Researching for the right tire can be a challenge for some. Here at Tire Rack, we make it simple by providing you helpful information when you're shopping for tires.
We provide expert, unbiased tire performance comparisons with our Tire Test Results. Our Performance Test Track Drives and Real World Road Rides provide us with feedback on the ride, noise and handling qualities of a tire across a variety of conditions our customers experience on a daily basis. Our team follows consistent procedures designed to minimize variables that could influence results. And because many of our customers live in the Snowbelt region, we also test the wintertime traction of all-season and winter tires on the ice and in the snow.
In addition to our tire tests, we maintain independent consumer surveys to help drivers help each other by sharing their long term tire experiences. At the time of this post, we have information on 445 different tire models, as well as 2,783,445,686 miles reported on over 150,000 surveys. You can view tires based on their performance category and see how customers rank their performance on categories, such as hydroplaning resistance, cornering stability, dry traction, ride comfort and more.
We try to post all reviews as written to give you insight into each responder's experience with the tire for better or worse. Just like movie reviews, different people have different opinions and reference points, so it's always important to read as many reviews as possible to gain a better perspective. You can look at reviews by vehicle or by tire brand. This is helpful because you can see what owners of your same vehicle are saying about tires!
With the help of our Tire Test Results, Tire Survey Results and Tire Reviews, you have the information you need to find the tire that's right for your application.
The Hoosier A6 and R6 are two of the most successful DOT-legal racing tires in recent years. A6 and R6 tires look identical, but are designed for different types of competition. How do you know which is best for your vehicle?
The Hoosier A6 was developed with autocross competition in mind. It uses a softer compound for maximum grip and comes up to temperature more quickly to reach optimal grip between 110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A6 tires deliver more traction, but give up longevity to do so. In autocross, where runs are extremely short, this lack of longevity is not a problem and allows a set of A6 tires to last for multiple events. Though the tires are generally ready to run when brand new, a light scuff-in can be beneficial.
Hoosier R6 tires are designed for roadrace competition. They have a more durable compound that's better able to hold up to multiple lapping sessions, higher speeds and larger race courses. The R6 should be heat cycled before competition use for the most consistent performance. Tire Rack offers heat cycling service for competition tires. With this service, the tires arrive ready to use.
Some drivers will also use the A6 on road courses for sprint races or qualifying sessions where a few fast laps are of the utmost importance. Used in this way, the A6 will often be used up in one session. Using the A6 in a roadrace setting is only recommended for experienced drivers who know exactly what they need and are willing to go through a set of tires in one event. Lightweight vehicles with moderate horsepower may also use the A6 in cooler weather when they're not able to get the R6 up to the optimal temperature range of 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit .
Drivers preparing to run Hoosier tires on the track should also read Hoosier's care and feeding document.
Arguably, one of the best bang-for-the-buck performance cars available on the market today is the fifth-generation Corvette. While it doesn't have the power figures of the C6 or the magazine coverage of the new seventh-generation Stingray, this car and its popular LS1 engine is capable of excellent power.
C5 Corvettes from the factory (non-Z06 models) use a 245/45R17 front tire and 275/40R18 rear. For those looking to step away from run-flat tires, your options are numerous. However, if you wish to keep the car equipped with run-flats, there are not as many choices. Our most popular sellers in the aforementioned sizes are:
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP is designed to last considerably longer than a dedicated summer tire. This Ultra High Performance All-Season tire has a speed rating up to 186 mph and features a responsive sidewall with a harder tread compound than the Original Equipment offering. Buyers will notice sharp turn-in response that is commonly associated with high speed rated tires, but will give up some ultimate lateral grip when compared to a softer compounded summer tire. While these tires aren't intended for track use, they are more than capable for aggressive street driving.
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP has long been a front runner in the Max Performance Summer category. The PS2 is offered in a run-flat fitment for the C5 Corvette and is a great choice for a driver looking for a premium tire with excellent performance attributes. While the PS2 will sacrifice some wear compared to the A/S Plus ZP, its grip limit is exceptional. This tire has been well reviewed for its great performance and excellent road manners.
Shop by vehicle to view all tire options for your C5 Corvette.
Here at Tire Rack, we are lucky to be within a short distance of one of the best race tire manufacturers in the country: Hoosier Racing Tire. It all began in the early 1950s when Robert Newton raced on small asphalt tracks around northern Indiana. Bob, was not satisfied with driving on street tires, so he decided to produce tires specifically designed for racing. Of the wide variety of tires that Hoosier offers, we have committed to stocking their two most popular models aimed at the needs of our customers who either autocross or roadrace: the A6 and R6.
Hoosier A6 tires are intended to be used at autocross events, as the tire has a lower operating temperature for maximum traction. Many autocross events are too short on time or distance to get a race tire up to its optimal temperature. This is why the A6 is perfect for these situations. The softer rubber compound that the A6 uses doesn't have enough durability to endure long run times (like in a track environment), so they should be used for shorter runs only.
R6 tires feature a more durable rubber compound that needs a little more time to come up to an ideal temperature range to be effective. This type of rubber compound makes the R6 better suited for longer runs with little cool down between sessions. For best results, Hoosier recommends a heat cycle of the compound at least 24 hours prior to use to maximize durability. Heat cycling is available for our customers when shipping from our Indiana or Nevada distribution centers for only $15 per tire.
Bear in mind, both the A6 and R6 radials are not intended to be driven in colder (below 40º F) temperatures, through snow or on ice. For best results, the tires also need to be stored indoors at temperatures maintained above 32º F. For more information on properly maintaining your Hoosier tires, read "Care and Feeding of the Hoosier A6/R6."
With spring h
ere, many drivers are getting ready to purchase tires for roadrace or autocross use.
For those who want tires they'll use mostly on the street, but want to do some racing, the Extreme Performance Summer category offers some good options. Tires in this performance category won't give you the fastest lap times compared to competition tires, however they are a good choice for the less serious racer. If this sounds like what you're looking for, consider the following options:
For the more serious race enthusiast, take a look at our selection of Track & Competition DOT tires. These are options that shouldn't be driven on the street and are for the track only. If you are looking for a tire for your roadrace event, consider the Hoosier R6. If autocross is your event, take a look at the A6 from Hoosier.
Hoosier's set-up process to maximize treadwear and handling is more involved than other tires, however their tires are hard to beat! For those that want a good competition tire at a lower price point, the Hankook Ventus Z214 is available in both a roadrace and autocross compound.
Will your new set of tires need to be saved? If so, how far should they be shaved? Read "Shaving Tires for Autocross / Track Use / Competition" to see how this service can help you maximize your tire's performance capabilities early in their life.
2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
1999 Ford F250 4wd Super Duty
