Top 10 Best Car Tire Brands

Unless something goes very wrong, your car's tires are the only part of the vehicle that make contact with the road. As such, the driving experience your car provides is largely dependent on the tires underneath it.

There are a number of benefits to having the right tires on your car including better gas mileage, improved traction, smoother ride, less noise, and improved performance, but perhaps the most important is the safety of the people in and around it. You may have the most advanced anti-lock braking system, multiple other driver assists, all wheel drive, and more, but if your tires are worn out or not right for the conditions, you're going to have a hard time accelerating, turning, and stopping.

So whether your tires are getting a bit on the thin side, aren't suited for the season, or otherwise are holding back your car's potential, it may be a good time to look into purchasing another set. There are few things you can do for your car that will have the positive impact of a new set of tires.
The Top Ten
1 Michelin (France)

Michelin produces the best tires we sell, boasting 100% client satisfaction. They really stand out compared to other brands, and Michelin has the widest range of tire types - Winter, Summer, and 4 Seasons, including the famous Cross Climate which is approved and stamped by the Swiss Confederation as a real winter tire. Switzerland is known for its high certification standards. Depending on the country, they might be seen as more expensive, but in the end, due to their grip and longevity, they are really competitive.

I've tried a variety of tire brands on my Dodge Ram 1500, and the traction has always varied - from feeling like ice skating to requiring earplugs. Once I had Michelin tires installed on my truck, it was a match made in heaven. I couldn't believe the difference in response and handling. It's like having a new truck!

I am still running on my set of Michelin Latitude tires. So far, I've done over 120,000 km. They offer very good dry and wet grip, excellent handling, great feedback, and comfort as well. I am planning to go for a second set of Michelins. I should especially mention that I've experienced very little wear and tear on my suspensions. That is an advantage. Without a doubt, Michelin is one of the best tire brands.

Learn More at Tire Rack
2 BFGoodrich (USA)

These came on my truck and lasted 85,000 miles and 10 years before I had to change them out due to cracks in the sidewall. This is the best tire I have ever owned as far as mileage is concerned. I can't speak to traction as they didn't stop so well on wet pavement, but that seemed more like an issue of vehicle weight rather than tire quality. No other brand has ever lasted me that long.

BF Goodrich tires are primarily made in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which is in the United States. Are they great tires? The next time you watch a movie featuring a hot rod, take a look at the tires. Also, keep an eye on the tires the next time you watch a Baja race.

My ATs have lasted over 40,000 miles of extreme hard wear, like burnouts and thousands of miles off-road. Great tires.

3 Bridgestone (Japan)

I have used Bridgestone tires for all of my cars over the past 25 years, from subcompact to full-size vehicles such as Patrols and Land Cruisers. They last longer and are considered reliable.

Of course, the Japanese care a lot about quality, as do the Germans, and Bridgestone is no exception.

I love this brand. Japanese products are always cool. They are very conscious about their quality.

4 Goodyear (USA)

Goodyear tires are the absolute best money can buy, from every standpoint. They are the last American-owned tire company and are made in the USA. Goodyears have always lasted longer and gripped better than any other tire I've owned. They look great and are safe. They are the ONLY tires I trust to carry my wife and kids around every day. I love Goodyear tires!

Dodges come with Goodyear tires, enough said. What do you think a '69 or '72 Charger and/or Challenger would do with these tires? Or a Viper SRT-10 at burnouts? No wonder they get Goodyear, and for a good reason. I had Toyo tires for 13 years and was very satisfied. Now there are brand-new Goodyear tires on a Dodge SRT4.

I run a set of Douglas tires on my Accord. They're a Walmart budget tire owned by Goodyear. They claim a 40,000-mile warranty. I've run over a sidewalk curb by accident and it didn't affect my tires at all! Impressive for a mere $41 a tire, from Walmart no less.

Learn More at Tire Rack
5 Continental (Germany)

Founded in 1871, these guys were producing tires for carriages and bicycles decades before there even was a market for car tires. With that sort of experience, it makes sense that Continental would be at the top of the list.

Best tires, hands down. They have the best selection for all weather conditions - awesome grip and good wear. I've used Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Yokohama, and other tire brands, but Continental is my favorite.

Wonderful tires. I have had many sets over the years, from max summer to all-season. Currently, the best all-season tire in snow is from the DWS line. No matter the type, they never disappoint.

Learn More at Tire Rack
6 Hankook (South Korea)

Hankook produces great tires, featuring excellent innovation and design. They are always reasonably priced and perform well.

I have run Hankook tires on all my vehicles for years without any problems and would recommend them for any vehicle.

All products from South Korea are the best and superb.

7 Nokian (Finland)

Really excellent tire from the only tire company in the world that has a year-round winter test track. I have the Nokian Rotiiva AT ATV Radial Tire - 235/65R17 108T on my MDX. My wife did not get stuck or have any trouble even when there were mandatory chain warnings in Denver this winter. These tires also outperformed the Aqua Tread when I had to drive through standing water on the interstate in Topeka, Kansas, with my '93 Fleetwood. I have always been loyal to Michelin, but I have to give it to Nokian. They are actually better than Michelin and are my new favorites.

They've been on my Blazer for about 60,000 miles. I'll be getting a new set in another 5 or 10,000 miles.

I ran a couple of sets on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. They are by far the best ice tires I have ever owned.

8 Dunlop (England)

Best handling on wet roads, very comfortable and silent on the road, and one of the shortest stopping distances.

Owned by Goodyear. Not a bad tire at all.

Had them for years and never had a problem!

9 Pirelli (Italy)

I believe the tires that come with a new car should be replaced by that same brand. Having said that, Pirelli tires aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Pirelli offers great grip in wet conditions. While every other tire brand will claim to be better than their rivals, I still believe you should replace your tires based on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. I've used Pirelli on my model, and if I switch to another model, I'll use that manufacturer's recommendations.

For performance tires, I recommend Pirelli. If you want more durable or long-lasting tires, I prefer Michelin. Bridgestone is also good (known as Firestone in America). All three of these brands have been established and have participated in Formula 1. Personally, I always go for performance tires, so I choose Pirelli, but the other two brands I mentioned are very good too. However, every brand offers a variety of models, and depending on the specific tire model, there are variations. No brand is definitively the best or the worst.

10 Firestone (USA)

I run Firestone tires on my car for winter and they offer excellent traction. Even at spirited speeds, they grip well. They are also priced well and I have never had a problem. I just got rid of a set of 4 Coopers, for example, two of which came out of round. I was not very happy with Cooper.

I've been using the Firestone Destination tire since they came out, on truck after truck. They never wear out, handle great, are good in mud and snow, and are as good as you're going to get on the highway.

I have Firestone tires on my 2012 Toyota Sienna. They perform great in dry and wet weather. The tread wear is also great.

The Contenders
11 Kleber (France)

Kleber is not really well-known and is not widely distributed. It has been a part of Michelin since 1981. They produce tires that are as good as Michelin's.

12 Cooper (USA)

I replaced my Michelin Latitudes with Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 tires. They hold up just as well in the rain and are quiet. The steering tightened up a bit, and they are a little soft on cornering, but the Zeons flex to load up the tires. They do hold well when you find the right spot in the turns and provide good feedback so you won't overdrive it.

I think Cooper Tires are the most underrated tires on the market. They are fantastic tires, and I use them exclusively on my vehicles.

Cooper owns and manufactures brands like Mickey Thompson and Dick Cepek, who, in my opinion, produce the best truck tires out there. I currently have 30,000 miles on my ATZp3 and still have 75% of the tread left. They're worth the money.

13 Yokohama (Japan)

As a qualified tire technician with over 6 years of experience, I can highly recommend Yokohama tires for standard cars. Pirelli? Continental? Please! That's overpriced Chinese garbage! You're paying for the name, and that's it. I've put these on two cars I've owned, including my current one (a 2001 Accent). They last between 40,000 to 60,000 km, are affordable (they cost less than the Pirellis), and stick to the road like glue.

As for the high-end performance segment, you'd better look at Michelin for far more bang for your buck.

*I work for Bob Jane. I do not work for Yokohama or Michelin. We stock mostly Bridgestone and Pirelli.

I just put a set of Yokohama YK 740 GTX on my 2017 Subaru Outback to replace the OE Bridgestone Duelers, and what a difference! Every aspect of handling and drivability is better, especially cornering stability, ride quality, and wet traction. This tire is superior to the Michelin Premier A/S and Pirelli Centurado P7. Too many people buy these brands based on name recognition alone when they should consider Yokohama, Cooper, Continental, and General for a better all-season tire at a lower cost.

14 Falken (Japan)

I have owned 4x4 off-road vehicles for over 20 years. I initially used only BFGoodrich all-terrain radials and received good service from them. Three years ago, I bought my first set of Falkens on the recommendation of the America's Tire technician. They were less expensive and have better performance, ride, and wear. I bought a second set for my car and am equally satisfied with them.

I bought a set for my fairly new car. Although the service advisor downplayed the tires in favor of another, more expensive set, I bought them anyway. I love these tires just as much as my Michelin Energy Savers. I discovered a very smooth and quiet ride. I bought them a month ago and love them.

I had these put on in 2009. I have never had a puncture, leak, or any other issue. They are still going strong as of 2017.

15 Nexen (South Korea)

Nexen's tires are very underrated. Plus, with their warranty program, you're really protected throughout the entire time you're using the tires. I highly recommend them. They're very durable, and the grip is solid.

I just bought a set of 4. They handle very well, provide a smooth ride, and are durable. For the price, they're very comparable to brands like Dunlop, Pirelli, and Continental.

Korea's advanced technology is at its peak in all areas. This seems to include great technology in tires as well.

16 Toyo (Japan)

Really good tires with excellent grip and performance. If you didn't know, Toyo is owned by Toyota. Toyota has always made reliable cars and car parts. I think Toyo is very underrated in the U.S. market.

Great long-lasting truck tire.

17 Apollo (India)
18 Uniroyal (USA)

Uniroyal Tires benefit from trickle-down technology from the Michelin brand and are marketed as a great value for the money. That being said, Uniroyal is a great choice for people on a budget who want peace of mind when buying tires.

Smooth ride, good wear, good price.

These tires work great and last long on my 3500 Chevy heavy-duty truck.

19 Vredestein (Netherlands)

Many years ago, my father purchased a set for his Cortina, which had previously been supplied with crossplies from new. The difference was incredible in all aspects and conditions. These are great tires and are relatively inexpensive. They are definitely worth seeking out.

I had 4 on my Nissan Frontier, 4x4. I couldn't get that thing to slide no matter how hard I tried. The traction in 10 inches of snow was incredible.

The tires stick to the road like glue. They're very responsive.

20 Achilles (Indonesia)

Achilles is an Indonesian tire brand. I think they are the most valuable tires on the market.

21 MRF (India)

MRF has been doing exceptionally well in terms of advancing. Two years on, they supply the Air Force.

Best tires with the best quality, no doubt. They must be in the top ten in the world.

Best tires with the best quality, no doubt. They must be in the top ten in the world.

22 General Tires (USA)

I've purchased Grabber AT2's for my Dodge Dakota and absolutely loved them. I just got Altimax snow tires. We'll see how they perform.

I have a set of the GMAX A/S 05. These tires are highly rated and reasonably priced. They perform really well in wet/dry weather as well as snow/ice. They are true all-season tires.

Great tire at a great price! The Altimax R43 tires have good grip. Compliant sidewalls also improve ride quality over OEM tires.

23 Coker (USA)
24 Ceat (India)
25 Maxxis (Taiwan)

Maxxis makes a killer tire! It's just a matter of time before they are rated in the top 5.

100% trust and service. More power to Maxxis tires!

8Load More
PSearch List