A huge number of brands fill today's tire market, which causes some difficulty in choosing. Wide range of, different characteristics, cost - which of the offered tires is the best? At the same time, popular brands do not always offer products of even optimal quality. There are examples on the market when an unfamiliar company produces rubber that surpasses famous manufacturers in its parameters.
Our small review can help clear up this confusion. For the convenience of the reader, the rating was divided into three price categories, each of which presents the best tire brands of our time. The selection was carried out on the basis of product characteristics, opinions of service center specialists, as well as recommendations and feedback from the owners of this rubber.
The best budget tire firms
For many domestic cars and used foreign cars good option there will be a purchase inexpensive tires... They will serve faithfully for many years, and if they fail ahead of time, it will not be a pity to replace them.
5 Kumho
The most reliable protection against counterfeiting
Country: South Korea
Rating (2019): 4.5
A beautiful lake - this is how the name of a South Korean tire company is translated into Russian. More than 10 years ago, the value of the gross product produced exceeded a billion dollars and continues to grow. Aggressively conquering the global market, Kumho supplies OE tires to the factories of such manufacturers as Mercedes Benz, Ford and other brands. Kumho is the only Korean firm that has achieved such high results. In addition, it is the first brand in the world to use RFID tags to identify its product, thereby completely eliminating any possibility of counterfeiting the tires of this brand.
Owners who have opted for Kumho tires are pleased with the result. So, one of the best studded tires for winter, the WinterCraft SUV Ice WS31 stands out for its low noise level and excellent directional stability. In general, the company's products have more than once received the highest consumer loyalty index (NPS) in South Korea. Numerous confirmations best characteristics are also contained in the reviews of motorists who have made a choice in favor of this brand.
4 Maxxis
Optimal SUV tires
Country: Taiwan
Rating (2019): 4.8
The Taiwanese company MAXXIS INTERNATIONAL has recently firmly established itself in the top ten leaders among tire manufacturers. For 45 years the company has been producing rubber for cars and SUVs, trucks and buses, motor vehicles and agricultural machines. Products are supplied to 170 countries of the world, including the USA, Great Britain, Japan, Germany. Among the partners are such auto giants as General Motors, Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford. A high margin of safety is ensured thanks to the use of Japanese technologies and unique developments of cord and rubber compound.
Car owners highlight such qualities of tires as good braking on ice, tolerable noise, high cross-country ability and an affordable price. Tire models such as the Arctic Trekker SP03 for winter or the off-road MAXXIS MT-764 BIGHORN are not worse than popular brands in their characteristics, and the cost is more affordable. This allows the company to successfully compete on equal terms with the market leaders, and the owners to get a quality product, spending much less money. Among the shortcomings, poor handling, stiffness, and balance problems are often mentioned.
3 "Belshina"
Decent rubber for winter
Country: Belarus
Rating (2019): 4.8
A good ratio of price and quality is offered by the Belarusian enterprise "Belshina". It worked successfully during the Soviet era, and after modernization it withstands fierce competition on the world market. The company boasts a wide range of 300 standard sizes. Products are supplied to 70 countries of the world, partners of the company are such grants as BELAZ, MTZ, MAZ, GAZ. Such a demand for products is not at all surprising - the company has international certificates (including those from independent expert bureaus) confirming the quality of the rubber produced. Suffice it to say that the largest manufacturer of special equipment CAT uses tires of this brand for the initial configuration of its equipment.
Most of all, car enthusiasts liked the winter tires, which are distinguished by their softness. The rubber smooths out all the unevenness of the road surface, and the deep tread allows you to overcome deep snowdrifts. The car also feels confident on city streets with snow-mud porridge. Such rubber for winter as Artmotion Snow can turn any car into a car of a class higher - there is absolutely no noise and the ride is significantly increased. One gets the impression that the owner completely changed the suspension, not the tires. Tires pleasantly surprise with noiselessness and low wear. However, excessive softness for many car owners is becoming a major drawback.
2 PJSC "Nizhnekamskshina"
The best summer tires
Country Russia
Rating (2019): 4.9
The largest domestic enterprise that produces modern tires for cars is PJSC "Nizhnekamskshina". Such companies come off the assembly line of this company famous brands rubbers like Viatti, KAMA and KAMA EURO. The buyer is offered an impressive list of 250 different types of wheels. Among the partners of the company are such eminent auto giants as Skoda, Fiat and Volkswagen.
Many car owners in the CIS are satisfied with the quality of Nizhnekamsk rubber. She holds the road well, behaves steadily during showers, confidently goes through turns at speed. While driving, it makes a little noise, while it is distinguished by its durability and wear resistance. Are in great demand in the domestic market summer models Kama-234, Kama-Euro-129 and others. They attract the buyer with an interesting tread pattern, price balance and excellent performance characteristics... Of the shortcomings, the problematic balancing is often mentioned; it is possible to achieve an ideal balance by hanging weights of 60-80 g.
1 Sava
Favorable price for European quality
Country: Slovenia
Rating (2019): 5.0
For about 85 years the Slovenian company Sava has been holding a leading position in the budget segment on the European market. Tires are produced in several factories in Europe, but the largest manufacturer remains the headquarters in Kranj. 8 million tires come off the assembly line of this company per year. The pride of the Slovenes is the modernized production, where the most advanced technologies are applied. Due to constant quality control, the supply of defective rubber to the market is excluded.
Domestic motorists note the availability and predictability of wheels, noiselessness and good cross-country ability. Sometimes cars stall at the beginning and end of winter, when the ice crust is under water or a slush of snow. On the other hand, in motion, the rubber holds the road perfectly in the most difficult conditions. The Eskimo STUD model is very popular with our motorists - a studded tire with a directional pattern is the best suited for operation on winter roads in Russia.
The best tire firms in the mid-price segment
On the roads of Russia there are a lot of foreign cars that need more “delicate shoes”. It is produced by many well-known firms operating on average price segment... The characteristics of these tires will suit the average domestic motorist.
5 Yokohama
Better handling on a summer road
Country: Japan (produced in Russia)
Rating (2019): 4.8
Ranked second among tire manufacturers in Japan, the Yokohama brand has proven itself in the global market, as its products are of high quality and meet the most daring consumer expectations. This is confirmed by the participation of the company's tires in various sports competitions, where the rubber undergoes real testing in the most extreme conditions. Thanks to this, many world-renowned car manufacturers choose Yokohama tires for the original equipment of their cars (Porsche, Zender, Toyota, Mercedes Benz and others).
Applying only advanced technologies in rubber production, the company managed to improve the main indicators of technical characteristics. The unique composition of the mixture does not allow the tire to deform, and it remains flexible at any temperature. The noise level is minimized, the grip and durability are improved, thanks to the use of orange oil, the adhesion to the surface is increased. So, one of the best models, summer tire Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 demonstrates perfect handling and directional stability even on wet roads. At the same time, rubber has a high abrasion resistance (many owners consider this characteristic to be one of the most significant in their reviews).
4 Triangle Group
Profitable price
Country: China
Rating (2019): 4.9
The Chinese tire company Triangle Group was founded in 1976. After renovations and reorganizations, this company has become a leader in the production of automobile tires in the Middle Kingdom. There are wheels for sale for cars and commercial vehicles, for trucks, buses and special equipment. The annual capacity of the corporation has reached 22 million sets. The presence of our own research centers allows us to constantly improve our products, promoting them to world markets. The Chinese manufacturer cooperates with such car factories as Volvo, Hyundai, Caterpillar, etc. The sales network is located in 160 countries of the world.
Among the merits tire Triangle domestic consumers allocate an affordable price with sufficiently high technical parameters. The tire adheres perfectly to the road surface both in summer and in winter, it balances well, does not make noise while driving. To many owners passenger cars judging by their feedback, I like the Triangle Group Sportex TSH11 / Sports TH201 model. The rubber has a hard sidewall for excellent handling. Adherence to the road, including wet, is also good. The combination of such properties with an affordable price has predetermined the choice of many motorists.
3 Nitto
Good tires of the SUV category
Country: Japan
Rating (2019): 5.0
The Japanese company Nitto Tire has employees who are passionate about their work. Their efforts have developed a whole line of original tires with a memorable tread. Employees of the company are rapidly introducing innovative developments into production, conducting scrupulous tests. The range includes many tires for SUVs and crossovers. As a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire concern, Nitto products are targeted at the North American market. 1949 is considered to be the date of foundation.
For domestic SUV owners, the tires are attractive for their quiet and safe operation. The car with Nitto tires handles perfectly on any road. Thanks to the rounded sidewalls, the tires are protected from dangerous contact with curbs. Nitto Invo tires are one of the brand's flagship models in the SUV category. Compared to other brands, it compares favorably with high grip characteristics and reliable handling at any speed. At the same time, the tire demonstrates sufficient comfort and excellent behavior on the wet road.
2 Bridgestone
Optimum performance of winter tires
Country: Japan
Rating (2019): 5.0
The Japanese firm Bridgestone has a simple philosophy. She serves the community by making products the highest quality... This motto also applies to tires. The head office is located in Tokyo, the date of foundation is considered to be 1931. One of the most famous subsidiaries in the United States is the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. For many years, tires from this manufacturer have been installed on Ford vehicles. And most recently (July 2017), Bridgestone products received the Volkswagen Group's award for being the most technologically advanced and innovative in the world market.
Domestic motorists like the products under the Bridgestone brand for their excellent quality, predictable behavior on the road, and resistance to bumps and potholes. Winter models are soft and quiet. The Bridgestone wheeled vehicle handles tall snowdrifts and mud on the road. low level noise.
1 TOYO TIRES
The best summer tires
Country: Japan
Rating (2019): 5.0
Leading positions in the global market car tires is occupied by the Japanese company Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. It has been working since 1945, during which time the company managed to build branches and representative offices in 100 countries. The headquarters are located in the Japanese city of Osaka. The main activity is the production of tires for passenger cars and trucks, vans and SUVs. Quality TOYO rubber is tested not only in laboratory conditions, but also on race tracks, as well as on the famous Dakar rally.
Comparing with other tires, car owners speak positively about Japanese tires. It behaves well on the road, there is practically no slippage, the car runs smoothly. The car does not notice the rut, resiliently gallops over speed bumps. Some road surfaces experience a little noise. The summer tire of the SUV category - Toyo Open Country M / T - has proven itself very well. She not only has a high cross-country ability. Despite the impressive tread, the noise of the wheel is quite moderate. Also, in the reviews of the owners, the strength of the side part is positively noted: it is not afraid of any obstacles, and in addition, cuts on this tire are very rare. Yes, and the tire is washed very slowly, and given an affordable price for rubber of this size, these factors greatly increase their attractiveness.
The best premium tire brands
Many tire companies from the top ten leaders have a century of development history. These huge concerns have colossal experience and boast record sales. For the highest quality and promotion of the brand, motorists have to pay a lot of money.
5 Dunlop Tires
The benchmark for sports tires
Country: England
Rating (2019): 4.8
The company was founded in the century before last, and is considered not only the ancestor of the tire industry - all the fundamental developments in the creation of winter tires belong to the Dunlop brand. For more than half a century, the manufacturer has been the official supplier of Formula-1. This fact was reflected in the range of tires for ordinary vehicles - the sports line of tires "Dunlop" is considered one of the best in the world.
The most popular among the high-speed tires of this brand is Sport BluResponse. In 2015, in the ADAC rating, she entered the four favorites, demonstrating jewelry precision in handling, braking efficiency on a wet road, resistance to wear (the manufacturer claims a resource of 80 thousand km). On top of that, in their reviews, many owners consider this summer rubber one of the most economical models of the brand.
4 Continental
High-tech tire architecture
Country: Germany
Rating (2019): 4.8
Continental, a German manufacturer of high quality tires, has long been regarded as the world market leader. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 90 million tires for light vehicles are produced annually. Being the main supplier of rubber to such auto giants as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, General Motors Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Toyota. The company's tire products regularly undergo all kinds of tests and trials, as a result of which they occupy a leading position in such important indicators as braking distance and handling in various conditions.
The brand's engineers managed to combine the "incompatible" in the development of the Continental Premium Contact 6 (PC6). All the best qualities of a sporty and comfortable rubber have been implemented in one. Thanks to nanotechnology and the latest possibilities in the field of tire tread design, it was possible not only to significantly increase the tire life, but also to reduce rolling resistance and noise level.
3 Michelin
Fastest tires
Country: France
Rating (2019): 4.9
The French company Michelin has a glorious centuries-old history. Even at the dawn of its formation, the company's employees paid special attention to research and innovation. It was Michelin who became the first manufacturer of wheels that were inflated with air. The concern follows its traditions; in recent years, engineers have replaced carbon black in rubber with silica. Thanks to EverGrip technology, the properties of the tire do not deteriorate with wear. The company's products are intended not only for cars, trucks and special equipment. Tires for electric and hybrid cars have already been created.
Fans of fast driving speak positively about the stability of the car on the road, resistance to skids, strong sidewalls. Car enthusiasts speak out negatively about the price and noise level. MICHELIN CrossClimate, one of the best tires of this brand, provides a quiet and soft car ride, jewelry precision control, minimal aquaplaning. All these characteristics remain unchanged with increasing speed. Resistance to temperature extremes makes the tire one of the best for the off-season, and in big cities it allows you to ride the CrossClimate all year round. The only thing that motorists can speak negatively about is about its price and noise.
2 Nokian
Excellent grip on winter roads
Country: Finland
Rating (2019): 5.0
The leading tire manufacturer in Europe is the Finnish concern Nokian Tires... Since 2005, a branch of a Finnish company has been operating in the Russian city of Vsevolozhsk. The annual production capacity is 14 million tires. The German magazine Focus Money, which annually selects the most popular tires, in the category "Best Car Tires 2018" awarded the victory to products under the Nokian brand. The following were noted strengths like excellent price, quality, and brand appeal.
Car owners are satisfied with the quiet ride, good cross-country ability, stability on icy roads. The Hakkapeliitta model gained particular fame among domestic motorists. The spikes hold very securely; after 5-6 years of operation, more than 80% of the metal elements are retained. The main disadvantage of domestic motorists is the high price.
1 Goodyear
The best passenger car tires for summer
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 5.0
The American company Goodyear is one of the leading players in the production of rubber products. It was on the wheels of this company that the first serial Ford left the plant. The history of the company goes back over 100 years. The work has always been based on the search for innovations and the introduction of advanced technologies. The main office has been located since 1898 in Akron (Ohio). The line includes rubber for cars and trucks, for motor vehicles and aircraft, agricultural vehicles and special vehicles.
The flattering reviews from Russian motorists are mainly associated with summer tires. She perfectly holds the car on slippery road when cornering. No noise is heard when driving, balancing is excellent, copes well with unpaved surfaces. Driving quickly over potholes and bumps can lead to a hernia. Identical characteristics can be found on the most popular tire of this brand - Wrangler DuraTrac. The only thing to get a "hernia" on such a rubber is to try hard. Despite the brutal deep tread, the tire is quite quiet in operation, and at the same time is highly wear-resistant.
Today the global tire market is under the control of a dozen global companies, the names of which are known to any motorist. At the same time, products of a huge number of brands that actually belong to leading manufacturers and act as their "subsidiaries" are presented on sale. It is about them that will be discussed below.
The largest activity of the largest tire brands in the acquisition of smaller and more successful manufacturers fell on the 90s of the XX century. For the acquired companies, this development of the situation was only beneficial. They were not only able to upgrade production equipment due to financial investments, but also got access to advanced research and development developments carried out by market leaders. At the same time, if necessary, the companies in the head office could be helped by experienced specialists in case of such a need.
It should be noted that, in terms of their characteristics, subbrand products have minimal differences from basic models, but differs in much more democratic prices. Often they are even made on the same conveyor, and the difference in price is the result of purely marketing policy and the need for the buyer to overpay for the promoted brand.
Below is a list of the main sub-brands, and for the convenience of information perception, they are divided by the home regions of the parent companies.
European tire brands
Continental
The German concern Continental AG owns a dozen brands that supply a wide range of tires to the market, ranging from motorcycles to special agricultural equipment. Among characteristic features Continental products - predictability while driving and a high degree of durability. Today, the company's factories are located in most regions of the world, even in Australia, far from Europe.
Among the subsidiaries producing tires for vehicles:
- Barum (Czech Republic). The company's plant is located in the city of Zlin and has been owned by the concern since 1995. The very same Barum company has existed since 1924.
- Matador (Slovakia). Slovak brand that has existed since the distant 1905. The rights to it have been owned by Continental for a little over 10 years (since 2007).
- Gislaved (Sweden). A very old Swedish company dating back to 1883. It has been in the ownership of the German concern since 1992.
- Uniroyal (United States). One of the first "daughters" of the company, which appeared back in 1979. The company dates back to 1892, and is located in Texas.
It is curious that in fact the Uniroyal belongs to Michelin, but in the European market it is Continental that acts as the copyright holder. This is due to the fact that the acquisition of the European division of the American company took place back in 1979, and the main brand was acquired by the French concern only in 1990.
Michelin
Initially, the Michelin company was engaged in the manufacture of bicycle tires, and today it has not only one and a half dozen factories around the world, but also its own research and laboratory facilities. At the same time, the engineering staff of the company conducts advanced development in the field of tires, both in the interests of Michelin itself and its brands.
- BF Goodrich (United States). The company dates back to 1870. Its office is located in Ohio, and Michelin acquired it in 1988.
- Kleber (France). This asset has been owned by the concern since 1988. The company itself has been present on the tire market since 1945.
- Tigar (Serbia). The company's plant is located in the Serbian town of Pirot. It was acquired by Michelin in 2007.
- Kormoran from Poland
In addition, the French concern has several more "daughters": Pneu Laurent, Wolber, Tyremaster. These manufacturers are practically not represented on the Russian tire market, therefore it makes no sense to dwell on them.
Pirelli
The history of the Pirelli company began in the 19th century with the manufacture of bicycle tires. Until today, it has significantly expanded its capabilities, with 13 factories in various regions of the world. Almost all of them produce Pirelli tires, but there are two additional sub-brands in the manufacturer's structure.
- Formula (Italy). A young budget brand that appeared on the market only in 2012, and was originally created by Pirelli for its own money for the Eastern European market.
- Ceat (India). This brand is focused primarily on sales in Turkey and India.
Nokian
The concern was formed only in 1988, which makes it one of the youngest on the market. Nevertheless, the company has already managed to earn credibility and popularity. The company got its name from the name of the Finnish town of the same name.
A significant part of Nokian's products are originally intended for the Russian market. Its sub-brand is:
- Nordman. A budget brand under which outdated models of Nokian tires are often produced, which at one time enjoyed success in the market.
Japanese tire brands
Bridgestone
- Dunlop (UK). With more than a century of history, the brand is owned by two giants of the tire market Bridgestone and Goodyear. The purchase of the company by Japanese tire manufacturers took place in 1985, and after another 14 years, it sold part of its rights to Americans from Goodyear.
- Firestone (United States). American company that has existed since 1900 and acquired in 1988.
Toyo
Toyo was founded in the first half of the 40s of the XX century as a result of the merger of two companies involved in the manufacture of a variety of rubber products. Today, the Toyo brand is recognized all over the world, and its tires are sold in hundreds of countries around the world, representing all continents without exception. Today the manufacturer has two additional sub-brands.
Yokohama
The well-known Japanese manufacturer appeared in 1930 as one of the divisions of a company engaged in the production of cables together with representatives of the BF Goodrich company. The head office of the manufacturer is located in the Japanese capital Tokyo.
Tire brands from USA
Goodyear
Today, the Goodyear tire brand is widely distributed throughout the world. Tires with a corresponding inscription are installed not only on motorcycle and automobile equipment, but also on airplanes. They are characterized by high mechanical strength and operational reliability. This is fully typical for tires of several sub-brands, owned by the company... In terms of the ratio between cost and quality characteristics, they are among the best on the market.
- Dunlop (UK). The company owns a stake in the British company, having acquired it in 1999 from the Japanese Bridgestone, which previously fully owned the manufacturer.
- Sava (Slovenia). The company was founded in the town of Kranj back in 1931. Goodyear has been in the property since the end of the 20th century (1998).
- Fulda (Germany). The company was formed at the very beginning of the 20th century, becoming the first European asset of the company. The purchase was made in 1969.
Today, not only the products of the parent company, but also all the subsidiaries of the American concern, without exception, enjoy fame and a positive reputation in the market.
Cooper
This American manufacturer produces a wide range of tires for passenger cars and trucks. Distinctive features of Cooper products are high reliability, worthy characteristics and affordability for the consumer.
- Mickey Thompson (United States). The company bears the name of the famous racer who became its creator in 1963, and since 2003 it has been owned by Cooper.
The sub-brand's products are not inferior in their parameters to the tires sold under the name of the parent company, but at the same time they are distinguished by even more favorable prices for the buyer for rubber of any size.
Tires from South Korea
Hankook
The South Korean manufacturer manufactures tires in a wide range of sizes and in a large number of modifications, allowing you to choose the right model for any situation. The concern has several subsidiaries, due to which the lineup Hankook tires are becoming even more impressive and varied.
Kumho
The rapid development of the Korean brand is associated with the period of cooperation with the American Uniroyal. Having received modern technologies in the 60s of the XX century, the company managed to bring the quality of its own tires to a different level, gaining serious competitive advantages over other regional tire suppliers.
Currently, Kumho is already positioning itself as one of the world's leaders in the tire industry. It owns the Marshal brand, which is less popular, but in terms of product quality, it practically does not differ from South Korean tires.
Today Marshal is represented primarily in European countries, and offers a combination of durability and safety on the road in various driving modes.
Chinese tires
Triangle
The company has been around since 1976, making extensive use of acquired Goodyear technology and similar manufacturing equipment. At the same time, close cooperation has been established between the companies, and some of the Goodyear tires intended for sale on the European market are produced at Triangle enterprises.
Goodride
Today it is one of the largest tire companies in the Middle Kingdom, providing a significant part of the total volume of tires produced in the country. The brand belongs to Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Corporation.
Linglong
The company has existed since 1975 and is owned by private capital. Today, the tire manufacturer is one of the leading companies in the industry. Linglong Products is dedicated to the production of equipment-oriented tires different types transport (passenger, commercial, cargo).
Sunny
A relatively young manufacturer, which appeared in 1988, and has a state ownership. The company is distinguished by large volumes of production and specializes mainly in the budget segment of the market.
Firenza
The brand is owned by Sumo. She is also the owner of the SumoTire tire company. The brand has existed since 2007 and is rated as one of the most potentially attractive manufacturers. Firenza focuses on the combination of high technology and affordable cost.
Russian tires
Kama
The company's production facilities are located in Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan. The plant "Nizhnekamskshina" has existed since 1973, and occupies a leading position in the country in terms of production of car tires.
Viatti
Another brand owned by the Nizhnekamskshina company located in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Cordiat
The owner of this brand is SIBUR - Russian Tires. The company was founded in 2002. Today SIBUR additionally owns the Tyrex brand. At the same time, the Russian company for the last eight years (since 2011) has been a member of the alliance with the tire manufacturer Matador (Slovakia), owned by Continental.
Amtel
A relatively small domestic manufacturer. The company was organized with funds from Indian capital back in 1987, but began producing tires only in 1999. Today the company is forming an international alliance with Vredestein (Netherlands).
Tire brands from the CIS
Belshina
The plant located in the Belarusian city of Bobruisk has been successfully operating since 1963, and is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the entire post-Soviet space. The company produces tires not only for cars, but also for trucks, selling them in various regions of the world. For example, Caterpillar mining dump trucks from the factory are equipped with tires from a Belarusian manufacturer.
Rosava
The largest tire manufacturer in Ukraine. The enterprise has existed since 1998, and is located on the territory of Bila Tserkva. The company offers products for various purposes, including for special equipment. Tires are sold not only in Ukraine, but also in other countries.
Tire production in other countries
It is necessary to understand that in the context of modern globalization of the economy, the region of origin of the brand and the location of production sites (factories) may not coincide. At the same time, situations are common when one plant simultaneously produces several models of tires belonging to different brands.
Who owns the tire factories
If you can still figure out the organization of production, then the intricacies of company ownership are much more complex. Mutual purchase of shares is a common practice. For example, Bridgestone owns an 18.9% stake in a European manufacturer Nokian Tires, and the purchase was made by the European division of the Japanese manufacturer. The deal was worth $ 78.3 million (in 2003 prices).
At the same time, Bridgestone said that Nokian would remain an independent company, and the new owners would not interfere with the work of the company. In turn, after two years, the production of Nokian truck tires was transferred to the Bridgestone plant located in Spain.
Subsequently, all securities were transferred to Bridgestone Corporation.
Although this year most of the top 20 companies have maintained their positions, this does not mean that nothing is happening in the global tire industry. Pirelli, for example, still ranks fifth (based on the results of 2016), but it should be borne in mind that Pirelli Industrial (produces tires for trucks and special equipment) was not taken into account. In addition, the merger of ChemChina and Pirelli assets into the new Prometeon structure will certainly have an impact. Sumitomo also overtook Hankook this year to finish sixth, meaning that since Pirelli is currently only focusing on passenger cars and motorcycles, it will be difficult for Italians to maintain fifth place next year (turnover is expected to drop by about 1 billion euros).
One of the significant changes was that Cooper overtook Giti to take 10th place. Now these companies are already divided by about 200 million euros, so it will not be easy for Giti to return to the top 10 next year.
Two Indian companies, MRF and Apollo, are growing rapidly. The first managed to move up from 16th to 15th place, while the second managed to rise from 18th to 16th place. With less than € 90 million separating them now, and Apollo growing sales at a faster pace, it will likely overtake MRF to become India's largest tire manufacturer next year.
The rating shows that the tire world will have to get used to the fact that Chinese manufacturers are increasingly conquering the international market. While China's largest tire manufacturer, ZC Rubber, has long and firmly established its position as one of the global market leaders, Huayi (formerly Double Coin) and Linglong are steadily improving their positions. This trend continues, and this year Sailun also entered the top twenty.
Another newcomer to the rankings is Nexen, which now includes all three of South Korea's top tire companies - Hankook, Kumho and Nexen. The situation around Kumho is of particular interest. It is ranked 14th this year, but if Doublestar does close the deal to buy the Korean manufacturer, the new combined company could move up to 13th in the future.
In general, over the past ten years, all the leading tire manufacturers have significantly increased their sales volumes. For example, Continental, Sumitomo and Hankook increased turnover by 62%, 72% and 95%, respectively, and even two industry leaders - Bridgestone and Michelin - who seem to find it harder to open up new markets - were able to increase sales by 28% and 40%. respectively. At the same time, Goodyear, albeit slightly, but reduced its turnover over 10 years - by 3.7%.
It remains to add that this time already 24 tire companies were able to pass the mark of 1 billion euros, while ten years ago there were half that.
Updated: 03.07.2019 15:54:17
Expert: Zalman Rivlin
* Review of the best according to the editors of the site. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
One of essential elements car that affects driving safety are tires. Right choice automotive rubber not only has a beneficial effect on driving safety. Driving comfort is improved, fuel consumption is reduced and the service interval is extended. There is an abundance of tires in the domestic car market. All well-known tire concerns have arranged product supplies to Russia. The rich assortment makes it difficult to choose; the recommendations of our experts will come to the aid of motorists.
How to choose the right car tires
Landing diameter. Experts advise starting the selection of tires with the landing diameter. It must match the diameter wheel rim on which the bus will be mounted. In the marking, this figure is indicated in inches after the letter R. The most popular wheel rim bore diameters in cars are in the R13-R17 range.
Seasonality. Seasonality becomes the next important tire parameter. The motorist is offered summer, winter and all-season tires. Experts believe that it is best to have a set of winter and summer tires, although the purchase of an all-season is more economically profitable. A snowflake or a combination of letters M and S (M + S, M.S) must be present in the designation of winter tires.
Tread pattern. Some users do not focus on the type of tread, which can lead to minor problems later. According to the structure of the pattern, a symmetrical and asymmetrical protector is distinguished, moreover, it can be directional or non-directional. The most popular because of the affordable price are symmetrical non-directional tires. But if you start from the technical parameters, then it is better to give preference to a directional protector. This type of tire is best at draining water out of the contact patch. The asymmetric tread offers excellent water drainage and excellent directional stability. However, you can rearrange wheels with an asymmetric directional pattern only on one side of the car (front to back or vice versa).
Tire width. The first numerical index in the marking indicates the width of the tire in millimeters. For each wheel rim, it is allowed to install several standard sizes. It is important to consider the following points here.
- The wide tire forms a large area of contact with the road surface. Consequently, the grip of the wider tires will be better.
- But narrow modifications gain in weight, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption.
- The narrower the tire, the less it undergoes aquaplaning. In addition, the narrow tire has better flotation when driving on snowy roads.
Profile height. One of the most confusing characteristics of a car tire is its section height. It is indicated in the marking after the "/" sign. The number indicates the ratio of the profile height (in mm) to the width (in mm), expressed as a percentage. For example, in marking 185/70, the tire width is 185 mm, and to calculate the profile height in mm, divide 185 by 100 and multiply by 70. You get 129.5 mm.
- High profile tires provide the driver with maximum ride comfort and are puncture resistant.
- Low profile tires provide excellent handling. These models are worth buying if you often have to travel on good paved roads.
- The wider the tire width (with the same diameter and profile height), the greater the height in mm.
Load index... Each tire has a maximum load limit. It is indicated in the marking with a number that follows the bore diameter. To find out the permissible load in kilograms, you will have to look into a special conversion table. For example, the number 88 indicates a maximum load of 560 kg.
Speed index. Tires have speed limits. To designate this parameter, a letter classification is adopted. It will also be possible to convert to traditional km / h using the table. So, letter H corresponds to a maximum speed of 210 km / h.
We have selected 13 of the best car tire brands for our review. All of them sell their products on the Russian market. When allocating seats, the opinion of the expert community and the reviews of domestic motorists were taken into account.
Rating of the best tire brands
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | rating |
| Rating of the best tire brands | 1 | 5.0 | |
| 2 | 4.9 | ||
| 3 | 4.8 | ||
| 4 | 4.7 | ||
| 5 | 4.6 | ||
| 6 | 4.5 | ||
| 7 | 4.4 | ||
| 8 | 4.3 | ||
| 9 | 4.2 | ||
| 10 | 4.1 | ||
| 11 | 4.0 | ||
| 12 | 3.9 | ||
| 13 | 3.8 |
The French Michelin concern boasts a glorious hundred-year history. Since the founding of the brand, employees have paid the utmost attention to research work. For example, Michelin is considered to be the first manufacturer of pneumatic wheels. And today, designers, together with engineers and chemists, are trying to implement new ideas. One of them is the replacement of carbon black with silicon. EverGrip technology has increased the wear resistance of the tire, while maintaining its basic parameters. The brand's products are designed for both passenger cars and commercial and freight vehicles, special equipment and electric cars.
Experts appreciated the exploration efforts of the manufacturer, giving him the laurels of the winner of our rating. Users are only dissatisfied with the high price of tires.
Dignity
- development of new tires;
- high quality;
- wide range of;
- innovative technologies.
disadvantages
- high price.
The leading manufacturer of car tires in the world is the American company Goodyear. There are many glorious pages in the age-old history of the brand. It was on Goodyear wheels that the first Ford car drove off. Since then, the search for new technologies has not stopped for a minute. The head office of the corporation is still located in Akron, where it was built in 1898. The assortment is diverse, you can choose tires both for car owners and managers of large freight carriers.
Domestic users speak flatteringly about summer tires... It does not make noise, behaves well on slippery roads, there are no problems with balancing during tire fitting. Only on deep potholes the tires give up, "hernias" appear on them, after which the tire has to be changed.
Dignity
- innovative developments;
- centuries-old traditions;
- advanced equipment;
- noiselessness.
disadvantages
- tires are afraid of strong bumps.
The Italian car tire manufacturer Pirelli has focused on the production of products for racing cars. And the company has succeeded in this. The company was founded in 1872 when the young Giovani Pirelli acquired a small Milan rubber factory. The brand is currently owned by the Chinese chemical concern ChemChina, although the head office remains in Milan. The manufacturer is not limited to tire products for racing cars, the range includes tires for ordinary cars, motorcycles and bicycles. The experts paid attention to this, giving the brand a prize in our rating.
Users noticed only one flaw in the Pirelli tires. They are not resistant enough to strong blows about potholes, because of which "hernias" appear.
Dignity
- sports bias;
- noiselessness;
- good handling of the car;
- wide range of products.
disadvantages
- low impact resistance.
The tires of the South Korean company Hankook are in steady demand among Russian motorists. This brand appeared in 1941, having gone the hard way from a small enterprise to an international concern. Most recently (2017), a plant was inaugurated in the American city of Tennessee. But the manufacturer not only builds production sites; great attention is paid to research work. Experts highlight several advantages of South Korean rubber, due to which the brand occupies a leading position in the world. These are wear resistance, elasticity and durability.
Domestic car owners appreciate the availability of tires with decent quality. Bad behavior on the wet road is often mentioned as a disadvantage, which is why the brand does not make it to the top three of our ranking.
Dignity
- wear resistance;
- elasticity;
- affordable price;
- durability.
disadvantages
- tires do not behave well on wet roads.
The German concern Continental occupies a leading position in the world tire market. The annual production volume amazes even experts, more than 90 million tires leave the conveyors of production sites. The brand is the official supplier of tires to the largest car factories in Germany, the USA and Japan. The manufacturer constantly tests and tests its products, comes up with new designs. Therefore, Continental tires outperform their competitors in such categories as braking distances and handling in different road conditions.
Russian motorists praise German rubber for its quietness, high quality, and excellent grip on the road. The main disadvantage that affected the position in the rating is the high price.
Dignity
- German quality;
- innovativeness of developments;
- excellent grip;
- noiselessness.
disadvantages
- high price.
The northern regions are home to the Finnish tire company Nokian. This oldest tire manufacturer in Europe started its activity in 1898. The company created the first in the world winter tire for trucks. The plant has been operating in Russia since 2005, which made it possible to reduce the price of premium tires. About 14 million tires of the highest quality come off the factory conveyors annually. According to the German magazine Focus Money, the Finnish brand produced the best car tire in 2018. Experts point out such strengths of the manufacturer as good cross-country ability and stability on slippery and wet roads.
Car owners are pleased with the low noise level, good stability, and ease of balancing. The sixth place in the ranking is due to the high price and fragility.
Dignity
- high quality;
- low noise;
- stability on slippery and wet roads;
- softness.
disadvantages
- high price;
- fragility.
It is symbolic that the Japanese company is one of the seven largest tire manufacturers, occupying the same seventh position in our rating. The company was founded in 1917 through the merger of Japanese and American enterprises. The brand got its name in honor of the city where the cooperation agreement was signed. The first tires were produced only in 1930, and it was this direction that became a priority for the company. The brand tests its products at sports competitions. As a result of the tests, the tires are supplied to the conveyors of such auto giants as Mercedes Benz, Porsche and Toyota.
Russian car owners appreciate Japanese tires for their good grip, softness, and optimal price-quality ratio. The disadvantages include the loss of thorns and thin sidewalls.
Dignity
- good grip;
- value for money;
- durability;
- wear resistance.
disadvantages
- thin sidewalls;
- thorns fall out.
Another Japanese car tire manufacturer made it to our ranking. Bridgestone in his work pays maximum attention to the quality of products. The brand has adhered to this position since its foundation (1931). Today rubber is sold all over the world, the American company Firestone has become the largest subsidiary of the company. Among the partners of the concern are the famous automobile plants Ford and Volkswagen. The company has a lot of prestigious awards that have been received for an innovative approach and high technological effectiveness.
As for the opinion of domestic motorists, they refer to the advantages of the brand as an acceptable price, decent quality, resistance to bumps. The weak points of tires are noise, stiffness and not the best grip on the road.
Dignity
- affordable price;
- good quality;
- strong sides;
- wear resistance.
disadvantages
- rigidity;
- the tires are not suitable for off-road driving.
Over a century and a half history, the American concern Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has accumulated a wealth of experience. Tires under the Avon, Cooper, Dean, Mastercraft, Roadmaster and Starfire brands are supplied to different countries of the world. The company was included in the honorary list "101 best firm USA ". Experts highly appreciated the affordable price of rubber and durability (more than 100 thousand km of run), for which the brand gets into our rating. The manufacturer has its own test center in Texas. The catalog contains a wide range of tires for cars and trucks.
The American tires received special praise from Russian SUV owners. They praise rubber for its quality, affordable price, high cross-country ability, durability. The disadvantages of users include noise, lack of tires in stores in the country.
Dignity
- high quality;
- affordable prices;
- durability;
- good cross-country ability.
disadvantages
- noisiness;
- shortage in stores.
TOYO
The history of the TOYO brand began at the close of World War II. At this time, the merger of two Japanese manufacturers of rubber products took place. The company has won the respect of car owners around the world. Many experts cite product quality as an example. The brand is included in our rating for precise car handling, quietness on the road, stable and predictable behavior at any speed. Automobile manufacturers such as Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Audi initially complete their cars with TOYO rubber.
Domestic motorists like Japanese tires for their durability, ride comfort, good grip when cornering. The disadvantages include a high price, uncertain movement in a rut and a modest assortment in Russian stores.
Dignity
- elasticity;
- good grip;
- wear resistance;
- high quality.
disadvantages
- tires do not like rut;
- high price.
Sumitomo is one of the three largest tire companies in Japan in terms of production. The brand is closely associated with the British concern Dunlop. With the help of Europeans, the first Japanese plant for the production of tires and tubes was built in 1909. And already in 1984 Sumitomo acquired a controlling stake in a British company and took control of it. In 2018 alone, the Japanese concern built large factories in Brazil (with a capacity of 15 thousand tires per day), South Africa (12.5 thousand tires) and Slovenia (rubber products for medicine).
The rather low place of the brand in our rating is explained by the reviews of car owners. The first disadvantage is a lot of weight, which negatively affects the dynamics of acceleration and handling. The second drawback is the demolition of the car when cornering at speed.
Dignity
- high quality;
- elasticity;
- original protector;
- excellent balancing.
disadvantages
- heavy weight;
- demolition of a car on bends.
Nitto
The Japanese brand Nitto has been around since 1949. Today it is part of the Toyo tire company. The company's catalog contains tires for cars and SUVs. Experts believe that a distinctive feature of rubber is the originality of the tread pattern. Nitto tires are in high demand in the American market. The brand came to Russia recently (end of 2015), but already domestic motorists managed to appreciate all the advantages of its products.
The excellent road grip, both on dry and wet asphalt, deserves special praise. Attracts potential buyers and affordable price. As for the shortcomings, while the choice of rubber is not too large, the tires also do not behave in the best way in an aggressive driving style.
Dignity
- good quality;
- excellent grip;
- affordable price;
- original tread pattern.
disadvantages
- a modest assortment in Russian stores;
- erratic behavior when driving abruptly.
Sava
The history of the Slovenian company dates back to 1931. Today the brand belongs to the transnational concern GoodYear. Therefore, all new models for Sava are developed by the designers of the parent company. The parent company took care of the technical re-equipment of the branch. The production site is located in the small town of Kranj, through which the Sava River flows. The annual production volume is 6 million tires, which are supplied to different countries of the world. The brand is included in our rating for its modernity, high manufacturability and affordable price.
Russian motorists like Slovenian rubber for its affordability, softness, good cross-country ability and high-quality manufacturing. The brand needs to work on noise reduction, directional stability, weight reduction.
Dignity
- high quality;
- modern design;
- affordable price;
- elasticity.
disadvantages
- heavy weight;
- noisiness.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
