Bling on a Budget: 19x9.5 Chrome Sport Edition ST5 Marked Down to $79 for Your S6

Thursday, January 31, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

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*.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Sport Edition ST5
Sport Edition ST5


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

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Thursday, January 24, 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: Not Rated

2009 Subaru Outback Wagon
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 200
Location: Incline Village, NV
Driving Condition: Easy Going

Initial Review, 200 Miles on Tires
January 11, 2013

This was the second winter for the set of Yokohama M/S tires on my Outback. Last year they did OK, but I was disappointed with the acceleration while turning swerving, blaming it on what I thought was a poorly designed "Symmetric AWD system" on the Subaru. This winter the tires got truly dangerous on the hard packed snow/ice in our recent storm here in Tahoe. I slid through a stop sign, nearly rear ended a plow at a signal and, when my wife got stuck in the snow and ended up partially imbedded in a snow bank, I ordered a set of steel wheels mounted with these Altimax tires. I had the tires studded to minimize any chance of having further traction issues. The set of wheels/tires arrived promptly, mounted and perfectly balanced. I put them on the Outback, brought the tire pressure up slightly to specs and was amazed on my test drive around town. Great traction!

I suspect the traction is due more to the tread design and rubber softness than the studs. The noise due to having the studs is negligible inside the car at any speed, even on highways/dry pavement.

My faith in Subaru has been restored. I paid $800 delivered for the package and couldn't be happier.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H- or V-Speed Rated)

Thursday, January 24, 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.


Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H- or V-Speed Rated)Reviewer's Overall Rating: Not Rated

2010 Ford Transit Connect Van
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 2
Location: Champaign, IL
Driving Condition: Easy Going

Initial Review, 2 Miles on Tires
January 07, 2013

Just mounted up my new wheels and Yokahama tires on my new (to me) 2010 Ford Transit Connect. The OE Conties still had plenty of miles left (about 34,000 logged on the odo), but I just purchased the Transit and wanted to upgrade the wheels, so I got the wheel and tire package. With the OEM tires the ride was a little harsh - more like a sports car where you could feel every little bump and crack in the road, but nothing alarmaing, just a little harsh for my preferences for my every day commuter. Just took a short spin around the block on the new Yokahamas and night-and-day differnece. Drives much quieter and smoother. I like the feel too. The response is slightly, ever-so-slightly dampened, but I like it and it seems to drive/handle a little better - maybe more neutral. Probably just because of the added tread depth of the new tires, but I'm excited to drive it into work tomorrow and get on the highway. Will check back with an update after I get some good miles on these.

Got a couple hundred miles on my Yokahamas now. Most on the highway. Very quiet and smooth on the highway. Still lovin' them. Will be monitoring rain and snow characteristics as we are supposed to get some weather this weekend. Will report soon.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3

Thursday, January 24, 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 Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.8

2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 8,000
Location: Lindenhurst, NY
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 8,000 Miles on Tires
December 25, 2012

Bought these tires 3 winters ago for winter use (as part of a package with rims from Tirerack.com) for our 2010 Camaro LT2 RS as an alternate to the stock Pirelli summer tires. They handle well in the dry, good cornering, stopping and accel. They've worn very well considering they have seen mostly dry conditions (NY-Long Island area). In the limited snow use they do well and I think it would take going over a mound of snow that would be higher than the clearance hight to strand you. I noticed when I first bought them they were used as the winter tires on the Nassau County police cars. Bottom line, I would recommend them. NOTE: Make when you buy a winter tire/rim package that you state whether your Camaro is 6 or 8 cylinder because the Brembo calipers on the 8 cylinder may require a different wheel.

Complete Your Corolla with the Right Set of Winter / Snow Tires

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

Although Prius and Camry sales continue to climb, Toyota may still be best known for its reliable, economical and affordable Corolla. Not only did the Corolla put Toyota on the map, it still reigns as one the world's best-selling cars.

Have you joined the many with a new Corolla in your garage? Your Corolla has been engineered for durability and dependability, however snowy and icy conditions will challenge your all-season tires. No worries, a set of dedicated winter / snow tires is all you need to keep your Corolla steadfast and dependable in winter's harshest conditions.

Winter / Snow Tire Size

The Corolla is shod with 195/65R15 (L Trim Level) or 205/55R16 (LE and S Trim) tires as Original Equipment sizes. As covered in "Which Winter Performance Category is Right for You?", the relatively lightweight Corolla will benefit from a skinnier size.

When should you run a narrower size and how narrow should you go? Going to a narrower tire is especially helpful if you drive in deep snow. For example, Green Bay, Wisconsin averages 53.9" snow per year; if you're a Corolla driver in this area, narrower 185/65R15 tires are better at cutting through moderate and deep snow. At 24.5" in overall diameter, the 185/65R15 is about 1/2" smaller. This negligible difference in ground clearance and speedometer error (2% error) is trumped by the ability of the narrower tires to cut through snow.

For areas at a higher risk of ice storms and less of seeing deep snow, 195/65R15 is best. 195/65R15 is 25" in overall diameter, which is the same as the Original Equipment. This size offers a better balance for a winter weather mix of ice, wet roads and an occasional snowstorm. If you're a Corolla owner who resides somewhere like Cincinnati, Ohio (average snowfall of 22.1"), stay with 195/65R15.

"Green Bay" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

With the Corolla XRS phased out, all Corolla trim levels are tuned for a balance of ride comfort and safe handling. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS70's packed-snow and glare-ice grip provide the ultimate safety in the worst conditions. Therefore, the optimum winter package including this tire is the 185/65R15 option on black painted steel wheels at $576* (excludes TPMS sensors) plus shipping.

185/65-15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 $88*
185/65R15 Bridgestone Blizzak
WS70
15x6 5-100 33mm ET Black Painted Steel Wheel $56*
15x6 5-100 33mm ET Black Painted Steel
Wheel


"Cincinnati" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

The ideal "Cincinnati" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is the 195/65R15 Blizzak WS70 on black painted steel wheels at $600* (excludes TPMS sensors) plus shipping.

195/65-15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 $94
195/65R15 Bridgestone Blizzak
WS70
15x6 5-100 33mm ET Black Painted Steel Wheel $56*
15x6 5-100 33mm ET Black Painted Steel
Wheel


*Prices subject to change

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Eagle GT (W-Speed Rated)

Wednesday, January 16, 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 Eagle GT (W-Speed Rated) Reviewer's Overall Rating: 6.9
 
 

2004 BMW 530i Sedan Sport Pkg
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle

 
Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 11,000
Location: Detroit, MI
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 11,000 Miles on Tires
December 27, 2012

Excellent tire! Living in Michigan, I wanted a sport orientated tire that would still get me to work during the two or three snowstorms we have a year in Michigan. These fit the bill. They handle great for an all season, good wet and dry performance and really compliment the excellent handling characteristics of a 5-series BMW. With a semi-powerful RWD car that has the sport package (Lowered by an 1" and low profile tires) I was pretty concerned about winter performance and debated getting dedicated snow tires, but I'm glad I didn't. These are VERY adequate in snow. We just had a 6" dumping here and the car was fine. Don't get me wrong, I had to take it slow, drive carefully, and be gentle on the throttle and brakes, but for ultra high performance all seasons + RWD, these are a great tires. I even made it though some major drifts without an issue. If you do your part driving, these tires will do theirs. At the end of the day yes, all season tires are a compromise, but for someone like me who drives a sports sedan in an area that sees serious snow only a few times a year, and someone who doesn't want to deal with the hassle and extra expense of doing summer and winter tires and wheels... these tires are a perfect compromise.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DW

Tuesday, January 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.


Continental ExtremeContact DWReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.57

2005 BMW X3 3.0I
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Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 7,500
Location: Fitchburg, MA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 7,500 Miles on Tires
June 22, 2011

One word for these tires....AWESOME! These tires replaced my original set from the factory (Dunlop SP Sport 01's). I have the Sport Package, so the wheel/tire size of the rear differ from the ones in the front. I never liked the OEM tires that came with the X3. Very noisy, harsh ride and tread life was very low....but they handled well. All I knew is that my next set of tires was NOT going to be the OEM's. Due to the two different size tires need for my application, my options was very limited. I want to go Michelin as all my other vehicles have them but could not find what I wanted for my X3. Next on the list was the Continental Extreme Contact DW's. Read the reviews, liked what I read and took a chance. I'm glad I did...these tires are a true performer. The X3 handling was night and day compared to the OEM's. The tires stick to the pavement, wet or dry. Hydroplaning is virtually non-exsistant due to the very large and deep water channels in the tires. I have read in other reviews about the "on-center" feel of the tires. I can't say that I have experienced the same. Compared to the OEM's, the Conti's handle so much better. There is just nothing but good things to say about them. I couldn't really comment on tread life due to only having 7500 miles on them. As I place more miles on the tires, I will update the treadwear performance. But I suspect that they will do just fine in that category.

O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar Wheels Make an Attractive Addition to Your Porsche Cayenne Turbo's Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 by Zig Ziegler

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is for the driver who truly wants it all -- a twin turbo V8, top Speed over 170 mph and the space and comfort of a luxury SUV. All of that power can be rendered useless in the winter without the proper amount of grip for snow and ice. A Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is the answer to ensure your Cayenne Turbo performs its best this winter!

Because the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is not the average SUV, many drivers don't want to put an average aftermarket wheel on their high performance SUV for winter driving. The best complement to Porsche's high style is to add an equally impressive wheel to your winter package. O.Z. Racing's Superturismo Dakar is an Italian made masterpiece that will rival your German masterpiece.

 O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Bright Silver
O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Bright
Silver Paint
 O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Matte Graphite Silver
O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Matte
Graphite Silver


The wheel features a clean 15-spoke design in both a matte graphite silver and bright silver paint finish. Since both wheels boast a fully painted finish, they will easily withstand whatever winter conditions are thrown at them. Road salt and grime can be rinsed right off during a typical car wash. Each wheel is a one-piece, low pressure cast that's offered with a two-year finish and two-year structural warranty.

Shop by vehicle to see if the O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar is offered for you Porsche Cayenne Turbo. If so, build a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Wheel Size

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 by Ben Rooney

Often times I receive calls from customers who are curious about changing the wheel size on their vehicle. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the difference in wheel sizes:

Can I use a different wheel size than what came on my car? Yes. There are often sizes that'll work very well on a vehicle even though they were not originally installed on it. When you search by vehicle on our website, all the options listed have been verified to fit. This also allows us to show you the specific price for the wheel you need for your vehicle.

Why do you need to know my vehicle? We need to know your vehicle to ensure a proper fit. Experience has taught us that searching by wheel size, offset and/or bolt pattern alone aren't specific enough criteria to ensure an exact fitment. Attention to detail prevents vibration, wheel and tire interference and unbalanced handling. Read "Why Shop for Wheels by First Selecting a Vehicle?" to see what we check so the wheels you order are a fit for your car.

How does Tire Rack know what will fit my vehicle? So glad you asked! Because there are numerous wheel/vehicle combinations, this often means each wheel has to be individually tested on the vehicle either manually or electronically using Computer Aided Deign (CAD) data. Some of the items we verify to ensure a proper fit include:

  • Bolt Pattern
  • Centerbore Diameter
  • Hub Diameter
  • Load Capacity
  • Lug Hardware
  • Suspension Components Clearance

Take a look at "How We Know What Fits" to see how we offer Tire & Wheel Packages that are specifically designed for your vehicle.

Will the new size throw off my speedometer/odometer? No. If you stick with a proper plus- or minus-sized tire, the speedometer and odometer will still function correctly. To learn more about this topic, check out our tech article, "The Plus Concept."

Will I have to change anything else on my vehicle? Typically, the answer is no. The vast majority of our wheel fitments will bolt right on. We do list some specialized wheel fitments that are designed for vehicles used in racing, with lifted suspensions or modified fenders. Any wheels requiring modification are noted as such. 

Will my vehicle's ride or handling be affected? It depends on the size. Plus or minus one inch from the original wheel is not usually very noticeable. Bigger wheels generally have sportier handling but a harder ride. Smaller wheels have a softer ride and more flex in the tire's sidewall.

I shopped for a Tire & Wheel Package, but I only see wheels. What's going on? Creating a Tire & Wheel Package is a two-part process. First, you choose the wheel you want, then you choose a tire to go with it. As tire enthusiasts, we don't believe that the same tire is right for every driver, so we let you choose the tire that's best for you.

2013 Infiniti JX35 Winter Solution

Friday, January 4, 2013 by Hunter Leffel

The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a midsize SUV that's being offered with two different tire and wheel combinations. You can choose the 18" wheel and 235/35R18 tires or decide to go with the 20" package sporting 235/55R20 tires.

There are ample options for this vehicle if you have the 18" wheels and want to build a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. However, if you're looking for winter tires to use with the existing 20" wheels we'll have to get a bit more creative. In the stock size of 235/55R20, none of the manufacturers offer a dedicated winter / snow tire. You can opt into a 245/50R20 that'll be about .4" wider and .6" shorter, or a 255/50R20 that is .8" wider and about .2" shorter than the original size. There are dedicated winter solutions available in both of these sizes that will fit on the factory wheels. While both sizes are wider and not ideal to maximize winter traction, they do fill the gap for drivers to purchase a dedicated winter solution.  

While Minus Sizing isn't an option, a set of winter/snow tires will perform better in winter's harshest conditions compared to an all-season option. After installing your new set of winter tires, drivers should recognize that the personality and handling traits will feel different than the tires they're replacing. Since snow tires provide more traction in snow and on ice, extra care is needed by drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's traction and handling characteristics. To learn more about what to do with your new set of winter / snow tires, read "Breaking In New Winter Tires."

Shop by size to view 20" tire options for your Infiniti JX35.

How Can I Tell if a Smaller Wheel Will Fit My Car?

Friday, December 21, 2012 by Doc Horvath

For Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Packages, it's often beneficial to use a smaller diameter wheel (combined with a taller profile tire) compared to your stock wheels. In many cases, an expensive, low profile tire size and wheel combination can be substituted with a more cost-effective tire and wheel set that'll also afford added sidewall height to minimize pothole damage. With more and more vehicles coming standard with 19" and 20" wheels and tires, "minus sizing" has become very popular. 

How do we know which wheels will fit your vehicle? By measuring your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our fitment engineers to create accurate drawings of these parts. This also helps us check for any interferences. Items we measure or verify during the process include:

  • Bolt Pattern
  • Centerbore
  • Hub Interference
  • Load Capacity
  • Lug Hardware
  • Suspension Components

Once a wheel is guaranteed, we can develop the corresponding tire size that will both maintain proper load capacity and overall diameter for accuracy of the vehicle's electronic instrumentation and safety systems. Proper fitment engineering allows us to offer Tire & Wheel Packages that are specifically designed for your vehicle. Our attention to detail prevents vibration, wheel/tire interference and unbalanced handling that can result from improperly designed packages.

For further information on how we verify what wheels are a match for your vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."

Can I Arrange To Pick-Up My Order at a Tire Rack Distribution Center?

Thursday, December 20, 2012 by Hunter Leffel

With six strategically located distribution centers across the country, Tire Rack is able to offer fast shipping service options to our customers. In fact, most customers are within one to two business days of our Indiana, Nevada, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana or Georgia distribution centers.

When talking to customers who live near one of these locations, I am often asked if they can arrange a pick-up of their order. Customer pick-up is available at all locations, except for Delaware. Below you'll find the order pick-up times (local time) for each location:

  1. South Bend, Indiana - Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday
  2. Windsor, Connecticut - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  3. Midway, Georgia - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  4. Shreveport, Louisiana - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
  5. McCarran, Nevada - Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Customer pick-up is available at these locations only on orders placed via telephone. The option isn't available on orders placed through our website. Sales tax will also be included in your purchase price when finalizing your order for pick-up. Some additional customer pick-up information includes:

  • The credit card will be charged at the time of pick-up
  • Credit card holders must be present and show the credit card used to pay for the order at time of pick-up
  • Additional photo ID is also required
  • Installs are available only at our Indiana location

You can use the shop by vehicle feature on our website to research the products you're interested in purchasing before calling in to place your order. One of our sales specialists will place the order and arrange a convenient pick-up time. If ordering a Tire & Wheel Package, we'll need approximately four to six hours lead time to mount and balance and prepare them for pick-up. Most other items that are in stock will be ready shortly after your order has been placed.

Payment methods accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Cash payment is also accepted all locations except for Georgia.

All-Season Tires for a BMW X5 with 20" Wheels

Monday, December 17, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

The BMW X5 is a sleek, sophisticated and high-powered SUV, which meets today's needs of sports car like performance with truck like versatility and cargo space. With the optional Sports Package, the BMW X5 boosts large 20" staggered wheels and run-flat tires. While the package offers a more aggressive stance with wider tires than the standard X5, it also complicates tire shopping when looking for a tire that can perform in all seasons. The 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear tires equipped on the BMW X5 offers a pretty slim selection of all-season tires.

Unbeknownst to many BMW X5 owners, most of these SUVs have been equipped with high performance summer tires. These tires are designed for temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and do not provide traction in the snow or on ice. If you decide to stay with run-flat tires, the only current option is to use a dedicated set of summer tires in the summer, spring and fall and a dedicated set of winter / snow tires during the winter months.

 Continental ExtremeContact DWS
Continental ExtremeContact DWS
 Continental ExtremeContact DWS
Continental ExtremeContact DWS


However, if you've done your research and want a non-run-flat tire, there's an all-season option to consider, Continental's ExtremeContact DWS. I have had many customers opt out of a run-flat tire for this Ultra High Performance All-Season tire with great results. The ExtremeContact DWS will maintain the high level of performance feel you're used to while adding the ability to use the same tire all year long. Keep in mind there are some drawbacks to switching to a non-run-flat tire and you can find those details by reading "Do I Need to Put Run-Flat Winter Tires On My BMW".

Search by vehicle to see if the Continental ExtremeContact DWS is available for your car.

Keep Your Fusion Moving Even When It's Freezing: Winter / Snow Tires for the New Ford Fusion

Monday, December 10, 2012 by Cy Chowattukunnel

Although it's no DB5, the new 2013 Ford Fusion sure has a luxury vibe. Initial reports from the automotive press indicate this vehicle performs as well as it looks.

Have you just picked up a 2013 Ford Fusion? In addition to its styling and performance, I'm sure you're impressed with the Fusion's safety features. In a collision, your Fusion protects your family with airbags in the front, side and also at knee level. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions, four dedicated winter / snow tires will give you the traction, confidence and safe feeling you need to handle roads covered in snow and ice.

Winter / Snow Tire Sizes

The Fusion's Original Equipment tire comes in one of the following sizes: 215/60R16, 235/50R17, 235/45R18 or 235/40R19. With a curb weight of 3,615 lbs. (2.5 liter Auto S), most Fusion drivers are best served by a 215/60R16 tire size. 215/60R16 is narrow enough to cut through moderate and deep snow, but wide enough for packed snow, ice and dry roads.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Ford uses the valve stem direct TPMS system, which you can purchase sensors for $32 per wheel. Your Fusion won't automatically learn the new sensor codes, therefore a Ford dealer will have to initialize them as you switch back and forth between your winter and all-season/summer tires. Are you installing the wheels and sensors yourself? Then the the optional Ford TPMS Triggering Tool is really a must as it allows you to initialize the sensors.

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Steel Wheel)

While it's a close decision, I prefer 215/60R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Studless Ice & Snow tires on 16x6.5 50mm offset steel wheels at $860* plus shipping.

215/60-16 Michelin X-ICE Xi3 Studless Ice and Snow
215/60-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3
$125*
16x6.5 50ET Black Painted Steel Wheel $58*
16x6.5 50ET Black Painted
Steel Wheel $58*


Winter/ Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Alloy Wheel)

For those who prefer a little more style for winter, I'd recommend the 16x7.5 5-108 48mm ET silver painted Sport Edition SE-16 on the same 215/60R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 at $1064* plus shipping.

215/60-16 Michelin X-ICE Xi3 Studless Ice and Snow
215/60-16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3
$125*
16x7.5 48ET Silver Painted Sport Edition SE-16 $109*
16x7.5 48ET Silver Painted Sport Edition
SE-16 $109*


With the weather changing, be ready by creating your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today.

*Prices subject to change

General AltiMAX Arctic: A Cost-Effective and Capable Winter / Snow Tire

Tuesday, December 4, 2012 by Marshall Wisler

Having a lower price point than many winter / snow tires, some customers question the effectiveness of the General AltiMAX Arctic. This tire is perhaps not as soft as certain Studless Ice & Snow tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3, and it may give up a small amount of ice traction. However, this Studdable Winter / Snow tire has proven quite effective for multiple seasons and continues to get strong reviews by consumers.

As a studdable tire, the AltiMAX Arctic can be sold with studs to further increase traction in the most severe winter conditions. While studded tires are certainly not for everyone and have some negative features, such as reduced dry road handling and increased road noise, the ability to add studs is optional and available for those who desire. It's also important to check with local law enforcement officials to see if studded tires are allowed in your area. To learn more about how studded tires may or may not be right for you this winter, read "Studded Tires for Winter Driving."

As mentioned earlier, customers have been giving the General AltiMAX Arctic great reviews. Take a look at what some of them are saying about their experience with this tire:

"This tire is the best I've ever used in 45 years of driving in Vermont winters!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta S

"Awesome snow tire. Not only was it one of the cheaper tires in my size, but one of the best reviewed - and I can see why. My rear-wheel drive BMW got around our 6", one-day snow accumulation as good as any of the 4WD trucks I've had in the past. It is a beast of a tire in the snow, and still very quiet on the highway. If this tire can get a BMW through a North Dakota winter, I'd be confident using it anywhere!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 BMW 330CI Performance Package

"Fantastic winter tire at a great value price. Ride and noise are good to very good. Ride and cornering are amazing being better than the factory standard tire on this vehicle. Snow traction is good in all conditions and really snow plows through deeper conditions. Ice performance is very good. I have purchased this tire for two vehicles to date and recommend it to my friends as an affordable option for a great winter tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

To see if the General AltiMAX Arctic tire is right for your application this winter, shop by vehicle.

Dodge Dart Tires and Wheels

Friday, November 30, 2012 by Steve Huffman

The Dodge Dart is back! In the 60s and 70s, this vehicle was Dodge's pocket rocket. It was also very fun and sporty. How do I know? I used to own one! Dodge has been missing a car like this in its lineup for several years and the new version has been well received and is very popular, too. 

Just in time for winter, Tire Rack has completed fitment testing for Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Packages for the Dart. This lightweight car will need a little help getting through winter's harshest conditions, so protect your investment and drive with confidence.

Live in an area that doesn't require you to purchase winter tires and wheels? Or just looking to dress up your new ride? Check out the wide variety of wheel options we carry that'll set your Dart apart from the rest. We can also include new Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors to keep your system functioning properly.

Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum
Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum


If you're ready to upgrade the tires on your Dart, take a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position. This Ultra High Performance All-Season tire will help your vehicle hug the road and improve overall traction. The tire also provides predictable handling, traction and control on dry and wet roads, as well as in light snow. Notched shoulders, stable tread blocks and a continuous center rib improve tread stiffness to deliver responsive steering and at-the-limit braking on dry roads. A series of lateral and circumferential grooves help pump water and slush through the Pole Position's footprint to enhance hydroplaning resistance, wet road and light snow traction.

Kumho's Ecsta LX Platinum can improve your Dart's overall ride quality. This Grand Touring All-Season tire is a nice improvement over the Original Equipment. The tire is designed to blend responsive handling, long wear and a quiet ride with year-round traction including light snow.

Shop by vehicle to find all tire options available for new Dodge Dart.

Tire Rack Helps You Properly Store Your Tires

Friday, November 30, 2012 by Hunter Leffel

After deciding to equip your vehicle with winter / snow tires, you must now store your summer or all-season tires. We offer a number of different solutions that make carrying and storing your second set of tires easy. 

Seasonal Tire Tote

Tire Rack's Seasonal Tire Totes are a convenient and styling storage option that's the perfect choice for the organized garage. They're easy to use and feature a protective cover with a handle. The totes also provide protection to a vehicle's interior if transporting tires in the back seat of a car.

  • Sold in pairs
  • One size fits tires 22" to 31" in overall diameter and up to 295mm section width
  • Extra strong handle for easy transport
  • Holds over 80 lbs.
  • Hook and loop closure for easy insertion and snug fit
  • Machine washable
  • Rugged polyester/nylon materials and construction for years of use
  • Black with silver accents
  • Screen-printed with Tire Rack's logo

Tire Garage

A rugged weatherproof material with buckles and an internal skirt provide a universal fit for tires and wheels up to 27" in diameter. The Tire Garage keeps tires dry, while also protecting them from UV rays.

  • A seamless look for tire storage
  • Keeps tires clean and dry
  • Protects tires from UV degradation
  • Universal fit due to unique buckle and internal skirt system
  • Not recommended for outdoor tire storage

Tire Storage Rack

A personal favorite, the Tire Storage Rack get tires and wheels up and out of the way by mounting on the wall. This well-engineered solution has been load tested to a weight capacity of 400 lbs. and has an inner width of up to 52". The flexible design allows room for today's performance-oriented Tire & Wheel Packages or can be adjusted to accommodate less aggressive tire widths.

Seasonal Tire Tote
Seasonal Tire Tote
Tire Garage
Tire Garage
Tire Storage Rack
Tire Storage Rack

 

Do I Really Need Winter / Snow Tires on a Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 by Gary Stanley

Every winter season I'm asked, "Do I need winter tires on my four-wheel drive vehicle?" Your four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle can indeed see a significant benefit by installing a set of winter / snow tires. 

It's a common misconception that a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle will not see much benefit from winter tires. This couldn't be further from the truth! The extra traction of four winter tires putting power to the ground is quite obvious in acceleration and cornering. 

Most four-wheel drive owners don't have a problem with getting the vehicle going. An all-wheel drive vehicle equipped with good all-season tires can usually start moving without getting stuck. However, braking is another story.  

A four-wheel drive vehicle with all-season tires can accelerate quicker than a two-wheel drive vehicle in slippery conditions. While this sounds like a good thing, it offers no advantage to braking and can create over confidence. In fact, most four-wheel drive vehicles are actually heavier and take longer to stop in slippery conditions than their two-wheel drive counterparts. A good set of dedicated snow tires make a big difference in braking during winter conditions.  

As illustrated above, you can see how much of a difference winter / snow tires can make in braking, even if you have a 4WD SUV. It could be the difference between rear ending another car at an intersection (or worse). 

I've owned a traditional four-wheel drive SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser) and went from Bridgestone's Dueler A/T REVO 2 all-terrain tires to Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Even though the all-terrain tires were quite good in snow, I can tell you from experience that there was quite a difference going to the Blizzaks, especially during braking.  

On my Audi A4, an all-wheel drive sedan, I had the same experience when going from all-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS series of tires. The same results applied on my crossover SUV, a Mazda CX-7, when I installed a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1. All three upgrades were on different types of four-wheel drive systems on very different vehicles and all showed the same result: winter / snow tires make a huge difference.

While shopping for winter tires, consider creating a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package to make the changeover even easier!

Is There Air in the Spare for Your Trip Over the Hill and Through the Woods?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 by Tire Rack Team

It’s time for families to come together for the Holidays, and that often means loading the car for extended highway travel.

However, before you load the trunk and begin your trip, make sure you check the air pressure of all your vehicle’s tires, including the spare. Many spare tires are packaged at the bottom of a car’s trunk or under the bed of a crossover, SUV or pickup. This often means that the trunk/cargo area has to be empty in order to check the spare tire’s air pressure. And, in many cases, the vehicle manufacturers have chosen to package the spare with the valve stem down, preventing the air from being checked without removing the jack and all of the tire changing tools. It’s a hassle, but worth a few minutes before drivers load up.

Tire Rack compliments Ford for the spare tire packaging on their new Fusion. As you can see, Ford chose to store the tools and jack in foam under the wheel. This provides the driver easy access to check air pressure in their spare tire.

 

Ford Fusion Ford Fusion Ford Fusion


Tire Rack believes spare tire air pressure will be checked more often if it's easy to do. What do you think? When was the last time you checked your spare tire’s air pressure?

What Are the Best Tires for my Land Rover Range Rover Sport?

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

The Range Rover Sport model is a perfect blend of off-road prowess and high performance capability. It offers one of the most sophisticated all-wheel drive systems and can come equipped with a supercharged V8 for unbelievable performance on paved roads. However, there are not many choices in the 275/40R20 size the vehicle needs. As limited as the choices are in this size, there are three standouts when it comes to complementing the high horsepower Range Rover Sport.

 Continental Extreme Contact DWS
Continental ExtremeContact
DWS
 Yokohama Parada Spec-X
Yokohama Parada
Spec-X
 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza
Bridgestone Dueler H/L
Alenza


If you're a spirited driver looking for a tire that'll provide great steering response and cornering feel while retaining all-season use, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS and Yokohama Parada Spec-X will be perfect choices. Both tires are high speed rated all-season tires while the Continental boosts a very high rating for snow and ice traction. Directional tread pattern on the Yokohama gives this tire very high marks in wet weather and hydroplaning resistance.  

If ride comfort and low road noise are your biggest concerns, the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza is definitely one of the quietest and smoothest tires offered for the Range Rover Sport. The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza is also very a capable in light snow and wet weather situations.

Take a look at what customers are saying about their experiences with these three tires:

"Much better than the Original Equipment - quieter and softer ride. At the same time, they give a very positive steering feedback and less susceptible from grooves in the road. Very pleased." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (Continental ExtremeContact DWS)

"Improvement over the Original Equipment. Rides better, handles better, looks better and definite increase in traction and braking. Aggressive tread pattern with extra weight capacity and all-season traction makes for a great package." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged (Yokohama Parada Spec-X)

"These tires have performed well and the tread still has many miles left on them. With 25,000 miles on them, I still have excellent snow and ice traction and stability. I have no complaints about this tire, especially at the price point." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE (Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza)

To view the full list of tires available for your Range Rover Sport search by vehicle and find the option best suited for your driving needs.