Choosing the right tire brand is more than just a purchase- it's an important decision that impacts driver safety, performance, efficiency, and overall experience in various driving conditions. Year after year, the market offers a wide array of tire brands, and each of them commits to providing superior performance, durability, and value for the money. This section focuses on the best tire brands in 2024 and on what a "best tire brand" generally means. Here we will talk about how the best brands are selected and what exactly makes them "the best".
While one tire manufacturer excels in traction matters, another one excels in matters of tread life, for example. The answer to "Which tire brand is the best?" depends, therefore, on the unique driver's needs and expectations. NeoTires has considered the analysis made by Consumer Reports in this regard. This organization has evaluated and tested various manufacturers from performance, longevity, traction, and grip perspectives to help drivers choose the right manufacturer based on their unique needs.
Which Is The Best Tire Brand?
To define "the best tire brand," it's necessary to consider several critical factors like official evaluation criteria (performance tests made by authoritative sources like Consumer Reports), independent research made by organizations like Tire Rack (analyzing data-driven metrics), and key metrics drivers prioritize (safety, durability, price to quality ratio, etc...).
All these criteria are put together to determine what tire brands are the most reliable in terms of performance and meet the best drivers' expectations. Consumer Reports undertook to test over 130 tire products across 28 tire manufacturers. We will show the first 5-10 that stood out the most. Below, we will talk in more detail about the most popular tire categories and what brands are considered reliable for them. Particularly, it is about:
What Makes A Good Tire?
A reliable tire must provide excellent deliverables in multiple dimensions. This includes safety features (good water dispersion, wet and dry grip, hydroplaning control, resistance to emergency maneuvers), climate adaptability (dry and wet, seasonal changes), versatility (handling diverse conditions from asphalt to rural roads), technological advancements (silica-enhanced compounds, noise reduction, reinforced sidewalls), and economical considerations (fuel efficiency, low rolling resistance, extended tread life).
Finding a good tire doesn't mean finding the tire that can do it all. Drivers should rather understand their specific needs and consider their local climate and road conditions. Then, they should compare independent test results and evaluate the overall cost of ownership before deciding which tire brand can deliver the best solution for them. This selection approach helps drivers choose tires that genuinely meet their demands and expectations for performance, value, and safety.
Best Tested Tire Brands
The chart below indicates the score gained by each tire brand in a Consumer Report test. Here are the tire manufacturers that stood out the most: Michelin, Continental, Vredestein, General, Bridgestone, Hankook, Goodyear, Nokian, Yokohama, Nexen, and Toyo.
How Good Is Michelin Tire Brand?
According to Consumer Reports tests, this tire brand shows the best results in 2024. Gaining an overall score of 72 points, Michelin tires performed exceptionally well in all tested categories. In some of them, Michelin products provided the best results while in others, among the best ones.
The superior advantage of Michelin tires lies in the combination of their performance features. Michelin knows best how to blend superb handling, confident grip, and generous tread life. Prices for Michelin tires are generally higher in comparison. However, here is the case when the price is paid for validated and proven quality.
The price for Michelin products can be considered a judicious investment in superior performance and quality. Consumer Reports awarded the "Recommended" distinction to 7 Michelin products that took part in the test: Defender T+H, Pilot Alpin PA4, CrossClimate2, Pilot Sport 4s, Pilot Sport All Season 4, LTX A/ 2, and X-Ice Snow.
How Good Is Continental Tire Brand?
With an overall score of 68 points out of 100, Continental products are in the 2nd place in the list of the best-performing tires. 8 Continental products took part in the tests, 7 of which got the CS Recommendation distinction.
The product that stood out as the best is the TerrainContact A/T, showing exceptionally in the all-terrain truck tire class. The model that failed to receive the "CS Recommended" distinction was the TrueContact Tour tire. This product stood out for its dry braking, handling, hydroplaning, and fairly decent noise suppression. However, it did not get enough points in wet braking and rolling resistance, which is why it was slightly eclipsed by better competitive models.
Here are the 7 models to rely on from the Continental portfolio which are proudly recommended by Consumer Reports:
How Good Is Vredestein Tire Brand?
During the tests, Vredestein products scored 67 points out of 100, ranking the brand in 3rd place in the list of the most reliable brands. Out of 6 evaluated models, all 6 passed the Consumer Reports trust threshold, receiving the "Recommended" distinction. The model that stood out as the best in comparison to other products in its class is the Wintrac Pro due to its exceptional winter performance. Another model worth considering is the HiTrac all-season tire which is second-rated in the SUV tire category.
How Good Is General Tire Brand?
General Tire has an overall rating of 67, out of 100. Now being backed up by Continental AG, General Tire is a performer tested and confirmed as valuable. 6 out of 7 models stood out well enough to receive the title of a highly recommended product.
The 7th model that did not get enough score to receive the distinction is the G-Max AS-05— which is a UHP all-season tire. It stood out decently in dry braking, noise suppression, hydroplaning, and ice braking. What dropped it off the score was average rolling resistance and comfort, which was a little better in the competitive models.
How Good Is Bridgestone Tire Brand?
The 5th tire maker in the list of the best is Bridgestone with 65 accumulated points out of 100. 8 Bridgestone products participated in the tests, 4 of which showed exceptional capabilities for their purpose. You can see them below in the graphic table.
The models that did not pass the test were the Bridgestone Potenza Sport summer tire, Potenza RE980+,WeatherPeak, and Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra.
The Potenza Sport performed flawlessly in handling, dry braking, and hydroplaning control. In addition, its noise suppression abilities were very decent. The owner satisfaction it high, but what it lacked were the comfort and rolling resistance ratings. This model has scored 70/100 points in the UHP summer tires class. It is a nice result but not enough for the title of a highly recommended tire.
The Potenza RE980+ dropped score in rolling resistance and the WeatherPeak - in handling and dry/ wet braking. As for the recommended products, here are the heroes:
Tire Brands: FAQs
What Are The Top 10 Tire Brands?
According to recent tests by Consumer Reports, the 10 leaders in the tire industry in 2024 include: Michelin, Continental, Vredestein, General, Bridgestone, Hankook, Goodyear, Nokian, Yokohama, Nexen and Toyo. They are followed by the brands Pirelli, Falken, Firestone, Sumitomo, GT Radial, and Nitto. The products of these brands were evaluated from different performance perspectives, after which they accumulated points that determined their position in the rating chart.
Do Brands Matter For Tires?
Yes, but not completely. Tire brands always undergo tests, reviews, and evaluations by specialists, drivers, testers, or even bloggers. Following them, certain tire brands stand out more than others. So, yes, the brand name gives you a general idea about the quality and performance level of its products. However, we recommend that when you choose a certain product, you also evaluate its rating in addition to the brand's overall rating. Depending on your specific needs, a less popular brand can offer you a better product than a more reputable brand.
Should All 4 Tires Be The Same Brand?
Ideally - yes. For full matching and performance potential, all four tires must have the same tread, rubber formula, size, and the same brand. Drivetrain damages are frequently related to mismatching tires. To avoid this, it is better to opt for identical tires. If this is not possible, at least opt for identical wheels and tires on the same axis. Still, this solution should only be temporary for safety and performance reasons.
Why Trust Us?
We have a wide range of products for any driving needs and vehicles. NeoTires offers reasonable prices and comfortable payment options to break the bank for the best products.
We are a good ally for qualified assistance, professional recommendations, and tire insights accumulated through experience. The NeoTires team is guided by reliable tire brands and unbiased product evaluation agencies. Our priority is to provide the right tire for your needs and the specifics of your driving.
Feel free to count on us whenever you need a reliable partner in any tire-related matter. We might not be able to change the roads or weather conditions you drive in. Yet, we can equip your vehicle with the right tires to face them the smoothest possible. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
