Hi, I'm Steve from The Tire Rack and welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to provide you with opinions and insight on tires and other automotive related products like aftermarket wheels, brake pads, rotors, suspension parts and other automotive related products that we offer here at the Tire Rack.
From time to time I will be offering input from my own experience as well as customer feedback regarding tires and wheels. Should you ever have any questions regarding any of the products we offer, please feel free to contact me at steve@tirerack.com. Or visit us at www.tirerack.com
Thanks for visiting and enjoy the ride!
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.
Recently, drivers were introduced to the Michelin Defender. This tire has been very well received and has now replaced some of Michelin's popular models, including the Harmony. What is the difference between these two tires?
The Michelin Harmony is a Passenger All-Season tire suitable for minivans, family sedans and compact cars. It has good all-season traction and is relatively quiet and comfortable. Harmony tires also last long as they come with an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty.
Michelin's Defender took these attributes and improved upon them. It's a Standard Touring All-Season tire, which means it will have a better ride better than the Harmony. The tire has shown to have better all-season traction and lasts longer with an incredible 90,0000-mile treadlife warranty for T- and H-rated models. An 80,000-mile warranty is available for the V-rated version. In addition, the Defender enhances fuel economy by meeting Michelin's Green-X low rolling resistance objectives.
 Michelin Harmony |
Michelin Defender |
If you own the Harmony or have owned it in the past, and are looking for a replacement tire for your vehicle, take a look at the Michelin Defender.
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.
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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.
"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.
General is a great brand that offers terrific value and has been a subsidiary of Continental Tire for many years. Often, when I talk to customers about their products, I am asked what's the difference between General's AltiMAX HP and AltiMAX RT?
The AltiMAX HP is General's flagship Grand Touring All-Season tire. This tire will offer a slightly more comfortable ride, have better handling and responsiveness, as well as offer a little bit better winter traction over the AltiMAX RT. They are offered with a 55,000-mile treadlife warranty for the H-speed rated version and a 40,000-mile treadlife warranty for the V-speed rated version. AltiMAX HP tires feature General's Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) branding. Similar in purpose to federally mandated treadwear bars required to run across the tread pattern, RTM consists of the words "Replacement Tire Monitor" branded into the center rib of new tires. As the tires wear down to 2/32" of remaining tread depth (the legal minimum in most states), the visible branding reads "Replace Tire" to confirm the tires need to be replaced based on wear.
General's AltiMAX RT is a Standard Touring All-Season tire. The primary advantage to this tire is its treadlife. It's offered with a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty and is only available in a T-speed rating. Some drivers prefer this tire as it is made in some smaller and hard-to-find sizes.
 General AltiMAX HP |
 General AltiMAX RT |
Research all General tires available for your vehicle and see if one is right for how and where you drive.
With high fuel prices, everyone is looking for ways to save money at the pump. The tires on your car have an impact on your fuel economy. One easy way to reduce your rolling resistance is to always maintain proper air pressure in your tires. An underinflated tire takes more energy to roll - costing you money.
Today, many manufacturers have designed tires to help reduce rolling resistance and improve overall fuel economy. They have been able to accomplish this by making improvements to the rubber compound, tread design and sidewall construction. When many of these tires were introduced a few years ago, it was initially thought, by many, that they may suffer in their traction capabilities, especially in the wet. To their credit, the manufacturers have been able to overcome these concerns and have been able to produce some very capable tires.
 Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 |
 Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology |
Michelin Defender |
One of our best-selling low rolling resistance tire is the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. This Grand Touring All-Season tire offers an excellent ride and good all-season traction. The Ecopia EP422 uses an all-season tread compound featuring Bridgestone's unique NanoPro-Tech (Nanostructure-Oriented Properties Control Technology) to reduce rolling resistance and energy loss while maintaining dry, wet and wintertime traction. This tire is offered with a 65,000-mile treadlife warranty.
Another great option is the Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology. You may be familiar with the ProContact model as it has been an Original Equipment tire on many vehicles. The EcoPlus Technology's all-season tread compound features Continental's Tg-F Polymers and +Silane additives to improve treadwear, fuel efficiency and traction on slippery roads. This tire is offered with an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty.
Michelin's Defender features Green X technology to provide a level of energy efficiency among the highest on the market for its category without compromising other key characteristics, such as traction and treadwear. The tire is offered with either a 90,000- or 80,000-mile treadlife warranty depending on the speed rating.
Is it time for some new wheels for your Mustang, Camaro or Challenger? New for 2013, Tire Rack offers a great selection of Hurst and Hotchkis wheels for your American classic. In addition to these brands, we still offer American Racing wheels, which has always been a popular choice.
Hotchkis' Y-Sport is offered in a 20" rim diameter with two finish options, matte graphite silver and machined with matte graphite accent. It's also offered in 9" and 10" widths to give you the option to stagger the tire sizes. As a new wheel style that goes outside the muscle car 5-spoke style, it's aggressive looking to give your car some attitude.
If you prefer the classic 5-spoke style, Hotchkis offers the S-Sport. As a split-spoke design, the wheel looks great and will show off your Brembo brakes. The S-Sport comes in a 20" rim diameter and 8.5" and 9.5" widths. Two finish options provide drivers different styles to show off their car the way they want, machined with black accent and silver machined with clearcoat.
Last, but not least, is my favorite wheel, the Hurst Stunner New Version. Also available in a 20" rim diameter, the wheel's finish is machined with anthracite accent. For Mustangs and Challengers, it's available in 9" and 10" widths, and for the Camaro, it comes in 9" and 11" widths.
 Hotchkis Y-Sport |
 Hotchkis S-Sport |
 Hurst Stunner New Version |
Set your American muscle car apart from the rest by searching by vehicle to find the wheels available for your application.
2013 is a great year for enthusiasts of high performance cars looking for street tires that are trackable. This year we are excited to offer three new Extreme Performance Summer tires. These tires primary focus is going to be on extreme dry grip for spirited or competitive driving such as autocrossing. We can't wait to get a chance to test them at our facility this spring!
While we haven't had a chance to test the BFGoodrich g-Force Rival on our track, we did have the chance to drive on it at NOLA Motorsports Park near New Orleans and the feedback was very positive. The tire was very easy to drive on, had excellent responsiveness and is designed to wear very well over the course of a competitive event. It has the 200 UTQG treadwear rating that is required by many sanctioning bodies.
The next new tire for 2013 is the Dunlop Direzza ZII. This tire is replacing the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec. Compared to its predecessor, it's designed to have better responsiveness, as well as an improvement in wet and dry grip. Also offered with the 200 UTQG treadwear rating, the Direzza ZII is available in a variety of hard-to-find smaller sizes. Last fall, we tested a production-spec set of Direzza ZII tires against the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec and found that Dunlop hit the mark with this new offering as it was faster and more predictable in the dry and wet. For a complete recap of our test, read "Dunlop Direzza ZII Introductory Track Drive."
Bridgestone's Potenza RE-11A is replacing the previous model, the Potenza RE-11 in 10 sizes. This newer tire has an updated rubber compound designed to improve wet and dry traction. While sharing the same tread design, the Potenza RE-11A adds an exclusive tread compound that combines silica with a new long-link carbon black that increases road contact and abrasion resistance while promoting tread rubber flexibility across a range of cool to hot temperatures. The internal construction includes a custom asymmetric shape that helps distribute footprint pressure more evenly.
 BFGoodrich g-Force Rival |
 Dunlop Direzza ZII |
 Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A |
Are you a serious driving enthusiast looking for dry road response, traction, handling and high speed capabilities? If so, take a look at our Extreme Performance Summer tires and find the one that's right for your vehicle.
When Ford decided to bring the Focus ST to the United States, VW GTI and other hatchback owners finally had an American option. The Focus ST offers a lot of fun and performance at a very affordable price. At nearly 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque, the ST packs quite a punch. ST owners will be looking for ways to enhance the performance and capabilities of this turbocharged pocket rocket. As we know, tires are an easy way to accomplish this.
Right off the assembly line, the ST comes with a very nice tire. As far as an Original Equipment tire goes, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was a smart choice by Ford. This is a Max Performance Summer tire that does a nice job transferring all that power straight to the pavement. Are there better tires out there? Yes, let's take a look.
If you want to keep a super sticky summer tire on the ST and improve upon the O.E. Goodyear, then go with either the Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position. These tires rank first and second in the Max Performance Summer category. Both options receive high marks in almost every category, including cornering stability, steering response and ride comfort.
Maybe you're in a climate where you'll need or want an all-season tire. After all, if those Goodyears wore out too soon, moving to an all-season tire typically gives you more treadlife. If that sounds like something you'd prefer, I would suggest the Continental ExtremeContact DWS. This has been our top-rated Ultra High Performance All-Season tire for quite awhile.
 Michelin Pilot Super Sport |
 Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position |
 Continental ExtremeContact DWS |
All these tires are available in the stock size, however if you want to go with a slightly more aggressive size, there's no problem stepping up to a 245/40R18. Shop by vehicle to find all tire options for your Ford Focus ST.
The Acura TL has been a very popular luxury sedan for many years. This sporty car offers great handling, horsepower and torque to go along with a comfortable ride. Many TL owners want a tire that's going to improve the performance of their vehicle.
If you're looking for a great Ultra High Performance All-Season tire, I would suggest the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. This highly rated tire offers superior and sporty handling combined with good all-season traction, even in light snow. For a performance tire, it also offers a relatively quiet ride, so you don't have to sacrifice ride quality for performance.
Do you desire a tire that provides a quiet and comfortable ride, along with the ultimate in luxury? Then check out the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. In my opinion, this Grand Touring All-Season offers the best ride for the TL. It also has great all-season traction to go along with long-lasting treadwear. The tire is a low rolling resistant option from Bridgestone, which means it has a focus on improving fuel economy for your Acura.
Maybe you don't need an all-season tire, but want to move to a dedicated summer performance tire. By doing so, you'll improve your vehicle's wet and dry grip, handling and responsiveness. This will give your TL that optimum feel on the road. For this kind of driving, I would suggest the Continental ExtremeContact DW.
 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus |
 Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus |
 Continental ExtremeContact DW |
To view all Acura tires for your TL, shop by vehicle.
Toyota has a hit with their Scion brand and the tC is one of their most popular models. What's not to like? This sporty little coupe has got great styling and is a lot of fun to drive for not much money. Many tC owners are pretty particular about their ride and this includes their tires and wheels.
The most common sizes for the tC are 215/45R17 and 225/45R18. Popular tires for this vehicle tend to fall in either the Ultra High Performance All-Season or Ultra High Performance Summer category.
One of my favorite all-season tire choices for the tC is Continental's ExtremeContact DWS. This tire has been one of our best sellers for many years. It offers great handling, traction in all seasons and looks great on a Scion. Visible letters molded into the second rib from the outboard shoulder alert drivers of the tire's performance levels. A visible "DWS" indicates the tire has sufficient tread depth for dry conditions, as well as wet roads and light snow. After the "S" has worn away, the remaining "DW" indicates the tire only has sufficient tread depth for dry and most wet road conditions. And after the "W" and "S" have both worn away, the remaining "D" indicates the tire has appropriate tread depth for dry conditions only.
If you want to find a great value option for the tC, look at the Kumho Ecsta 4X. This Ultra High Performance All-Season tire does very well in just about all conditions. It provides a sporty ride for those you want to forget about the weather forecast. The tire combines responsive handling, capable cornering and year-round traction for dry, wet and wintry conditions, including light snow.
Are you looking to increase wet and dry traction while giving your vehicle a kart feel? Check out the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport. This summer tire option maximizes sport driving pleasure without abandoning treadwear. Unlike the other two options, this tire isn't intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures or through snow.
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Continental ExtremeContact DWS |
 Kumho Ecsta 4X |
 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport |
When looking for the right tire for your Scion, be sure to view wheel options and create the perfect Tire & Wheel Package!
General Motor's mid-size SUVs, the Chevy Equinox and its GMC Terrain counterpart, have been one of America's best-selling sport utility vehicles over the past few years. Great looks and efficient power keeps this American family wagon rolling right along. With so many on the road, it's probably time for many owners to start considering new tires. Thankfully, there are many great options for these vehicle.
Currently, the top-rated Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire is the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology. This tire seems to simply do it all. Right away you'll notice how quiet, smooth and comfortable it rides. In addition, it has exceptional all-season traction. As a low rolling resistance tire, you can also expect to save fuel while receiving an enhanced driving pleasure.
Another great tire to consider is the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season. Similar to the CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology, this tire offers excellent ride qualities and is very nice to drive on. Designed as an eco-friendly option, the tire features an Ecoimpact icon on its sidewall to highlight its environmental compatibility where it reduces rolling resistance and tire weight to increase fuel economy and lower the vehicle's CO2 emissions.
As a good value option, take a look at the Firestone Destination LE 2. It's a relatively new tire that replaced the popular Destination LE. It features a completely revised tread design that not only looks good, but performs great. Combining long wear with a comfortable ride, the Destination LE 2 provides all-season traction, even in light snow.
 Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology |
 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season |
 Firestone Destination LE 2 |
If the time has come to replace the tires on your Equinox or Terrain, consider these three options. If you would like to see additional offerings, shop by vehicle.
The Nissan Maxima has been the flagship sedan for the Japanese automaker for many years. With its good looks, powerful drivetrain and dependability, the Maxima is very popular for good reasons.
If you're looking to improve the vehicle's ride quality, take a look at the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. This is an exceptional Grand Touring All-Season tire. It offers a very smooth, quiet and comfortable ride to go along with great all-season traction. Compared to its predecessor, the tire offers longer wear, greater snow traction and lower rolling resistance, which contributes to better vehicle fuel economy.
Do you want better handling or more of a performance tire? Then the Continental ExtremeContact DWS may be the right choice for your Maxima. This Ultra High Performance All-Season tire is one of our best sellers. It provides excellent handling and responsiveness to go along with top-rated all-season traction. Currently, the ExtremeContact DWS is ranked number one in its category.
Are you on a tight budget, but still want a good tire? The Kumho Ecsta 4X is an affordably priced Ultra High Performance All-Season tire that lets you forget about the weather forecast. While it's a sportier tire, it offers responsive handling, capable cornering and year-round traction to go in dry, wet and wintry conditions, even in light snow.
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Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus |
Continental ExtremeContact DWS |
Kumho Ecsta 4X |
No matter what your tires needs are, shopping by vehicle allows you to find the option that's right for your Nissan Maxima.
Firestone's line of Precision tires is offered in two models: the Precision Touring and Precision Sport. Each tire is well received as the Sport is a top ten ranked tire in the High Performance All-Season category and the Touring model sits at number two in the Standard Touring All-Season category.
The Precision Touring is designed to feature many good characteristics, including a quiet and comfortable ride. It's available in 29 popular sizes ranging between 15" and 17". Featuring a 560 treadwear rating and a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty, this tire is a great option for passenger sedans and coupes, as well as minivans and crossover vehicles. When we tested the tire a couple of summers ago, we liked it for its traction in the wet and stable handling. To see our complete report on this tire, read "Testing New Standard Touring All-Season Tires."
Firestone's Precision Sport offers great handling and responsiveness. Designed for sports cars, coupes and sedans, this tire comes in H- and V-speed rated options. With 23 sizes available between 14" and 17", the Precision Sport also comes with a 40,000-mile treadlife warranty. The tire has performed well for many drivers. Take a look at what a few of our customers are saying about their experience with this tire:
"These tires have proven to be excellent in all conditions. On the highway they are quiet and responsive, I am very, very happy with them!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SE
"Great tire. Superb wet traction. Overall, a great tire that I would definitely recommend and buy again." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2000 Jetta GL 2.0 4cyl
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Firestone Precision Touring |
 Firestone Precision Sport |
If you're looking for an exceptional value in your next tire purchase, be sure to look at the Precision Sport and Precision Touring from Firestone. You'll be glad you did!
New for 2013, Dunlop has released their latest Extreme Performance Summer tire, the Direzza ZII. This tire is replacing the ever popular Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec. Testing of this tire is scheduled for spring, but from our time with the tire during our introductory track drive, we saw the tire offer better dry traction than its predecessor. From the initial look of the tire, it has fewer circumferential grooves and directional sweeping treads, along with larger shoulder blocks - thus promoting better dry traction and improved stability in cornering.
The Direzza ZII features Dunlop’s True Circle Profile that distributes tire deflection forces along the sidewall to provide more control by better communicating tire performance limits to the driver. Its internal structure includes JointLess Band (JLB) Technology that spirally winds polyamide cord over the two wide steel belts to promote strength, uniform ride quality and high-speed capability. Two-ply polyester sidewalls help resist lateral deflection to provide responsive handling and cornering stability.
With 27 sizes expected to arrive for race season, get the Dunlop Direzza ZII and beat your competition.
The Jeep has been around for decades and is loved by many. It's easily one of the most modified vehicles on the road and has a very strong and enthusiastic group of owners. Many owners look to their tires as one of the modifications they want to make. Going with a larger and more aggressive tire is one of the most popular and easiest ways to customize your Jeep.
If you're looking for a tire that delivers traction in any direction on gravel roads and dirt trails, while also providing all-season versatility, take a look at tires that are good on and off the road. The first tire that comes to mind when I think of the Jeep is the BFGoodrich All -Terrain T/A KO. This tire seems like it's been around as long as the Jeep, and is easily the most popular tire for the Jeep. These two go together hand and hand, so to speak.
Are you looking to mix it up and go with more of a modern tire? Take a look at the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac. This On-/Off-Road Commercial Traction tire is really aggressive and is awesome for some serious off-road use. Branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol, the tire meets the industry's severe snow service standards and can also accept optional metal studs to enhance ice traction.
Another very popular option is the General Grabber AT 2. This tire is fairly aggressive and provides great on- and off-road manners at a more cost-effective price. Its internal structure includes twin steel belts on top of a two-ply polyester cord body to combine strength and durability with a quiet ride.
 BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO |
 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac |
 General Grabber AT 2 |
What if you desire a super aggressive tire that can handle tough challenges such as muddy surfaces? Getting through mud is needed by most Jeep owners and tires in the Off-Road Maximum Traction category are the perfect option.
Goodyear's Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar is designed to increase tire toughness when it conquers mud, crawls over rocks and explores trails, thus making it a top choice for rock climbers. The Kevlar helps stabilize the sidewalls when drivers return to the pavement for the ride home.
Another tire in the category worth considering is the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2. This tire features open and deep lugs that will plow through any off-road condition. It features a cut- and chip-resistant sidewall compound and BFGoodrich's TriGard carcass (three-ply polyester construction) with sidewall cords that are up to 33 percent stronger than the previous Mud-Terrain T/A KM tire.
Firestone's Destination M/T uses UNI-T Technology to combine off-road traction with enhanced on-road capabilities. UNI-T is a combination of technologies that merge a comprehensive design with innovative manufacturing to enhance tire comfort, performance and wear.
 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar |
 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 |
 Firestone Destination M/T |
Shop by vehicle to find the tire that's right for your Jeep.
Are you looking for the ultimate performance street tire? Do you need to get as much grip as you can to handle all the horsepower and torque your vehicle puts out? Are you the driver that'll take nothing but the best for your sports car? Here at Tire Rack we know what serious drivers demand out of their tires and know what they want - and that includes Max Performance Summer tires.
These technologically advanced low profile, high speed tires combine computer developed designs and unique materials with precision manufacturing techniques to provide an unsurpassed blend of dry and wet traction and handling. Currently, two tires stand out in the category and are ranked first and second in our Tire Survey Results.
The tire at the top of the list is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. No tire offers as good a combination of wet and dry traction as this one. Initially introduced as Original Equipment on several of the world's most sophisticated performance vehicles, including the exclusive Ferrari 599 GTO, Ferrari's fastest road car ever, this tire delivers durability, handling and traction while increasing tread life. Pilot Super Sport tires are what you would expect from Michelin, and is designed to allow sports cars, sporty coupes, performance sedans and supercars to achieve their full potential in dry and wet conditions.
Bridgestone's Potenza S-04 Pole Position is ranked behind the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, but is a great alternative and is often available more often than the Michelin and is usually at a lower price point. The tire provides drivers of ultra high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans the rush of driving their vehicle. Designed to perform in warm, wet and dry conditions, Potenza S-04 Pole Position tires aren't intended to be driven in near freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
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Michelin Pilot Super Sport |
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position |
We tested these two tires this summer and both performed very well. Read "Testing Max Performance Summer Tires" to see how each option can improve your driving!
Looking for an aggressive tire? Do your off-road challenges include deep mud, loose soil, slippery rocks and tough trails? If so, take a look at the options available in the Off-Road Maximum Traction category. These tires are super aggressive, with deep and open lug patterns. They are designed primarily for extreme off-road use, capable of ripping through the mud and dirt with total confidence.
These days the leader of the pack is the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2. This off-road option is very popular with rock climbers. It's the second generation KM tire and features BFGoodrich's Krawler TEK sidewall and carcass. Krawler TEK consists of three components that include aggressive sidewall lugs, cut- and chip-resistant sidewall compounds and BFGoodrich's TriGard carcass (three-ply polyester construction) with sidewall cords that are up to 33 percent stronger than the previous Mud-Terrain T/A KM tire. BFGoodrich's Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires are branded with the M+S symbol and are able to churn through deep snow, their typical oversize applications and absence of snow-biting sipes in their large smooth lugs can challenge their on-road wintertime traction on packed snow and icy surfaces.
Another great tire to consider is the Firestone Destination M/T. This proven tire has been around for many years and simply gets the job done. The Destination M/T features a Long Link Carbon (a special form of molecular re-engineered carbon black) enhanced tread compound for improved wet performance and wear on the road while maintaining cut, tear and abrasion resistance off the road. Currently ranked second in our Tire Survey Results, the Firestone Destination M/T receives high marks for its dry, light snow and wet traction capabilities.
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BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 |
Firestone Destination M/T |
 Dunlop Radial Mud Rover |
Rounding out this group is the Dunlop Radial Mud Rover. This tire has been very popular with the off-road crowd for many years and features a serviceable and self-cleaning lug pattern that handles most off-road elements. The tire's internal structure includes six full plies under the tread (2 nylon, 2 steel and 2 polyester) to improve overall durability. Then the two-ply polyester sidewalls feature high ply turn-ups to enhance lower sidewall toughness and handling.
All three tires have been well received by consumers and evidence is in the comments they've made about their experience with them:
"These tires are amazing off-road and will take anything I throw at them. They are really good on the road as well. Overall, I am very pleased with the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 and will be buying five more when these wear out." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2)
"I have driven in some of the most difficult conditions with these tires and they have never let me down! I can't say enough good things about these tires. Well worth the money and I have no reluctance to buy another set. If you drive in the mud or on the highway, these tires are just the ticket. Two big thumbs up from me." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1996 Ford F150 4wd Pick-up (Firestone Destination M/T)
"I have driven these tires everywhere - through mud, snow, deep water and on ice. Best bang for my buck! I will definitely buy these tires again." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1992 GMC Sonoma 4x4 (Dunlop Radial Mud Rover)
Are you looking to get a little mud on the tires? Want to take your truck off-road? Do you need some better traction on those trails? Or maybe you just want a more aggressive looking tire. If any of these scenarios sound like something you've been looking for, Tire Rack has you covered with a wide range of On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires.
First and foremost, the most popular all-terrain tire in the category and considered the standard by many, is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO. This tire has been on the market for many years, but still continues to impress. It features a unique and aggressive tread design, along with innovative siping to provide traction and handling without generating excessive noise. The tire will help you plow through dirt and sand with ease.
Another great tire in the category is the Firestone Destination A/T. This tire is designed to get you to your off-road destination. Whether it's that hunting spot or that camping site, the Destination A/T will give you total confidence in most conditions, including snow. With over 24 million miles reported, customers enjoy many features of this tire, including ride comfort, steering response and dry traction. Drivers enjoy the tire so much that it's currently the top-ranked tire in our Tire Survey Results.
Another highly rated tire in the On-/Off-Road All-Terrain performance category is the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor. As the name entails, the tire will get you almost anywhere while providing a quiet and comfortable ride. Wrangler Silent Armor tires are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol to identify they meet the industry's severe snow service standards.
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BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO |
 Firestone Destination A/T |
 Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor |
As all three options are favorites among our customers, take a look at what some of them are saying about their experience with the tires:
"Love this tire! Gets me everywhere I want to go. Totally satisfied and will buy these again and again. I love to climb the hills that most say are too tough. I smile all the way up and back down. Thumbs up on this tire! It even has the extreme weather stamp. What more could a person ask for?" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1994 Toyota 4Runner 4wd (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO)
"I racked up 54,000 smooth, quiet trouble free miles in all kinds of Michigan weather. This tire has been extremely quiet and it's just aggressive enough to satisfy the casual sportsman. These were great for driving to and from work. Then when things turned rough late in season, these tires glued me to the road, displaying incredible traction in rain, snow and ice. I just replaced them with a fresh set!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2003 Dodge Durango 4WD (Firestone Destination A/T)
"This tire has exceeded my expectations. I live in an area that is the last to be snow plowed and have never had a worry if I was going to get stuck. Mud? No problem, I get to my hunting ground easily. On the highway they handle the rain very well." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Chevrolet Colorado LT Extended Cab 4wd Z71 Off-Road Package (Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor)
The Toyota Camry has been one of America's best-selling sedans for many years. It's very practical, fuel efficient and dependable. Many owners keep them for a long period of time, thus requiring them to likely have to replace the tires at some point.
If you're looking for the best all-season tires, two that'll last long and provide a smooth and comfortable ride are the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring and Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus. These options are two of the best in class and will provide fantastic all-season traction. Customers like the ComforTred Touring for its hydroplaning resistance, dry traction, ride comfort and noise comfort. With over 3,000,000 miles reported, the tire is currently ranked second in our Tire Survey Results.
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Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring |
Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus |
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 |
Drivers looking for a low rolling resistance tire that will continue to promote great fuel economy, I would recommend the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. On top of designing a tire that offers good fuel economy, Bridgestone has done an excellent job developing a tire that maintains good overall all-season traction. On top of enhancing fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance along with the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the tire offers good handling and comfort. To learn more about how the tire reduces environmental impact, read "Bridgestone Ecopia Low Rolling Resistance Technology."
Shop by vehicle to find the tire that's right for your Toyota Camry.
