Blackhawk Tires & SHARP
We get behind the wheel of all manner of new cars every year here at SHARP Magazine HQ, but when it comes to picking just one daily-driver to do it all, the answer is easy: SUV. The bigger question is what tires to choose for your SUV, because, perversely, the thing we all love about crossovers is also the thing that makes them so demanding.
Think about it like this: choosing SUV tires is like choosing one pair of shoes to wear for every occasion: daily commutes, weekend drives, and unexpected detours.
The good news is that tire technology has come a lot further than footwear fashion, so it is actually possible to get one tire to do it all. Blackhawk Tires has built its reputation on making purpose-built tires for crossover and SUV drivers, delivering performance and confidence wherever the road takes you.
Choosing the right SUV tires is simply a matter of knowing how and where you drive. Matching the tire to the conditions you’re likely to face is the key to feeling safe and confident behind the wheel.
All-Season Commuter
The Driver: If your typical drive has you running the gauntlet of city traffic, dodging potholes, navigating construction zones, and taking the odd secret shortcut, it’s all about dependability. People are counting on you being where you need to be, when you need to be there, whether it’s a big meeting, a photoshoot across town, or making it to hockey practice. Rain or shine, you need to get there.
The Tire: Blackhawk Agility SUV tires are engineered to be dependable all-season tires for Canadian commuters. Their wet-weather performance is excellent, thanks to special grooves in the tread pattern designed to clear water and maintain traction in both city and highway driving. Finite element analysis (read: NASA-style mathematical simulation) was used to ensure the tread makes even contact with the road. That’s cool, but what it means is confidence: sure-footed braking, cornering and acceleration, even in the rain. Crucially, they’re available in sizes to fit many of our favourite modern SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X3 and Audi Q3.
Spontaneous Weekend Explorer
The Driver: We know you, weekend explorer, because we are you. We’re loading the SUV with gear and good food to hit the off-road trails over a long weekend. We’re packing friends into the SUV for a cottage getaway, navigating Muskoka’s gnarly gravel backroads. And we’re crushing highway miles to get to new destinations. Snow, mud, gravel, dirt: it doesn’t matter. We don’t want to be slowed down or stopped. We want the freedom to roam, to go where the wind takes us, to be spontaneous and free.
The Tire: Blackhawk RIDGECRAWLER A/T is a premium all terrain tire for SUV, crossover and pickup drivers who split their time between pavement and dirt. It’s often fitted to go-anywhere machines such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru Forester and Toyota Tacoma. Versatility is the name of the game here, because nobody wants to stop and change tires mid-adventure, or even mid-year. The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall means the tire has surpassed industry standards for traction in snow, and is designed for year-round use in Canada. Check out those deep treads, and staggered shoulder blocks. They’ll get you through the tough stuff, but equally important is the tire’s quiet ride and everyday on-road usability. It all adds up to an ideal go-anywhere, do-anything tire.
Long-Distance Companion
The Driver: You eat kilometres for breakfast. What other drivers consider a long trip, you consider a warm-up. You’re just getting started. Your long commute is spent mainly cruising on the highway, but you’re not afraid of slicing through the city, or even a dirt road when the need arises. Comfort on the road is key, but so is longevity and value.
The Tire: Blackhawk RIDGECRAWLER HT02 is a highway-terrain all-season SUV and pickup tire that’s all about going the distance. It’s available in a wide range of sizes, fitting everything from the Cadillac Escalade, to the Toyota Tundra to the Ford F-150 and more. Durable treads and tire compounds were designed to reduce the frequency of tire changes, making each set of tires last longer. Tough casing is meant to handle heavier vehicles, like full-size SUVs and pickups without breaking a sweat. Crushing miles can take a toll on drivers, but a quiet and comfortable ride helps reduce fatigue. The HT02 was designed to do exactly that, delivering a smooth, refined and serene ride to help you go the distance.
Whatever kind of driver you are, there’s an SUV tire out there for you. Being honest about your needs (and aspirations!) will ensure you can drive with confidence, no matter the conditions. A rainy commute becomes a non-event. An off-road detour is always on the table. And an impromptu road trip invite is an easy “yes!” Oh, and we should mention, Blackhawk Tires offer a wide range of modern, versatile options that are available exclusively at OK Tire dealers across Canada.
If only choosing one pair of shoes for every occasion were this easy….
