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 Arctic

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 Arctic Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.27
 
 

2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI
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Miles driven on tires: 12,500
Location: Wyalusing, PA
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 12,500 Miles on Tires
April 10, 2013

This was my second winter with the arctics on my tdi sportwagon. The tires performed flawlessly all winter, for the price you pay you get more for your money than other more expensive tires. If you live in the snowbelt area and do not run seperate winter wheels and tires your only kidding yourself for foul weather performance! I have been running seperate winter/ summer wheel and tire packages from the tire rack since the late 80's! Great people selling great products at reasonable prices!

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Monday, May 13, 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 Arctic Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.27
 
 

2006 Mercury Montego Premier AWD
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Miles driven on tires: 10,000
Location:  
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 10,000 Miles on Tires
April 06, 2013

These converted our AWD Montego to a winter half track. Studded these tires on their own wheels and they actually out performed the Blizzaks on our other car, for a lot less cost. They have the usual studded winter tire squirm and noise, but not as bad as others were before. But after getting a 3 foot blizzard and many other snow storms, these have proven themselves. And on ice? You can't beat studded tires in my opinion. Took Tire Rack's advice and went down an inch in wheel and tire size, but the taller sidewall gives us the same effective ground clearance, which is valuable in deeper snow. And that taller sidewall is more forgiving on Maine's frost heaved, potholed roads.

Our new Michelin hydro all seasons were downright dangerous in snow the previous winter, so glad we got them off for winter!

 

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

Tuesday, April 30, 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
 
 

2008 Audi TT 2.0T FWD Roadster
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Miles driven on tires: 15,000
Location: Itasca, IL
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 15,000 Miles on Tires
April 11, 2013

These tires replaced the OE Dunlop run-flats that were on the '08 TT Roadster when we bought it. What a difference, the ride is much less harsh, traction is much better, and spirited driving is fun again. The control at highway speeds in heavy rain is exceptional due to the directional tread pattern. Due to the fact that I change to my other wheel/snow tires for the winter I can not comment on driving on snow and ice. Tread ware is very good after 15,000+ miles. When I bought these tires I had them sent to KO Tire in Elk Grove Village, IL for installation. They did an exceptional job and were very friendly and informative when I asked questions. These were both a winning experience.
Thanks Tire Rack & KO Tire !!

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Tuesday, April 30, 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 WS70Reviewer's Overall Rating: 10

2012 Lexus CT 200h
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Miles driven on tires: 31
Location: Calgary, AB
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 31 Miles on Tires
December 14, 2012

Just bought a set of MD10 (17” alloy wheels) and Bridgestone WS70 tyres (balance & mounted with sensors) from www.tirerack.com and saved over $1300.00 Canadian Dollars compared to buying them directly from the Dealership. I got the alloy wheels and tyres in 4 days from the United States. Great service, as well as fast and efficient. I got Lexus of Calgary to mount them onto my Lexus CT200H 2012. These tyres are like Velcro to ice and snow. I live in the South West of Calgary, which is very hilly, like Bow and Sarcee Trail. These Bridgestone WS70’s perform very well indeed and I have great confidence in their hill start, accelerating, cornering and most importantly stopping. I have over 24 years of driving experience from Europe, as well as here in Canada and I must say that these Bridgestone WS70 tyres, perform very well indeed. I would never dream of driving in winter without them.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Winterforce LT

Tuesday, April 30, 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 LT Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.73
 
 

2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4wd
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Miles driven on tires: 6,200
Location: Chicago Heights, IL
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 6,200 Miles on Tires
April 11, 2013

The Firestone Winter Force tires replaced the factory original Michelin LTS AT2 tires which were very good hiway tires but were terrible snow tires.

The Winter Forces were easy to balance, give almost no road noise, and drive down the hiway with no squirme with or w/o pulling a trler. Excellant traction in hiway snow or when pulling through deep snow on non-plowed gravel roads.

Two downsides with the Wimter Forces: lost of about 1 MPG, and they p/u hold sall rocks like crazy till about 55 MPH when they start poping into the wheel wells.

 

Wheel Sizes That Fit Your Car

Monday, April 29, 2013 by Colin .

When looking for wheel sizes that fit a vehicle, many people often start by searching on Google. With our extensive fitment database, all you need to do is search by vehicle on our site and view the options that are a match for what you drive.

Our engineering department measures the vehicle's components and evaluates which wheels will fit correctly. Items we measure or verify to ensure the wheel fits your vehicle includes:

  • Bolt pattern
  • Centerbore
  • Hub interference
  • Load capacity
  • Lug hardware
  • Suspension components

Once you arrive at the wheel listings, you may have the option to select wheels of the same size or with a minus sizing or Plus Size fitment. Larger diameter wheels enhance the vehicle's appearance, but will decrease ride quality. Minus sizing is commonly done for people who purchase winter / snow tire and wheels or to improve ride quality. 

If you want a more aggressive fitment and don't mind having modifications done, our "Important Notes" link under the wheel's specs should be read before making your final decision. For more help with making your wheel choice, be sure to click on the "View on Vehicle" link that allows you to see the wheel on your vehicle.

To see how we find the wheels that are a match for your vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

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.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.4
 
 

2007 Porsche Cayman
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Miles driven on tires: 200
Location: Pleasantville, NY
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 200 Miles on Tires
April 25, 2013

Just put these on my Cayman after wearing out my second set of Michelin PS2's and taking off my Michelin Alpin winter tires. They look great. Very different feel. Immediately more comfortable - softer ride, quiet, but there's a slightly "floaty" feel and a brief delay when you turn the wheel before the car turns. Still grips on a hard curve, its just the connection between driver and road is a little fuzzy compared to the other tires which, frankly, are punishing as every day drivers. Was only getting 32,000 miles out of the PS2's and needed more durability for my dollar. Haven't driven them in rain or snow yet. Will update. So if you switch from a dedicated high performance summer tires, which are all considerably more expensive and last half as long, be prepared to trade off some precision for comfort.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

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.

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.8
 
 

2010 Subaru Impreza 5-Door
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Miles driven on tires: 8,000
Location:  
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 8,000 Miles on Tires
April 22, 2013

I live at a ski resort at 8500 feet with an annual snowfall of 500". These tires on a subaru were awesome. I passed other all wheel drives and SUVs that didn't have snow tires and they were sliding off the road. The traction is unbelievable. These tires were cheaper than blizzaks and I knew I would be driving some highway miles as well. Stopping and turning on snow was no problem. Driving up to Alta and Snowbird was a dream! I am not sure about the wear. I drove 2000 dry highway miles and then six months of 50/50 snow and dry driving and the tires look brand new.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus

Friday, April 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.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus Reviewer's Overall Rating: 6.27
 
 

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe with 4 Lug Wheels
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Miles driven on tires: 75,000
Location: Columbia Heights, MN
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 75,000 Miles on Tires
April 15, 2013

I have 205/55R16 size tires on my car. Brand new they're no better in the snow than my 97,000 mile old OEM Michelins that I replaced! Sliding and spinning everywhere no matter how slow you go. I had them "road force balanced" when new and rotated them every 4000 miles along with watching how they were wearing to adjust tire pressure accordingly. Longevity is excellent but they're absolutely terrible in the snow. I now have 75,000 miles on these and they're at 3/32". They handle corners better now that they're almost slicks. I've been driving on these through 2 winters now. Was hoping to get a good compromise between cornering and snow capability. I'll just get a set of performance tires to get me through the next 4-8 seasons. I might as well get the tires I want if all-seasons don't work any better! I'm not about to waste money on winter tires.

 

Reset Your Ford TPMS Sensors Using FORDTRIGGER

Thursday, April 18, 2013 by Marshall Wisler

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. 

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
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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 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60

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.


Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.09

2008 Cadillac STS V8 RWD
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Miles driven on tires: 3,000
Location: North Canton, OH
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
January 24, 2013

I have these on a Rear Wheel Drive V8 Caddy and I could not be happier. I live in NE Ohio, so snow is not an uncommon occurrence, and dedicated snow tires make all the difference in the world.

Keep in mind, these are snow tires, so don’t put them on too early or leave them on too long. Know that even ½ throttle will over power them if you have a real motor and corners should be taken with a little more care than with the summer shoes.

Noise is no issue, it is winter – your windows should be up anyway – and if noise is a problem, it’s not the fault of the tire - you just need a Cadillac. I
I would definitely buy these again, and this is a much better solution than buying an AWD car with their lower MPG and heavier handling.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4

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.

Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9
 
 

2012 Acura TL SH-AWD
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Miles driven on tires: 12,000
Location: Port Washington, NY
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 12,000 Miles on Tires
April 06, 2013

These came as original equipment on my Acura TL with all wheel drive and stick shift. I did not switch over to winter tires this year, and in light snow, I detected no loss of traction at all. I normally run separate winter and summer tires, but these tires with the all wheel drive are a good compromise for year round use.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin X-Ice Xi2

Tuesday, April 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.

Michelin X-Ice Xi2 Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.6
 
 

2005 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
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Miles driven on tires: 3,000
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 3,000 Miles on Tires
April 10, 2013

Excellent snow tire especially when paired with an all wheel drive sedan. The car stuck to the road like super glue(TM) in every winter driving condition. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology

Tuesday, April 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.

Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology Reviewer's Overall Rating: 6.5
 
 

2008 BMW X3 3.0si
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Miles driven on tires: 500
Location: Wasilla, AK
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
April 09, 2013

Bought these to replace my worn out Pirelli Scorpions. Thinking spring had arrived I pulled off my Blizzak WS-70's and put these on. As luck would have it, 3 days later we got hammered with almost 2 feet of snow. Very quickly found out how good my Blizzak's really are. Calling these "All Season" tires is being optimistic. Traction in loose snow (after roads were plowed) is marginal at best. Cornering in loose snow caused the front end to plow and the traction control to activate immediately. Deep snow (unplowed roads) resulted in lots of wheel spin and darting. To be fair, I didn't buy these for winter driving and I did get a chance to evaluate them on dry roads prior to our spring snow. Road noise is low to moderate. Not as quiet as my Pirelli's but not annoyingly so. Haven't seen wet roads yet so I can't comment on how these do on them. Dry traction feels good but there is a small amount of sidewall squirm that you can feel in cornering. We have a lot of rutted roads thanks to the use of studded winter tires and these tires wander around when you get in a rut. It's not uncontrollable but it does make me feel a little loose compared to the OEM tires. I only have 500 miles on the tires so maybe they will get better as they break in and the roads warm up. I'll write a followup review in another 1000 miles to see if this is the case.

 

Go with 275/45R20 Tires on 20" Wheels for Your Audi Q7

Friday, April 12, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

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.

20x10 Andros Spec P $289*
20x10 Andros Spec P
275/45-20 Ultra High Performance All-Season Continental Extreme Contact DWS $258*
275/45ZR20 Continental ExtremeContact DWS


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

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

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.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.7
 
 

2008 Honda Accord Sedan
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Miles driven on tires: 2,000
Location: Smithtown, NY
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 2,000 Miles on Tires
March 19, 2013

Purchased these to replace Bridgestone 960A/S that lasted 73000 and no longer had tread depth for any snow. The Conti DWS tires really offer a far superior winter experience. In icy slush last night I had no wheel slippage on fairly steep hills. Something the 960A/S could never have done even when new. The trade off is in dry handling: I notice more roll in turns and less on center feel. So far tire seems to be a little quieter. Overall very happy and after experiencing the winter performance would highly recommend.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

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.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.3
 
 

2009 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan
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Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Kansas City, MO
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
March 26, 2013

I've been a long time skeptic of all season tires. Having spent a decade switching between dedicated summer and snow/winter wheel sets, I decided to give the DWS a try. My previous set of A/S tires, RE960 AS's were a huge disappointment. The dry weather in early January gave ample opportunities to test traction and stability and although the DWS' are a little less responsive than say the SportContacts it's certainly enough for a small AWD sedan. The snow storms in February/March however have made me a believer. Braking on snow is as expected. Ice performance is as well (since nothing is "great" on ice, "OK" performance is acceptable. The light/heavy snow traction though is what impressed me. This does have something to do with the fact that I drive an AWD with a manual transmission, but the tires rocked the snowy roads. I actually found myself detouring down unplowed streets just to keep the smile on my face!

 

Can't Find Tires for Your Scion xD? Expand your Choices with the 205/55R16 Alternative Size

Thursday, April 11, 2013 by Cy Chowattukunnel

In the Scion family, the FR-S gets the most buzz, the xB evokes the most polarizing opinions, the iQ draws the most attention and the tC typically sells the best. The Scion xD gets overlooked as it provides practicality, dependability and efficiency, while simply getting the job done.

If you drive an xD, I'm sure you've been happy with its reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance. The only area where things get a little tough is in choosing replacement tires. Scion has equipped the xD with the rare 195/60-16 size as Original Equipment. There are only six options available, with two of them being winter / snow tires. This severely limits your chances of finding the tire you may be looking for.

No worries, you can run the 205/55R16 alternate size instead. It fits on your original wheels, doesn't rub on the wheel wells, has a comparable overall diameter and won't affect overall performance. In the 205/55R16 size, you'll find 166 choices to choose from.

Search by size and find the best tire for how and where you drive your xD.