Top 10 budget Tires
Wouldn’t it be great if you could glance at a tire brand and immediately know if it offers good value? We have developed a straightforward method to help you with this. Our list features our top 10 tire brands and tires that balance integrity and affordability. We evaluate these brands based on the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) standards, focusing on the popular tire size 225/65R17 and prices from Amazon. By calculating the cost of a set of four tires divided by their mileage warranty, we derive a "miles per dollar" figure. This metric serves as a reliable indicator of a tire's overall value, giving you more data to make an informed purchase. Explore our recommendations to find the best tires for your needs while keeping your budget in check.
10. Ironman Tires
Iron Man tires, owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company. One of the standout features of Iron Man tires is their road hazard protection policy, which offers replacement for up to two years or the first 50% of tread life. Our tire of choice is the "iMove PT A/S" with a mileage warranty of 45,000, giving us 109 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: China and Ohio
Treadwear rating: 440 - Okay
Traction rating: A - Good
Temperature rating: A - Good
Our rating: Good tire in a pinch
9. Milestar
Milestar Tires is a brand owned by Tireco, Inc., a company based in the United States. These tires are manufactured by Nankang Rubber Tire Corporation. Milestar rates their tires differently than most brands but still has a mileage warranty. Our tire of choice is the "MS932 Sport A/S" with a mileage rating of 50,000 or 60,000 depending on the speed rating, giving us 119 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: US and Vietnam
Treadwear rating: 4.5/5 (subject to Milestar's judgment)
Traction rating: 4/5 (subject to Milestar's judgment)
Temperature rating: unknown.
Our rating: good value for the price
8. Kelly Tires
Kelly Tires, a brand that has been part of the Goodyear family since 1935, manufactured in the United States. A common tire used by dealerships in the United States. Our tire of choice is the "Kelly Edge Touring A/S" with a mileage rating of 65,000, giving us 122 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: US
Treadwear rating: 600 - Good
Traction rating: A - Good
Temperature rating: A - Good
Our rating: great brand recognition, good value.
7. General Tire
General Tires, an American-made brand and a subsidiary of Continental. One of the most notable aspects of these tires is their exceptional mileage rating, ranging from 45,000 to 75,000 miles. they have a satisfaction trial of 45 days or the first 2/32nds of treadwear (whichever comes first.) Our tire of Choice is the "General Altimax RT45" with a mileage rating of 75,000, giving us 123 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: US, Canada, Germany, Thailand and Brazil.
Treadwear rating: 700 - Great
Traction rating: A - Good
Temperature rating: B - Okay
Our rating: great brand recognition, good value.
6. West Lake
West Lake Tires, a China-owned company, has established a strong reputation for providing excellent value in the tire market. With their focus mostly being on value, you wont see a mileage rating higher than 50,000. However, the price of these tires certainly make up for it. Our tire of choice is the SU318 RADIAL H/T With a mileage rating of 50,000, giving us 134 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: China
Treadwear rating: 500 - Okay
Traction rating: A - Good
Temperature rating: A - Good
Our rating: Great tire in a pinch
5. Toyo Tires
Toyo Tire has a global presence in five countries around the world. These countries include Japan, where the company was founded and maintains a strong manufacturing base, as well as the United States, where they cater to a diverse market. In addition to these locations, Toyo Tire has expanded its production capabilities to China, Malaysia, and Serbia. Toyo Tires has a trial of 500 miles or 45 days. Our tire of choice is the "EXTENSA A/S II" with a mileage rating of 75,000, giving us 140 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: Japan, US, China, Malaysia and Serbia
Treadwear rating: 620 - Good
Traction rating: B - Okay
Temperature rating: A - Good
Our rating: Great value for everyday use.
4. Mastercraft
Mastercraft is made by Cooper Tires. A well known and trusted brand who does all of their manufacturing in the US. Once again, a brand that does not go by their UTQG scores and uses their own rating system. Our tire of choice is the "SRT Touring" with a mileage rating of 65,000, giving us 143 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in:US
Treadwear rating: 8.9 out of 10 (subject to Mastercrafts Judgment)
Traction rating: 7.7 out of 10 (subject to Mastercrafts Judgment)
Temperature rating: Unknown
Our rating: Great value for everyday use.
3. Hankook
Hankook tires are owned by Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. they have manufacturing facilities all around the world. They have a 30 day free trail and a standard road hazard program. Our tire of choice is the Hankook "Kinergy ST Touring" with a mileage rating of 70,000, giving us 148 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: South Korea, the People's Republic of China, Hungary, Indonesia, and the United States.
Treadwear rating: 680 - Good.
Traction rating: A - Good.
Temperature rating: A - Good.
Our rating: Expectational value.
2. Atlas Tires
Atlas Tires, owned by a Chinese company, LingLong Tire. Origianly an american made tire brand, it was bought back in 2009 by Linglong Tire. Atlas tires has standard warranty practices. Covering the cost of a replacement tire if there is a defect in workmanship or material. Our tire of choice is the "Force HP" with a mileage rating of 50,000, giving us 149 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: China and Thailand
Treadwear rating: 700 - Great
Traction rating: A - Good
Temperature rating: A - Good
Our rating: Exceptional value and over achiever.
1. Nexen
Nexen Tire, a company headquartered in Hong Kong and owned by CNOOC Limited. in 2005 they established a US branch. Nexen offers a 45 day trial period, (or 500miles) a roadside assistance program for 36 months and a solid treadwear and road hazard warranty. Our tire of choice is "Nexen N5000 Plus" with a mileage rating of 60,000, giving us 159 miles per dollar.
Manufactured in: Korea, China and Czech Republic.
Treadwear rating: 600 - Good
Traction rating: A
Temperature rating: A
Our rating: Exceptional value.
Conclusion
Finding the right tires that fit your budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Each of these top 10 tire brands provides excellent value for money, ensuring you can drive safely without breaking the bank. Happy tire shopping!
