Top 5 Tire Brands Recommended by Auto Experts

Michelin

Considered the globe’s most seasoned tire manufacturer, Michelin started out as
1889
When two brothers in France invented the world’s first detachable pneumatic tire—which didn’t require gluing onto a wheel rim—the company has been committed to creativity and advancement ever since. They introduced their first run-flat tire in 1934 followed by the pioneering steel-belted radial tire in 1946.

During the 1960s, Michelin introduced exceptional tread wear guarantees that surpassed those in their sector. Then, in the 1990s, they led the way with innovative low-rolling-resistance tires aimed at decreasing fuel usage and reducing exhaust emissions. Such advancements solidified Michelin’s position as a top-tier brand in the global tire market.

Currently, Michelin produces tires for passenger vehicles, lorries and sport utility vehicles, bikes and cycles, commercial trucks and semitrailers, as well as specialized machinery like mining, building, and agricultural tools, public transportation systems, and aircraft.

Michelin is the pioneering tire company to surpass 100 points.
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Honors
One of its most widely used tires for passenger cars is the
Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires for all seasons
Created specifically for luxury performance touring vehicles, the Primacy MXV4 provides minimal noise, excellent grip, and includes a 55,000-mile tread wear guarantee along with a six-year standard limited warranty.

And indeed, just so you know: Michelin is also responsible for the renowned Michelin-star rating system used for eateries. They introduced this system back in the 1920s as a way to inform motorists about establishments worthy of a visit—thus potentially increasing tire usage. Although it has developed since then, one star signifies “deserving a halt,” two stars indicate “justifying a diversion,” and three stars mean “warranting a dedicated journey.”

Goodyear

Goodyear boasts almost an equally rich history as Michelin. Established in 1898, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company originated in the U.S., christened after Charles Goodyear, the inventor of the vulcanization technique—a method that reinforced tire rubber.

In 1903, Goodyear created the inaugural tubeless car tire, followed by the initial inflatable aircraft tire in 1909. Additionally, the firm debuted the first synthetic rubber tire in 1937. Over a span of over 25 years, Goodyear has been
the sole tire brand utilized in NASCAR racing
g
And it stands as the most victorious tire manufacturer in the annals of Formula One history.

Goodyear is
the leading tire brand in the U.S. based on sales figures from 2023 data
One of its most widely used tires for passenger cars is the
Goodyear Eagle Touring Radial
An all-weather performance tire, the Eagle Touring features a tread design engineered to expel water from its contact area, enhancing grip and control when conditions are wet. This model includes a 50,000-mile tread wear guarantee along with a six-year basic limited warranty.

Continental

Established in Germany, Continental began producing rubber products in 1871 but only commenced manufacturing their own tires in 1898. Similar to Michelin and Goodyear, innovation played a significant role during its formative years. In 1934, Continental became the pioneering brand to introduce a specialized winter tire, among others.
winter tire with spikes
in the early 1950s.

Currently, Continental produces tires for automobiles, trucks, heavy machinery, motorcycles, and bikes. They serve as the sole supplier of tires for bicycles and support vehicles.
Tour de France.

One of its most favored tires for passenger vehicles is the
ProContact TX All-Season radial
It includes ContiSeal, a special self-healing material located within the tread region. Although it isn’t specifically designed for snowy conditions, the ProContact TX provides great grip in minor snowfall as well as improved stopping power and control on damp surfaces. The product comes with a 65,000-mile guarantee for tread wear.

Pirelli

Another trailblazer in the tire sector, Pirelli was established in Italy.
1872
And produced rubber parts for underwater telegraph cables. By 1901, the firm started manufacturing tires and expanded by opening extra production facilities in Spain, England, and Argentina. Early on, Pirelli became involved in motor racing. The victor of the inaugural Grand Prix organized by the Automobile Club de France in 1907 was equipped with Pirelli tires. During the 1980s, Pirelli asserts that it pioneered and launched the first motorcycle radial tire.

Although Pirelli now produces tires for various vehicles including cars, SUVs, and trucks, its athletic history remains closely linked to the company’s identity. A tire that stands out as particularly well-liked among consumers is their flagship model.
P Zero All-Season High-Performance Tire
Boasting a speed rating of V (capable of up to 149 mph), the P Zero All Season Performance boasts distinctive sipes (small cuts across the tread face) aimed at enhancing grip and handling in wet conditions, thereby decreasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. Its tread blocks are engineered with particular frequencies intended to minimize interior cabin noise. Additionally, this model comes backed by a 50,000-mile treadwear guarantee.

Bridgestone

Bridgestone produced its initial tire in
1930
In Japan, it opted to stay independent (its rival Yokohama started as a collaboration with the American B.F. Goodrich Tire Company).

The advancement of the company was halted due to an air strike during World War II which devastated their offices in Tokyo. In rebuilding, they shifted emphasis towards research and development. They introduced several innovations such as Japan’s first rayon cord tires in 1951 and nylon cord tires in 1959. The firm set up its dedicated advanced technology hub around the beginning of the ’60s and has consistently increased investment in cutting-edge manufacturing and inspection methods ever since.

It has become one of the biggest tire manufacturers globally, producing tires across 24 nations with over 180 facilities.

Bridgestone produces tires for various vehicles including cars, SUVs, and trucks; however, their Desert Dueler series is particularly favored by SUV owners and those who enjoy off-roading.
Bridgestone Dueler Alenza for HighwaysTerrain
It targets SUVs, crossovers, and minivans. This option provides quiet operation, a comfortable journey, and better grip in rainy conditions. Additionally, it comes with a 65,000-mile tread wear guarantee.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Tire Manufacturer

When purchasing tires, customers face numerous options as multiple brands vie for their business. The initial move involves pinpointing the top tire brands and eliminating the others from consideration.

The positive aspect is that you have numerous options when it comes to top-tier tire brands.

During his 42-year tenure at Bridgestone, Mike Filipek spent 11 years as a field engineer before retiring in 2020. According to him, reputable tire manufacturers not only share well-known brand names but also adhere to comparable objectives and benchmarks in their designs. This consistency, he explains, stems from an understanding that failing to meet these high standards would jeopardize their survival since customers avoid inferior products. Additionally, retailers prioritize quality because dealing with subpar or even supposedly poor-quality tires can lead to numerous problems.

Filipek states that if a name is instantly recognizable, you’re heading in the correct direction. Conversely, if you find yourself asking “Who?” about someone, that might be a possible warning sign.

Opting for a reputable brand-name tire ensures you benefit from their extensive history and knowledge (often over 100 years in certain instances) along with recommendations from the company about which tires are best suited for particular uses. According to Filipek, “Lesser-known brands may lack full understanding of various applications and their potential extreme conditions. Simply fitting properly doesn’t guarantee suitability for your desired purpose.”

What type of driving you do is perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind
when tire shopping
There are tires designed for everyday street use, speed-rated tires intended for performance cars, winter tires optimized for snowy conditions, and specialized off-road tires built for different terrains. The suitability of a tire for your needs starts with
selecting the right option for your car
And how you utilize it.

Why You Can Rely on Us

Since becoming an automotive journalist back in 1997, I’ve tested around 100 cars annually. This adds up to approximately 2,700 automobiles throughout my career, all featuring distinct driving dynamics primarily influenced by their chosen tires from well-known brands. These reputable companies avoid using lesser-known alternatives because selecting the appropriate tire significantly impacts customer contentment.

Apart from that, I’ve had extensive experience as both a driver and car owner since 1972—a total of eight cars throughout those 52 years. With each vehicle needing new tires at some point, this provided numerous opportunities for experimentation and learning. There might be a good chance that I was the sole individual who opted to fit a set of Pirelli sports tires onto my 1978 Toyota Corolla SR5 Hatchback after the initial ones wore out. Seriously, why settle for ordinary options?

did

enhanced the handling significantly… However, those modifications were not suitable for what was fundamentally an economical vehicle.

Based on the suggestion of a buddy who works as an engineer in the auto sector, I contacted former tire engineer Mike Filipek for his expertise, which is highlighted here. Mike was deeply involved with tires professionally and personally from the latter part of the ’70s up until 2020. He advises selecting reputable brands and choosing tires suited to your specific car model and driving habits. It sounds straightforward but is crucial information.

The Way We Discovered the Top Tire Manufacturers

Equipped with the professional insight that the 15 leading tire manufacturers all adhere to similar levels of quality, we sought an alternative method to distinguish between them and decided upon two factors: longevity (the duration each brand has been producing tires) and ingenuity (brands that significantly altered tire manufacturing processes or introduced novel types of vehicle tires).

This emphasis does not imply that the other ten leading brands* are inferior or unworthy of consideration; rather, it highlights the accomplishments and innovations achieved by Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli, and Bridgestone. Each featured tire from these brands was selected based on high sales figures and positive consumer feedback.

(*

BF Goodrich, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, General, Hankook, Kumho, Uniroyal, and Yokohama)

FAQ

What do Tier 1 tire manufacturers refer to?

The top-tier tire brands might also be referred to as the “Top 3” tire companies. These include Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone. This classification primarily reflects their widespread popularity, successful sales records, enduring presence in the market, and strong reputations. However, this does not necessarily indicate superior quality relative to Tier 2 brands, which consist of other prominent manufacturers. The shift down to Tier 3 tires involves less recognized brands targeted towards consumers prioritizing cost over performance or reliability.

What tire shows the greatest maximum speed capability?

Y-rated tires have undergone testing at velocities surpassing 186 miles per hour. Other top-tier speed ratings include W (which corresponds to 168 mph) and Z (for speeds over 149 mph). Among the other ten classifications, they span from 75 mph up to 149 mph. Typically, for everyday vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, or minivans, the tires often carry an S rating (indicating a maximum speed of 112 mph) or a T rating (signifying a capacity for up to 118 mph). You can find each tire’s specific rating displayed on its side.

Sources

• Interview with former Bridgestone tire engineer Mike Filipek