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.
If you have narrowed down your tire choice using the help of our Tire Survey Results, or have pieced together a Tire & Wheel Package, you may be asking yourself: "What's next?"
As a mail order company, Tire Rack ships products using various shipping providers. We ship to residential and business addresses, as well as to our own network of Recommended Installers. How does it work to ship to a Recommended Installer?
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Shop our selection of products for your vehicle and add what you need to your cart.
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Take a look at the Recommended Installers in your area and read consumer reviews and pricing information.
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Before checkout, select your installer and save it to your addresses in "My Account" for later. Or, while in the cart, select your installer and your order will be shipped directly to them.
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Call your Recommended Installer to set up an appointment.
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Drive in for installation.
If you live in the continental United States, your order will ship from one of our six distribution centers and typically arrives in 1-2 business days via UPS. If the product is not available in the location nearest to you, express shipping via FedEx is also an option. Other shipping options include, One-Day Express and Express Saturday. Estimated shipping charges can be seen when you select "Shipping Quote" in search results and enter your ZIP Code when prompted.
Many vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires from the manufacturer. Our sales specialists receive many calls from drivers asking if they can replace th
eir run-flat tires with non-run-flat options. There are a few pros and cons when it comes to changing to a non-run-flat tire.
Pros:
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Conventional tires are typically less expensive
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Better ride quality
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Longer lasting
Cons:
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Many vehicles don't have a spare, therefore you won't be able to drive when you get a flat
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When leasing a vehicle, many companies often require vehicles sold with run-flats be returned with them
Switching to conventional tires will not negatively affect the vehicle and will fit on Original Equipment wheels. Also, for those that don't have a spare, take a look at the Continental ContiComfortKit that seals and inflates tire punctures. It's capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures that make it possible for you to complete your drive home, to work, an important appointment or a tire repair facility. The ContiComfortKit combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in your vehicle.
I have experienced first-hand the differences between non-run-flat tires and run-flats. The BMW I owned came with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires and I switched to 19" wheels and the Sumitomo HTR Z III. Normally, increasing the wheel diameter has a negative impact on ride quality, however I thought the conventional tires on larger sized wheels actually rode a little better than the 18" run-flats.
To find the tire that works best for your car, shop by vehicle.
If you own a Ford vehicle manufactured after 2006, it likely has tire pressure monitor sensors. When swapping off Tire & Wheel Package for winter or summer use, the sensors inside your wheel and tire assembly will not adapt to the car's frequency, but rather require a simple wake up using a triggering tool.
In order to avoid trips to the Ford dealership, we provide a FORDTRIGGER tool that gives you the power to adapt your sensors in your own driveway. Using simple one button technology, you can reset your sensors in as little as a few minutes and for a low cost.
While the tool represents an up front cost on top of your tire and wheel purchase, it's relatively low price tag of $42 offers a handy piece of equipment that proposes a long-term cost savings to the home mechanic.
An Audi Q7 with Audi's quattro® all-wheel drive should have zero problems in the snow, right? Not if your Q7 came with 21" Original Equipment wheels and 295/35R21 summer tires. Unfortunately, none of the major tire manufacturers make an all-season in this size and there's not a good alternative 21" tire.
If you live in an area outside the Snowbelt, you may not need a set of dedicated winter / snow tires. However, the summer tires currently on your vehicle aren't going to be much help once the temperature begins to drop. The solution? Downsize to 275/45ZR20 Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires on 20" Andros Spec P wheels.
The ExtremeContact DWS features Tuned Performance Indicators -- visible letters molded into the second rib from the outboard shoulder to alert drivers of their 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 has sufficient tread depth for dry and wet roads only. After the "W" and "S" have worn away, the remaining "D" indicates the tire has proper tread depth for dry conditions only.
275/45R20 has the same overall diameter as the 295/35R21 and is 1/2" narrower. The 275/45R20 is an Original Equipment size that Audi uses on certain Q7 trim levels and is compatible. Since your Q7 uses the Indirect ABS-based TPMS system, there are no direct TPMS sensors to purchase. We'll include our free mount and balance, therefore your Tire & Wheel Package ($1156* plus shipping) will arrive ready to install.
*Prices subject to change
People often ask when they should put on and remove their winter / snow tires. Typically, the time most drivers have their winter tires on their vehicle is from late November to early April.
It's important to use them only during the winter months in an attempt to maximize their treadlife. As illustrated in the photo below, tread depth is one of the most important features of a winter tire.
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New Tire Tread Depth |
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Approaching Winter
Wear Indicators |
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Approaching Tread
Wear Indicators |
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Combines necessary features (tread design, compound and depth) to provide effective snow traction |
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The tire has worn to about 6/32", where its ability to provide beneficial snow traction diminishes |
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While still legal at 2/32", the tire has worn well past the depth where it provides beneficial snow traction |
All that being said, for much of the country, it's close to the time to switch to your non-winter tires or purchase a new set. We offer many affordable tire options to fit your budget. Also, nothing changes the appearance of your vehicle more than a new set of aftermarket wheels. You can even see what your car will look like with new wheels when you visit our Upgrade Garage.
BEFORE
AFTER
Find a set of wheels to go with your tires to create a Tire & Wheel Package and we'll mount and balance them and include any necessary hardware at no extra cost!
There are many cases where it can be useful to remove your wheels and tires yourself.
Regardless of the reason, there are three essential tools that'll make removing your wheels from your vehicle a safe and easy process.
1. Lug wrench - Gorilla's Extendable Lug Wrench Set is perfect for the job. The handle smoothly extends and locks to give you the extra torque you need to break those lugs free and loosen them.
2. Floor jack - The wheel and tire need to be off of the ground before you have a chance of getting them off of the vehicle! A floor jack makes lifting the one corner of the vehicle as easy as pumping a lever. We offer a lightweight aluminum floor jack that will be a great addition to your garage.
3. Jack stands - Once you have the wheel up in the air, use a jack stand to secure the vehicle in its raised position. Using solid jack stands is an important safety measure to have in place in case your floor jack fails or is inadvertently knocked out of place. Purchase a sturdy set from your local hardware or auto parts store, or you can purchase them as a floor jack and stands combination (picture shown above).
You can save money and learn more about your vehicle by performing simple vehicle maintenance yourself.
As spring turns the corner, you may find yourself looking to upgrade your vehicle's suspension. The snow is clearing and soon non-winter Tire & Wheel Packages will find their way back on performance vehicles across the country. If you have already upgraded your vehicle with a Tire & Wheel Package, or are simply looking to upgrade the handling characteristics of your car, we have the parts from KONI to help.
KONI's vast experience has earned them a worldwide reputation for being able to optimize their products for any specific application. And by focusing on high quality shock absorbers, the manufacturer's no-compromise philosophy results in superb product performance and enhanced car control.
In fact, KONI's suspension experts recognize that all vehicles have unique dampening needs, and rather than build one type of shock absorber, they utilize three technologies (twin tube hydraulic, mono-tube high pressure gas and twin-tube low pressure gas) from which they choose the best solutions. KONI shock absorbers are designed for a specific car and even its specific driving conditions. They aren't a copy of the original, but a tailor made design to get the best handling and ride characteristics from your vehicle.
Now is the perfect time to upgrade your vehicle's suspension as select KONI products are now 20% off until June 30, 2013. View special offer details here.
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the epitome of the new age American muscle car. A massive HEMI V8 and performance-tuned suspension make the Challenger a top choice among auto buyers looking for vintage-inspired good looks. There are two versions when it comes to the tire packages offered on the Challenger SRT8. Typically, if you're in a region that sees winter weather, the Challenger comes with the 245/45ZR20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires on all four corners. If you're in a warmer climate or opted for the performance tires, the Challenger SRT8 would have come with 245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Max Performance Summer tires.
Since the Challenger SRT8 with Max Performance Summer tires are staggered larger in the rear than in the front, you lose the ability to rotate the tires front-to-back. Although the tires are staggered, the wheels are not and the same 20x9 wheel is used at all four corners.
I have had many Challenger SRT8 owners using the factory Dodge 20x9 wheels with Max Performance Summer tires switch to 255/45R20 in the front. Now that the 255/45R20 tire is used at all four corners, you can have the best of both worlds: wide performance tires and the ability to rotate tires from front-to-back to gain overall treadlife and more even tire wear.
Shop by tire size 255/45R20 to view the options available and reap the benefits of being able to rotate your tires.
By all accounts, the 2013 Ford Focus ST has been a universal hit. It goes fast, handles well and doesn't break the bank. Much of the current Focus' success is due to groundwork done by earlier models.
The previous generation Focus combined affordability, decent handling and efficiency, so it's not surprising that many second-generation Focus drivers are staying with their current Focus. Are you happy with your Focus but want to freshen it up? Why not take advantage of some extraordinary savings on clearance 4-108 wheels and special buy Fuzion tires to create a Tire and Wheel Package for less than $600?*
Building your Tire and Wheel Package is quick and easy. Simply click on the wheel you like, add it to your cart, add tires, review TPMS options and receive the tires and wheels ready to install!
Are you looking for more options? View more closeout options and a complete list in our Upgrade Garage.
Ford Focus Tire & Wheel Package FAQ:
1. I'd rather have more emphasis on grip and steering response instead of focusing on wear and ride compliance, can I choose a different tire?
Yes. Take a look at all 205/50R16 options or consider 17" wheels with 205/45R17 tires.
2. What torque setting should I use on my new wheels?
Use the same as factory, 100 ft-lbs. See complete installation instructions here.
*Prices subject to change, limited stock
Havoc. Tyrant. Beast. The names evoke boldness and aggression. New to our lineup for the first quarter of 2013, WORX wheels back up their attention-grabbing names with extroverted styling.
Headquartered in Fullerton, California, WORX takes pride in its workmanship and offers unique styling with a healthy dose of attitude and attention to detail. Available to fit a broad range of light trucks and SUVs, they are offered in chrome and black finishes.
While the broad strokes will catch your eye first, they also feature subtler touches like surface details on the spokes and milled or machined accents on black-finished wheels. All WORX wheels are covered by a lifetime structural warranty.
A set of WORX wheels with an aggressive tire like the Dick Cepek Crusher would make a Tire & Wheel Package that sets your truck apart from the pack.
View all available WORX styles and enter your vehicle information to see which one is a match for your truck.
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.
When looking for the right tire for your Scion, be sure to view wheel options and create the perfect Tire & Wheel Package!
The quickest and easiest way to upgrade the look of your Mustang is to swap your factory wheels to an upgraded option from Ford Racing. Authentic Ford Racing wheels are developed by the Special Vehicle Team (SVT), which was founded in 1991 when Ford saw the need to investigate niche vehicle opportunities. The SVT division has continued with a strong presence within the Ford vehicle lineup, including the F-150 Raptor, Focus, Fiesta and Mustang.
Ford Racing wheels have been specifically designed for your Mustang and are offered in many cast and forged options. My favorites include the Boss 302R which is offered in a black painted finish and one-piece low pressure cast construction manufactured in a partnership with BBS. The Mustang GT Track Package in black painted finish also features a cast alloy construction. Finally, I enjoy the Mustang GT Forged wheel in light grey paint developed with a lightweight fully forged construction. The fully forged construction of the Mustang GT Forged wheel will not only upgrade the appearance of your Mustang, but also increase driveline and suspension responsiveness by reducing unsprung weight.
To view all of the SVT Ford Racing wheels available for your Ford, be sure to shop by vehicle today!
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
2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI
