Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Pressure Sensors

Thursday, May 16, 2013 by Doc Horvath

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. 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax HP

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Altimax HP Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.09
 
 

2007 Ford Crown Victoria
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Bryson City, NC
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
April 07, 2013

I have always prefered a Michelin tire, and have had great service from them over the years. The prices are high, and I have wondered if part of that is paying for the name? A few years ago, we purchased a new truck with General tires on it, and the tires performed flawlessly. In fact those 11 year-old Generals were are currently on a farm trailer, and show no signs of dry rot, or other problems. After much thought, I decided to give these Generals a try. These tires are very quiet and smooth. They have great resistance to hydroplaning, which is a feature that I like a lot. The tires are not great in the snow, but than a V-8 powered RWD car is not so great in the snow either. I have a designated AWD winter vehicle, so winter traction does not matter to me. We live in the mountains with lots of winding roads, and tires get punished around here. I have the car set up with a stiff aftermarket suspension, so it rides harsh and corners like a sports car. The car no longer handles like a traditional Crown Victoria. Infact this car has seen an AutoCross track more then once... The OE tires where very soft and the car had a tendency to oversteer with them on it. These tires take the curves very well. So far they have passed the test. I plan to purchase three more sets, one for my wife's Crown Vic, and two sets for our two vintage Pontiac Trans AM show cars. For the price, nothing else compares. General seems to have hit the mark!

 

Need the Quietest Tire for Your SUV or Light Truck? Consider the Michelin LTX M/S2

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by Doc Horvath

Very few of the pickup trucks and SUVs on the road today will venture off-road. However, many vehicles are still designed with tough off-road suspensions and come equipped with knobby tread tires. If you want to give your truck better on-road manners, consider a set of Michelin LTX M/S2 tires.

Michelin has built a reputation for providing quiet and comfortable tires for passenger cars, as well as durable tires for commercial vehicles. They have used this experience to combine both attributes into their light truck tires, including their newest Highway All-Season tire, the LTX M/S2.

The LTX M/S2 features a symmetric tread design and a long wearing, silica-enhanced, all-season compound to provide a smooth, quiet ride with year-round traction in dry, wet and light snow conditions. With over seven million miles of reported use by our customers, the M/S2 has received high marks for ride and noise comfort. Currently, the tire is ranked second in our Tire Survey Results.

Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experience with the Michelin LTX M/S2:

"Best tires ever purchased. On my third set and would buy again whenever possible." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 GMC Yukon Denali

"As I write this review, I am in the process of ordering a second set of the Michelin LTX M/S2, P275/65R-18 for my Tundra Crewmax. I have 56,000 miles on my old set and probably have another 5,000 or more on the tires (I drive a great deal of highway miles for work). Proper tire rotation has left me with very even wear. They are getting down there, so I want to stage the next set for replacement. Highly recommended tire!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Toyota Tundra

"This is the best set of tires we have ever owned. These Michelins are on my wife's Honda Pilot and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. They effortlessly handle our winter and the treadlife is outstanding. After witnessing the performance of these tires, I switched the tires on my Toyota to Michelins as well." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Honda Pilot EX

For the quietest and most durable light truck tire on the market, it's tough to beat Michelin's LTX M/S2. Shop by vehicle to see if the LTX M/S2 is available for your application.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General G-MAX AS-03

Monday, April 29, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General G-MAX AS-03 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.36
 
 

2002 Audi A6 3.0L
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Rochester, NH
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
April 02, 2013

Bought these almost 1.5 years ago for my wife's Audi A6 Quattro AWD and it became an absolute tank in the snow. Nothing could stop it. Turn the traction control off and it just dominated the roads. Truly forged a path for plow trucks to follow in the February snow storm where New England saw upwards of 3 (THREE) feet of snow. I was beside myself with this tire being labeled as "All-Season". Props to Audi on their AWD powertrain and all that, but these tires just showed to up perform, and they did just that. The roads have dried up now and the ride is still very smooth. Our two kids (3.5 and 7mo) both pass out from the smoothness and quietness of the ride. Had a 4 wheel alignment done at the time of installation.

 

Great Chevrolet Silverado Tires

Friday, April 26, 2013 by Steve Huffman

"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/S 2
Michelin LTX
M/S2
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/firestone/fs_dest_at_owl_ci2_l.jpg
Firestone Destination
A/T
Yokohama Geolander H/T S
Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S
G051


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

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2

Thursday, April 25, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.36
 
 

2008 Toyota Tundra Double Cab
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Round Lake Beach, IL
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
April 20, 2013

I have gone through a few different kinds of a/t tires and these tires have performed remarkably. I have a 2wd truck and had no problems In this Chicago snow. I would definitely recommend these tires to anyone.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Grabber AT 2

Thursday, April 25, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Grabber AT 2 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.64
 
 

2001 Chevrolet Silverado 4wd X-Cab
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 17,000
Location: Stowe, PA
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 17,000 Miles on Tires
April 17, 2013

A good tire for the price, a little noisier than expected, but if I wanted a quiet tire I would have gone with michelins. Previously had pirelli scorpion atr's, they were the best tires I ever had on my truck, did everything far beyond my expectations, but the price jumped up $300 for the set so I started looking at other options. Decided to try these out, I liked the all terrain tread for the snow and driving on the beach. So far holding up well, probably get 35 to 40,000 out of them, not bad for the way I drive. A lot of tread squirm for the first 2-3,000 miles but settled in after that, had to slow down a lot for the on/off ramp almost felt like I was going to lose it, but never lost traction though. But, after 2-3000 miles the uneasiness went away and the back end didn't fell like it was going to pass me anymore. They definitely don't handle like the pirelli's they replaced, it helps to remind me I'm driving a full size truck and not a sports cars. I'm sure I added about 10,000 miles to the life of the tires because of it. Not necessarily a bad thing.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Winterforce

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Firestone WinterforceReviewer's Overall Rating: 8.3

1999 GMC Yukon Sport 2wd
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 30,000
Location: Appleton, WI
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 30,000 Miles on Tires
February 07, 2013

Great winter tire, but like most winter tires they wear quickly if you drive them on dry pavement. I have had these tires on for three years of Wisconsin winters and have gone through countless snow storms with no issues. Honestly I feel safer driving my 2wd truck in the snow with these tires than with a 4x4 vehicle. I could only imagine how well these tires would perform if they were studded also.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeWinterContact

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Continental ExtremeWinterContact Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.82
 
 

2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 10,000
Location:  
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 10,000 Miles on Tires
April 12, 2013

Excellent winter tires for my truck. They performed well in all conditions (dry, wet, snow, ice and slush, as well as cornering, acceleration and stopping). In deep snow, my truck did some fish-tailing as I had no weight on bed and I could feel it pushes the front wheels through the snow. Once I turned the 4x4 on, the truck went like a charm through the snow and didn't flinch a bit. After one winter with 10k miles, there is a noticeable tread wear on rear wheels compared to front wheels which still looks like new. Will have to rotate them after 5k miles next winter.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


General Altimax ArcticReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.36

2001 Chevrolet Malibu
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 40,000
Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 40,000 Miles on Tires
February 08, 2013

I bought these tire for the 2011/2012 winter season. The first winter I had them they were brilliant. Supurb grip in any snow condition. I plow parking lots but yto get to work ( where the plow truck is) is 22 miles. when I would travel to work I would pass 4x4 trucks as if they were standing still. I also never bougt a set of all seanon for the rest of the year. They feel a little soft in spring, summer, and fall. But they do the job. Noise: there is some but expected. just a slight hum nothing drastic. once again it is winter in chicago and the tire still have good tread, even though I drove druring warmer months. I took the malibu out during the first big snow and the tires still preform very well, not as good as new but pretty close. It is very difficult for me to get it to spin-out it just want to hug the road as if there was no snow.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


General Altimax ArcticReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.73

2004 Honda Civic Si Hatchback
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 20,000
Location: Selden, NY
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 20,000 Miles on Tires
February 10, 2013

I live in Long Island NY and we just got hit by the blizzard, where I live got hit the hardest and we got 34" of snow. I work 40 miles away from home and I left during the worst of the storm. I was passing stuck suv's and trucks left and right. I cannot believe how great these tires are. As I was passing cars that were stuck I can just see them staring at me wondering how is that little civic passing my 4wd suv? well all I can say is winter tires, that's how. I did not get stuck once, going up hills and through deep unplowed roads. I am sold on these tires for life and I will always buy them from now on. If you have a lowered civic, or just a basic fwd car I HIGHLY suggest these. Everyone knows how bad this blizzard was and these tires made it great for me. I was even passing plow trucks that got stuck. I have these tires in low profile 215 45 17 tire size so I can imagine how much better they would be with a larger sidewall but these are the best winter tires money can buy!! Highly suggest you buy them if you have a fwd car or truck!!

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Destination A/T

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Firestone Destination A/T Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.71
 
 

2003 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Reg
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 7,000
Location: Bentleyville, PA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 7,000 Miles on Tires
April 12, 2013

I PURCHASED THIS TIRE FOR MY CHEVY TRUCK AND I HAVE A SNOW PLOW TO KEEP MY DRIVEWAY AND MY NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY CLEARED. THIS TIRE REFUSES TO SPIN AND SLIP IN ANY DEPTH OF SNOW. IT'S UNBELEIVABLE. IT ALSO DRIVES QUIET AND RESPONDS ON A DIME. THESE ARE THE BEST TIRES I EVER HAD ON A TRUCK AND I HAVE HAD MANY TRUCKS IN MY LIFE TIME. ON THE HIGHWAY THEY ARE QUIET AND HANDLE SUPERBLY.IV'E HAD THEM FOR TWO SEASONS ALREADY AND THEY STILL LOOK BRAND NEW. I CAN'T EVEN SEE ANY TREADWEAR. I WILL BUY THESE TIRES AGAIN.THANKS FOR LISTENING. HAVE A SAFE ROAD AHEAD.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin X-Ice Xi3

Thursday, April 11, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.36
 
 

2011 Volkswagen Jetta S
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 6,000
Location:  
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 6,000 Miles on Tires
March 29, 2013

These tires are great in the snow. The ABS rarely activated under normal braking, and there was sufficient traction to keep up with 4x4 trucks from a stop. I took the Jetta for a 2 hour drive in 9" of snow and honestly had no problems starting or stopping. My wife even noticed a difference and said she never wanted all-season tires for winter again. I had the choice between my 4x4 Tahoe and the Jetta with these tires, and I picked the Jetta for snow every time.

The tires are slightly squirmy compared to the O.E. tires but that is to be expected from a winter tire. Noise was similar to the O.E. tire.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.08
 
 

2006 Ford F250 Super Crew 4wd
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 35,000
Location: Pensacola, FL
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 35,000 Miles on Tires
April 06, 2013

I've had the Revo2 'LT' version tires for my F250 4x4 Diesel for 35,000 miles now. They are an incredible all around tire, especially compared to the factory tires that came with the truck. They grip well in wet, dirt, and they are quiet on the highway. The steering response may feel softer compared to other tires in its category, but it's not something I would consider a negative in a big heavy truck. I've towed 10,000+ lbs for hundreds of miles and the Revo2 were completely stable and planted. I have decided to use the Revo2 tires for the life of the truck since they perform so well in all conditions (I never tried them on snow). They resist hydro-planing extremely well, 70mph in down-pours and the tires just destroy any water in its path while other cars are in the slow lane with their hazard lights flashing, this might be due to the heavy weight of the truck as well. They last 35-40k miles depending on driving style, mine are near the tread bars at 36k which is about what I expect driving a heavy truck that is hard on tires. I can honestly say anyone would be very impressed with the all-around grip and feel of the Revo2 on a full size truck, it's truely a do-it-all tire and it does everything very well.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.36
 
 

2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 7,500
Location: Ames, IA
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 7,500 Miles on Tires
December 24, 2012

I bought the WS70's last winter but it hardly snowed here in central Iowa, this year looked like it may repeat but then we just got hit by a blizzard and 12 inches of snow. The snow was the best part of the storm, it was the 2 inches of ice that was left on the roads after the snow plows went through that I thought would be the problem. I was very pleased and sometimes amazed how good these tires are, not once did I lose traction or start sliding around unlike many trucks and other 4wd vehicles that were in the ditch. I am still grasping that people don't buy winter tires in snow country or drive on bald tires year round, oh well I didn't need a tow truck to pull me out 3 days later. Buy these tires if you value safety of your family above all else. Now to the other details. Dry traction is a little on the spongy side and I feel the need to concentrate more but I expected that in a winter tire so not that surprised. Also I wouldn't go over 80 on these tires as it doesn't feel the safest. Overall these tire do exactly what they are supposed to do in the winter.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Destination A/T

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Firestone Destination A/T Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.47
 
 

1989 Ford Bronco II
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 10,000
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 10,000 Miles on Tires
March 17, 2013

I use these on my 4 wheel drive winter/ off road truck and with these tires driving in the snow barely affects the traction i get. It is just like driving in normal conditions. Even in mud and gravel i feel plenty of traction. A great tire in every day driving conditions as well. If you're looking for great all terrain tires these are the best you can buy. I've owned plenty of different brands and these are by far the best

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar

Monday, March 25, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.67
 
 

2001 Chevrolet Silverado 4wd
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Detroit Lakes, MN
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
March 19, 2013

I live in minnesota and i have not had these tires on my truck that long. But i have found they are dang good tires in the snow for a "mud tire" i have not tried them out yet in the mud just because i put them on in the middle of winter so far the tread wearin gis good havent had them long enough to tell only about 8000 miles.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Winterforce

Monday, March 25, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Firestone Winterforce Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.36
 
 

1999 Chevrolet Lumina
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 15,000
Location: Genoa, WI
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 15,000 Miles on Tires
March 04, 2013

Have purchased a set of 4, every year for the past 10 years. These are the only tires I 'have to have'. Use on work vehicle as well as personal vehicle. I am a rural carrier 150 daily miles Conditions: snow, ice, drifting snow, slush, gravel, sand, rocks, manure, and mud Vehicle Type: car and 4x4 truck I use these tires until they wear out in usually 5 to 6 months. They do wear quickly during warm weather, but last longer if the winter is colder (below freezing). If used on the interstate, they will start to sound loud at higher speeds of 65mph. These are quiet for snow tires and do not affect your gas mileage much. No complaints with the handling. No lean when cornering. Please rememeber these are not sport tires so I am compairing to average all season radials. I use two sets per year, but this is hard stop and go driving over multiple kinds of road terrain and with vehicle weighted down with mail. Tires only last 6 months for me, even the all season radials. Everyone in our office now uses these tires, even those who are not carriers. We all swear by them. I have never had to stud them. They always get me thru everything. One co-worker has been using them for three winters now. Says he may be able to make it thru a fourth. Puts them on in Nov and removes them in early spring. I recommend these tires to everyone.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Pirelli Scorpion ATR

Monday, March 25, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Pirelli Scorpion ATR Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.27
 
 

2013 Ford F150 4wd
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 3,000
Location: Saint Michael, MN
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
February 07, 2013

These tires are OEM from Ford when I purchased my truck. I read lots of reviews about them and was quite worried about the upcoming Minnesota winter do to what I felt was a high number of bad reviews. However after I have had them for over three months in the deep snow, cold, slush, freezing rain I am VERY happy. Are they as good as a dedicated snow tire? Of course not. Are they as good as a dedicated off-road tire? Nope. But are they a great all around tire supplying above average traction for 90% of driving conditions? Yep. People who complain about the traction of these tires are either really really bad drivers or are comparing them to a single use tire. I will have to wait and see how they wear long term. Last thing, for the people who are disappointed Ford puts these highway oriented tires on a truck, don't blame Ford, blame the EPA for forcing companies to make products the public doesn't want. Its all about the MPG's.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax HP

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Altimax HP Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9
 
 

2004 Volkswagen Touareg V6
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 42,000
Location: Port Washington, WI
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 42,000 Miles on Tires
March 14, 2013

Our Touareg came with 255/60-17 tires from Dunlop. They were throw-aways well before 20K miles. The corners wore off quickly and they became very noisy. This is with the tires inflated to their maximum suggested cold pressure. The replacements were the same size, but from Goodyear. They, too wore the corners off in about 20K to 25K miles and became noisy. Again tire pressure was maintained at the top end of the cold pressure range. The third set was yet another manufacturer and the same size. Same story.

So, for tire set #4, I went to the alternate size 235/65-17 and bought the Generals. It was my guess that the wear problem was suspension related relative to the tire width. These narrower profile tires were better in snow, wet and hard pack/ice. They handled just fine on a 5000 pound truck, but not quite as responsive as the wider, lower profile tire. They've been more than acceptable for towing (5000# fully loaded car trailer) and fine for City/Highway driving. Further, they've been far more comfortable and quiet throughout the 40+K miles so far.

We've gotten more than twice the milage out of these Generals than we got out of any of the previous tires. The product is excellent, but the change in tire profile is what has saved these tires. They aren't as wide and haven't sheered off the corners at all. Treadwear across the entire face is very uniform.

So, if you own a Touareg and are fed up with tire wear, noise and harsh ride, consider going to the taller, narrower profile. There's not much downside and the improvement is very good. Further, the speedometer is spot-on accurate with these tires compared to the original lower profiles. I gave the Altimax Generals mostly 9s with a couple of 8s and 10s. These have by far been the best tires yet in about 120K miles of driving. They probably will see us through the Summer and Fall, but will be replaced before next Winter.