Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Precision Touring

Thursday, February 28, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Firestone Precision TouringReviewer's Overall Rating: 8

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4wd
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 150
Location: Altoona, PA
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 150 Miles on Tires
February 17, 2013

First of all, I ordered these on the 15th, and received them at my front door on the 16th!
Keep in mind, this was through UPS standard shipping. Completely blew my mind.
Granted, I haven't put many miles on this set, but I can say that they are a definite improvement from the stock Michelins that came on the car when we bought it new from the dealer.
Excellent traction, and extremely quiet tires.
This is my first time buying tires online, and will not be my last!
I'd strongly recommend them to anyone interested in a good quality tire at a great price point.
I shopped around town for quite some time and these exact tires ranged anywhere from 700.00-500.00, and that's without installation.
I took them to a local installation center, and for less than $50.00, they recycled my old tires, and mounted, balanced, and installed them for me.

What About TPMS Sensors for My Winter Wheels?

Thursday, October 25, 2012 by Hunter Leffel

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.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin LTX M/S2

Thursday, June 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Michelin LTX M/S2Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.2

2005 Honda Pilot EX
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Miles driven on tires: 100
Location: Dallas, TX
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
June 18, 2012

Bought a used 05 Honda Pilot 6 months ago that had Goodyear Integrity tires (OEM specs). Everywhere on the internet these tires are rated very poorly. So even though these had about 5 - 10 k tread remaining I decided to get new tires. I was torn between the Michelin LTX M/S2, Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology and Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season. There were not enough reviews on Tirerack.com for the Continental and Pirelli tires - hence it looked like Michelins the most trustworthy choice to make.

Shopped around for prices and finally got - what I consider a very good deal (one local chain shop did a price match with an online seller)- and had the tires installed 2 days ago. I could not believe the difference - it was like night and day. The steering suddenly became sooo... much lighter. The car used to pull to the right with no uneven wear on the tires. I had gotten the tires rotated to try to fix this but that didn't help. With these new Michelins that problem suddenly vanished and I feel that I am driving a totally different vehicle.

Tire noise has been a revelation - in the sense that it almost does not exist. Only now do I realize how horrible was the tire noise in the old GY tires. I also find myself using a lighter foot on the gas. It's too early to tell but I am confident that I will be getting a little better mileage with these tires.

Will come back and update this review (or write another one) after I have had these tires for longer.

Regards
Sanjay

Information About Rebates and Promotions

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by Ben Rooney

Tire manufacturers often use rebates to help attract buyers to their brand. Tire Rack participates in these special offers when possible. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding rebates and promotions:

Q: Does the tire I want have a rebate available? Products that have a rebate or special offer will generally be noted right on the screen when you're viewing the product's price. If you want to see an overview of current promotions, see our special offers page.

Q: Is the dollar amount of the rebate for a set? Or for each tire? The rebates generally apply to a set of four tires. In most cases, if you qualify for a $50 rebate, this would mean you'd receive a Reward Card valued at $50 by mail-in rebate.

Q: I have different sizes on the front and rear of my car, does that still count as a set of four? Yes, it does. As long as the four tires are the same model and for the same vehicle, they count as a set of four.

Q: I reside outside the United States, do rebates still apply to me? Most rebates apply to U.S. residents only, as determined by your billing (not shipping) address. APO addresses are generally considered part of the U.S. Check the official terms and conditions page of the offer for specific details.

Q: I bought two tires last year and want to buy two more now. Does that count as a set of four? The four tires must be purchased during the current rebate period to qualify.

Q: There is a rebate on my tires, but the price in the cart is the regular price. What is going on? Most of the tire makers have mail-in rebates. After you order, watch your mailbox. You should receive the rebate form in about 1-2 weeks. Fill it out and submit it to receive the advertised offer.

Q: If I buy more than one set, do I get more than one rebate? It depends on the terms and conditions set by the manufacturer. Make sure to read them carefully if considering multiple sets to determine your eligibility. We make all of the terms and conditions available online.

For more information on special offers and promotions, visit our FAQ section.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Ecsta 4X

Thursday, May 31, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Kumho Ecsta 4XReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.22

2005 Ford Focus ZX5
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Miles driven on tires: 3,000
Location: Edmonton, AB
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
May 23, 2012

Bought these to replace my OE Pirelli P6 All Seasons. The new set of Kumho Ecsta 4X (+1 size) is terrific - a clear step up from the Pirelli's in nearly every regard. They're a bit of a harder ride (might be due to the +1), but the dry traction is spectacular and the steering response is exceptional. Excellent on-centre feel and great communication through the wheel.

The Ecsta 4X is quiet on smooth pavement but on poor roads, not so much.

We had a bit of a late snowstorm last April, a couple weeks after I had the tires mounted (I use dedicated winter tires here in Alberta). The Ecsta 4X's highly asymmetric tread seems to contribute to poor cornering on snow/ice, although straight line traction (including braking) is acceptable for an all-season tire. I definitely would not recommend this tire for use year-round in Canada or the regions with serious winter conditions.

Probably the best thing about the Ecsta 4X is the price. Far cheaper than my car's OE tire, despite being clearly better. Ordered online from Canada, the shipping and other non-product fees constituted about 1/3 of the total price but still far cheaper than buying locally. Great deal, Tire Rack!

Tires by Mail Order - How Does This Work?

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Hunter Leffel
Tire RackWhile Tire Rack has been in business for over 30 years, the idea of ordering tires by mail order is new to many people. When looking to buy a new set of tires, there really are only four easy steps:
  1. Research - With the best trained sales specialists in the business, combined with tire test results, tire survey results and tire reviews, nobody has more information available to help with choosing the perfect tire for your vehicle.

  2. Buy - Once you've found the product(s) you're looking for, you can purchase online or over the phone. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as money order, wire transfer and Western Union.

  3. Deliver - With six strategically located distribution centers, most customers live within proximity of one to receive their order within 1-2 business days. We'll work with you to have your order shipped where it's most convenient, whether that's your home, your mechanic or one of our Recommended Installers.

  4. Install - With a nationwide network of over 8,000 Recommended Installers, finding one near your home or office is easy. With our Price Pledge program, installers display exact quotes for installation services based on tire aspect ratio. Additional or optional related installation fees are also displayed. Find a Recommended Installer to handle your Tire Rack purchase here.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Hankook Optimo H727

Monday, January 16, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Hankook Optimo H727Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.71

2006 Dodge Caravan SXT
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Miles driven on tires: 1000
Location: LEDYARD, CT
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 1000 Miles on Tires
January 05, 2012

I PURCHASED THESE TIRES AFTER MONTHS OF RESEARCHING ONLINE FOR THE BEST PRICE FOR OVERALL PERFORMANCE. LIVING IN NEW ENGLAND, WE GET WEATHER OF ALL KINDS, BUT SO FAR NO SNOW, SO I CANT RATE PERFORMANCE ON THAT. HOWEVER, THESE TIRES HAVE PERFORMED GREAT ON THE HEAVY RAIN WE HAD THIS FALL. THE NOISE IS MINIMAL AND THEY FEEL MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE THEN THE PREVIOUS TIRES THAT I HAD BEFORE. I HOPE WE DON'T GET MUCH SNOW THIS WINTER, BUT I AM SURE THESE TIRES WILL LIVE UP TO WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HOW WELL THEY HANDLE. I BOUGHT THEM BASED ON RATING, PRICE AND REBATE. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A DECENT TIRE FOR AVERAGE DRIVING ON ALL KINDS OF WEATHER.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Friday, January 6, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Altimax Arctic Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.5

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 4-Door
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Miles driven on tires: 5000
Location: Ottawa, ON
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 5000 Miles on Tires
January 10, 2010

I bought these tires after researching them online and finding numerous positive reviews and then I saw the latest Consumer Reports winter tire test that rated them 2nd overall and that clinched it. These tires are rebranded Gislaved NordFrost 3's made in Germany by Continental (Continental owns both the Gislaved and General Tire brands).



I've used many winter tires over the last 20 years (Bridgestone WT-02, Michelin Alpin, Blizzak WS-50, Dunlop Winter Sport M3, Blizzak WS-60) and price independent these are without a doubt the best overall with the WS-60 a close second. When you factor in the price of these versus the WS-60s it's not even close.



They have very little noise, ride is excellent, actually even better than my all seasons as I went from 205/50R17 to 205/55R16 for the winters on separate steel rims. If somebody dropped you into the car and asked what type of tires it had you probably would never guess they were winter tires. Of course, not being performance winter tires you do give up some dry traction (most noticeable on the on-ramps) but they are the least "feeling" winter tires I have owned with the exception of the Dunlops, however the Dunlops did not inspire the same level of confidence as the Altimax when the weather turned nasty. They are very stable on the highway and do not exhibit some of the mushiness that affects many winter tires. I can't comment on wear as I've only had them 3 months however if I get at least 3 winters I'll be happy. I only managed 2 winters out of the very soft WS-60s and once the multicell compound wears away on those (55%) you are back to a standard winter compound negating a good portion of their ice traction.



Deep snow, packed snow and ice traction are all very good with the Generals, I have to really slam on the brakes to even engage the ABS. Backing up a sloped driveway after a freezing rain storm I did not slip once. Unlike snow tires of old, wet traction is also very good with no sense of hydroplaning on

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Altimax ArcticReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.73

2006 Honda Civic SI Coupe
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 15000
Location: Westlake, OH
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 15000 Miles on Tires
December 02, 2011

I was nervous about buying this tire at first, but after reading reviews here and elsewhere online, I decided to take the plunge just before Winter of '09. After two whole winters (and starting a third), the snow performance of these tires continue to leave me satisfied. I have intentionally put my little FWD Civic in nasty situations (unplowed parking lot after 12" of snow? why not!) and have never gotten stuck with these tires on the car. I've owned Hakkapelittas, and Blizzaks, and the Altimax Artic is a comparable contender to both at a fraction of the price.

The biggest detractor from these tires is their sidewalls. I expect a bit of softness in a snow tire, but these go to extremes. My car feels like it's "floating" at highway speeds, and requires some extra wheel input to keep it straight. When it's dry out, taking turns at speed in these tires will leave you guessing every time. Throughout the turn, the tires never settle, so you're constantly on edge trying to manage through the turn. Steering response is horrid as the sidewall turns to mush from any inputs. That said, lateral grip is impressive for such a cheap tire once you can tame the sidewall.

Overall, once you get the hang of the poor sidewall performance, the snow and ice performance makes you forget you ever doubted the tire.

Wheels & Tires for the 2011-2012 VW Jetta

Friday, November 4, 2011 by Cy Chowattukunnel
Despite what some automotive experts say, I really like the new Volkswagen Jetta. And, if the original Jetta tires and wheels are not to your liking, some aftermarket car rims and tires could really increase the vehicle's style.

As you try to envision how a given wheel will fit on your car, keep in mind that the offset spec effects the overall look. How would the 17x7.5 5-112 bolt pattern 45mm offset Bright Silver Enkei Tuning Fujin look on the car, even though your Original Equipment wheels are 16" in diameter and 6.5" with a 50mm offset? To help you gain a better picture of how these Enkei rims would sit on your vehicle, look at where your valve stems sit and picture them moving 17mm (roughly 3/4") out towards the fender.

Manufacturers will determine what sizes of wheels they'll make, as not all wheels come in all sizes. However, when you purchase wheels from Tire Rack, you can be assured the wheel you order is a perfect match for your vehicle. To see how we get the proper fitments for each vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."

Since I am a big fan of the Jetta TDI let's use this application as an example. For 17" wheels you can choose Volkswagen tires in either 225/45-17 or 235/45-17. If I were picking tires to use here in Indiana, I'd get the 225/45-17 Michelin Primacy MXM4 for its combination of great steering response, wet grip and efficiency.

Since the new Jetta uses the indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System with ABS sensors, you don't need to get separate sensors. And when you're looking at our online tire prices for the Michelin Primacy, create a Tire & Wheel Package with the Enkei wheels for $1388* plus shipping.

17x7.5 Bright Silver Enkei Tuning Fujin
17x7.5 Bright Silver Enkei Tuning Fujin
225/45-17 Michelin Primacy MXM4
225/45-17 Michelin Primacy MXM4

Create the perfect Tire & Wheel Package for your Jetta today!

Four Winter / Snow Tires: Are They Worth It?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 by Alex Mouroulis
Winter / Snow Tire Testing at Tire RackAt Tire Rack we pride ourselves on real-world testing data that we gather through testing tires on the street and on the track. We also take over a local ice rink and test our vehicles on the ice to simulate packed snow that has become glazed over and turned to ice, as these conditions are very common at intersections during the winter months. To get a better understanding of how we test winter / snow tires, read "We Know How They Go in Ice and Snow."

We have performed quite a few tests on the ice rink, with our rear-wheel drive BMW 3 Series and all-wheel drive Porsche Cayenne. This season we decided to use one of the more popular front-wheel drive vehicles in the U.S., the 2012 Honda Civic. The Civic was equipped with traction control and ABS, as well as front-wheel drive.

We ran two separate tests with one comparing the winter capabilities between a vehicle equipped with four all-season tires against a vehicle with four winter / snow tires. The test results prove that a set of winter / snow tires will make your winter driving much easier as they accelerated quicker and stopped in a shorter period of time. For full results, watch "Are Front-Wheel Drive and All-Season Tires Enough for Winter Driving?." 

Think you can get away with purchasing only two winter / snow tires? Take a look at "Why Gamble With Winter Tire Selection When Four of a Kind Always Beats Two Pair?" and see why you should buy winter tires in a set of four to make this winter your safest yet.

And when it comes time to price tires online for this winter season, shop by vehicle to find the right winter / snow tire for your vehicle!

Best Run-Flat Winter / Snow Tires in 225/45R17

Friday, October 21, 2011 by Gary Stanley
If you have a 2006-2011 BMW 3 Series, odds are you're considering run-flat winter / snow tires in 225/45R17. For the upcoming winter season, there are only two options left in stock: the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT and Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II RFT

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT
Pirelli 210 Sottozero Serie II RFT
Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II RFT

How Do They Compare? 

The Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II RFT would be a noticeable step down in terms of snow and ice traction but would provide better dry grip and steering response compared to the Blizzak LM-25 RFT. In other words, a set of Blizzak LM-25 RFTs would offer your vehicle better winter traction than a set of these Pirelli car tires, but not quite as much dry grip and handling. 

While both options are quality tires, if you live in a light snow area and prefer a tire with better dry grip and faster steering response, but are willing to give up some snow and ice traction to get it, then you should purchase the Sottozero Serie II RFT. However, if you see more mixed conditions, or simply want a safer tire for better traction on ice and snow-covered roads, then I'd suggest the Blizzak LM-25 RFT.

Decision is Made, What's Next?

Buy tires online through Tire Rack, of course. Or, as always, contact one of our sales specialists for pricing and availability. Need an installer? Learn more about our Recommended Installer program by checking out my blog titled, "How Does Our Recommended Installer Program Work." 

Better yet, select a combination of winter / snow tires and rims (wheels) to create a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package so you can do the installation yourself.

Need Replacement Tires? Order Tires Online

Monday, August 15, 2011 by Tire Rack Team
Tire RackSince 1996, when Tire Rack introduced the industry's most up-to-date website to the world, consumers have been able to research their performance product purchases and confidently buy online. Even as the industry continues to grow, our goals remain the same: offering quality performance products, expert advice, exceptional pricing and fast shipping. In fact, most customers are within one to two business days of our six distribution centers to ensure a timely delivery.

Our shopping tools make sure your experience on our site is as efficient and enjoyable as possible. View all shopping tools here.

Combine Your Wheel and Tire Purchase Into One

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 by Tire Rack Team
Tire & Wheel Package Ride Uniformity ConfirmationWhy buy wheels from an online wheel shop and tires from a separate tires online store when you can create a Wheels & Tire Package in one stop here at Tire Rack. Packages are shipped ready to mount with all the necessary hardware, including lugs, center caps and centering rings at no additional charge. And if you're looking to save additional money on your purchase, take a look at our special offers. All rebates apply to qualifying tires to ensure you get a great package at a low price.

Whether it's race, snow or street, create a Tire & Wheel Package for your vehicle today!

BMW Owners are Loving the Bremmer Kraft BR05 Wheel!

Thursday, March 31, 2011 by Gary Stanley

If you're looking for new wheels this spring for your BMW, Audi, VW or high performance vehicle, then take a look at the popular new Bremmer Kraft BR05. Why is this wheel causing so much buzz in the online BMW forums? Because it is a well-built, stylish wheel at a good price.

Bremmer Kraft BR05 (Black w/Mach Lip)
BR05 (Black w/Mach Lip)
Bremmer Kraft BR05 (Bright PVD)
BR05 (Bright PVD)
Bremmer Kraft BR05 (Bright Silver Paint)
BR05 (Bright Silver Paint)


Available in three different options, the BR05 even accepts BMW center caps!

Enhance your vehicle's look with a Tire & Wheel Package available at Tire Rack.

Spring is Just Around the Corner

Saturday, February 26, 2011 by Henry Carlson
Tire & Wheel PackagesWhen you purchase a set of tires and wheels as a package, your tires will arrive pre-mounted to save you time and money. Tire & Wheel Packages from Tire Rack are shipped ready to mount and include the necessary hardware.

Before making your selections, we suggest you take a look at the Upgrade Garage option on tirerack.com. This feature takes your vehicle's make, model and year and creates a virtual representation of the real thing. As an online shop, Tire Rack understands the importance of "try before you buy."

Our special offers make a variety of different tires available at discounted prices, so start building your Tire & Wheel Package today.

After you buy tires from Tire Rack where do you go for installation?

Friday, December 10, 2010 by Henry Carlson
Buying tires online? Where will I go for installation? Won't the local tire shop be upset that I didn't buy the tires from them? Will they charge higher installation prices because I didn't buy them from their shop? 

Tire Rack has a Recommended Installer Program. We can ship right to the installer of your choice and save you the hassle of dragging your tires to the shop. Pre-screened to ensure quality service, Tire Rack's independent Recommended Installers are happy to assist you with installation.

To find an installer in your area, search by ZIP Code.

Lost Center Caps?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Chad Hocker
This morning I received an email from a customer who had purchased Sport Edition F2 wheels for his 2003 Ford Windstar and needed some replacement center caps. A quick search online or a phone call and Tire Rack can get you what you need. Here's how the conversation went:
 
Question
I bought a set of 16-inch Sport Edition F2 wheels with Yokohama tires. The center cap has fallen off one of the wheels and was lost on some highway in California. Is it possible to get the center cap that says Sport Edition on it??

Answer
Yes, we can get you a cap. They are priced at $6 each plus shipping. Give me a call and we'll get your cap on the way or you can order Sport Edition Center Caps online. What you need is at the bottom of the list (sorry, no photo is available at this time).
 
If you have Sport Edition wheels or an ASA wheel or any other wheel we carry, check out our website to find your center cap or any other optional hardware you may need.

Imput your vehicle year make and model then select the wheel you need the hardware for and click the optional harware tab to select the center caps.

Revolutionizing the Way You Buy Tires

Thursday, June 17, 2010 by Grant Edwards
At Tire Rack, it is no secret that we provide extensive online research, consumer reviews, and tire test results. Customers often select tires based on one feature, but like the layers of an onion, tires have many characteristics. Let's see if we can help simplify your tire buying experience.
  1.  Before you cruise our website, double check the tire size on your vehicle. The size is located on the sidewall of your tires. Make sure you confirm the size on each corner of your vehicle. Write it down on a piece of paper.
     
  2. Choose Shop by Vehicle. After you select your vehicle you’ll see your tire size options. Select the applicable size or take a look at our best sellers for your vehicle.

    If our list of tires is overwhelming for you, use our Tire Decision Guide to help you narrow your choices down to a performance category that suits your driving style and the conditions in which you drive.

  3.  In search results you can use the filtering tools on the left to get to the certain brands you prefer and more. I recommend filtering by at least three features based on what is most important to you. Treadwear? Price? Summer vs. All-Season Performance? Load Rating?
     
  4. Once a tire is selected, review all of the tire information. I find it useful to review tires by first looking at the Product Description followed by survey results then test results, and lastly consumer reviews. You can also review warranty information.

Where are my DWS tires?

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Gavin Carpenter
A common question we are getting lately is, "where are my Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires?"  Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Due to the unexpectedly high demand of this tire, and the demands on production, Continental is running just a little behind. How behind? A few months for some sizes.

Several sizes are listed as back ordered: "Items shown with an inventory status of "Back Order" are on order from the manufacturer and an approximate in-stock date has not yet been determined. If you select an item with "Back Order" status, we will contact you when more information is available (no more than once per month). Our on-line order tracking feature will include updates to the estimated in-stock date."

Continental is working diligently to improve supply. Because increasing production means creating new molds and re-configuring manufacturing facilities the time to make the changes are lengthy. 24 sizes are in limited supply. We are receiving partial shipments on most sizes but customers have placed orders for more than for which we have definite availability dates. We will receive tires for all orders placed but for some customers we do not have specific dates. Continental expects to have adequate supply with in the next couple of months.

If you have placed an order you can find the status on our Tirerack.com or by contacting us over the phone or by email. We will also contact you when there is a change regarding the availability of tires for you order.

The great news is that because of Continental's efforts we have 62 sizes of the ExtremeContact DWS tires in stock now!

If we are out of your size and you are able to wait, then they are definitely worth the wait, they are a great tire. But, if you need something in the near future, a back ordered tire may not be the one for you.

Rather than wait, why not consider other options? Other tires to consider that I've tested and do well, if not a little better than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS in my opinion are the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position or the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. Both offer better dry handling but suffer a little bit in the cold weather handling department.

Now I do realize that the tires above demand a little more of a premium price tag, but are well worth it in my opinion.  Others to consider that fair very well and keep the price down are the Dunlop SP Sport Signature, the Goodyear Eagle GT or the Yokohama AVID ENVigor.

It's better to be safe and have tires with adequate tread depth than to wait months and drive on unsafe tires. There are other tires out there.