When it comes to safe driving, tires are more than often forgotten. However, they actually play an important role in your driving experience. Thankfully, we always take our tires seriously. With good tires, we can brake properly and don’t have to lose balance even when driving at high speeds. Are you planning to replace your current tires? Then it’s important to look for the best tire brand for cars for 2023. As with many other car accessories, many different brands are available out there when it comes to wheels. Each of them has their own pluses and minuses. But if you do not know what you’re looking for, all those amazing options will only confuse you. That’s why we’re here! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best brands on the market. We’ll consider factors such as performance, durability, safety, and value to help you choose the right tires for your car.
Table of contents
Firestone
13
While Firestone isn’t the most popular tire brand and doesn’t boast the same reputation as other bigger companies like Michelin, it does has the respect of tire industry experts. What’s worth applauding is that most of its tires have treadwear warranties of up to 70,000 miles! Plus, there are three to four years of limited warranties available.
This brand has many tires, but the Firestone Winterforce 2 is a standout. Based on our testing, we can confidently agree that it offers superb traction. Built for coupes, minivans, and sedans, this tire promises reliable traction on snow, ice, and other winter conditions. No wonder it’s also featured in our list of the best winter tires for cars. Furthermore, it’s available in 14 to 18-inch sizes, all featuring an S-speed rating. Best of all, it’s not as pricey as other winter tires on the market. Learn more about this tire by watching this review video on YouTube!
Pros
- This tire offers an amazing grip.
- It’s available at a reasonable price.
- All sizes come with an S-speed rating.
Cons
- It can be a little bit noisy.
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Hankook
12
What we have here is a South Korean tire brand, Hankook. This tire brand has been around since 1941. However, it was rebranded in 1968 and would only begin producing tires in the 1990s. Though it doesn’t have as much experience as other bigger manufacturers, that doesn’t stop this brand from making first-rate tiers. Some of our team members initially didn’t know much about this brand, but after trying its tires, we immediately fell in love. With 42 models, this brand deserves to be recognized.
One of the most popular tires on the market, the Hankook Kinergy ST is truly a gem! It’s a nice option for drivers seeking a smooth, quiet riding experience. When we were driving, we barely heard any noise. Also, its materials and silica-based compounds ensure it can last for years and have enough traction in all situations. It’s time to give this tire a try!
Pros
- This tire offers a quiet and comfortable ride.
- It can improve fuel mileage.
- It’s backed by a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Cons
- It’s not the best option for all four seasons in regions with harsh winters.
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Falken
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Falken is one of the newer tire manufacturers, but underestimating this brand will be a huge mistake. The Japanese company mainly focuses on producing high-performance tires, though it also has other tire models. This tire brand is a nice option for those wanting high-performance, all-terrain tires that won’t break the wallet.
One of our favorite tires from Falken is the Falken Azenis FK510. It’s made for luxurious cars and offers ultra-high performance in both wet and dry terrain. One of the tire’s highlights is the 4D Nano design, which greatly enhances its wear and wet weather traction. We once tried driving when it was raining, and we were able to make turns and hit the brake perfectly. Not to mention, it’s low in noise and has great stability in high-speed cornering.
Pros
- It offers great stability in high-speed cornering.
- It offers an impressive grip in all conditions.
- The 4D Nano design enhances wet weather traction.
Cons
- The steering is slow.
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Dunlop
10
Founded in the late 1800s, Dunlop is hands down one of the most popular tire brands in the world. You’ve probably heard of this brand, even if you’re not a car maniac. It’s known for making top-quality tires that offer amazing everyday performance. Plus, with a wide array of tires for drivers to choose from, it’s a good option for those wanting durable and reliable tires.
Though pricey, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT High-Performance Tire is loved by many. After testing this tire, we fell in love with its performance. It gave us unbeatable traction and cornering grip, enhancing our driving experience. This is especially true if you have a sports car. If you don’t mind spending a little more, this tire can make sure you’ll always have a smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride.
Pros
- Impressive dry traction and cornering grip.
- It has excellent wet handling.
- This is a great option for sports cars.
Cons
- Not that durable for spirited drivers.
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General Tire
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Another great addition to our list is General Tire. Established in 1915, this brand is popular for its long-lasting, multi-terrain stability and high-quality tires. It’s safe to say that General Tire knows how to make solid tires, whether it’s for the snowy season, all seasons, or various terrains. It’s worth noting that its collections aren’t as varied as its competitors, though; most of them are truck and SUV tires, and some are for winter.
Those searching for the best tire brand for Honda Civic should also consider this brand. If you drive a sports coupe or a sedan but are looking for a budget-friendly tire, we highly recommend checking out the General Grabber UHP Radial Tire! During testing, this ultra-high-performance tire showed us that it had impeccable traction on both dry and wet surfaces. In addition to that, we were also able to drive without making much noise. Not to mention, it has a long lifespan and offers excellent steering response.
Pros
- This tire is reasonably priced.
- It offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
- It has impeccable traction on dry and wet surfaces.
Cons
- It’s not great for winter driving.
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Pirelli
8
With nearly 150 years of experience in its arsenal, you can rest assured that Pirelli knows what it’s doing. This Milanese tire brand has been producing high-quality tires for European racing events. We’re talking about the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series as well as the FIA Formula One. On top of that, this brand has a wide range of tire models, with over 60 in total.
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All-Season Plus 2 is one of the brand’s best-selling tires. It delivers amazing traction in any condition and is made to cater to North American drivers’ needs. We tried driving when it was raining, and we still managed to have a great amount of traction. Plus, it comes with an amazing treadwear warranty and is relatively quiet. Best of all, many love getting this tire as it has a reasonable price!
Pros
- It’s one of Pirelli’s most popular tires.
- It offers amazing traction in any condition.
- It offers a high level of comfort and is quiet.
Cons
- There’s higher fuel consumption.
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Yokohama
7
As you can guess from its name, Yokohama is a Japanese tire manufacturer. It’s been producing first-rate tires since 1917, but it wasn’t until 1969 that it became extremely popular in the United States. Today, it has two manufacturing facilities in the country. And for US consumers, this car wheel brand has over 70 different models to choose from.
Among all of its tires, the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is one of our favorites. It delivers unmatched performance on all types of surfaces under all weather conditions. We’ve tried driving on a sunny and rainy day, and we were able to drive safely in both conditions. Sounds good, right? Apart from that, we also love the optimized tread pattern that increases the tire’s wear performance. What’s more, its traction performance on snowy and wet surfaces is amazing.
Pros
- There’s good traction on wet surfaces.
- It offers responsive steering.
- We were able to have a smooth ride experience.
Cons
- It’s not the best option in deep mud.
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BFGoodrich
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Best Warranty. While there are plenty of tire manufacturers, BFGoodrich is one of the oldest. This brand has been making tires since 1870 and has been a member of the Michelin family since 1990. But compared to Michelin, this brand excels in off-road performance. Unlike some of its competitors, BFGoodrich only has a little over 20 tire models, which is pretty limited. But if you underestimate this brand, you’re wrong!
Just take a look at the BFGoodrich Advantage Control All-Season Tire! This beautiful tire is made for sedans, sports cars, CUVs, and minivans. If you own a Honda Civic, you can consider getting this tire. Furthermore, it gave us peace of mind when we were testing it, thanks to its amazing all-season traction. We were able to roam with confidence. Aside from that, it also allows you to drive in quiet comfort! Plus, it can stop eight feet shorter in wet conditions compared to other leading tires.
Pros
- Its stopping power is among the best.
- There’s a 75,000-mile treadwear warranty.
- It offers reliable all-season traction.
Cons
- It doesn’t perform that well on ice.
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Cooper
5
Cooper is one of the best car wheel brands that have been around for a long time. It’s been operating since 1914, making it one of the most experienced tire manufacturers. Though it has gone through some dark moments, recently, it has been gaining some momentum thanks to some of its models. Compared to other huge manufacturers, this brand has fewer models. But you can rest assured that all tires from Cooper perform well!
With that being said, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is our favorite. During testing, this all-terrain tire provided us with amazing off-road durability along with great on-road comfort. Its Wide Aqua Vac Channels will push water, mud, and other liquid away from the tread. What about its warranty? You don’t have to worry, as this tire has a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. Check out the reviews about this tire on its official product page!
Pros
- This tire offers off-road durability with on-road comfort.
- It has a maximum grip on all surfaces.
- It’s a nice choice for large vehicles and trucks.
Cons
- It’s a little bit expensive.
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Goodyear
4
Best Collections. Living up to its name, Goodyear allows you to drive comfortably all year long or even longer! This American tire manufacturer was founded in 1898 and has since become a favorite among many. With over 80 different tires, one can always rely on Goodyear. Whether you need a high-performance or budget-friendly tire, it has got you covered! It’s also worth noting that around half of Goodyear’s tires are made for SUVs and trucks. Speaking of which, make sure to also check out these winter tires for trucks!
If you happen to be searching for a reliable tire for your Honda Civic, Goodyear is worth considering. Its Eagle Sport All-Season Radial Tire comes with an impeccable tread compound with better traction on ice and snow. Moreover, its performance in both wet and dry conditions is fantastic. Based on our experience, the braking system also performs well in both conditions. Meanwhile, the rim provides great protection from unintentional curb damage.
Pros
- This tire offers responsive steering.
- It has great protection from curb damage.
- We think this is a great choice for Honda Civic.
Cons
- It can be a bit noisy.
Buy on:
Continental
3
Best for Mainstream Cars. Up next is Continental, a reputable car tire brand that originated in Germany. With more than 150 years of experience in producing first-rate tires, you can’t go wrong with this brand. It has around 60 tire models available in the country. However, unlike some other brands, it primarily focuses on the production of mainstream car wheels. So, if you need high-performance, touring, and SUV tires, look for this brand!
If you own an SUV, you’ll want to check out the Continental CROSS CONTACT LX25. With all-season traction, this tire is a beast. It has tons of grip and traction. We’ve tested this tire in multiple weather conditions and consistently performed well. Some of us were surprised by its performance, considering its price. Plus, its aquaplaning resistance is top-notch, and it also has a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty! Are you looking for more options for your SUV? Check out these best SUV winter tires!
Pros
- It offers plenty of grip and traction.
- It’s backed by a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty.
- The tires are comfortable and not noisy.
Cons
- It isn’t the best option for spirited driving.
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Bridgestone
2
Best Value for Money. There’s no way we can talk about the best wheel brand for cars without mentioning Bridgestone, the biggest wheels manufacturer in the whole wide world! This Japanese brand has been in the tire business since 1931. As the biggest tire manufacturer, it has over 100 different tire models. No matter what kind of driver you are, you can always rely on this brand.
“With its price tag, consistent performance, and durability, it’s easy to see why the Potenza RE980AS is popular. The handling is great and it can handle high speeds flawlessly.”
WOW Travel
When it comes to this brand, our favorite is the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. Released in 2018, this tire offers ultra-high performances for sporty sedans, coupes, as well as two-seaters. Apart from that, it also offers excellent grip and stability. We’ve tested a lot of tires, including the bad ones. That said, we can confidently say that the grip of this tire is among the best, even on slippery surfaces. Finally, it performs well in all seasons.
Pros
- Great for sporty sedans, coupes, and two-seaters.
- It offers consistent performance and stability in all conditions.
- This tire is relatively affordable.
Cons
- Sometimes it can be a bit noisy.
Buy on:
Michelin
1
Best Overall. Of course, none other than Michelin is on the top of this list. This French tire manufacturer has been producing top-notch tiers since the year 1889. In fact, it’s named the second-biggest tire manufacturer on Earth, just behind Bridgestone. No wonder many rely on this tire brand, including us! What’s more, it offers over 50 different tire models, which is applaudable. Better yet, many of its tires are suitable for various climates.
While there are plenty of high-quality tires from this brand, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is certainly a standout. This tire is perfect for all seasons, which is good news for year-round drivers. Apart from that, it’s also long-lasting, with an extra year of tread life. What’s more, its stopping power is amazing as well. We tried making a sudden stop a few times during testing, and the brake was extremely responsive. Plus, its PIANO Acoustic Tuning does a great job of minimizing noise disturbance. Learn more about this tire on the official product page.
Pros
- It’s an all-season tire that’s made to last.
- This tire offers a quiet and consistent performance.
- It’s backed by a six-year standard limited warranty.
Cons
- The grip isn’t the best in wet conditions.
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Our Verdict!
Apart from its huge popularity, we think Michelin is the best overall brand as it has a wide array of tire collections that offer incredible performance in various conditions. However, the rest are also great in their own ways. Below are some of our favorite brands according to their respective criteria:
- Best Value for Money: Bridgestone
- Best for Mainstream Cars: Continental
- Best Collections: Goodyear
- Best Warranty: BFGoodrich
How To Choose The Best Tire Brands for Cars?
Before you choose which brand suits you the most, you should make sure you’ve considered the following:
Reputation
Of course, not all brands are the same. Some have been in the industry for decades; the rest are relatively new. Whether we like it or not, the brand’s experience and reputation play a part in its credibility. So, before knowing which brand to choose, you should see what people have said about the brand. You can do so by asking your friends and looking for consumer and expert reviews.
Warranty
Another important factor to consider is the warranty. Different brands offer different warranties. In general, there are two types of tire warranties, including mileage warranty and workmanship warranty. The former guarantees that your tires can last a certain number of miles. So, if they wear out before the said mileage is reached, the brand can replace them. The latter covers defects in the tire’s manufacturing process or materials. And if you plan to get your tire from TireRack, here’s what you need to know about the TireRack tire warranty and how to check your TireRack order status!
Budget
Different tires have different prices. So, before deciding on which brand to go for, you should set a budget. It’s important so you don’t overspend, as some tires from specific brands are known to be a little bit more expensive than the rest.
What is the best brand of all-season tires?
Everyone may have different answers. However, for us, Michelin has the best tires for all seasons. Its CrossClimate 2 is particularly a popular choice for those looking for all-season tires.
Are branded tires better?
Most of the time, yes. Tires from bigger and well-known brands are usually made of better-quality materials. They’re usually more durable than the ones from cheaper and less-known brands.
Why are expensive tires better?
Expensive tires generally have better materials than the cheaper alternatives, ensuring a better tread life. This is why some people prefer getting a premium tire.