Choosing car tires nowadays has become complicated. With all the broad types of tires, prices, and different tire brands to choose from. It can be tough to figure out which wheels will be best for your car and your needs.
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List of 12 Good Tire Brands In The World
While we can’t say which wheels are ideal for each individual driver or budget. We can say which tire brands are the best based on performance testing. Here’s our list of top tire brands:
| Company | Overall Ratings |
| Michelin | 4.9 stars |
| Continental | 4.6 stars |
| Yokohama | 4.4 stars |
| Cooper | 4.4 stars |
| Bridgestone | 4.3 stars |
| Goodyear | 4.3 stars |
| BFGoodrich | 4.3 stars |
| Pirelli | 4.2 stars |
| Hankook | 4.2 stars |
| Falken | 4.2 stars |
| Dunlop | 4.1 stars |
| Toyo | 4 stars |
There are plenty of known brands manufacturing top quality tires. Let’s dive into the realm of best tires in the word;
1. Michelin – The Top Tire Brand in the World
Based on comprehensive performance tests, Michelin tires are the best tire brand in the world. These tires are produced by the French tire manufacturer Michelin, which was founded in 1889. Moreover, Michelin has invented the radial tire which is its most famous and benchmark tire design. These tires display an exceptional balance of traction, handling, long tread life, and low rolling resistance. That results in better fuel economy.
They particularly excel in tread wear, which would explain why the brand confidently provides tread wear warranties on all replacements when other brands do not. Probably the only thing keeping buyers from getting these wheels is the price. They are one of the best tires available in the market. This company’s tires not only give good fuel economy but are eco-conscious as well. The Michelin tires are one of the oldest tire companies in the world.
- Top performers:
Michelin Defender, Michelin Primacy MXV4, Michelin Premier AS, Michelin Pilot Sports A/S 3, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport.
2) Continental:
Continental AG is also one of the oldest and largest tire manufacturing companies in the world. It was established by a group of nine German bankers and industrialists in 1871. It was started as a rubber manufacturing company. Continental initially gained its fame for the bicycle tires which they still manufacture. These tires have a huge range for tires but the basic categories are four i.e.
- ContiSportContact
- ContiPremiumContact
- ContiEcoContract
- ContiCrossContent.
And it is also bringing some serious competition to Michelin with a superb lineup of their own. Their wheels consistently achieved high scores during testing, particularly in handling and stopping grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The other advantage of this brand is that its products are more reasonable and budget-friendly.
- Top performers:
Continental ProContact Ecoplus, Continental PureContact and Continental ExtremeContact.
3) Yokohama:
Yokohama is a Japanese tire brand that is famous for its handling and grip in both wet and dry conditions. This name has a very old history it was established in 1917. Yokohama also produced Japan’s first tubeless tires.
The main ambition of this firm is to take top-class tire technology from race tracks to everyday roads. And that’s why the majority of its tires are performance-based. Yokohama produces a large range if tires but some of its most famous models are;
- BluEarth:
Efficiency based and eco-friendly tires.
- Drive:
It comes with affordable handling performance.
- Advan:
These are exclusively for the race tracks.
- Geolander:
These tires are for 4WDs and SUVs.
4) Cooper Tires:
Cooper tire and rubber company is an American company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. It also has sales of replacement the tires for automobiles and trucks along with subsidiaries that tackles medium truck, motorcycle, and racing tires.
The cooper tires is committed to making quality tires since 1914, where safety, affordability and trust are the first priority. They believe that you do not become a century-old company by cutting corners.
- Top performers:
Cooper Evolution Tour, Cooper Zeon RS3-G1, Cooper Evolution HT, and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S.
5) Bridgestone:
The Bridgestone tires have a very old and rich history in tire manufacturing which dates back to the 20th century in Japan. This company is a leading tire manufacturer and makes almost all types of tires from everyday use to racetrack ones. And it also offers cheap tires for everyday use which start at around $80 per tire.
The most expensive everyday tire offered by the company can be as high as $800 per tire. Apart from this, the company offers various bonus deals which includes cash back offers as well or every fourth tire free along with free service program.
- Top performers:
Ecopia, Potenza and Turanza.
6) Goodyear:
Goodyear is an all American tire manufacturer that was established in Ohio more than a century ago. It was also one of the first few tire manufacturers who were able to make tubeless tires. These also have the honor of supplying racing tires to Henry Ford.
This company’s tires are a good value for money as they have good overall performances in both wet and dry conditions as well as in weather handling and stopping ability. However, Goodyear offers a large range of tires for a wider range of vehicles from truck carriages to FWDs. Some of the most appreciated models are;
- Assurance
- Eagle
- EfficientGrip
- Wrangler
Goodyear has had some models miss the mark, but their recent truck and ultra-high performance tires have remained on-point. Some of their models are a bit outdated but a few, such as the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread All-Season still get high marks on our record.
- Top performers:
Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread All-Season and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric.
7) BFGoodrich:
The B.F. Goodrich company was founded by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich in 1870. Later it was known as BFGoodrich and came among the first rubber tire manufacturers. It is an American tire brand which is originally a part of the industrial conglomerate Goodrich Corporation. A French tire maker Michelin acquired it in 1990. It was the first American tire manufacturer who make radial tires.
In terms of tires, the All- Terrain T/A and Mud – Terrain T/A are flagship models. The tires consolidate a loyal customer base due to its unique tread design and known raised white letters on the sidewall of tire. Off-road enthusiasts recommends its usage. the main application of BFGoodrich is pickup trucks and body-on-frame SUVs.
- Top performers:
BFGoodrich HD-Terrain T/A® KT, BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3, and BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3 UTV.
8) Pirelli:
Pirelli is an Italian tire brand which is very famous for its racing tires and for sponsoring many racing events especially Formula 1 race. The tire performances are exceptional but they don’t come cheap. And you need to spend a good amount to get them the most expensive ones can be as expensive as $1,500 each. Even the cheapest ones start from $100 each but these tires are generally very small i.e. they have 13” diameter.
These tires are basically for the drivers who can’t compromise for speed and exceptional grip on the racing tracks. Pirelli is well-known for ultra-high performance tires. It is also trusted by many prestigious sports car brands for original equipment rubber. The brand has been making several improvements to existing models, so hopefully, these issues have been in line.
- Top performers:
Pirelli P4 Four Seasons and Pirelli P Zero
9) Hankook:
Hankook is a tire manufacturing company from South Korea that was established in the mid of the 20th century. It is a very popular company for providing everyday tires to a lot of regular drivers. That was a close race, but in the end, we had to give fifth place to Hankook.
The brand has a top-rated Dynapro ATM and a few ultra-high-performance tires from their Ventus line that have gained high marks as well. Their winter line performed particularly well in both clear and snow-covered surfaces. The only thing that’s missing is an all-season line, which the company is currently updating.
- Top performers:
Hankook Dynapro ATM, Hankook Ventus S1 noble and Hankook Ventus S12 evo2.
10) Falken Tire:
Falken tire is a brand of passenger car, light truck, and medium truck tires. It is owned by the Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI). It is a leader in high-quality and high-performance tire technology for cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers.
Falken has successfully built a reputation as a full-line tire manufacturer with a long history. It has delivered high quality and high value products. It has grown to become a flagship brand with ultra high performance tires.
- Top performers:
Falken SINCERA SN250 All-Season, Falken AZENIS FK510, Falken WILDPEAK A/T3W, and Falken WILDPEAK M/T.
11) Dunlop:
Dunlop tires are produced by a British tire manufacturing company which is famous for producing premium quality tires. These tires were founded in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop; the inventor of the pneumatic tire. Currently, the company is owned by the American tire giant Goodyear tires. This name has a very good reputation in the tire industry for its unwavering tires.
The price of tires is reasonable not too much expensive. You can easily get a good commuter tire for $100 per tire. Dunlop makes a variety of tires for every type of motor enthusiasts, from track tires to slick tarmac tires. They manufacture both cars and motorcycle tires. The top models of Dunlop car tires are;
- SP Sport:
These tires are for sedans and roadsters. They give good and enhanced handling in both wet and dry conditions.
- Sport Maxx:
These tires are for maximum and uncompromising performance vehicles. They are usually big diameter tires starting at around 17 inches.
- Monza:
These are the everyday tires exclusively for city commuters. These tires give good fuel economy as well.
- Grand Trek:
These are the tires for almost every type of 4WD cars. For extreme off-roading experiences, some of the tire models come with rugged and deep tread patterns.
12) Toyo Tires:
Toyo Tire Corporation started in 1945 and based in Itami Japan. In 1966, it expanded to the US as Toyo Tire USA Corporation. Commonly known as Toyo Tires is a multi-national tire and rubber products company. The company has eight factories globally and operates them in Asia, North America, and Europe. Toyo Tires also distributes tires and automotive components through fourteen sales companies throughout the world.
The best thing about these tires is the manufacturing as they have quality material. Such as industrial rubber and synthetic resin, soft and rigid polyurethane products, and waterproof sheets. They also manufacture and market anti-vibration rubber for automotive parts, seat cushions, and sporting goods.
- Top performers:
Toyo Open Country A/T II, Toyo Open Country M/T, Toyo Proxes S/T, and Toyo Open Country R/T.
How to Choose the Top Ranked Tire Brand
Check your Owner’s Manual
Your car manufacturer has made it easy for you to pick the right tires. Just check your vehicle’s owner manual. And it tells you the size and type of tires you should use for your vehicle. This info is also available on the information placard, which is always added to your vehicle’s door edge, door post, and glove compartment door or inside the trunk lid. The label will look something such as P215/60R 16 93T.
Dividing it into parts, the first part – P215/60R 16- refers to the elements such as tire’s purpose, width, aspect ratio, radial construction, and diameter of the wheel. The 93 signifies the load index, explaining us the weight each tire can carry. Lastly, T signifies speed rating, which is the tire’s maximum speed with regard to the load index. You have to pick the right tire size measurements.
Treadwear
The focal point of a tire is its treadwear. And that is why the best tire brands produce quality treadwear. But how do you evaluate treadwear? The rule of thumb is to look at the rating. Most manufacturers rate their treadwear somewhere between the region of 400 and 600. And a higher rating translates to better treadwear. Note that manufacturers cannot overstate their rating since tires are screened using the Uniform Tire Quality Grade. So, the best tires usually have a treadwear rating between 400 and 600.
Understanding Aspect Ratio
When choosing the best tire brands for your vehicle. You need to acquaint yourself with some practical terms such as aspect ratio. Aspect ratio refers to the measurement of a tire and you can read the aspect ratio on the sidewall of your tires. This measurement is pivotal for engineers and mechanics to find the perfect wheel combination for a car. In essence, if you want a low profile or high profile look for your vehicle. Only a set of new tires will not do the trick. You will also need to get a new set of large wheels to compensate for the reduction in the sidewall. Otherwise, shorter tires will rev your engine higher, damaging the transmission. The best tire brands usually have an aspect ratio of 65, which you can obtain by subtracting the diameter of the rim and then dividing it by the width.
What Type of Tire Do You Need?
So, you have interpreted the label well and are now ready to pick among the best tire brands. But wait, do you know which tire type is perfect for your vehicle? Although tires are also available in many types, such as All-Season, Summer, and Winter. Therefore, we see most car owners opt for all-season tires as they work well for both winters and summers. However, they are not perfect in any way.
All-Season Tires
The old adage, “Jack of all trades, master of none” can be labeled to all-season tires. As the name suggests, they are fine at everything but do not stand out at anything. Such a set of tires are ideal for slackers – mount these. All-season tires and forget about worrying when a new season comes. Be forewarned though, they will not provide the grip of a summer tire and will lack the traction of a winter tire. Nonetheless, they would get the job done for you.
Winter and Snow Tires
Winter and snow tires offer plenty of benefits if your region is cold or receives snowfall. The rubber compounds tend to stay soft at low temperatures while the tread design offers excellent traction in the snow. Tires are so good that we would rather have a car with winter tires all year long than one with all-season tires. They might be a tad expensive but they outperform all-season tires in all departments. Remember, tires are not made only for the snow. They also work perfectly fine in all conditions thanks to the phenomenal tread patterns and soft rubber compounds. Hence, we call them the best tire type.
Related Pick: Your Winter Driving Guide – Top 5 Tips For Driving In Winter
Summer Tires
Also known as ‘Performance tires’, they offer superb dry and wet traction. As well has precise handling and works perfectly in warm months or all year in areas like Gulf countries that do not get a true winter.
Choose any of the above tire types but make sure you avoid certain brands altogether.
Worst Tire Brands – to AVOID Purchasing
Now that you have read the buying guide and let us see which tire manufacturers do not adhere to quality and performance. Using their tires can be disastrous for you on the road. As well as, we have ranked these manufacturers on the basis of poor quality, lack of safety measures such as car tire pressure checks, and defects in the design.
Low-End General Tires
General tires are renowned worldwide for their quality and longevity. Professional racers term them as one of the best tire brands and use them in Formula 1, Nascar and other races. However, the cheap, low-end versions of General Tires are dreadful. Therefore, they wear out pretty fast and do not fare any better than the cheap Chinese tires. The best tire brands in the world make sure their tires do not make any noise on the road. Nonetheless, the low-end General tires make a lot of noise at high speeds.
Firestone
People have complained their Firestone tire catching fire during summers. What even more ironic is the company refuses to replace damaged tires even when they are under warranty. Moreover, the tires have also a bad reputation of getting easily damaged by potholes, road bumps, and even speed breakers. Their tires may not even last 20,000 miles.
You Might Like to Read: Are You Damaging The Tyres of Your Vehicle?
Carlisle Tires
Based in the United States, Carlisle Tires, just like Firestone, blow inexplicably. According to reports, it does not happen due to car tire inflation or being exposed to extremely hot weather conditions and their poor quality construction causes them to explode. They also come cheap and perform cheap as well. As a matter of fact, it is wise to spend a little more and go for the best tire brands we have discussed hereunder.
Our runners-up for this race include truck favorite Cooper tires, winter tire experts Nokian and the ever-reliable Toyo and Kumho tires. Though they didn’t make it to our top of these brands. And certainly made it difficult for us to choose, which goes to show just how good a choice these brands can still be.
Thank you for helping me learn more about how to choose tires for my car. I didn’t know that Pirelli is an Italian racing tire. It is good to know that it is a high performance tire.
What is the the expected life time of good tires?