Are you on the hunt for the best tire brands? Tires are the unsung heroes of your vehicle, crucial for safety, performance, and comfort. Whether you’re braving rain-soaked streets or cruising on sun-baked highways, the right tire makes all the difference. Dive into our comprehensive guide and discover the top tire brands that have set the benchmark for quality and reliability this year.
Top 10 Tire Brands
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Yokohama
- Hankook
- Firestone
- BFGoodrich
- Cooper
Michelin and Bridgestone lead the lineup as the best tire brands, renowned for their exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions and their commitment to quality and innovation.
In this article, we explore the top 10 tire brands, delve into understanding tire quality, and guide you through avoiding subpar brands, finding the best value for money, and choosing top all-season tires.
Best Tire Brands On The Market
Navigating the tire market can be overwhelming, but understanding which brands lead the way in quality, performance, and value is key. Here, we present the top 10 tire brands, ranked for their excellence in various aspects such as longevity, and performance in both wet and dry conditions.
1. Michelin: The Premium Choice
- Specialty: Superior performance in both wet and dry conditions.
- Highlight: Michelin is renowned for its high-quality tires that offer excellent tread life, fuel efficiency, and road handling.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.1 of 10
Wet Weather
9.4 of 10
Winter Weather
8.8 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:640
UTQG Traction Rating:B
UTQG Temperature Rating:A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.5 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
2. Bridgestone: The Versatile Performer
- Specialty: Exceptional all-around performance.
- Key Feature: Bridgestone tires are known for their durability and reliability, suitable for a wide range of vehicles and driving conditions.
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.3 of 10
Winter Weather
9.1 of 10
Tread Wear
9.0 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:N/A
UTQG Traction Rating:N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating:N/A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 70,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.3 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
3. Continental: The Innovation Leader
- Specialty: Cutting-edge technology in tire manufacturing.
- Advantage: Continental tires are celebrated for their innovative tread patterns and rubber compounds, enhancing grip and road safety.
Continental TrueContact Tour
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.9 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
7.9 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:800
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:B
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 80,000 Miles (T- & H-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 70,000 Miles (V-Speed Rated)
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 9.0 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
4. Goodyear: The All-American Brand
- Specialty: Well-rounded performance, especially in dry conditions.
- Unique Selling Point: Goodyear offers a wide range of tires that provide strong traction and stability, catering to diverse driving needs.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:700
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.8 of 10
Road Noise: 8.4 of 10
5. Pirelli: The High-Performance Expert
- Specialty: Excellent handling at high speeds.
- Notable Aspect: Pirelli is synonymous with high-performance tires, offering exceptional handling and responsiveness, particularly for sports cars.
Pirelli P7 AS Plus3
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.1 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:740
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:A
Mileage Warranty
Unlimited Time / 70,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.3 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
6. Yokohama: The Eco-Friendly Option
- Specialty: Environmentally friendly tire solutions.
- Eco-Friendly Feature: Yokohama is known for its commitment to sustainability, producing tires that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Yokohama AVID Ascend LX
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
7.7 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:800
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:B
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 85,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.7 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
7. Hankook: The Rising Star
- Specialty: High-quality tires at competitive prices.
- Distinctive Quality: Hankook has gained recognition for providing reliable performance at more affordable prices, making it a great value-for-money brand.
Hankook Kinergy PT
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.7 of 10
Winter Weather
6.5 of 10
Tread Wear
9.0 of 10
Dry Weather
8.5 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:800
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 90,000 Miles (T- & H-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 75,000 Miles (V-Speed Rated)
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.7 of 10
Cornering: 8.6 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.6 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 6.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
8. Firestone: The Trusted Brand
- Specialty: Dependable performance for everyday use.
- Versatility: Firestone offers a range of tires that are reliable and durable, suitable for everyday driving needs.
Firestone Destination AT2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
8.7 of 10
Winter Weather
8.4 of 10
All Terrain
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:540
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:B
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 55,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 8.9 of 10
Mud Grip: 8.3 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.4 of 10
Rock Grip: 8.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.6 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.6 of 10
9. BFGoodrich: The Adventure Enthusiast’s Choice
- Specialty: Tires for off-road and rugged terrains.
- Key Advantage: BFGoodrich specializes in tires that excel in off-road conditions, making them a top choice for adventure seekers.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/AKO2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.8 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
8.7 of 10
All Terrain
9.0 of 10
Tread Wear
8.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:N/A
UTQG Traction Rating:N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating:N/A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 50,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.3 of 10
Mud Grip: 8.7 of 10
Sand Grip: 9.0 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.1 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.7 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 9.0 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.3 of 10
10. Cooper: The Budget-Friendly Pick
- Specialty: Affordable quality.
- Appeal: Cooper Tires provide a balance between performance and cost, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers.
Cooper CS5 Grand Touring
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.5 of 10
Winter Weather
6.8 of 10
Tread Wear
8.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating:780
UTQG Traction Rating:A
UTQG Temperature Rating:A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 80,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.6 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.2 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 8.0 of 10
For more detailed information about each brand and their tire offerings, explore our in-depth tire buying guides. These guides can help you understand the nuances of each brand and what they can offer for your specific tire requirements.
Understanding Tire Quality
When it comes to tires, it’s not just about rolling down the road; it’s about doing it safely, efficiently, and smartly. Selecting the right tire for your vehicle is crucial, and understanding what makes a tire ‘good’ is the first step. Let’s dive into the world of tire quality and see what sets the best apart from the rest.
Key Indicators of Tire Quality
- Tread Life: This is all about how long your tire will last before it needs replacing. A longer tread life means fewer tire changes and more value for your money. It’s important to check the tire tread life expectancy chart to gauge how different brands stack up.
- Grip and Traction: Whether it’s a rainy day or a hot, dry one, your tires need to cling to the road. Excellent grip means better control and safer driving, especially in challenging weather conditions.
- Resistance to Wear: Some tires wear out faster than others. A tire that resists wear will serve you well over a variety of road surfaces and conditions.
Why All-Weather Performance Matters
Choosing a tire that performs well in both wet and dry conditions isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s a safety issue. Tires that excel in diverse weather conditions provide:
- Consistent Performance: You want tires that can handle a sudden rainstorm as confidently as a sunny day.
- Safety in Various Conditions: The ability to brake effectively and maintain control in both wet and dry conditions is vital.
- Long-Term Reliability: Tires that perform well in all weather conditions tend to be designed with durability in mind.
Making the Right Choice
When it’s time to pick new tires, don’t just go for the first option you see. Here are a few practical tips:
- Know Your Needs: Consider your typical driving conditions. Do you encounter more wet weather or dry? Are you driving on rough roads or smooth highways? Understanding your specific needs is key to choosing the right tire.
- Research and Compare: Take a look at our guides on how to pick new tires and the 10 best all-season tires for a comprehensive comparison.
- Ask the Right Questions: Before making a purchase, ask yourself and the seller the 10 questions to ask when buying tires. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re making an informed choice.
- Price vs. Quality: The age-old debate of cheap vs. expensive tires is more than just about spending money. It’s about investing in safety and performance. Our guide on cheap vs. expensive tires can help demystify the cost factor.
Avoiding the Pitfalls – The Worst Tire Brands
When it comes to tires, not all brands are created equal. While many manufacturers offer high-quality, reliable products, there are some brands that consistently fall short. It’s crucial to be aware of these to make an informed decision and ensure your safety on the road.
Recognizing Lower Quality Brands
- Poor Tread Life: Some brands are notorious for their tires wearing out quickly, leading to frequent replacements.
- Inadequate Grip: Tires from less reputable brands often struggle with providing adequate traction, especially in wet or icy conditions.
- Subpar Safety Ratings: Lower-end tires may not meet the safety standards set by reputable testing organizations, posing a risk to drivers.
The Importance of Research
- Read Reviews and Ratings: Before making a purchase, it’s important to read customer reviews and professional ratings. These can provide valuable insights into the longevity and performance of the tires.
- Consult Experts: Seeking advice from tire experts or mechanics can help you avoid brands with a poor track record.
Making a Wise Choice
- Value for Money: While it’s tempting to opt for cheaper tires, remember that a lower price can often mean lower quality. It’s about finding the best balance between cost and quality.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety over cost. Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so their quality is paramount.
For more insights on choosing the right tires, check out our comprehensive guides on tire selection and maintenance.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
We’ve navigated the diverse world of tire brands, offering insights into quality indicators, the pitfalls of low-quality tires, and the criteria for value and versatility.
From the premium performance of Michelin to the budget-friendly options from Cooper, there’s a brand for every need and preference.
Remember, the right tire not only enhances your driving experience but is a crucial investment in your safety on the road.
Good luck and happy motoring.
