Armstrong’s Blu-Trac HP is an ultra-high-performance tire that’s designed for sharp steering response, braking traction, and cornering ability, as well as a quiet, comfortable ride and great road manners. Armstrong’s attention to detail and innovation means the Blu-Trac HP is a tire that hits those targets and delivers real value for drivers, with performance that rivals UHP tires that are at a much higher price point.

So what is it about this tire that makes it such a great option for drivers looking for a summer/UHP tire? Let’s dive in for a closer look with this Armstrong Blu-Trac HP review.

Features and Benefits

Here are just some of the top-shelf features you can look for with the Armstrong Blu-Trac HP:

• Asymmetric tread pattern with wide circumferential grooves that move water away from the tire’s contact patch for wet-weather traction and resistance to hydroplaning
• Angled lateral grooves work with the circumferential grooves to boost traction in wet or dry conditions
• Varied sipe designs and directions augment wet or dry weather traction and braking performance
• Advanced tread compound is “sticky” to adhere better to the pavement
• Sub-straight grooves at the shoulder improve cornering ability and stability
• Unique silent-wall grooves are designed to help cancel certain frequencies and keep road noise to a minimum
• Solid center rib improves straight-line stability, road manners, steering response
• Casing and internal structure designed for ride comfort
• Protected by a 6-year and 45,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life coverage

Pros and Cons

So, is this Armstrong tire the right choice for you and your budget? Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

__ PROS__

• Nimble handling, steering response, braking performance
• Surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride
• Generous warranty coverage

__ CONS__

• Cannot be used when temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit
• Not the most fuel efficient tire

SimpleTire’s view on Armstrong Blu-Trac HP tires

The market’s pretty full when it comes to summer and UHP tires, so it’s usually a “you get what you pay for” proposition. The Armstrong Blu-Trac HP, though, is an affordable UHP tire that really outdoes expectations for its low price point. Ride quality and noise levels are comparable to touring tires that cost far more and, when they’re fitted to a sporty sedan or crossover, they deliver handling and cornering that’s responsive, crisp, and predictable. It’s also a plus that this tire is available in a wide range of sizes for various fitments and is covered by a 45,000 mile limited manufactured tread life warranty.

The two cons listed above are valid. Most summer and UHP tires use a softer, stickier tread formulation (sometimes about as soft as a pencil eraser) that will stiffen up and lose traction on colder days. Most tire manufacturers advise against using summer/UHP tires if temperatures are below 40-45 degrees F. Additionally, summer and UHP tires are typically built to be driven at higher speeds, which tends to decrease a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. While this tire is computer optimized, it won’t be as helpful at the pumps as an all-season or touring tire would be. That said, many summer/UHP tires don’t offer treadwear coverage at all, making the Blu-Trac HP a pretty good value.

Vehicles the Armstrong Blu-Trac HP is a good replacement tire for

As an ultra-high-performance tire, the Blu-Trac HP is often paired with vehicles that are meant to be driven at higher speeds. If you own an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fiesta, Honda Civic, Kia K5, Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Supra, or Volkswagen Golf and want a set of tires that offers strong performance at a great price, then this might be an option for you.