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Latest Tire News, Wheel Guides & Car Tips | Performance Plus Tire Blog

Where real-world experience meets expert tire and wheel advice. Get fitment tips, off-road and classic car know-how, and the latest tire tests—direct from our shop to your screen.

Meet Our Writers:
  • Hank Feldman — Founder & hot rod expert, sharing classic car knowledge, restoration tips, and vintage wheel insights. See profile
  • Dennis Feldman — Vice President & custom fitment specialist, writing about performance wheels, off-road setups, and tire tech. See profile

Want expert help right now? Contact our team or call 888-926-2689 for fitment support.

Do Bigger Tires Affect Your Speedometer?

Posted Jun-05-26 at 2:05 PM By Dennis Feldman
Yes, and the bigger the tire, the bigger the error. Here's the math on how taller tires throw off your speedometer and odometer, plus how to recalibrate.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Why Do Tires Have Tread?

Posted Jun-05-26 at 1:38 PM By Hank Feldman
On dry pavement, a smooth tire actually grips better. So why does every street tire have grooves? Here's what tread really does, straight from the shop.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Why Are Tires Black?

Posted Jun-05-26 at 1:02 PM By Hank Feldman
Tires start out a milky off-white. Carbon black is what turns them black, and it does far more than set the color. Here's the real reason, from the shop.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Does Unsprung Weight Actually Matter?

Posted Jun-04-26 at 5:05 PM By Dennis Feldman
You've heard one pound of unsprung weight equals ten of sprung. Is that true? Here's what unsprung weight really is, why it matters, and where the folklore falls apart.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What Brand of Tires Should You Stay Away From?

Posted Jun-02-26 at 1:38 PM By Dennis Feldman
The honest answer isn't a logo. Dennis breaks down the spec-sheet red flags that separate a tire to avoid from a legit value brand.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Your Tire's Speed Rating Is a Lab Number — Here's What You Actually Get on the Road

Posted Apr-30-26 at 2:27 PM By Dennis Feldman
Dennis Feldman walks through how heat, load, age, and inflation silently de-rate your tire's speed capacity below the sidewall number — with the engineering math.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What Are the Best Off-Road Wheel Brands for 2026? Five That Lead the Field

Posted Apr-28-26 at 3:05 PM By Dennis Feldman
The five off-road wheel brands that lead the field in 2026 — Method, Fuel, Black Rhino, American Racing, and Fifteen52. What each does best.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Why Are People Putting Water Bottles on Their Tires?

Posted Apr-20-26 at 11:07 AM By Dennis Feldman
That empty water bottle against a car tire isn't a coincidence. It's a carjacking scam — here's how it works and exactly what to do.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

How to Break In New Tires: A Step-by-Step Guide That Extends Their Lifespan

Posted Apr-06-26 at 1:48 PM By Dennis Feldman
Learn how to break in new tires properly with expert tips on the 500-mile break-in period, why new tires feel slippery, and how to maximize tread life.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Cruise Control Explained: Everything You Need to Know About the Physics Behind It

Posted Apr-01-26 at 11:50 AM By Hank Feldman
Discover how cruise control works from a physics perspective. Learn about standard and adaptive systems, choosing the right features, and optimizing fuel efficiency.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Are Tire Prices Going Up Due to Tariffs? What Consumers Face Now

Posted Mar-19-26 at 4:03 PM By Hank Feldman
Tariffs are driving tire prices up 10–25%. Learn why it's happening, which countries are affected most, and smart strategies to save on your next tire purchase.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What is a Squatted Truck? The Truth Behind This Controversial Trend

Posted Dec-23-25 at 12:15 PM By Hank Feldman
Discover what squatted trucks are, their Baja racing origins, safety concerns, and current legal status across US states with bans and penalties explained.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What Are the Components of a Tire? Expert Guide with Diagrams

Posted Oct-24-25 at 2:39 PM By Dennis Feldman
Discover the 8+ key tire components and how they work together. Expert diagrams show tread, sidewall, bead, plies & materials for peak performance.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What is the Lifespan of a Tire? From Purchase to Replacement

Posted Oct-24-25 at 11:26 AM By Dennis Feldman
Learn how long tires last, key factors affecting lifespan, and when to replace them. Expert tips for maximizing tire life and safety.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Which Tire is Better, Bridgestone or Michelin?

Posted Oct-18-25 at 2:25 PM By Dennis Feldman
Bridgestone vs Michelin: Compare performance, durability, pricing, and warranties to find the best premium tire for your driving needs and budget.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What Are the Different Types of Alloy Wheels?

Posted Oct-18-25 at 12:54 PM By Dennis Feldman
Discover the 5 main alloy wheel types—cast, forged, one-piece, two-piece, and carbon fiber. Learn which delivers best performance for your ride and budget.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What Does "Wheels" Mean in Slang?

Posted Oct-07-25 at 1:45 PM By Hank Feldman
Discover what "wheels" means in slang—from cars and speed to charm and mental activity. Learn 6 key meanings and popular phrases in this complete guide.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Who makes the best quality wheels? Real Testing & Expert Picks

Posted Oct-07-25 at 1:09 PM By Dennis Feldman
Discover which wheel brands deliver real performance. We tested Enkei, Konig, American Racing, Fuel, and Motegi to find the best quality wheels for your ride.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

How Much Should a Good Tire Cost? Hidden Factors That Determine Good Tire Costs

Posted Oct-06-25 at 2:58 PM By Hank Feldman
Tire prices range from $50 to $1,000+. Discover the hidden factors that determine true tire value and what you should actually pay for quality tires.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What is the 3% Rule for Tires? Expert Guide to Safe Tire Sizing

Posted Oct-06-25 at 12:35 PM By Hank Feldman
Learn the 3% rule for tires and why staying within this threshold matters for vehicle safety, speedometer accuracy, and performance. Expert tire sizing guidance.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

What is a Dangerous Temperature for Tires? Critical Safety Limits Explained

Posted Oct-06-25 at 10:31 AM By Hank Feldman
Learn the critical 195-200°F tire temperature threshold and proven prevention strategies. Discover how to spot dangerous heat buildup before blowouts occur.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

How Do I Know What Size Tire Fits My Car? (Complete Guide)

Posted Oct-05-25 at 12:11 PM By Hank Feldman
Learn exactly which tires fit your car—how to read tire size, use your door-jamb placard, plus/minus sizing, load index, speed ratings, and wheel fitment—backed by Performance Plus Tire’s fitment expertise.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

11 Most Popular Tire Types: A Clear Guide for Smart Buyers

Posted Oct-05-25 at 11:07 AM By Dennis Feldman
Discover the 11 most popular tire types and find the perfect match for your vehicle. From all-season to ultra-high-performance, we break down features, pros, cons, and best uses.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

Smart Winter Tire Technology: The Engineering Behind 2025's Safest Designs

Posted Sep-20-25 at 2:39 PM By Dennis Feldman
2025 winter tire tech decoded: silica compounds, 3D sipes, EV-ready designs, and 3PMSF/Ice Grip standards—so you stop sooner and stay in control.

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Posted in: Auto industry news

When Should Classic Car Tires Be Replaced? Your Complete Safety Checklist

Posted Sep-19-25 at 5:11 PM By Hank Feldman
Classic car tires age from the inside out—learn when to replace them, how to read DOT codes, spot dry rot, and stay safe with our simple checklist.

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Posted in: Auto industry news