Quality Tires

If you're looking for a good performing summer tire on a budget, take a look at the latest offering from Sumitomo. Their HTR Z III features an asymmetrical pattern that provides noticeable noise reduction when compared to the directional, previous generation HTR Z II.

While this tire may not be the top-ranked option in the Max Performance Summer category, it has one of the most attractive price points in the group. Developed for sports cars, sporty coupes and high performance sedans, the HTR Z III showcases Sumitomo's technical resources by providing high speed handling stability along with traction on dry and wet roads. The inside shoulder is linked by a continuous circumferential rib that enhances wear quality to help reduce noise throughout the tire's life, especially on vehicles with independent suspensions and alignment settings that specify negative camber. Straight and wide circumferential grooves along with long, sweeping lateral grooves evacuate water from under the tire's footprint to increase hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

Through May 31, 2013, when you purchase a set of four Sumitomo HTR Z III tires you may be eligible to receive a $50 Tire Rack Prepaid MasterCard by mail. See special offer details here.

Is it time to replace the tires on your Honda Odyssey? If so, consider the following all-season options for your minivan. My favorite tire for this vehicle continues to be the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. This tire certainly lives up to its name. It's a premium Grand Touring All-Season tire that provides excellent ride qualities, including superior comfort and low tread noise. In addition to a great ride, the tire offers fantastic all-season traction and long treadwear with a 70,000- or 80,000-mile treadlife warranty depending on speed rating.

Another great option for the Odyssey is the Michelin Defender. Although it is only made in the 235/65R16 size for this van, it's still a very popular choice. The Defender is currently the top-ranked Standard Touring All-Season tire in our customer survey results. This tire also has superior all-season traction and comes with a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty. Designed to help enhance fuel efficiency, Defender tires meet Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives.

Finally, the Firestone Precision Touring is a good value priced option for Odyssey owners. This tire performed very well in our testing with good grades in wet traction and stable handling. Customers really enjoy the tire, as it sits is second place in its category, only behind the aforementioned Michelin Defender.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring

Michelin Defender

Firestone Precision Touring

To view all tire options for your Honda Odyssey, shop by vehicle.

Since 2005, the primary size found on the Honda Odyssey has been 235/65R16. Due to the overall size ,weight and higher center of gravity than a car, the Odyssey's tire wear can be disappointing to some. The following popular options can help deliver better performance, ride quality and longevity than the Original Equipment.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring

Continental Cross Contact LX20 with EcoPlusTechnology

Michelin Defender

Goodyear's Assurance ComforTred Touring has been a favorite with our customers for a few years. Sitting solidly in third place in the Grand Touring All-Season category, the tire carries an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty. The Assurance ComforTred Touring features a mildly asymmetric tread design that combines indepedent shoulder blocks with notched intermediate ribs to blend dry and wet road traction and handling. Four circumferential grooves evacuate water from under the tread to enhance wet traction while the grooves, notches and sipes form biting edges to deliver all-season traction in light snow.

"I have had these Goodyear tires on my van for 31,000 miles now (90,000 currently), have balanced them every 5,000 miles and they are in excellent condition! No cupping, no road noise, plenty of treadlife left!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Honda Odyssey

The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is a newer entry to the market that quickly became a best seller. Designed to enhance driving pleasure, save fuel and maintain grip when braking on wet surfaces, this Continental tire provides long wear and all-season traction.

"I drive the family van quite hard and the grip and handling of these Continentals is far better than the O.E. Michelins." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Honda Odyssey

Michelin's Defender is the latest high mileage tire entry from the manufacturer and carries a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty. Currently ranked number one in its category by our customers, it appears Michelin has hit another home run with this offering. Defender tires enhance vehicle fuel economy by meeting Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives.

"This is the best tire I have ever purchased. Hands down!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Honda Odyssey

Not too long ago, finding a tire with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty was not easy. Modern construction methods, advanced tread compounds and other technology has lead to tires that can wear for even longer. With treadwear warranties on some replacement tires approaching 100,000 miles, they may even outlast your car! 

Achieving long treadlife requires more work than simply installing the tires and driving. Proper maintenance of the tires' inflation pressures, tire rotation and keeping your vehicle aligned all play a role. In fact, manufacturers require that the tires are worn down evenly in order to qualify for treadwear warranty coverage. Find more information about this by reading "The Good, the Bad and the Impossible Regarding Treadlife Warranties."

Here are some of my top picks for tires that feature a long treadwear warranty, while still maintaining acceptable levels of grip and ride quality:

Michelin Defender

Hankook Optimo H727

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring

Pirelli P4 Four Seasons

General AltiMAX RT

Dunlop Signature

To see if these tires are available for your car, SUV or crossover, shop by vehicle.

For over a decade, the Toyota Sienna has been a very popular minivan for American families. Toyota's dependability, comfortable ride and ample room has kept these vans on the road for years. Many owners have logged well over 100,000 miles on them and have purchased multiple sets of tires for their vehicle. Like most vans, these vehicles are charged with hauling families, groceries and sports equipment all over town. Families will also use the minivan to travel long distances while going on vacation. The drivers of these vans are typically looking for great all-season traction, long lasting treadlife and a comfortable ride.

One of my favorite tires for this vehicle is the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring. First of all, this tire has fantastic all-season traction. Also, as the name suggests, it offers exceptionally good ride qualities, including a very smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. They are long lasting with an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty in the T- and H-speed rated versions, and a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty for the V-speed rated model. If this sounds like the tire for you, take advantage of our special offer. When you purchase a set of four Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring tires before May 31, 2013, you can receive an $80 mail-in rebate. View details here.

Another great option for the Sienna is the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia. Although this tire is marketed as a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire, Toyoto uses popular SUV sizes on their newer Siennas and this is definitely one of the best tires in the size. Like the Goodyear mentioned above, this tire also offers great all-season traction and comes with a 65,000-mile treadlife warranty. The advantage with this tire is that it is Bridgestone's low rolling resistance tire, which means it will provide you with optimum fuel economy.

If you're looking for a good value option, consider the Yokohama AVID Ascend. This Grand Touring All-Season tire features Yokohama's Orange Oil technology and is branded with their BluEarth eco-friendly identification. It's designed to blend long treadwear, low rolling resistance and all-season traction, even in light snow.

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring

Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia

Yokohama AVID Ascend

Shop by vehicle to see all the tire options available for your Toyota Sienna.

When looking for wheel sizes that fit a vehicle, many people often start by searching on Google. With our extensive fitment database, all you need to do is search by vehicle on our site and view the options that are a match for what you drive.

Our engineering department measures the vehicle's components and evaluates which wheels will fit correctly. Items we measure or verify to ensure the wheel fits your vehicle includes:

• Bolt pattern
• Centerbore
• Hub interference
• Load capacity
• Lug hardware
• Suspension components

Once you arrive at the wheel listings, you may have the option to select wheels of the same size or with a minus sizing or Plus Size fitment. Larger diameter wheels enhance the vehicle's appearance, but will decrease ride quality. Minus sizing is commonly done for people who purchase winter / snow tire and wheels or to improve ride quality. 

If you want a more aggressive fitment and don't mind having modifications done, our "Important Notes" link under the wheel's specs should be read before making your final decision. For more help with making your wheel choice, be sure to click on the "View on Vehicle" link that allows you to see the wheel on your vehicle.

To see how we find the wheels that are a match for your vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."

"Like a Rock." Chevy's full-size pickup keeps on trucking. The truck has evolved through the years, but one thing remains the same: dependability. Loyal owners hold on to their truck for many years, even through multiple sets of tires. Is it time to look for new tires for your Silverado?

If you're in the market for a new set, It's hard to go wrong with Michelin. That's why the Michelin LTX M/S2 is my favorite Highway All-Season tire for the Silverado. Besides its excellent ride qualities, including low noise and a comfortable ride, the LTX M/S2 has great all-season traction. The tire is also offered with a dependable 70,000-mile treadlife warranty.

Are you looking for a more aggressive tire? Take a look at the On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Firestone Destination A/T. This tire has been the top-rated option in the category for many years. The Destination A/T looks good while providing great off-road traction. It is tied or at the top of several performance ratings in the category, including:

• Hydroplaning resistance
• Wet traction
• Cornering stability
• Dry traction
• Steering response
• Ride comfort
• Noise comfort

One of the best value options for your Silverado is the Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051. It provides a combination of comfort, handling and year-round traction, even in light snow. With over 28 million miles reported, the tire continues to stay in the the top ten of our Tire Survey Results.

Michelin LTX M/S2

Firestone Destination A/T

Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051

Shop by vehicle to view all tire options available for your Chevrolet Silverado.

Many vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires from the manufacturer. Our sales specialists receive many calls from drivers asking if they can replace their run-flat tires with non-run-flat options. There are a few pros and cons when it comes to changing to a non-run-flat tire.

Pros:

• Conventional tires are typically less expensive
• Better ride quality
• Longer lasting

Cons:

• Many vehicles don't have a spare, therefore you won't be able to drive when you get a flat
• When leasing a vehicle, many companies often require vehicles sold with run-flats be returned with them

Switching to conventional tires will not negatively affect the vehicle and will fit on Original Equipment wheels. Also, for those that don't have a spare, take a look at the Continental ContiComfortKit that seals and inflates tire punctures. It's capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures that make it possible for you to complete your drive home, to work, an important appointment or a tire repair facility. The ContiComfortKit combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in your vehicle.

I have experienced first-hand the differences between non-run-flat tires and run-flats. The BMW I owned came with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires and I switched to 19" wheels and the Sumitomo HTR Z III. Normally, increasing the wheel diameter has a negative impact on ride quality, however I thought the conventional tires on larger sized wheels actually rode a little better than the 18" run-flats. 

To find the tire that works best for your car, shop by vehicle.

Buy your vehicle and hold onto it for as long as possible. That's typically the best way to get the most out of your car and budget. Obviously, you'll need to maintain and take care of it as best you can.

If your vehicle originally came with chrome wheels and you live in snow country, one challenge you'll probably face is peeling chrome. Eventually this peeling chrome will prevent your wheels from properly sealing against the tire beads. One way of fixing this is by having an installer clean the wheel and use a bead sealant to reduce or eliminate the air loss.

If leaks persist to the point you're still adding air to your tires every morning, then it's time to replace your wheels. A great option to consider is a set of Sport Edition F7 wheels. This five-spoke wheel is available in both a 16" and 17" rim diameter. Sport Edition wheels combine quality, style and price to offer an exceptional value. Using the latest production standards, Sport Edition wheels complement the appearance of many popular vehicles.

Not only could new wheels fix your leaking problem, but your vehicle will look better, too!

Tire Rack offers a tire shaving service that has been primarily used for preparing competition use, while this same service is used to remove tread rubber from new pairs or street tires to allow them to match the remaining tread depth of the other partially worn tires that will remain on the vehicle. In addition to providing equivalent tread depth to eliminate driveline stress, shaved tires will better match the traction and handling qualities of the remaining worn tires. This service can be performed on a tire with a starting tread depth higher than 4/32".

While the cost of our street tire shaving service ranges between $25 and $35 for each tire, it is significantly less than the cost of unnecessarily replacing the remaining two or three good tires with lots of mileage still available from them. We can't accept tires at one of our locations to be shaved, they must be purchased from us and we will ship the tire after shaving to you.

When it comes to tires for autocross and track use, the reason they're so effective is because they feature shallow tread depths and their contact patch acts as a single unit. Any tread design that breaks up the contact patch into smaller elements or adds more tread depth will increase the tread block squirm and reduce dry performance. Tires typically provide their worst wet traction and best dry performance just before they wear out. The heat generated every time a tire is driven activates bonding agents in the rubber. As this process repeats throughout the tire's life, its rubber compounds gradually harden and lose flexibility reducing the tire's grip. Therefore, a shaved new tire will provide more traction than a tire worn to the exact same tread depth after being driven for thousands of miles on the road.

Tire shaving is an effective means of permitting more of a tire's performance capability to be realized early in its life. In many cases, shaved tires used in competition actually have a longer useful life than tires that enter competition at full tread depth. A shaved tires's tread profile will usually result in a little more increase in the width of the tire's contact patch putting a little more rubber on the road. The resulting shallower tread depths reduce the slip angle, increasing its responsiveness and cornering power by minimizing tread block squirm.

To gain a better insight into tire shaving, read "Shaving Tire for Autocross / Track Use / Competition."

Looking to get rid of the empty space between the tire and fender arch? Many people think they need to use taller tires to fill the space, but the right way of doing this is with lowering springs. A well tuned set of lowering springs will make the car look better, handle better and unlike oversized tires, it will not make the speedometer, odometer and other systems overestimate vehicle speed and mileage.

The good folks from Eibach dropped by to visit us last week and reminded us of all the wonderful things they do. All Eibach springs, from the popular Pro-Kit springs for street cars, to the special titanium springs they make for the Bugatti Veyron, to the custom springs they manufacture for the premier professional racing series are built to the same standards of quality and durability.

If your car is a daily driver, the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set is one of the best options available. It gives a nice boost to performance without compromising ride quality. The lowering is usually between 1" and 1.5" depending on the application. This amount of lowering generally doesn't require any special alignment parts to be added in order to obtain a proper alignment. It's recommended to have an alignment done after the springs are installed.

View all Eibach products and choose the one that best fits your vehicle.