Cool, powerful, and nostalgic… These are the words that perfectly describe a muscle car. But any old car is doomed to have its tires deflate over time.
Many of these cars came out of the factory at a time where the car itself was an innovation. Thus, they didn’t (and still don’t) have modern equipment to increase the efficiency and value of the car, like what we are used to seeing nowadays.
Although the beauty of a muscle car lies in its original parts, some upgrades like an air conditioning system, brakes, and tires won’t affect its sanctity.
Though, which tires to choose from? This is a question you often hear when it comes to modernizing a beautiful monster: a Muscle Car.
The question doesn’t arise much for those who want to keep the size and original appearance of their car since the choices are very limited…
Still, what to choose when installing these new oversized wheels?
Take for example a 1969 Camaro (originally with size 195 /75-14 tires) or a Mustang of the same year (originally with 205 super-efficient/75-14 size tires); in either case, the correct size for those 17-inch wheels is 225/45R17.
Why take 17 inches as an example?
This is a very popular rim size for improving the handling of Muscle Cars. Besides, the tires mentioned below are also available in sizes suitable for smaller or larger diameter rims, if you choose so.
Here are 5 interesting tire choices among hundred and more available in the size 225/45R17
1. BFGoodrich G-FORCE SUPERSPORT
According to the manufacturer, the makeup of this tire combines three distinct rubber compounds for the greatest all-season grip. This tire comes with a 55,000 km manufacturer’s limited treadwear warranty.
As a high-performance summer tire, this one is compatible with performance sedans, sports coupes, and sports cars.
The G-Force Super Sport A/S can thrill even the most experienced gearhead. It has optimized rubber for wet and dry traction in all seasons.
The directional-tire tread design provides better water evacuation to reduce hydroplaning for wet traction.
2. Continental EXTREMECONTACT DWS
This asymmetrically designed tire offers increased performance in dry conditions as well as improved water evacuation on wet roads.
Today, one in four vehicles made in Europe uses Continental tires.
The Continental Extreme Contact DWS-06 summer/all-season tire is the next generation of DWS designed to maximize its contact patch on the road. It is especially dedicated to drivers looking for extreme grip, regardless of road conditions.
That’s why getting these tires is an add-value especially if you’re living in a hot country like UAE and you started asking yourself, should I sell my car in Dubai?
It has a unique chamfered edge technology for increased performance in dry conditions, providing greater grip when accelerating, better handling, and superior braking performance than its competitors.
Interestingly, performance indicators tell you how well the tires perform in dry, wet, and snowy weather.
Continental made this tire for optimum performance (D for dry, W for wet, S for snow). When these indicators are no longer visible, this means that the tire is no longer adequate for best performance under these conditions.
Besides, SportPlus technology not only increases tread life but also improves wet grip and provides precise steering for the greatest control.
3. Dunlop DIREZZA DZ102
A recognized tire within the Dunlop range, the DZ102 offers increased traction in wet and dry conditions thanks to its super-efficient compound of carbon and silica, combined with the design of the sole.
Direzza DZ102 is Dunlop’s ultra-high-performance summer tires, specially developed for grease monkeys of sports cars, and high-performance cars.
With impressive handling and smooth styling, this tire is excellent in all conditions (hot, dry, and humid). Yet, it is not designed for driving in near-freezing temperatures, on snow or ice.
Dunlop has invented the Silicarbon Matrix gum mixture (which combines silica and carbon black) to improve traction. And to promote responsive handling and stable turns, the company pours the mixture into a directional tread design consisting of large shoulder blocks and 3 notched center ribs. The wide tread channels improve hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
4. Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS
This tire is a super-square shoulder, it provides secure handling and full-depth ridges to drain water quickly in the rain. Originally developed for modern sports sedans, it happens to be very well suited to rear-wheel-drive cars giveme5
Firestone’s Firehawk Wide Oval A/S is a high-performance all-season tire. It offers the driver precise control and tighter turns. Although the traction on dry and wet roads is exceptional, it is somehow weak on ice.
With its retro look, backed by a legendary track heritage, the Firehawk Wide Oval A/S offers a comfortable, quiet and confident ride.
For those who love the roars on the road, these tires have a loud noise. But for those who prefer a less noisy ride, maybe they should opt for another brand.
5. Goodyear EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC 2
Goodyear explains that the lightweight construction of this racing-inspired tire helps reduce unsprung mass, which greatly contributes to handling and cornering response.
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tire: this is a tire that has its place in the ‘Touring tire’ class. That means it brings together any tire for light vehicles. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is a ‘summer tire’, designed to perform in summer road conditions, performing super-efficiently when the temperature exceeds 7 ° C.
What makes this tire stand above the crowd is the ‘green’ label it has. This is because the manufacturer used raw materials that are way less harmful to nature than others. Thus there were fewer CO² during the production of this tire.
Old rubber is not an effective seal. If you haven’t used it for a while, be sure to take a good look at the tires before driving as the pressure may have dropped since the last time you sat behind the wheel.
Even if your tires are only a few bars missing, it will impact their rolling ability, generating more friction and increasing gas mileage. That’s why you have to check your tires more often.
If you notice that they are slightly deflated, you may want to consider getting new tires. We understand that as a collector you want to keep the original parts of your car, but fitting it with new tires will mean better performance and efficiency on the road.
Author: Sultan Asad from We Buy Cars DXB
