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!
Do you own a new Camaro or Challenger with 18" wheels? We've just received our first batch of 245/55R18 BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec tires with the famous red stripe! This size is standard on LS and most LT Chevrolet Camaros and will also work on the Dodge Challenger equipped with factory 18" wheels. The 1/4" wide stripe recalls the muscle car days of the late sixties when similar tires were a factory option. The tire is being used by Hurst on their limited Redline Edition Camaro.
With a 102T service description, the Radial T/A Spec is designed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride for cruising around town, while the 245/55R18 sidewall height provides plenty of cushion. While not a high performance tire intended for the track, it does provide plenty of wet and dry grip for the occasional enthusiastic drive. Take a look at what our customers are saying about their experience with the BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec:
"This is the most comfortable tire I have run in an 18". It has a level of comfort and still lets you feel like you're in a sports car without cringing every time you hit a bump. The tire holds the car out of the hole and exceeded my expectations in the corners. You get a lot more than you pay for!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2012 Chevrolet Camaro LS
"These tires well exceeded my expectations. This is an excellent tire and I will definitely buy it again." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro LT
"This is a phenomenal tire. I can't believe they can make a tire this good for such a great price. Probably the best tire I have owned." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro LS
Our customer's feedback is a great tool to use when shopping as it'll help you with input from other drivers and their long term experience with each tire.
While we won't see the red line option in other sizes soon, availability of the 245/55R18 size is limited. If you have a new Camaro or Challenger with 18" wheels, consider the BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec.
BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class? Both options are excellent vehicles, but we've seen a spike in drivers going the E-Class route.
Have you just picked up an E-Class Sedan, Coupe or Cabriolet? If so, and you live in the Snowbelt region, your E-Class is going to need to be equipped with a set of dedicated winter / snow tires. Given the wide variety of E-Class drivers, both Studless Ice and Snow and Performance Winter / Snow tires may be appropriate. Take a look at "Which Winter Performance Category is Right for You?" to see which winter tire is appropriate for how and where you drive.
Winter / Snow Tire Size
Depending on your exact model, Original Equipment sizes range between 17" and 19" including staggered (wider rear tire) fitments. An optimum winter size for most E350 drivers is 235/45R17. The heavier E550 excels with a 245/45R17 size. While the large brakes of the E63 require the use of either 18" or 19" wheels. Given the E63's prodigious horsepower and torque, most E63 drivers are best served by 255/40R18 in the front and 285/35R18 in the rear on 18" wheels or 255/35R19 in the front and 285/30R19 in the rear on 19" wheels.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The E-Class uses valve-stem-mounted direct TPMS sensors priced at $62* each. You can register the TPMS sensors yourself by following the instructions in the owner's manual. There's no additional cost to install the sensors as part of our free mount and balance.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for E350 4MATIC
Since you've selected your E350 4MATIC for ultimate safety in the worst conditions, I recommend 235/45R17 Studless Ice and Snow Bridgestone Blizzak WS70s on 17x8 44mm offset bright silver Sport Edition ST3 wheels at $1440*.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for RWD E350
If you're a spirited driver who chose a rear-wheel drive E350 for its emphasis on handling, then the 245/45R17 Performance Winter / Snow Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II is a better choice. Four of these tires mounted and balanced on Sport Edition ST3 wheels is currently $1488*.
Sport Edition wheels feature a wide range of styles and sizes to fit a variety of vehicle types. As one of our house brands, these wheels are designed to provide low-cost wheel options and often times offer wheel fitments where there otherwise would be none.
Due to their pricing, Sport Edition wheels are a common choice for customers creating a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. With many options modeled after traditional five- and six-spoke designs, the brand is also home to many Original Equipment based styles, such as the Cup 4. This one-piece, cast construction wheel is styled for and unique to Porsche vehicles.
If you're looking for a low-cost cast aluminum wheel, search by vehicle to see if a Sport Edition wheel is an option for your car.
One vehicle that really stood out to me at the Detroit Auto Show was an ibis white Audi with traditional chrome wheels.
It's hard to find the right finish for a white car. Silver tends to blend too much with the body color. While a grey or black finish might contrast too much. I tend to believe chrome stands out on a larger white luxury car without being over the top. Wheels are a personal taste and you should go with the look you want.
If you drive an Audi S6 and you like the look of a chrome wheel, then you're going to love the savings on the Sport Edition ST5 marked down from $248 to a closeout price of just $79*.
Of course a great deal on wheels isn't complete without the right tire. The 265/35R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport offers exceptional grip with decent wear for the Max Performance Summer category. Developed for the driver who cares about how tire technology can enhance their vehicle's performance and safety, the Pilot Super Sport delivers durability, handling and traction while increasing treadlife. For just $1516* plus shipping your Tire & Wheel Package will be mounted, balanced and shipped ready to install.
*Prices subject to change
Although it's no DB5, the new 2013 Ford Fusion sure has a luxury vibe. Initial reports from the automotive press indicate this vehicle performs as well as it looks.
Have you just picked up a 2013 Ford Fusion? In addition to its styling and performance, I'm sure you're impressed with the Fusion's safety features. In a collision, your Fusion protects your family with airbags in the front, side and also at knee level. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions, four dedicated winter / snow tires will give you the traction, confidence and safe feeling you need to handle roads covered in snow and ice.
Winter / Snow Tire Sizes
The Fusion's Original Equipment tire comes in one of the following sizes: 215/60R16, 235/50R17, 235/45R18 or 235/40R19. With a curb weight of 3,615 lbs. (2.5 liter Auto S), most Fusion drivers are best served by a 215/60R16 tire size. 215/60R16 is narrow enough to cut through moderate and deep snow, but wide enough for packed snow, ice and dry roads.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Ford uses the valve stem direct TPMS system, which you can purchase sensors for $32 per wheel. Your Fusion won't automatically learn the new sensor codes, therefore a Ford dealer will have to initialize them as you switch back and forth between your winter and all-season/summer tires. Are you installing the wheels and sensors yourself? Then the the optional Ford TPMS Triggering Tool is really a must as it allows you to initialize the sensors.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Steel Wheel)
While it's a close decision, I prefer 215/60R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Studless Ice & Snow tires on 16x6.5 50mm offset steel wheels at $860* plus shipping.
Winter/ Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Alloy Wheel)
For those who prefer a little more style for winter, I'd recommend the 16x7.5 5-108 48mm ET silver painted Sport Edition SE-16 on the same 215/60R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 at $1064* plus shipping.
With the weather changing, be ready by creating your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today.
*Prices subject to change
If you're shopping for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, you'll notice that steel wheels are offered for many vehicles and are more economical than aluminum alloy wheels. Keep in mind that price only tells part of the story. While they may be the right choice for you, be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using steel wheels versus alloy wheels.
Steel Wheels
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Meet the basic needs of drivers who want the convenience of a winter tire package without the additional cost of an alloy wheel
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Typically available in black or silver finish depending on the application
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Basic styling can often be updated with wheel covers
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Cost less than alloy wheels due to ease of manufacturing and lower material costs
Since steel wheels aren't the sportiest addition to your vehicle, wheel covers will hide the wheels while enhancing your vehicle's appearance. If a good look is especially important to you, alloy wheels may be the way to go! When creating a Winter Tire & Wheel Package, why should you consider an aftermarket alloy wheel? What are the benefits of alloy wheels over steel?
Alloy Wheels
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Enhance the look of your vehicle
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Are manufactured to precise standards to meet exact fitment and performance needs
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Weigh less than steel wheels and have often have superior strength
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May be the preferred option for your vehicle based on fitment requirements
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Will allow for better brake clearance (depending on wheel style and brake components installed)
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Some may require proper maintenance as finish damage may result in the harshest winter climates where salt and sand are routinely used
It's important to remember that alloy wheels may be the only option for your vehicle since steel wheels aren't made to fit every application. To learn more about the benefits of an alloy wheel, read "What is an Alloy Wheel?"
The Porsche 911 is one of the most sophisticated and fun to drive vehicles on the road today. Many passionate drivers can't imagine putting their 911 in the garage for the winter and with the right equipment the thrill of the Porsche 911 doesn't need to end just because winter has arrived.
Tire Rack offers a wide array of products tailored to the Porsche lineup, like N-Spec tires and winter wheels that'll accept Original Equipment Porsche center caps. The fitment data for each particular model of vehicle will allow you to determine if you can minus size in the winter time. For example, some Porsche 911 (997) models came with 19" wheels, you can save money and have a smoother ride by switching to 18" wheels and tires. For additional information on how selecting a smaller diameter wheel may benefit your winter driving this year, read "Size Selection of Winter / Snow Tires."
When looking for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for a '12 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (997 chassis), I would recommend the Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II tire in a 235/40R18 for the front and 265/40R18 for the rear mounted to Sport Edition Cup 4 wheels in either a silver painted or black painted finish. Tire pressure monitors can also be added for an additional $97*/wheel. Sport Edition Cup 4 wheels can accept your O.E. Porsche center caps or you can purchase replacements for $49*/each.
After purchasing a set of these tires and wheels, you can be sure the fun of driving your Porsche 911 will continue even after the snow has fallen. The Winter Sottozero Serie II is Pirelli's second-generation Performance Winter / Snow tire developed for drivers of premium, high performance vehicles facing challenging wintertime road conditions. Designed not just as a winter / snow tire, but as a seasonal tire suitable for the weather and road conditions typically experienced in parts of the U.S. between November and April, the Winter Sottozero Serie II provides traction and handling in cold, dry, wet and wintry conditions.
Shop by vehicle to find the right Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for your Porsche.
*Prices subject to change
In order to purchase the correct winter / snow tire, you should decide which performance category works best for your driving style and the winter weather you experience. The three major categories are: Studless Ice & Snow, Studdable Winter / Snow and Performance Winter / Snow.
Studless Ice & Snow tires give you optimum ice and packed snow grip, but are less responsive on dry roads. The tires trade a little handling for excellent ice and snow traction. On the dry roads, your vehicle will not respond as crisply or quickly to steering inputs.
Studdable Winter / Snow tires can be run studded or unstudded. When studded, they'll give comparable ice and packed snow grip but will be less responsive on dry roads. When unstudded, they'll perform well in moderate and deep snow. It's important to note that the use of studded tires may be prohibited or restricted in your area, be sure to check with local authorities to confirm legality.
Performance Winter / Snow tires will exhibit the above dry-road deficiencies to a much lesser degree. If your vehicle came with summer performance tires, the Performance Winter / Snow tires will be more comparable in steering response, acceleration, grip, braking and cornering grip. They'll give up some ice and packed snow grip. Tires in this category will wear slightly better compared to Studless Ice & Snow tires, especially during the early and late winter days when temperatures are a little warmer. All snow tires will have more tread noise and this will vary from tire to tire. Performance Winter / Snow tires do tend to be quieter than the other performance categories.
Studless Ice & Snow tires tend to be available in higher profile sizes and include the following:
If you go with a Studless Ice and Snow tire, you should consider going with a narrower tire as it cuts through deeper snow better. This is especially true for a lighter car like the MINI Cooper.
Looking for the traditional security of winter tire studs for enhanced traction on ice? Consider the following Studdable Winter / Snow options:
The AltiMAX Arctic is slightly better on ice and packed snow and quieter than the the Winterforce. Winterforce tires will provide more effectiveness in deeper snow.
Available in lower profile sizes, the following Performance Winter / Snow tires are worth a look:
Is a Studless Ice & Snow, Studdable Winter / Snow or a Performance Winter / Snow tire right for your vehicle? It depends on your car, where you live, how you drive on dry roads and how you want to balance the above compromises.
For example, my brother lives in Marion, Indiana, which is about an hour northeast of Indianapolis. He got the Blizzak WS60 Studless Ice & Snow in 235/40R18 on Sport Edition A7 wheels for his 2008 BMW M3. He chose this tire because central Indiana is more apt to get ice storms and there's the potential for heavier snow that wouldn't be quickly cleared from the country roads between his offices. He's willing to drive slower on dry roads.
Compare my brother's driving situation with another driver from Louisville with the same car but a heavier foot, he would be better served with the Performance Winter / Snow Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires in 235/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear. Louisville's milder weather allows him to emphasize dry road performance, but still have emergency snow capability.
Let it snow.
BMW has rolled out its latest F30 3 Series platform and there are many changes from the previous E90 3 Series. The winter / snow tires and wheels from your BMW E90 can't be directly transferred to your new F30. Major items that make the swap incompatible are the much larger diameter tires and different TPMS hardware. Now may be the time to think about upgrading your winter tires and wheels for your new F30 in order to be ready for the harsh winter conditions on the way.
The BMW F30 328 can minus size down to a 16" wheel and the F30 335 can minus size down to a 17" wheel. We offer an assortment of product options catered specifically to BMW customers. For example, a recommended Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for a 2013 BMW 328i xDrive would be the 225/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 mounted to 16" Sport Edition A7 wheels in your choice of a black painted or silver painted finish. Sport Edition A7 wheels also allow you the option to use factory BMW center caps to complete the package.
A similar package can be chosen for the 2013 BMW 335i, however it would need the 225/50R17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 tire mounted to the same Sport Edition A7 wheels in 17" instead of the 16" that's used on the 328i model.
Possibilities are endless for wheel and tire options to complement your new BMW F30 3 Series. To view products specifically tailored for you vehicle, use our Upgrade Garage and you can easily switch between product category results with one click.
Doesn't this FJ Cruiser look like it's ready to go anywhere? Well, with the right winter / snow tires, it can. Your
FJ Cruiser will be ready to race anywhere this winter with the proper set-up.
Winter / Snow Tire Size
Unless your FJ Cruiser has the unusual 18" or 20" optional wheels, you either have an Original Equipment size of 265/70-17 (31.6" overall diameter) or 265/75-16 (31.7").
Either the 245/75-17 (31.5") size for deep snow areas like
Anchorage, Alaska or the
265/70-17 for moderate snow areas such as
Cincinnati, Ohio are good size choices. The
narrower tire cuts through deeper snow better, while the wider tire drives more like your all-season tires for those better weather days.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Toyota uses
valve-stem mounted direct TPMS sensors which are $71* each. Your Toyota dealer must initialize your winter sensors as well as
your summer sensors when your second set of tires is installed in the spring.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice and Snow Tire
For Anchorage, Alaska, which averages over 100 inches of snow a year, the narrower
245/75-17 Blizzak DM-V1 on a
17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition TK6 at $1,396** would be a great selection.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Studless Ice & Snow Tire For Cincinnati, Ohio which averages a moderate amount of snow a year, the wider
265/70-17 Continental ExtremeWinterContact on the 17x8 10mm offset Silver Painted Sport Edition TK6 at $1,440** is a suitable combination.
Toyota FJ Cruiser FAQ: - Does the Sport Edition TK6 have the same offset as my Original Equipment wheel? Both the 17x7.5" and 16x7" O.E. wheels have a 15 mm offset, therefore there is a 5mm difference when compared to the Sport Edition TK6.
- I noticed that some of the 16" winter / snow tire options are Load E 10-ply rated. What's the disadvantage of using a load range E 10-ply rated snow tire? A load range E 10-ply rated tire has heavier construction that allows it to carry more weight than a standard load tire. Your FJ Cruiser doesn't need a load range E 10-ply rated radial as each standard load O.E. tire carries 2,535 lbs. The downside to this heavier construction is additional rotational weight negatively affects fuel economy. For example, the standard load O.E. 265/70-17 Bridgestone Dueler H/T D684 II weighs 39 lbs., while the 265/75-16 load range E 10-ply rated Blizzak W965 weighs 53 lbs.
*Prices subject to change
**Prices subject to change, includes TPMS sensors and excludes shipping
The
Camaro is definitely one of those cars that everybody seems to love. If you're a Camaro driver who lives up north, you'll need winter / snow tires to keep your vehicle safe. Given the wide variety of Camaro trim levels and drivers' needs, both the Studless Ice and Snow and Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire options should be considered.
Winter / Snow Tire Sizes
Depending on your trim level and engine, your Original Equipment tires may have one of the following set-ups: 245/55-18 or 245/50-19 on all four corners, or the staggered set-up of 245/45-20 on the front and 275/40-20 on the rear or 245/40-21 on the front and 275/35-21 on the rear.
If you live in a harsh winter area like Green Bay, Wisconsin that receives lots of snow and
you can moderate how hard you drive when the temperatures are warm and the roads are dry, then you should look at 225/65-17 Studless Ice and Snow tires.
Camaro SS drivers should consider 235/55-19 Studless Ice and Snow tires since 17" wheels won't clear the O.E. Brembo brakes.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Your Camaro uses a valve-stem-mounted Direct TPMS. O.E. sensors are $50* each and installation is part of our standard mounting and balancing. Your Camaro won't automatically learn the new sensors but you can initialize them yourself by following the instructions in your owner's manual.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Studless Ice and Snow) A great Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Studless Ice and Snow tire option would be the
225/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on the
17x8 Moda EB1 at $1,116** plus shipping.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow)
A Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package to consider with a Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire would be the
245/50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow on the
19x8.5 Sport Edition WX5 at $1,720** plus shipping.
2011 Chevy Camaro Winter FAQ: - The Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow is listed as a Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire but you're recommending it for my Camaro, why? Because many of today's full-size sport sedans, muscle cars and sports cars share vehicle platforms with smaller crossover and sport utility vehicles, they also share their tall tire sizes. The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow was introduced in 2003 with selected sizes for crossover vehicles and smaller SUVs. Then, well before the current Camaro became available for enthusiasts, Pirelli began adding 50-, 45- and 40-series T-, H- and V-speed rated tires in 17", 18", 19" and 20" wheel diameters for higher performance crossover vehicle applications. Pirelli chose to put these sizes into their Scorpion family and by doing so, the Scorpion Ice & Snow line also "crossed over" to be appropriate for many of today's car applications that use tall tire sizes. So while the Scorpion Ice & Snow's tire category may seem unusual for a Camaro, its combination of dimensions, wintertime traction and high speed durability are appropriate.
- I have 20" wheels as Original Equipment, can I run 20" winter / snow tires? You can run 20" snow tires but there isn't a matching set in a 245/45-20 front and 275/40-20 rear set-up, so you would have to run 245/45-20 on the front and back.
*Prices subject to change
**Including sensors, prices subject to change
Like all 3 Series E90 BMWs,
xDrives come with run-flat tires and no spare. It's difficult to engineer a winter tire with good ice grip and the ability to handle the duress of running 50 miles with 0 lbs. of air pressure. Therefore, there are no compatible run-flat winter tires for the xDrive with the ice grip of a Studless Ice and Snow winter / snow tire.
Winter / Snow Tire Size
Depending on engine and trim, your Original Equipment sizing ranges between 16" to 18" with staggered (wider rear tire) options.
328i xDrives can run either 16" or 17" winter / snow tires while
335i xDrives are limited to 17" or 18" options because 16" wheels won't clear the larger 335i xDrive brakes. Personally, I believe the 205/55-16 Studless Ice and Snow tires would be an ideal fit for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) The US-spec E90 3 Series uses valve-stem-mounted
Direct TPMS that you can reset yourself by following instructions in your owner's manual.
16" Studless Ice and Snow Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for 328i xDrive
When selecting a Studless Ice and Snow tire for the 328i xDrive, I'd recommend the
205/55-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi2 on 16x7.5 35mm offset Sport Edition A7 wheels in either
silver or
black for $1044.**
17" Studless Ice and Snow Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for 335i xDrive For a Studless Ice and Snow tire for the 335i xDrive I'd recommend the
225/45-17 non-run-flat Continental ExtremeWinterContact on the Sport Edition A7 at $1228.**
2011 BMW xDrive 3 Series FAQ: - Will the Sport Edition A7 accept my O.E. BMW center cap? Yes.
- If my vehicle is equipped with the Sport Package or the M Sport Package with wider tires in the back, is it okay to run the same tire size in the front and back? Yes. Since 225/45-17, 255/40-17, 225/40-18 and 255/35-18 are all 25" in overall diameter you'll be maintaining the same overall diameter, therefore this will have no effect on the vehicle's Dynamic Traction Control.
- If I'm using my Sport Package or M Sport Package wheels, is it okay to run a narrower size tire on the wider rear rim? Yes, a 17x8.5 wheel will accept a 225/45-17 tire and a 18x8.5 wheel will accept a 225/40-18 tire. Just be more careful when parallel parking because you'll have less rubber protruding beyond the edge of the rim. So, it's easier to scrape a wheel against a curb.
*Prices subject to change
**Prices subject to change, including sensors and excluding shipping
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!
Do you own a new Camaro or Challenger with 18" wheels? We've just received our first batch of 
2000 Mercedes-Benz C230 Special Edition
