Choosing the right tires can feel like navigating a jungle of options—each promising the moon. For the well-educated driver, it’s not just about rubber hitting the road; it’s about trust, reliability, and performance. In this gallery article, we’ll cut through the noise and shed light on the major tire brands: the champions you should consider and the ones that might leave you flat.

Buy: Michelin

Michelin tires stand out for their quality and durability, making them a smart investment despite the higher price tag. Each tire undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of safety and comfort. With innovative technologies like Michelin Energy Saver, run-flat, and radial tires, they deliver impressive fuel efficiency.

Avoid: Chaoyang

These tires are often criticized for being too soft and lacking durability. They are prone to punctures and may not withstand rough road conditions or everyday wear and tear. They also pose a significant safety risk, especially in hot climates or during long drives. Chaoyang tires have garnered a reputation for disappointing performance.

Buy: Goodyear

Goodyear delivers exceptional performance on racetracks, urban streets, and off-road terrains. Their innovative features include RunOnFlat technology for continued driving after a puncture. Prioritizing safety and reliability, Goodyear tires come with long-lasting warranties, with some models offering up to an 80,000-mile guarantee.

Avoid: Geostar

These tires have poor grip on both dry and wet roads, compromising safety and handling. Additionally, they are known for lacking responsiveness in steering, which can impact maneuverability and driver control.

Buy: Continental

This brand offers tires engineered for top performance on any surface and in any condition. Their Wet Grip Performance ensures superior handling in damp weather. At the same time, high-speed stability reduces rolling friction and enhances steering response, saving about 8% on fuel. 

Avoid: Triangle

Triangle tires are widely criticized for their poor performance in wet conditions, offering virtually no grip. This lack of traction results in rear-wheel slip, especially noticeable when accelerating from a stop at traffic lights, which is particularly problematic for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Additionally, they are notorious for generating excessive noise.

Buy: Pirelli

These tires are made with eco-friendly materials, ensuring environmental protection while providing a superior driving experience. Suitable for drivers of all expertise levels, Pirelli tires provide better speed control on various terrains. As they are designed to ensure stability in all weather conditions, they are ideal for safe driving throughout the year.

Avoid: AKS

AKS tires are known for wearing out much quicker than their competitors. This reduced longevity can lead to frequent replacements, increasing overall costs and inconvenience. Moreover, their lack of grip can result in reduced control over your vehicle, making it more challenging to handle, especially in adverse conditions.

Buy: Bridgestone

Bridgestone tires offer superior traction and handling in all conditions with advanced tread design and a special rubber compound for better grip on wet roads. They provide a smooth, quiet ride, minimizing road noise and vibrations for comfort on long drives. Built to endure rough roads, Bridgestone tires also come with a longer lifespan, saving on replacement costs.

Avoid: Autogreen

With a lifespan of only around 10,000 miles at most, these tires are among the shortest-lasting options on the market. Frequent replacements can easily add up in cost and hassle. Furthermore, the tread wear on Autogreen tires tends to be uneven, which diminishes their performance and safety.

Buy: Dunlop

Established in 1888, Dunlop has a storied legacy of tire excellence, highlighted by historic victories like their first Grand Prix win in 1923. Utilizing advanced Multi-Radius Tread Technology developed through decades of racing expertise, Dunlop tires offer exceptional steering responsiveness.

Avoid: Goodride

These tires are known for their poor handling characteristics, which can make driving feel unstable and unpredictable. Whether it’s dry, wet, or snowy roads, the grip is severely lacking, which can lead to dangerous driving situations. Reviews frequently use terms like “cheap” and “crappy” to describe these tires.

Buy: Yokohama

Yokohama tires feature modern tread patterns for great stability and traction, reducing hydroplaning by handling water effectively. They use durable rubber that stands up to heat, lasting through tough conditions. With low rolling resistance, these tires save fuel, making them cost-effective. Plus, Yokohama’s design cuts down on road noise.

Avoid: Falken

Even in dry conditions, Falken tires struggle to provide adequate traction. The situation worsens on wet or slick roads, where their grip deteriorates to dangerously low levels. Historically, Falken was known for producing reliable tires. However, recent cost-cutting measures have led to a noticeable decline in the quality of their products.

Buy: Toyo

Toyo Tires are all about safety and durability. They’re tested to be tough to handle any road condition—wet, dry, gravel, you name it. Plus, they’re built to last. For speed and precision, Toyo’s high-performance tires deliver top-notch handling, cornering, and braking for sports cars and enthusiasts who want the best.