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.
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:
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Bolt pattern
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Centerbore
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Hub interference
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Load capacity
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Lug hardware
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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."
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
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.