Tires are important for your vehicle’s safety, fuel economy, and driving experience, in addition to keeping it moving ahead. Finding the ideal tires for your car can be challenging as there are so many different tire brands and tire kinds available in the market. When searching for new tires, many drivers consider factors such as the tire model, size, and price.
In addition, some knowledgeable consumers rely on trusted brand names and then select the most suitable tire model within that brand for their vehicle. To make your choice a little bit simpler, we’ve examined the top 10 tire manufacturers in the market. Let’s have a look at these top tire brands.
Top 10 Best Tire Brands
Here are the top 10 best tire brands for 2023:
1. Michelin:
The French multinational tire company Michelin has been in operation since 1889. Behind the titan Bridgestone and ahead of companies like Goodyear and Continental, Michelin is regarded as the second-largest tire producer in the world.
From the Golden Wrench Winner for Best All Season CrossClimate2 to the Golden Wrench Winner for Best Performance tire, the Pilot Sport S4, Michelin provides 50 distinct tire styles. It is one of the manufacturers that provides a variety of tires designed specifically for winter weather.
Michelin has a great track record for producing high-quality tires all across the world. Because of this, Michelin has won the Golden Wrench Award for Best All-Around Tire Brand.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- A nationwide network of retailers
- Highest quality rating
- Highest consumer ranking
- Many different tire models
- Exceptional performance tires
Cons:
- High Price
2. Continental:
German tire maker Continental has been in operation for more than 150 years. It’s a division of a giant multinational corporation that supplies a broad range of subsystems for use in vehicles and other modes of transportation. The company offers a lot more than just making tires.
In the US, Continental offers a selection of 59 different tires. Continental produces outstanding high-performance tires, touring tires, medium-duty trucks, and SUV tires, but less so for the extreme mud-terrain and all-terrain types because it primarily focuses on mainstream vehicle tire production. Continental tires are great if you need or want tires that can cope with extreme weather or other situations.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires winter tires.
Pros:
- Significant variety, especially at the performance end
- Great selection of winter tire
- Great selection of all-season and travel tires
Cons:
- There are few all-terrain or mud-terrain options.
3. Goodyear:
Goodyear has been producing tires since the development of vulcanization. Goodyear tires are designed to last for all types of vehicles, including off-road trucks and motorsports vehicles, and were established in Akron, Ohio, in 1898. Goodyear tires, being among the best on the market, are more expensive than other average brands.
Goodyear offers an amazing 85 distinct tire models, ranging from high-performance tires like the Eagle F1 Supercar to affordable all-season tires for commuter sedans like the Radial LS. Before delivering any models to customers, the business subjects its tires to extensive internal and external testing. There is also a wide selection, with trucks and SUVs accounting for around half of Goodyear’s tire offerings.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- National retail network
- Independent Goodyear tire stores
- Highest quality rating
- High consumer ratings
- A variety of tire models
- Selection of winter tires
Cons:
- High Price
- On some models, the wet performance is just average.
4. Bridgestone:
Bridgestone is a Japanese tire manufacturer that has been producing tires since 1931. Since acquiring Firestone in 1988 and making other acquisitions over the years, Bridgestone Corporation has become the largest tire maker in the world. Bridgestone has been a pioneer in the market, constantly pushing for eco-friendlier innovations.
It keeps up the Bridgestone brand, which has more than 100 different tire types for almost every kind of driver. Its ultra-high- and high-performance range is called Potenza, although it also offers Turanza and Ecopia tires for passenger cars. It also produces nine different variants of its Blizzak tire, which is widely regarded as having revolutionized the winter tire industry in the 1990s.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- Numerous tire options for every application
- A good nationwide store network
- Performance in wet and dry conditions is excellent
- Outstanding winter performance
Cons:
- Fewer models than those offered by competing brands
5. BFGoodrich:
One of the first tire companies to exist, BFGoodrich has been producing tires since 1870. Since joining the Michelin family of brands in 1990, it has had a significant position in the US market. BFGoodrich has primarily concentrated on just 21 different tire styles to maintain its status as a household name.
Its most popular tires include the All-Terrain T/A K02 and Mud Terrain KM3 tires and the g-Force ultra-high performance tires. The only other white-letter 14- and 15-inch tire for classic muscle cars is the Radial T/A. It has also done well with its Advantage T/A touring tires, which are a replacement for sports vehicles and commuter sedans.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- Good all-terrain tires
- Great mud-terrain tires
- One of the few tires available for classic muscle vehicles
Cons:
- A small range of products
6. Cooper:
Another of those Akron-based rubber manufacturers, Cooper, has been a part of the industry since 1914. It went through some rough times, but lately, it’s been getting better and making some great models in a few different categories. Cooper tires are well-known for their superior handling and traction, making them a top option for drivers who value safety and reliability.
Cooper can’t compete with the large variety of the major manufacturers because it only offers 21 different models, but it does well in the markets where it sells those products. Its Discoverer truck and SUV tire has long been a customer favorite, while muscle car enthusiasts continue to adore the Cooper Cobra, one of the few solid white-letter tires with thick sidewalls available in 14 and 15-inch widths.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- Great all-terrain tires
- Great mud-terrain tires
- One of the few tires available for classic muscle vehicles
Cons:
- Limited product range
- Only a few high-performance options are available.
7. Yokohama:
Japanese tire maker Yokohama has been in business since 1917, but the company has only really broken through in the American market since 1969. Since then, it has established two US production plants, and by supplying tires for numerous OEM applications, it has grown to be a household name.
For buyers in the United States, Yokohama offers 76 distinct models, most of which are variations on the company’s ADVAN performance tire brand, Avid all-season/touring tire line, and Geolandar range of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Additionally, it offers a variety of winter tires. Yokohama tires are great if you’re looking for high-quality rubber that will last a long time.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- An outstanding line-up of performers
- A variety of all-season/tourist tires are available
- Extensive selection of mud- and all-terrain truck and SUV tires
Cons:
- Less retailer network than other manufacturers
- Some all-season models function poorly during the winter.
8. Pirelli:
Pirelli, a tire manufacturer based in Milan, Italy, has a rich history spanning nearly 150 years. Its focus has primarily been on supplying tires for prominent European racing series and events, including the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series and FIA Formula One. The company also offers a wide selection of track tires and a range of winter performance tires to meet different driving needs.
With a diverse range of 63 tire models, Pirelli has built its reputation around producing ultra-high performance tires specifically designed for exclusive performance and sport-luxury cars. Additionally, Pirelli is recognized for manufacturing top-quality tires for trucks and SUVs, particularly through its Scorpion line.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, winter tires, and all-terrain tires.
Pros:
- Retail networks across the country
- Highest quality rating
- Highest consumer ranking
- Several distinct tire models
- A variety of winter tires
Cons:
- High Price
- No mud terrain-specific tires
9. General:
General Tire, an American tire manufacturer established in 1915, played a significant role in the industrial success of Akron, Ohio, during the early to mid-20th century as one of the many rubber manufacturers in the area. Compared to larger manufacturers, General Tire offers a more limited range of tire models, with a total of 19 options available.
The majority of these models belong to the Grabber line, which focuses on truck and SUV tires. Additionally, General Tire includes several winter tire choices in its lineup, such as the Altimax for passenger vehicles and the Grabber Arctic designed for trucks and SUVs.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- Top quality ranking
- Highest consumer ranking
- A variety of all-terrain and mud-terrain tires
- A good selection of winter tires
Cons:
- Fewer models than those offered by competing brands
- Limited performance spectrum
- Fewer retail outlets
10. Hankook:
Hankook, originally known as the Chosun Tire Company, is the youngest tire brand on our list. It was founded in South Korea in 1941 and underwent a rebranding as Hankook in 1968. The brand entered the US market in the 1990s and has since emerged as a prominent player in the tire industry. The company offers a diverse range of 42 tire models, categorized into different lines.
These include the Ventus line, which focuses on high-performance tires, the Optimo and Kinergy lines that cater to all-season and touring tire needs, and the more recent Dynapro line, designed for all-terrain and mud-terrain applications. Hankook’s tire offerings cover a wide range of driving requirements and have contributed to its growing reputation in the industry.
Types:
All-season tires, touring tires, high-performance tires, ultra-high-performance tires, all-terrain tires, and mud-terrain tires.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance lineup
- Various all-season/tourist tires are available.
Cons:
- All-terrain/mud terrain selection is limited.
- No offer of winter tires
Types Of Tires:
The following are the most common types of tires:
- Passenger tires: These are designed for personal use in vehicles such as hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, and crossovers.
- All-season tires: These tires are suitable for highway driving and can handle various weather and road conditions. They are often referred to as grand touring tires.
- All-terrain tires: These tires are designed to perform equally well both on-road and off-road, providing versatility and capability in different terrains.
- High-performance tires: These tires are built to deliver sporty handling, excellent grip, and quick responsiveness, enhancing the performance of vehicles.
- Snow tires: This category includes studded and studless tires, offering improved traction on snow-covered roads. The best snow tires often come with studs for enhanced grip.
- Summer tires: Also known as performance tires, these tires excel in warm-weather conditions, providing precise handling and traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
- Ultra-high-performance tires: These tires are specifically designed to support high-horsepower vehicles, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with exceptional handling and traction.
- Winter tires: The best winter tires feature deeper tread patterns and superior traction, making them well-suited for winter weather conditions.
Original Equipment vs. Replacement: Which Are the Best Tires?
OE tires are the tires that are originally provided with your vehicle when you buy them. They are specifically designed by both the car manufacturer and the tire brand to match your vehicle’s make and model. On the other hand, replacement tires, also known as new tires, are more generic in nature and not tailored for a specific vehicle.
When you are in the process of buying tires or browsing through tire-selling websites, you will come across a differentiation between these two types of tires. So, which tires are the best for your car? Well, that depends. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tire:
| Original Equipment (OE) Tires | Replacement Tires |
|---|---|
| Most commonly used for specialized vehicles like sports cars. | It may work best for your car because the maker backs their assembly and structure. |
| May work best for your car because the maker backs their assembly and structure. | Possibly a more technologically sophisticated and fuel-efficient choice. |
| Tend to be more expensive and can require replacement more frequently. | Tend to be more affordable and durable. |
How to Read a Tire?
Knowing how to read a tire can be highly useful, especially when you’re looking for the right tire for your vehicle. It’s important to understand the meaning of the numbers printed on the sidewall of the tire when you’re shopping for tires.
Here’s a simple explanation of common tire labels found on passenger vehicles:
R: This indicates a radial tire, which is the standard type of tire used in the industry.
M+S: This stands for “mud” and “snow” and signifies that the tire has some capability to drive in specialized conditions.
Load index: Represented by a two- or three-digit label, it shows how much weight the tire can carry. Higher numbers indicate higher weight capacity.
Aspect ratio: This two-digit label shows the relationship between the tire’s height and width. A lower number (50 or lower) means a shorter sidewall, which improves steering response and overall handling. Opting for a lower aspect ratio provides more stability while driving.
What Is Covered by a Tire Warranty?
Tire models typically provide two types of warranties: a limited warranty and a mileage warranty. The limited warranty covers any defects in workmanship and is usually offered by manufacturers for the entire lifespan of the tire. The tire’s lifespan is determined by how long it takes for the tread to wear down to a depth of 2/32 of an inch, which typically occurs approximately every six years.
On the other hand, a mileage warranty, also known as a tread-life warranty, provides an estimation of how long the tire’s tread will last. The duration of mileage warranties can vary significantly, not just between manufacturers but also among different tire types.
For instance, all-season tires typically have more extended mileage warranties than performance tires because they are intended for everyday commuting rather than high-performance activities on racetracks.
Choosing the Best Tire Brand
Choosing the right tire brand is a personal decision that depends on factors like driving style, vehicle type, and budget. For off-roading in a Jeep Wrangler, you’ll need a durable tire capable of handling rough terrains. In contrast, city dwellers with minimal vehicle usage require different tires. Consider price, availability, longevity, and tread life when choosing.
Start by researching ratings and consumer reviews to identify suitable tire types. Then, compare prices and availability from various tire shops and online outlets. Keep in mind that some stores offer price matching. Once you find the tire that meets your needs, check local shops and online outlets for inventory and competitive prices so that you can get the best deal.
FAQs:
Which is the best tire brand?
As the best tire brand, Michelin tops the list for all categories.
Are Michelin tires worth the money?
According to consumer evaluations and satisfaction ratings, Michelin frequently performs better than all other tire brands, so yes, it is worth the money.
Which tire brand has the longest lifespan?
The General Altimax RT43 and the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring typically survive longer than the ordinary tire.
Are Walmart tires reliable?
It all depends on what they’re selling. Almost any brand of tire is available through a Walmart location. The quality of a Michelin tire purchased from Wally World is comparable to that of any other tire provider.
What are the worst tire brands?
GoodDay, B.R. Goodrach, Michelob, and Pirollo are some tire brands that you should avoid at all costs.
