Recently we had the joy of testing the new BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tire on our test track using an array of vehicles supplied by BFGoodrich. (Shown to the left is my Ford Mustang GT next to a demo 2012 Camaro SS.) In an effort to demonstrate this new Ultra High Performance Summer tire's dry and wet weather handling capabilities, we started out by firing up the track's sprinklers and were handed the key to a Volkswagen GTI.
The GTI is known for its nimble handling and tight, controlled steering and it was very easy to drive at the limit in the wet. With enough throttle, the cars would gently understeer around the skidpad, but remained very controlled during transitions and the slalom portion of our test. Despite standing water, the tire was impressive and I wasn't able to provoke any sensation of hydroplaning.
Having completed our run in the GTIs, we waited for the track to dry before the real fun began. Next up, a group of brand new 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392s were waiting for us. These cars, equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, were a blast to drive despite their bulky size and weight. Tipping the scales at 4,300 lbs. with 470 hp and 470 lb./ft. of torque on tap, I was surprised at how easy they were to maneuver. Hats off to the Chrysler/Dodge team for producing such a fun vehicle to drive! And to BFGoodrich for creating a tire that can help harness the vehicle's features. Although heavy throttle would break the tires loose in first and second gear, I don't hesitate to say this would happen with even a more competition-based tire. On tight technical portions of our track the tires kept their composure and didn't squirm or buckle under the Challenger's weight.
Overall, I was very impressed with the tire. As a replacement for the g-Force Sport, this tire has come a long way. While the COMP-2 shares the same basic tread pattern as the older model, it's a new compound with a greatly improved sidewall. If you're looking for an economically priced Ultra High Performance Summer tire, I encourage you to give the all-new g-Force Sport COMP-2 a look.
Valeo wiper blades can help ensure that your windshield is kept free of heavy rain and dangerous streaks.
While traditional blades use a frame structure that can easily ice up and restrict the blade from coming into contact with a portion of the windshield surface during winter months, Valeo wipers rely on a center locking design and a flexible blade that allows them to operate free of this troublesome old technology. For roughly the same cost as an over-the-counter blade, these blades are not only superior, but also very cost-effective. Moreover, these blades feature more contact patches for cleaner passes time and time again.
If you're considering either the ULTIMATE Wiper Blades or OE Wiper Blades, both options utilize Tec-3 technology:
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Rubber wiping element combines synthetic and natural rubber with a patented, bonded protective coating
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Synthetic rubber upper body provides resistance to permanent set deformity in high temperatures and a superior wipe in all temperatures
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Natural rubber wiping edge provides improved wiping quality and is flexible in cold conditions
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Protective coating reduces chatter and squeaking noise during the life of the blade and makes them last longer than standard blades
Take a look at what consumers have said about their experience with the Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blades:
"I've had these wipers for over a year and they are just as good as the day I put them on. Living in Iowa is a great test for them: snow, ice, sleet and lots of rain. I can even see at night in the pouring rain. Love them and would never put anything else on [my vehicle]." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2000 Subaru Legacy GT Limited
"I've been using Valeo wipers for over five years and I am extremely satisfied with their performance and durability. I've used them on all my cars and have found them to clean the windshield significantly better than standard O.E. or refill blades.Valeo wipers are also ten times easier to install than the O.E. wipers and look so much better, too." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Ford Mustang GT Coupe
Customers also love the ULTIMATE OE Wiper Blades, see for your self:
"The car is parked outside 24/7/365 exposed to all weather conditions. We have driven in all types of weather as well as long highway trips and local daily driving since installation, and these blades have performed extremely well under all conditions." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Volkswagen Passat Sedan 3.6L
"I have purchased these wipers several times in the past, they are by far the best wipers I have used." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Ford
Often, I receive calls about a tire's life and the tire's relationship to its assigned UTQG treadwear indicator. UTQG numbers are assigned to indicate a tires overall level of performance and tread hardness. These numbers beginning at 0 for race products and traveling north of 800 for some of the longest lasting all-season tires, are nothing more than a general guideline to assist customers in making their correct tire purchase.
While certain performance standards are held standard, such as Traction Grades and Temperature Resistance, UTQG treadwear numbers are published by the manufacturer based upon their test findings of a tire's life expectancy. It's important to note that not all manufacturer's standards are equal and similar ratings may lead to different real world results between similar product types.
On a large basis, however, most manufacturer's figures are surprisingly accurate. To gain a better understanding of the process, take a look at a few of our popular performance categories beginning with soft compounds and working our way up.
Track & Competition DOT
These tires offer maximum grip in race environments where performance is key and treadlife is sacrificed. In order to be competitive, these tires feature a soft tread compound that tends to be very adhesive. These soft tires wear much faster than a standard street tire and aren't recommend for street use. Take a look at the Hoosier A6, a popular autocross tire to see an example. Note this tire's low UTQG figure of 40.
Max Performance Summer
This category features high-performance tires designed for street use. Although not nearly as soft as the race products outlined above, they're at home in a performance environment. This is an optimal choice for a driver looking for acceptable levels of treadwear combined with a high-performing grip level. Even though these tires offer much more flexibility, I'm reminded of an economics lesson: There is no free lunch. The longest wearing Max Performance Summer tires will not outlast a good performing all-season option. Sometimes a driver must choose between smiles and miles. Take a look at our current top-rated summer tire, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport and its 300 indicated UTQG treadwear.
Ultra High Performance All-Season
Perhaps our most popular and best-selling category, the Ultra High Performance All-Season, promotes higher treadwear in exchange for some loss in ultimate dry grip. Although not as soft, and therefore not as sticky as the Max Performance Summer tires, these tires still place a good amount of focus on performance. This new breed of all-season tires typically lasts between 30,000-50,000 miles and allows the driver to experience practicality while also including good performance features such as a responsive sidewalls and higher speed ratings. The Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position is currently the number one tire in this category and carries a UTQG number of 400.
Standard Touring All-Season
Tires in this category sacrifice performance in terms of ultimate dry grip to focus on maximum life and mileage. These tires are designed for conservative drivers that are looking for the best in ride, treadlife and practicality. These tires aren't meant for track use or for aggressive street driving, but often work well as purposeful all-season tires. The popular Hankook Optimo H727 is a great example of such a tire. Notice that its 700 treadwear fits this category to a tee.
Although the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 has been out for a few months, this season marks the first time it'll be available for enjoyment by a majority of the country. As the nice weather hits, fans of Goodyear's original Eagle F1 Asymmetric will be pleased to find a fresh replacement that offers a tidy, stable and asymmetric tread pattern that has positioned itself to be a serious contender in the Max Performance Summer tire market.
While we haven't put the tire through our tests yet, I'll be expecting to see improvements in overall dry grip. We also expect the tire to receive high marks for having a good balance of wet weather handling and hydroplaning resistance -- something the Eagle F1 Asymmetric was known for.
Much like the Pilot Super Sport has replaced the Pilot Sport PS2 from Michelin, Goodyear was looking to build upon a tire that was already good, in order to manufacture a product that's even better. When testing these Max Performance Summer tire giants, we are most always pleased to find subtle improvements in most areas, while not deviating too far from an already well-liked path.
When you buy a set of four Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires through May 31, 2012, you can receive an $80 mail-in rebate. See details here.
Recently, we announced our new relationship with Toyo. Although we have carried Toyo tires in the past, fitments had been limited to those that came Original Equipment on select newer vehicles.
Adding Toyo's line-up of tires will strengthen our already wide selection of competition-based tires and allow customers to select from popular intermediate compounds that are known to wear longer than super soft tires such as the Hoosier R6 and A6. Tires added to our line-up include the following:
Moreover, these tires are offered in a wide array of hard-to-find fitments and will make for good selections for those with few performance options. Given the outstanding reputation of the R888, I can't wait to get my hands on a set of 225/45-15s for my own personal use. This tire promises an excellent choice for those looking for a 100 treadwear tire.
Note: Many sanctioning racing bodies also use the Toyo RA1 as a spec tire in various classes.
In the se
cond quarter of last year, Michelin updated their product line to increase competitiveness in the Max Performance Summer tire replacement market. Replacing the popular Pilot Sport PS2, the Pilot Super Sport provides an increase in ultimate dry grip while maintaining superior performance in wet weather.
Although this tire may not turn lap times as fast as tires from our Extreme Performance Summer category, this tire does an excellent job of blending superb performance with daily livability. What's more, Michelin has such confidence in this tire's wear qualities that they're offering it with a 30,000-mile treadlife warranty. Owners of vehicles with staggered set-ups that do not allow for rotation will also be pleased with the 15,000-mile treadlife warranty.
For years the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 has been used on some of the world's most high-performance vehicles. The Pilot Super Sport continues that tradition with its first Original Equipment application being the Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport starts this season holding the number one spot in our Tire Survey Results. In addition to our unbiased, unedited survey results, this tire has also taken top honors in "Clash of the Titans: Testing Two New Max Performance Summer Heavy Hitters." Purchasers of this prestigious tire can expect razor sharp turn-in response, high levels of ultimate dry grip and inspiring wet performance.
Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experiences with the Michelin Pilot Super Sport:
"Wow! What a change in all aspects of driving." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 MAZDA MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
"I replaced the Original Equipment tires on my Infiniti M35 Sport. It was like day and night difference. My car drove and handled better than it did when it was new! I wish I had replaced them sooner!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Infiniti M35 Sport
"Having owned many BMWs which I have driven daily, as well as an occasional track event, and having used many different tires on my cars, I can confidently say that no tire I have ever driven measures up to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. These tires are simply phenomenal. The sense of confidence and connectedness that they give is unparalleled. They have superior turn-in, dry traction and wet traction. They are quiet and well-mannered on the road. They wear evenly, and as with other Michelins I have owned, I expect to get excellent overall life out of these. You can pay less for tires...or more. But you simply will not find a better summer high-performance tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 BMW 330Ci Coupe Performance Package
Wheel
machining is nothing new to the aftermarket wheel industry, as wheels have been produced with a machined face or machined lip for the past decade. This machining feature removes a painted section of the wheel to leave a raw metal look that is attractive to many aftermarket wheel buyers.
Typically, machined wheels feature a clear coat that's similar to painted wheels to ensure they're protected against the harsh elements -- more specifically from road salt that's found in the northern climates.
Recently, KMC, KMC XD Series and Ultra released new designs that have raised the bar on how wheels are produced. The KMC Splinter, KMC XD Series Bomb (pictured) and Ultra Bolt black with milled accent finish feature a milled accent on the lip of the spokes. This new process uses a CNC machine to accurately and carefully remove material which leaves a sharp, bold and machined edge.
The KMC Splinter, XD Series Bomb and Ultra Bolt are available as truck wheels for many popular applications, including the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra.
Search by vehicle to see which wheel is right for your application.
Hitting shelves on March 1st was the new Yokohama AVID Ascend. The Ascend focuses on delivering maximum treadlife and relief at the gas pump by featuring a low rolling resistance design. Yokohama, known for its cost-effective approach to offering high quality products, is excited to offer this new Grand Touring All-Season tire in a large range of sizes.
The Ascend has been released in T-, H- and V-speed ratings to meet the minimum speed requirements of today's vehicles. As a replacement for the popular AVID TRZ, we expect nothing but good things from this tire.
Fans of the original Avid TRZ will be pleased to learn that the mileage warranty has been increased to 85,000 miles (for T-speed rated tires). If you're looking for a long lasting, fuel saving, economical tire, search by vehicle to see if the Yokohama AVID Ascend is the right tire for your application.
While Tire Rack is primarily a mail order company, we do allow for pick-up at many of our locations. Five of our distribution centers are equipped to handle customers looking for local pick-up of their orders.
In order to arrange an order for pick-up, you'll need to contact one of our sales specialists via phone, for example I can be reached at 800-428-8355 ext. 792. We'll be able to check the stock at each warehouse and get the product(s) pulled before you arrive. After speaking with a sales specialist, they'll provide you with a pick-up number and an estimate of when your order will be ready.
The following distribution centers are ready to assist you with your pick-up order:
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Indiana Corporate Headquarters and Distribution Center
7101 Vorden Parkway
South Bend, IN 46628
*Installation also available for $15 per tire.
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Connecticut Distribution Center
100 International Drive
Windsor, CT 06095
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Georgia Distribution Center
667 Sunbury Road
Midway, GA 31320
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Louisiana Distribution Center
5417 Campus Drive
Shreveport, LA 71129
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Nevada Distribution Center
3300 Waltham Way
McCarran, NV 89434
Since the release of Sumitomo's newest all-season tire, consumer reviews have been pouring in and rating the HTR A/S P01 (H&V) well amongst its class competitors. Available at an attractive price point, this tire is sold to many customers looking for value and lively performance. Due to its high-relative speed rating compared to other tires in the High Performance All-Season class, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 (H&V) offers a crisp steering response with an all-season compound and a tread pattern that's appropriate for a diverse variety of surfaces.
Having tested this tire on the track last summer, I was impressed with its ultimate dry grip and water channeling ability. I was not alone in my assessment, as our test results, track times and perceptions of on-road feel placed this tire in first place (tied with Yokohama's AVID ENVigor (H&V)) amongst other High Performance All-Season tires.
Furthermore, this tire seems not only to excel in our testing, but has also been the subject of much spotlight from our customers:
"I have had these tires for two and a half years - a tire has to be quiet on the road to please me and these do even more. Cornering is great, wet traction with the best and above all the price is right." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 4Matic Sedan
"One of the smoothest riding tires I have ever owned. No problems. Very little noise. The tires have been rotated as required and seem to be wearing properly. They handle well. For the price, they are very capable and remarkably smooth riding." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD
For a cost-effective High Performance All-Season tire that will put a smile on your face, be sure to look at the Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 (H&V).
Recent updates have increased the speed at which we can provide international shipping quotes to our customers. What this means for you is decreased turn-around time and even better service when making a purchase from Tire Rack.
In order to process an international freight quote, you must first reach out to me or another one of our sales specialists via email. In the email, please be sure to provide us with the following information to obtain the product's price and shipping quote:
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Vehicle year/make/model
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Full billing address
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Full shipping address
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Billing telephone number
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Your contact information
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Complete list of products you'd like to purchase
Having this complete list of necessary items for billing and shipping will greatly reduce our response time. Once a quote has been completed, payment can be accepted via wire transfer and packages are typically received within 5-7 business days.
In the second quarter of 2011, General released a replacement for its extremely popular and well-liked General Grabber UHP. This newer tire, the
General G-MAX AS-03, features an aggressive directional tread pattern like its predecessor, but with an increased amount of biting edges for better success in all seasons.
Having tested the tire this past summer, I was very impressed with its responsive turn-in, sturdy-feeling sidewall and great water channeling abilities. Given its affordable price, this is one of my more frequent recommendations to customers looking for performance, value and increased tread life.
The G-MAX AS-03 is currently available in
63 different sizes ranging between 15"-20" with a variety of widths. It's made to fit a large selection of vehicles including those with aggressive staggered set-ups.
Take a look at how the tire compares to other options in the Ultra High Performance All-Season performance category by reviewing our
Tire Survey Results.
While wheel selection is more often than not determined by one's own individual taste, I have always been a fan of simple wheel styles. As such, one wheel that I recommend to customers time and time again is the classic 5-spoke MSW Type 14. Featuring a silver painted finish and thin pronounced spokes, this wheel has an Original Equipment look and is easy to keep clean using simple washing techniques.
The MSW Type 14 is available in sizes ranging between 14" to 18" in a wide variety of widths and bolt patterns. As one of the more cost-effective aftermarket wheels available, these wheels have been a hit with customers looking for a subtle aftermarket fitment.
Moreover, these wheels are also one of the many popular styles included in our
2012 Wheel Clearance Event.
For those looking for increased braking performance, we now offer the
StopTech line of brake products, including a wide variety of rotors and pads for various fitments.
The
StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor is for use with stock calipers, carriers and lines. StopTech also offers a
cryogenically treated rotor that can last up to three times longer than untreated rotors. Both rotors are one-piece direct replacement options that meet the Original Equipment standards.
Key Features and Benefits of the StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor:
- Premium black E-coating finish to combat corrosion on the rotor hat and between the cooling vanes
- Castings have important O.E. details including extractor and set screw holes
- Superior cooling fin designs
- Double disc ground finish
- 100% fully machined finish including rotor hats
- 100% inspected and mill-balanced
- Lateral runout held to 0.002” or less
- Meet or exceed rigid quality specifications, including cooling vane designs
The perfect complement to a StopTech rotor is the company's street performance line of pads. Featuring a slightly more aggressive compound than factory, these pads are perfect for an aggressive street driver looking for higher initial bite and le
ss resistance to fade.
Although not a fully dedicated track pad,
StopTech Street Performance Pads are also built to withstand the abuse of an occasional light track day or driving school.
To learn more about how you can enhance your vehicle's appearance and braking performance, read "
The Finish Touch: Brake Rotors."
Recently, a wheel has been added to our fitment arsenal that allows for additional winter options on Brembo-equipped 2011-12 Ford Mustang GTs and 2007+ GT500s. These cars, equipped with 14" front brakes and four-piston calipers have until now been very difficult to cost-effectively outfit for the winter.
Having a design that focuses on spoke clearance as well as carefully selected offset, the
Sport Edition F10 provides the necessary clearance to avoid brake interference. In addition, it's offered in 18" fitments that allows for more tire selections and additional tire sidewall height that many drivers look for to cushion harsh blows on rough winter roads.
While this wheel was crafted to clear factory big brake kits, it will also fit on any 2005+ Mustang.
Driving a powerful, RWD, solid axle car through winter conditions can be challenging enough with any equipment. While you'll still need to be attentive and aware of the vehicle's capabilities, a proper Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package can turn your summer sports car into a year-round, all-weather warrior.
Start enjoying winter driving in your vehicle and build your
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!
If you o
wn a sport truck, SUV or vehicle capable of fitting 20" and larger wheels, you may have become accustomed to paying high prices for tires or sacrificing quality to meet your budget. Recently, as larger wheel and tire assemblies have become more mainstream, the cost for these larger tires have fallen.
Although tires that feature a larger inside diameter and width may never be as cost-effective as traditional 15-17" sizes, it seems that on a daily basis I'm able to stun customers with prices that are lower than they expected.
One of my favorite selections to recommend to customers looking for a 20"-28" tire is the
Yokohama Parada Spec-X. This tire, available in 39 different sizes, makes selection easy and affordable. With a
speed rating of either H or V, these Yokohama tires also meet most manufactures' requirements for use on today's high performance vehicles. Featuring an all-season compound with a host of biting edges, the Yokohama Parada Spec-X is designed for use in all climates.
If you're looking for Yokohama tire reviews of the Parada Spec-X take a look at our
Tire Survey Results.
With winter in full swing and temperatures dropping across the nation, it's never been more important than now to carefully monitor your tire pressure.
Underinflated tires cause vehicle imbalance, promote irregular wear and can cause load-carrying capacity issues. When the temperature drops, the air inside your tires naturally contracts at a rate of about 1 psi per 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, it is natural for air pressure to permeate through the tire's rubber sidewall at an additional rate of approximately 1 psi per month regardless of temperature.
This means that if you had set your tire pressure at 36 psi on a 70 degree summer day (six months ago) and the pressure has since dropped to 30 degrees, your tires at this moment could have as little as 26 psi in them.
Checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis takes only a few moments and keeps you and your family protected during these cold winter months.
A wide array of tire pressure gauges are available at several price points including the cost-effective
Accutire Digital Pencil Air Gauge and the extremely accurate
Accutire Racing Air Gauge that measures to 1/10th a pound of psi pressure.
No m
atter what you drive, Tire Rack has done the homework necessary to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle when it comes to our Tire & Wheel Packages.
While some vehicles have many aftermarket wheel and tire options, others are a bit more challenging and require the use of specially selected wheels to clear brake calipers, avoid suspension components and offer a factory style stance. One such vehicle that comes to mind is BMW's X5. This vehicle, especially when equipped with the optional 20" sport package, is notoriously difficult to outfit with all-season or dedicated winter / snow tires.
Although manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and beginning to offer non-summer X5 tires in the 275/40-20 front and massive 315/35-20 rear sizes, the most popular solution for those looking for the best traction in foul weather is a downsized
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.
A few wheels, such as the
Rial Oslo (pictured) offer enough brake clearance in an 18" size to allow for proper fitment. With wheels such as this, we prefer drivers run a 255/55-18 tire on all four corners. This tire size allows for a wide variety of cost-effective options, maintains the factory rolling diameter and has a better cutting effect on ice and in snow compared to the factory staggered setup. Most often, a Tire & Wheel Package for this SUV in the 18" size costs approximately the same or less than the factory sized tires by themselves.
How do we know which wheels will fit your vehicle? We measure your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our engineers to create extremely accurate drawings of each part. For more information, read "
How We Know What Fits."
If you're shopping for
a family member, friend or loved one this holiday season, consider a gift certificate from Tire Rack. With 17 different tire brands, approximately 40 unique wheel manufacturers, brand name suspension components, brake parts and more, we have a little something for everyone.
Not sure of a tire size, bolt pattern or desired product? Give the gift of unlimited choice for the person on your list. Once the certificate is purchased, the recipient will be able to purchase directly on our website or by simply calling one of our knowledgeable sales specialists.
Tire Rack Gift Certificates are available in dollar amounts ranging between $25-$5,000 and can be sent via email or paper form. For more information, please review the terms and conditions outlined below:
Gift Certificate Terms and Conditions - Gift Certificate is valid on future retail purchases from Tire Rack only.
- Gift Certificates cannot be used to purchase additional Gift Certificates.
- Gift Certificates are not redeemable for cash and cannot be returned for a cash refund.
- Any unused balance will be credited to the recipient's Gift Certificate account.
- Tire Rack reserves the right to change these terms and conditions from time to time at its discretion.
- Gift Certificates and unused portions of Gift Certificates expire five years from the date of issue, subject to any applicable state law prohibiting any, or requiring a later, expiration date.
- Tire Rack is not responsible for lost or stolen Gift Certificates.
- The recipient's email address will be used once only for the purpose of sending the electronic Gift Certificate being purchased and will not be used for any other marketing purposes.
- Gift Certificate cash value is 1/10 of one cent.
This fall, I had the pleasure of testing Kumho's newest Ultra High Performance All-Season tire. This tire, dubbed the
Ecsta 4X, tested very well and was a favorite of the staff here at Tire Rack. Despite having a fair amount of biting edges for snow traction, this tire turned blistering fast times in our dry and wet track testing.
Take a look at highlights from our Tire Test Results:
Kumho Ecsta 4X (Ultra High Performance All-Season 225/45R17 94W) - What We Liked: Immediate steering response and impressive grip
- What We'd Improve: A small improvement in ride comfort
- Conclusion: A very good choice for drivers who want a nimble handling tire
- Latest Test Rank: 1st
- Previous Test Rank: Not previously tested
What's equally impressive as the tire's performance is its incredible value. Despite being one of our best performing Ultra High Performance All-Season tires, the Ecsta 4X is priced considerably less than the majority of its competition.
For a detailed report on a set of these Kumho car tires, watch "
Testing Value-Priced Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires."
