Tires are often an underrated element of vehicle safety. We all know to buckle our seatbelts, to stop at the red lights, and to abide by traffic laws. But what is less discussed is the importance of quality tires and tire maintenance in getting a car safely from point A to point B. That’s why investing in the best tire brands is a responsible choice as a car owner.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, 664 people died in 2020 due to tire-related vehicle crashes. And, a 2019 survey found that only about 50% of people switch out their tires in the winter. Simply put, your tires are imperative to the function of your vehicle. That’s why purchasing the right tires can help protect against dangerous road conditions and more from the start.
According to a new study, seasonal car repairs rack up $1,772 per year for the average American car owner. Worn-out tires contribute to these expenses, as 31 percent of drivers admit to overlooking their timely replacement. “Saving money on vehicle repairs can be as simple as making sure your tires are properly inflated, which can extend their average life by 4,700 miles,” says Josh Chalofsky, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer at SimpleTire. “Making sure your tires are rotated, balanced and aligned can also help prevent potential accidents.”
But if you don’t already know what you’re looking for, navigating the tire market can be confusing. With tons of brands on the market, each with tons of options of their own, choosing the right tire can feel a bit like picking a number out of a hat. To take the guesswork out of the equation and help protect your car against tire-related incidents, we rounded up 10 expert opinions on the best tire brands in the industry. Here’s our list, but as always, let us know if you have a recommendation we missed in the comments below.
The List: Best Tire Brands, According to Experts
1. Michelin
A classic for its safety and quality, Michelin is widely recognized as a leader among tire brands. “Michelin sells quality tires in virtually every category,” says Automoblog. “From run-flat tires to summer tires to all-season tires, Michelin tops recommendation lists from consumers and industry experts alike.”
Michelin makes a product that is well worth the price, according to most reviewers. “There’s a reason some people say: ‘Just pay for the Michelins.’ The brand’s products are among the most advanced, best performing tires on the market,” The Drive says. “Michelin Tire continues to innovate with high quality tires that earn excellent consumer ratings,” adds CNET.
2. Bridgestone
If you live in a place with snowy, icy winters, Bridgestone has the tires for you. “The company [shows] clear strength in winter/snow tires, a segment it helped popularize,” notes Consumer Report. But options for great Bridgestone tires don’t disappear when summer rolls around.
“Bridgestone also offers cutting-edge run-flat tires for drivers looking for added peace of mind on the road,” Automoblog says. “If you’re not keen on keeping a spare around or simply want to purchase products from a reputable tire manufacturer, Bridgestone is a tried-and-true option.”
In addition to its top-notch snow and run-flat tires, Bridgestone is also a standout for its push toward more eco-conscious practices. “Over the last few years, Bridgestone has made strides to use environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes,” says Autoweek. “Bridgestone has been an innovative player in the industry,” adds Automoblog.
3. Continental
As one of the largest and oldest tire manufacturers in the world, Continental is well-versed in what makes a good tire. “Continental is known for producing exceptional tires in standard, touring, and performance models,” says Autoweek.
“The best tires on the market, no matter if they are touring or performance tires, must offer driving safety. Tire makers like Continental turn their attention to detail. They use their very own technologies to create value tires,” adds Priority Tire.
In the making of its high-quality tires, Continental puts in the extra effort to demonstrate eco-consciousness. “The tire manufacturer puts an emphasis on safe, eco-friendly tires that are easier on the environment, which is an added bonus,” CNET says.
4. Goodyear
Goodyear is a standout in the industry for its highly durable tires. “Founded in 1898, Goodyear has earned a sterling reputation for producing durable tires,” says Autoweek. “Goodyear tires are made to last for all types of vehicles, including off-road trucks and motorsports vehicles,” Automoblog adds.
While Goodyear tires are typically priced higher than budget competitors, the company puts their century in the business to work creating tires that are worth the investment. “Every Goodyear tire goes through extensive in-house testing before it reaches the market to ensure it meets stringent standards for braking, acceleration and handling,” says CNET. “There’s a tire for pretty much every use case from the Goodyear tire company.”
5. Cooper
For budget-conscious shoppers, Cooper is hard to beat. “Cooper tires are considerably cheaper than most tire brands, without compromising quality,” says Automoblog.
At Jalopnik, Cooper wins the accolade of best value. “Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has been producing quality tires at low price points since 1914,” Jalopnik states. “Cooper tires range from $70 to $530, giving the brand some of the lowest average costs among our recommended brands of tires.”
Cooper has a selection that will suit the needs of most customers and all seasons. “While the Cooper Tires brand doesn’t provide a wide tire range, all of its tires are designed with consumers in mind,” says Priority Tire. “From their treadwear warranties to the price of Cooper tires, this brand offers the best tire value on the market.”
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.
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