be picked up at the following distribution centers:
Note: With the exception of our South Bend, Indiana facility, our distribution centers do not offer installation. Local sales taxes do apply to any purchase that is picked up. Also, the credit card holder must be present at time of pick up along with a photo ID.
Do you live in an area that's not near one of our distribution centers? No problem. We have a list of nationwide Recommended Installers that can provide professional and affordable installation of the tires, wheels and other products you purchase from Tire Rack. All of our Installers are carefully screened to ensure they have the right equipment and experience to satisfactorily serve our customers. In fact, to become a Recommended Installer a company must meet our uncompromising criteria:
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Use proper mounting and balancing equipment including touchless or rim clamp, European-style tire changers and high-speed computer spin balancers.
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Employ properly trained technicians capable of safely performing damage-free installations.
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Be an automotive business that can offer additional services to customers (alignments, complete repairs, auto detailing, etc.)
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Possess a positive attitude and the ability to treat Tire Rack's customers with the highest level of professional courtesy.
Only after these criteria are met is a company approved to become one of our Recommended Installers.
You can see exact quotes for installation by choosing a Price Pledge Installer while in search results. Price Pledge Plus Recommended Installers not only participate in our Price Pledge program but they are also Installers who consistently achieve a 4.5-star or above overall ranking in our survey results. Installers who participate in the Price Pledge program agree to display exact quotes for installation services based on tire aspect ratio. Additional or optional related installation fees are also displayed.
For more information on tire aspect ratios and installation, check out one of my previous posts, "Installation is Even Easier!"
The new 2012 / 2013 BMW 3 Series sedans (known in some enthusiast circles by the chassis number "F30") will be going through their first winter season this year. Like previous BMW 3 Series cars, the 2012 sedans are available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models.
The Original Equipment tires on the car are either summer performance tires or high-speed rated all-seasons. If you live in an area that sees snow during the winter months you should be considering a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.
How can I see which wheels will fit the new 2012 BMW 3 Series sedans?
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Go to the winter section of our website.
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Select the make, year and model of your vehicle using the drop down menu under the heading titled "Shop vehicle make and year".
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Select the size of the wheel that you would like under the heading titled "Build Your Own Package".
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The resulting page will show you winter / snow tires. To proceed to the winter wheels, click on the text towards the right side of the page that reads "Skip to wheels".
What are the recommended Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package sizes?
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A large selection of 18" diameter wheels fit and work well with the tire size 225/45R18. Both run-flat and non-run-flat winter tires are made in this size.
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Even if your vehicle came with 18" or 19" wheels, you may want to consider minus sizing to 17" wheels with the tire size 225/50R17 for more effective winter traction. Run-flat and non-run-flat winter tires are also available in this size.
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If you own a 328i, you can even minus size to 16" with the size 225/55R16, although only non-run-flat options are made in this size.
Did the TPMS sensors change from the previous 3 Series?
Yes. BMW changed to a different TPMS sensor for the new F30 2012 BMW 3 Series. This means that new sensors will need to be purchased unless you're reusing the sensors from the original wheels on your new F30. No worries, Tire Rack has the correct sensors available for sale.
I kept my old wheels from my 2007-2011 BMW 335i, will they fit my new 2012 3 Series sedan?
Most winter wheels that fit the E90 335i will also fit the new F30. Just keep in mind that the new F30 does use taller tires than the E90 and uses different TPMS sensors. As always, be sure to test fit to check for clearance before driving on them.
Get a head start on safe driving this winter by building your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!
If you're an automotive enthusiast, you likely know the name Enkei for their outstanding high quality aluminum alloy wheels. Enkei has been producing lightweight, strong and reliable wheels in Japan since 1950 for everything from Original Equipment options to Formula One and WRC rally racing. The
Enkei Racing Series is their highest level of aftermarket wheels and incorporates their MAT process and extensive testing that exceeds JWL and VIA strength standards.
MAT stands for "Most Advanced Technology" and is a process that combines Enkei's MAP (Most Advanced Production) and flow-forming forging technology. The complete MAT process has a drastic impact on the microstructure of aluminum and results in outstanding improvement of the mechanical property of the material. With wheels and tires becoming larger, use of the MAT process to manufacture wheels becomes even more important. In order to reduce weight under a vehicle's suspension, larger wheels must remain light. Enkei Racing Series' newer generation of 10% - 15% lighter weight, forged MAT wheels are stronger and retain optimum anti-flex properties.
One of Enkei Racing Series most popular wheels is the
RPF1. The RPF1 is available in a variety of bolt patterns in diameters from 14" up to 18" to fit a large number of vehicle applications from a 1990 Mazda Miata to a 2012 Nissan 370Z. Some of the most popular vehicle applications are Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mazda MX-5 and Honda S2000 cars. It's also available in many different finishes including
black painted and
bright silver paint.
Check out this photo of a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX with the Enkei Racing Series RPF1 wheels in a black painted finish.
To check to see if this wheel is available for your vehicle, shop by vehicle. Our site will show you the complete list of wheels that fit your car and let you view them on the vehicle. You can also pair up your wheels with high performance tires to create a Tire & Wheel Package that's ready to install upon arriving to your home or installer.
Since its introduction, the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 has impressed us with outstanding snow and ice traction, along with respectable road manners and handling for a dedicated winter / snow tire. Designed to tackle the coldest winter driving conditions around the world, I liked this tire so much that the Infiniti tires for my 2009 G37x Coupe are X-Ice Xi2s.
In a previous blog "My Story on Winter Tires", I explained how the tires felt when they were new and how much better they performed in the snow than the all-season tires that came equipped on my car. "Michelin X-Ice Xi2: Second Season Review" is a post I created to explain how these tires faired after a season and a half of use in a variety of winter conditions.
Even with the great feedback on this tire, Michelin is introducing an updated version of the Xi2 with the X-Ice Xi3.
At first glance, the new X-Ice Xi3 looks very similar to its predecessor, which isn't a bad thing given that the X-Ice Xi2 is currently ranked number one in our survey results for Studless Ice & Snow tires. One can also see the slightly updated tread pattern features smaller tread blocks in the two center ribs to offer more biting edges on snow- and ice-covered roads. There are also more lateral grooves in the shoulders of the tire to further help with snow and slush traction, as well as aid in water evacuation. Given these changes and Michelin's reputation for improving newer generations of their tires, the X-Ice Xi3 should be even better than the class-leading X-Ice Xi2!
For the 2012-13 winter season, the new Michelin X-Ice Xi3 will be replacing many of Xi2 sizes. Shop by vehicle to see if either of these great winter / snow tires is an option for your vehicle.
For many years, Michelin produced two models of Passenger All-Season tires for drivers who valued a quality tire with long life and good ride quality: the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X.
While both options are in the same performance category, each tire was better in different regards. The Harmony has the smoother and quieter ride between the two with slightly better snow traction. HydroEdge with Green X tires make a little more road noise but provide better wet grip and more responsive handling. Making a decision on which one to choose was often a difficult task for many customers.
Enter the Michelin Defender. Using Michelin's latest tire technology, they claim to have combined the best of the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X into one great tire.
We recently tested the Michelin Defender against other all-season options. The results confirmed that the Michelin Defender is indeed an outstanding choice as it tied for first place in our test! Here's what our test summary said about the tire:
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What We Liked: Good road manners and responsive handling
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What We'd Improve: Wet traction
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Conclusion: A refined and good handling tire, especially in dry conditions
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Latest Test Rank: 1st (tie, pending winter test results)
For a complete result on how the Defender compared against the Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology, Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season and Yokohama AVID Ascend, read "Testing Passenger and Touring All-Season Tires."
I recently had a customer inquire about whether he should use R-compound Track & Competition DOT tires or if the tires in our Extreme Performance Summer category would be more appropriate. His email question is listed below:
"Gary,
I'm looking for tires for my BMW 335i that I can take to a non-competitive performance driving school to learn track driving skills. This will be my first time on the track in any car so I'm not sure if I should get Extreme Performance Summer tires or actual race tires. I won't be changing tires at the track so I would need something that is streetable, as well. The tire size I'm going to use is 225/45R17. Thanks for any advice you can offer."
I told the customer that tires from the Extreme Performance Summer category would work best for him and suggested the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 and Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 as good options for his vehicle.
These are street tires that can be driven on the track without destroying them and perform reasonably well if driven within their limits. They are much easier for learning on a track and hone your skills. Each tire has more progressive breakaway at the limit compared to R-compound tires, and not nearly as delicate on the street as tires like the Hoosier R6 or BFGoodrich g-Force R1.
To learn more about Extreme Performance Summer tires, read my previous blog post "What are Extreme Performance Summer Tires?"
Often times when moving to a larger diameter wheel, a car must use tires with a shorter sidewall height in order to keep the same overall diameter. This concept is called Plus Sizing. Take a look at one of my previous blog posts for additional information. The chart below displays the changes in tire profile when moving up to larger diameter wheels :
In most cases, the larger diameter tires have shorter sidewalls and are referred to as lower profile tires. These tires can have a firmer ride as a result of less sidewall cushioning. However, in many cases, this can be minimized by choosing a tire with a softer ride, such as an all-season tire or touring tire.
For example, a 2008 BMW 335i owner may have a vehicle that comes equipped with the 225/40R18 size in the front and 255/35R18 rear performance tires. This driver then upgrades to a 19" staggered set-up and now uses 235/35R19 fronts and 265/30R19 rears. If the driver chooses a similar summer performance tire, such as the top-rated Michelin Pilot Super Sport, the ride may be a bit stiffer due to having a lower profile tire. If the driver is willing to give up some handling and grip for a tire with a softer ride, he/she could use an all-season tire such as the Continental ExtremeContact DWS.
If you're afraid of losing ride quality when going to larger diameter wheels, check first to see if there are tire options that will alleviate that concern.
If you're the owner of a 2007-2012 BMW 3 Series, then odds are you probably do not have a spare tire. Therefore, you may be considering run-flat 
