One of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance is its tyres. Far too many people simply shrug it off and plug in the cheapest option they can find.
As far as I’m concerned, that’s a grave mistake. While some of the cheaper brands are perfectly serviceable, it’s just not worth the risk of making the wrong choice.
You’re playing with your safety here, remember.
You need to choose a tyre that’s suitable for purpose. We all have our own preferences when it comes to driving. And, equally, we all have our own requirements. Somewhere that suffers from a constant stream of heavy rain is going to require different tyres than a country that endures drought. Luckily for you, we’ve put together this guide of the best mid-to-high range tyre brands built for purpose. I hope you find use for it when informing your decision.
Continental
The German manufacturer takes pride in its varying tyre ranges. They’ve become one of Europe’s leading powerhouses when it comes to producing reliable tyres. No matter what you’re looking for, they’re likely to sell a tyre that meets your specifications.
Continental have developed a habit for buying out smaller brands but retaining their products. That means that if you’re looking for a cheaper option, there are reliable options available. Look out for the budget ranges of Barum, Semperit and Uniroyal, all of whom operate under the Continental Umbrella.
Firestone
Firestone Tyres have come a long way since the huge recall of its tyres in 2001. When its Ford Explorer equipped tyres suffered tread separation issues, customer faith wavered. In a roundabout way, though, that was maybe the best thing to happen to the brand. Since then, Firestone has gone on to rebuild their reputation. They remain one of the most respected manufacturers in the motorsport world and the third highest tyre retailer in the world.
The beauty of the Firestone brand is that they’re equally adept at handling in both very wet and dry conditions.
Goodyear
The American company, who also own Dunlop, are known for their pioneering technology. Innovation is at the forefront of Goodyear’s manufacturing processes, and it shows. Judging from its efforts at trade shows this year, the juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Notoriously well-known for their superior handling, Goodyear may be an expensive purchase. However, you’re paying for reliability. There’s a reason they’ve carved out a name for themselves as the biggest tyre manufacturer in the world. They also own the German brand Fulda, which can be a great budget option if you can get your hands on it.
Michelin
An instantly recognisable brand thanks to its lovable mascot. Michelin maintains its relevance by continually vying for top spot with Bridgestone and Goodyear. If you had any doubts about Michelin’s quality, they should be put to bed. It’s their own guides that determine the quality of restaurants all around the world.
Michelin’s best quality is perhaps its resistance to aquaplaning. They also own the mid-range BF Goodrich and Kleber brands.
One Comment