The Honda Fit has proven to be very popular in the subcompact segment, providing economy, utility and an engaging driving experience. When it comes to replacing tires on a Fit, what are the best options?
Fits come in both a regular and Sport version. The base Fit comes standard with 175/65R15 tires mounted on 15" wheels. Its Original Equipment Dunlops are adequate, but other options are available for customers looking for increased comfort, fuel economy or sporty handling.
Fit owners who are installing custom wheels that are 15x6.5 or wider will find that the original tires are only recommended to fit on wheels up to 6" wide. Those with wider 15" wheels can use 195/60R15. This tire size will fit wheels up to 7" wide, which includes all the 15" wheels we currently offer for the Fit. They are slightly wider and any difference in height is negligible - keeping speedometer readings within 1.5% of factory.
The Fit Sport uses 16" wheels, mounted with unusually sized 185/55R16 tires. Drivers looking for a wider variety of options would do well to consider 205/50R16. Those looking to emphasize the "Sport" in Fit Sport could then choose popular all-season performance tires like the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S or Continental ExtremeContact DWS. The 205/50R16 size is 20mm wider than the original tire and retains the stock diameter to within 0.1". 205/50R16 offers a wide variety of options.
Looking to customize your Fit with larger diameter wheels? Sizes up to 17" will fit comfortably. 18" options are available, but may require minor modification to work without rubbing. View our wheel selection to find the right option for your Fit.
Both tire and auto manufacturers recommend frequently checking your tires for signs of irregular wear or any other damage that could cause a dangerous tire failure. While signs of shallow cracking on the sidewall rubber or minor irregular wear are of concern, the presence of a bubble in the tire sidewall is a major safety concern that needs to be addressed immediately. A bubble in the sidewall of the tire indicates that the inner liner has been damaged to the point that it's allowing air to escape. Also, only the thin (nylon or polyester) sidewall plies are keeping the tire from a blowout.
Bubbles or bulges in the sidewall are normally the result of the tire's inner liner being damaged from an impact that creates a small hole or tear and compromises the strength of the sidewall plies. In most cases, the impact that caused the damage was not severe enough to be noticed by the driver, yet it was strong enough to damage the tire. Impacts with curbs, potholes, railroad crossings or debris in the road are the most common culprits. On occasion, a sidewall bubble can be caused not by an impact, but a structural failure of the tire. In these limited occurrences, the tire can be replaced with a prorated discount or refunded by the tire manufacturer's warranty. Regardless of the cause of the damage, a bulge in the sidewall is a blowout waiting to happen at any moment and needs to be addressed.
An authorized distributor of the tire can inspect the tire for possible damage that would be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. You can also call the tire manufacturer directly or contact us for assistance with your Tire Rack order. Our Recommended Installers are also able to assist with the evaluation of a tire.
For more information on tire damage, read "Sidewall Indentations, Undulations and Protrusions."
The Extreme Performance Summer category is targeted specifically for driving enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in grip and handling. These drivers may take their cars to autocross races, lapping days and other amateur motorsports events. For any racing class that requires true street tires, this is the class of tire to use.
Bridgestone's Potenza RE-11 has been very successful in this category, posting fast lap times and gaining high marks for its everyday usability. While it is currently the highest rated tire in our customer survey data, Bridgestone is aware they can't be complacent in this competitive class of tires. With competitors like BFGoodrich and Dunlop launching new tires, customers will have a wide variety of excellent options.
For 2013, Bridgestone is introducing the Potenza RE-11A in select sizes. This tire is an evolution of the Potenza RE-11, with revisions to enhance its performance and keep it at the forefront of this hotly contested market segment. The tire features a slightly revised tread pattern and a compound that combines silica content with a new long-link carbon black.
RE-11 sizes that are not being replaced by the RE-11A will continue to be available. View the RE-11A sizes that will be available this year and see if one is a match for your vehicle.
The brake wear sensor or brake wear indicator is an added safety feature on many vehicles that warns drivers if the brake pad friction material becomes too low. It's mounted on the back of the brake pad and the sensors monitor and determine the condition of the pads. Brake wear sensors alert the driver it's time to replace brake components with an audible chime or light on the dash. There's a small circuit embedded in the sensor mounted in the brake pad; when the friction material becomes too low the brake rotor wears through the sensor and cuts a circuit. This triggers the vehicle's computer to alert the driver brake service is needed.
It's recommended to replace brake wear senors any time brake pads are replaced. Centric's Brake Wear Sensors are high quality replacement sensors that fit with no modifications needed and are now available at Tire Rack.
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Original Equipment replacement for vehicles equipped with brake pad wear sensors
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Monitors the condition of the vehicle’s brake pads
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Includes all necessary plugs and hardware
All Centric premium brake components are engineered and manufactured using stringent, well-proven production processes and parts that pass the stringent quality assurance standards of O.E. manufacturers as well. Also, Centric’s in-house engineering department analyzes each part to ensure proper performance and fitment for every import and domestic application. This attention to detail guarantees that Centric parts will perform as good as or better than the factory original.
Todos los componentes de frenos de primera calidad ofrecidos por Centric, son creados y fabricados, utilizando los mejores y más estrictos proceso de producción y calidad estándar original (O.E., por sus siglas en inglés). Además, el departamento interno de ingenieros de Centric, analiza cada parte para asegurar el rendimiento y ajuste correcto para cada vehículo (domésticos o importados). Esta atención a los detalles garantiza que todas las partes Centric ofrecen un rendimiento igual o mejor, que las partes originales de fabrica.
Los sensores de desgaste de frenos Centric, son sensores de remplazo de gran calidad que se ajustan sin necesidad de alguna modificación. Es montado cerca de la pastilla de freno para verificar y determinar la condición del freno. Un indicador es activado cuando la anchura de la pastilla se encuentra por debajo de niveles predeterminados, lo cual indica que es tiempo para remplazar la pastilla de freno.
Todos los accesorios necesitados están incluidos
When searching for the best brake rotors and pads for your car, don't forget to replace the brake wear senors. Shop by vehicle to see if replacement brake wear sensors are offered to complete your brake upgrade.
Michelin, one of the most respected names in the business, has always been a brand that's associated with excellent wear and long treadlife. While the company previously offered the Harmony and HydroEdge with Green X with 80,000-mile or higher treadwear warranties, these products have been consolidated and replaced with the Defender. Like its predecessors, the Defender has been extremely well received in regards to excellent treadlife, low noise and a good ride.
The Defender is available in 38 sizes to fit many of today's passenger cars and light-duty crossover vehicles. It features a 90,000-mile treadlife warranty and has proven itself as a capable all-season option. Currently ranked as the top tire in the Standard Touring All-Season category, the Defender receives high marks in the following areas:
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Dry Traction
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Steering Response
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Ride Comfort
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Treadwear
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Hydroplaning Resistance
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Cornering Stability
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Wet Traction
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Noise Comfort
Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with the Michelin Defender:
"These are the best tires I have ever purchased. They run quiet and have a soft ride. There is no slipping or sliding on turns and they feel like they are glued to the road." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Toyota Prius IV
"Fantastic tire. Definitely the best tire I have ever had. Extremely quiet, stable and a great ride." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2003 Pontiac Vibe
"The Defenders are quiet and have amazing traction in Oregon rain. No hydroplaning and I get 36 mpg on the freeway. They are on our 2009 Toyota Camry XLE. I'm now buying them for our Cadillac! I have never been more pleased with a tire purchase." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Toyota Camry XLE
Starting with 2008 model year cars and light trucks, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been required for all new vehicles sold in the United States. While some vehicles (Audi and BMW most recently) use the ABS system (or indirect system) to keep watch for a deflating tire, most use a battery powered sensor (based in the base of the valve stem assembly) to give the most accurate read of your tire pressure. When replacing tires or wheels and tires as a complete package, the presence of these remote sensors can require a few extra steps in the purchase and/or installation process.
Why does my installer charge a "TPMS" service fee for installing new tires?
Many of our Recommended Installers will charge a TPMS service fee as part of new tire installation. When the old tire is being removed from your existing wheel, it's best to remove the TPMS sensor (and the attached valve stem). This avoids any damage caused by breaking the tire bead loose from the wheel as well as seating the new tire onto the wheel. Once the sensor has been removed, it will require a new "O" ring and/or compression ring to seal the sensor properly.
What happens if I do not add new TPMS sensors to my Tire & Wheel Package?
When we sell a set of wheel and tires, we're happy to mount and Road Force balance the tires to the wheels at no cost prior to shipment. Given the TPMS sensors are located inside the wheel (opposite the valve stem hole), the sensors (if requested) need to go in the wheel before the tires are installed. Without the sensors installed, most vehicles will display a warning light and chime upon engine start up (the light will continue to blink as long as the engine is running). Some vehicles may also limit your ability to turn off traction control if you need to "rock" out of a snow drift in winter or even limit engine output. In many states, an active TPMS system is required as part of the state's safety inspection, and any illuminated warning lights may cause the vehicle to fail its annual safety inspection. With your purchase, you can elect to add the correct sensor (at an additional cost) or choose to have your existing sensors removed from your old wheels and installed on the new wheel. If run-flat tires are being purchased with new wheels, new sensors are required.
If I purchase new sensors as part of my Tire & Wheel Package, what else needs to be done before use?
Many vehicles require new TPMS sensors be activated or initialized at an authorized repair facility or dealership. This process normally involves connecting the vehicle to a service computer (via the ODB port under your dashboard) and having a technician load the new sensor's ID codes into the car's computer. Most cars will need to have this activation service performed each time wheels and tires are changed out (like when changing from dedicated winter wheels and tires back to your summer/all-season set). As always, consult your owner's manual or contact your dealer for more information.
2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
2006 Honda Pilot EX 2wd
