It is the tires that are in direct contact with the road, which means that such tires depend on their quality. the most important parameters like handling, steering response accuracy, noise level. This is especially true for such a class of vehicles as trucks. After all, they transport cargo, often weighing tens of tons - here both the loads and the quality requirements are appropriate. But there are dozens of brands of tires on the market. How to choose the best? The rating of truck tires will help you with this.
To begin with, we will touch on a few common questions that arise when choosing truck tires. Here it is necessary to take into account all the factors: the truck will drive, with what cargo, in what climate. It also matters on which axis the installation will be made.
For example, steerable wheels. Tires with longitudinal sipes are suitable for them. This will reduce rolling resistance. Also, such a pattern, as it were, ejects moisture and snow from under the wheels. Such a tire will not let you down either when braking or when turning.
Tires on the drive wheels can be easily recognized by the transverse and longitudinal channels. Such a tread in the form of "herringbones" or "checkers" allows the car to feel the road confidently, and provide good performance braking.
It happens that you have to operate a car off-road with a hard surface. There will come tires, the pressure in which can be adjusted. The disadvantage is that such tires have increased wear (which is not surprising when driving on sand, clay and mud). You will have to change them almost twice as often. And the carrying capacity of such tires is lower than usual.
In the question of which truck tires are better, a lot depends on the shape of the profile. The lower it is, the better handling and stability. Tires with a wide profile can be recommended for use. They will help improve patency and reduce fuel consumption.
Video on how to choose truck tires:
So, in order to choose the right truck tires, you need to look at:
- wheel, on which axle you install;
- protectors;
- the ability to adjust the pressure;
- profile.
Truck tire test
As a basis for our tests, we will take studies commissioned by HG-Logistic. They were carried out by Die Flottenberater, a consulting company in the field of fleet management. The company approached the matter very responsibly. Let's give a couple of figures: it took almost 70 thousand liters of diesel fuel to test truck tires. Mileage amounted to 241 thousand kilometers. And then, somewhat unexpectedly, Athos came out on top. This breaks the stereotype that the Chinese produce only cheap, but very unreliable products. An no. They managed to create tires that are practically ideal in terms of price-quality ratio. Moreover, you can actually reduce fuel consumption.
In second place is the well-known company Matador. This European company has a long and glorious history. Back in 1932, the plant from Bratislava and the Prague Rubber Products Plant formed a joint-stock company. This was the beginning of the expansion of the Matador brand into the European markets. Although Matador rubber products have been produced in limited quantities since 1905
Tires of this company have always been of good quality. Good grip of these tires with the road will allow drivers to feel confident when cornering and when braking. The tires are a little noisy, but for a truck, such a small drawback can be neglected.
The Continental tires performed well. This German concern is an old player in the tire market. No wonder, because the Continental Caoutchuc & Gutta - Percha company was formed back in 1871. Since then, production technologies have been continuously improved. In particular, modern Continental tires use a tread pattern that is somewhat reminiscent of a shark's fin. Studies have shown that this can significantly reduce friction, which means fuel consumption is reduced. The flexible yet highly durable tread mesh provides excellent handling in both dry and wet conditions. And snowfall with Continental tires will not be fatal. The concern's tires traditionally have a lower weight compared to competitors. When servicing a car, less weight becomes a big plus.
Summarize. The top three best tires for a truck included tires from companies:
- Athos;
- matador;
- Continental.
Once again, we repeat the sacramental truth: using one of the best truck tires is the key to a long and safe operation. We must not forget about it. Dear motorists, read our articles and choose only the best.
A huge number of brands fill today's tire market, which causes some difficulty in choosing. A wide range, 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 is superior in its parameters to eminent manufacturers.
Our short review can help clear up this confusion. For the convenience of the reader, the rating has been divided into three price categories, each featuring the best tire brands modernity. The selection was carried out on the basis of product characteristics, the opinions of service center specialists, as well as recommendations and feedback from the owners of this rubber.
Top Budget Tire Companies
For many domestic cars and used foreign cars good option will buy inexpensive tires. They will faithfully serve for many years, and if they fail prematurely, it will not be a pity to replace them.
5 Kumho
The most reliable anti-counterfeit protection
Country: South Korea
Rating (2019): 4.5
A beautiful lake - this is how the name of the South Korean tire company is translated into Russian. More than 10 years ago, the value of the gross domestic product exceeded one billion dollars and continues to grow. Aggressively conquering the global market, Kumho supplies tires for original equipment to manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, Ford and other brands. Kumho is the only company in Korea that has managed to achieve 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 counterfeit 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, WinterCraft SUV Ice WS31 stands out for its low noise level and excellent directional stability. In general, the company's products more than once received the highest consumer loyalty index (NPS) in South Korea. Numerous confirmations the best performance are also contained in the reviews of motorists who have made a choice in favor of this brand.
4 Maxxis
Optimal tires for SUVs
Country: Taiwan
Rating (2019): 4.8
The Taiwanese company MAXXIS INTERNATIONAL has recently firmly established itself in the top ten among tire manufacturers. For 45 years, the company has been manufacturing tires for cars and SUVs, trucks and buses, motorcycles and agricultural vehicles. 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 through the use of Japanese technologies and unique developments of the cord and rubber compound.
Car owners distinguish such qualities of tires as good braking on ice, tolerable noise, high cross-country ability and affordable price. Tire models such as the Arctic Trekker SP03 for winter or the off-road MAXXIS MT-764 BIGHORN are as good as popular brands in their characteristics, and the cost is more affordable. This allows the company to successfully compete on an equal footing with the market leaders, and the owners to get a quality product, spending much less money. Among the shortcomings, poor handling, rigidity, and balancing problems are often mentioned.
3 "Belshina"
Decent winter tires
Country: Belarus
Rating (2019): 4.8
A good value for money offers the Belarusian company "Belshina". It worked successfully during Soviet Union, and after modernization withstands fierce competition in the world market. The company boasts a wide range of 300 sizes. Products are supplied to 70 countries of the world, the company's partners are such giants 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 rubber produced. Suffice it to say that the largest manufacturer of special equipment CAT uses tires of this brand for the primary equipment of its equipment.
Motorists most of all liked winter tires, which are soft. Rubber smooths out all the bumps in the roadway, and a deep tread allows you to overcome deep snowdrifts. The car also feels confident on city streets with snow and mud porridge. Such tires for winter as Artmotion Snow can turn any car into a car of a higher class - there is absolutely no noise and the smoothness of the ride increases significantly. One gets the impression that the owner has 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
Nizhnekamskshina PJSC is the largest domestic enterprise that produces modern tires for cars. From the conveyor of this company come such famous brands rubber like Viatti, KAMA and KAMA EURO. The buyer is offered an impressive list different types wheels from 250 items. Among the partners of the enterprise are such eminent auto giants as Skoda, Fiat and Volkswagen.
Many car owners in the CIS are satisfied with the quality of Nizhnekamsk rubber. It holds the road well, behaves steadily during downpours, confidently takes turns at speed. While driving, it makes a little noise, while it is durable and wear-resistant. Summer models Kama-234, Kama-Euro-129 and others are in great demand in the domestic market. They attract the buyer with an interesting tread pattern, a balanced price and excellent operational characteristics. Among 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 on the European market, it has been holding a leading position in budget segment Slovenian company Sava. Tires are produced at several factories in Europe, but the parent company in Kranj remains the largest manufacturer. In a year, 8 million tires roll off the assembly line of this company. The pride of the Slovenes is the modernized production, where the most advanced technologies are applied. Thanks 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 skid at the beginning and end of winter when the ice crust is under water or slush. But in motion rubber perfectly holds the road 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 Russian winter roads.
The best tire companies in the middle price segment
A lot of foreign cars travel along the roads of Russia, which require more “delicate shoes”. It is produced by many well-known companies operating in the middle price segment. The characteristics of these tires will suit the average domestic motorist.
5 Yokohama
Better handling on a summer road
The country: Japan (produced in Russia)
Rating (2019): 4.8
Ranked as the second largest tire manufacturer in Japan, Yokohama brand has proven itself in the world market, as its products are of high quality and meet the highest expectations of the consumer. This is confirmed by the participation of the company's tires in various sports competitions, where tires are tested in the most extreme conditions. Thanks to this, many world-famous automakers choose Yokohama tires for the primary equipment of their cars (Porsche, Zender, Toyota, Mercedes Benz and others).
Using only advanced technologies in the production of rubber, 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 elastic at any temperature. Noise levels are minimized, traction and service life are improved, adhesion to the surface is increased due to the use of orange oil. So, one of the best models, the Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 summer tire demonstrates perfect handling and exchange rate stability even on wet roads. At the same time, rubber has a high resistance to abrasion (many owners in their reviews consider this characteristic to be one of the most significant).
4 Triangle Group
Profitable price
Country: China
Rating (2019): 4.9
The Chinese tire company Triangle Group was established in 1976. After updates and reorganizations, this company became the leader in the production of automobile tires in China. On sale are wheels for cars and commercial vehicles, for trucks, buses and special equipment. The corporation's annual capacity 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. There is a sales network in 160 countries of the world.
Among the advantages Tire Triangle domestic consumers allocate an affordable price with sufficiently high technical parameters. The tire perfectly clings to the road surface both in summer and in winter, it is well balanced, it does not make noise while driving. Many car owners, judging by their reviews, like the Triangle Group Sportex TSH11 / Sports TH201 model. The rubber has a rigid lateral part, which provides excellent handling. At altitude and grip, including wet. The combination of such properties with an affordable price has predetermined the choice of many motorists.
3 Nitto
Good SUV category tires
Country: Japan
Rating (2019): 5.0
The Japanese company Nitto Tire employs employees who are passionately dedicated to their work. Their efforts have developed a whole line of original tires with a memorable tread. Employees of the company immediately introduce innovative developments into production, conducting rigorous tests. The range includes many tires for SUVs and crossovers. As a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire concern, Nitto products are focused on the North American market. The founding date is considered to be 1949.
For domestic owners of SUVs, tires are attractive for their quiet and safe operation. A car with Nitto tires handles well 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. Against the background of other brands, it compares favorably with high coupling characteristics and reliable handling at any speed. At the same time, the tire demonstrates sufficient comfort and excellent behavior on wet roads.
2 Bridgestone
Optimal performance of winter tires
Country: Japan
Rating (2019): 5.0
The Japanese firm Bridgestone has a simple philosophy. It serves the community by producing products of the highest quality. This motto also applies to tires. The head office is located in Tokyo, the founding date 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 cars. And most recently (July 2017), Bridgestone products received an award from the Volkswagen Group as the most technologically advanced and innovative on the world market.
Domestic motorists like products under the Bridgestone brand for excellent quality, predictable behavior on the road, resistance to bumps and potholes. Winter models are soft and quiet. A car with Bridgestone wheels copes well with high snowdrifts and porridge on the road. The Blizzak W995 tires deserve special respect from the owners. This tire stands out for its high strength and wear resistance, while demonstrating a fairly low noise level.
1 TOYO TIRES
The best summer tires
Country: Japan
Rating (2019): 5.0
Leading position in the global tire market is occupied by Japanese company Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. It has been operating since 1945, during which time the company managed to build branches and representative offices in 100 countries. The head office is located in the Japanese city of Osaka. The main activity is the production of tires for cars and trucks, vans and SUVs. The quality of TOYO rubber is tested not only in laboratory conditions, but also on racing tracks, as well as at the famous Dakar Rally.
Comparing with other tires, car owners speak positively about Japanese tires. She behaves well on the road, there is practically no slippage, the car goes smoothly. The car does not notice the track, elastically jumps on speed bumps. There is some noise on some types of pavement. The summer tire of the SUV category - Toyo Open Country M / T - has proven itself perfectly. It not only has high traffic. Despite the impressive tread, the wheel noise 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 besides, cuts on this tire are very rare. Yes, and the tire wears out very slowly, and given the affordable price for rubber of this size, these factors multiply their attractiveness.
The best premium tire companies
Many tire companies from the top ten leaders have a century-long history of development. These huge concerns have tremendous experience, they can boast of 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 opened back in the century before last, and is considered not only the founder of the tire industry - all the fundamental developments to create 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 also reflected in model range tires for conventional vehicles - the Dunlop sports rubber line is considered one of the best in the world.
The most popular among high-speed tires of this brand is Sport BluResponse. In 2015, in the ADAC rating, she entered the top four, demonstrating precision in driving, braking performance on wet roads, wear resistance (the manufacturer claims a resource of 80 thousand km). On top of that, in their reviews, many owners consider this summer tire to be one of the most economical models of the brand.
4 Continental
High-tech tire architecture
Country: Germany
Rating (2019): 4.8
German manufacturer of high quality Continental tires has long been considered the leader in the world market. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 90 million passenger car tires are produced every year. Being the main supplier of rubber to such auto giants as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, General Motors Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Toyota. Tire products of the company regularly undergo all kinds of tests and tests, as a result of which it takes a leading position in such important indicators as braking distances and handling under various conditions.
The engineers of this brand managed to connect the "incompatible" when developing the Continental Premium Contact 6 (PC6) model. Everything best qualities sports and comfort rubber were 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 tire life, but also to reduce rolling resistance and noise levels.
3 Michelins
The fastest tires
Country: France
Rating (2019): 4.9
The French company Michelin has a glorious century-old history. Even at the dawn of its formation, the employees of the company 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 cars and hybrid cars have already been created.
Fans of fast driving speak positively about the stability of the car on the road, resistance to drifts, and strong sidewalls. Motorists speak negatively about the price and noise. MICHELIN CrossClimate, one of the best tires of this brand, provides a quiet and smooth ride of the car, precision control, minimal aquaplaning. All these characteristics remain unchanged with increasing speed. Resistance to temperature changes makes the tire one of the best for the off-season, and in big cities allows you to ride CrossClimate all year round. The only thing that motorists can speak negatively about is 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 the Finnish company has been operating in the Russian city of Vsevolozhsk. The annual output is 14 million tires. The German magazine Focus Money, which annually selects the most popular tires, in the nomination "Best Car Tires 2018" awarded the victory to products under the Nokian brand. Such strengths as excellent price, quality, and brand appeal.
Car owners are satisfied with the quiet ride, good cross-country ability, and stability on icy roads. Received particular fame from domestic motorists Hakkapeliitta model. The spikes hold very securely; after 5-6 years of operation, more than 80% of the metal elements are preserved. The main disadvantage of domestic motorists consider the high price.
1 Good year
Best car tires for summer
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 5.0
The American company Goodyear is one of the leading players in the field of rubber products. It was on the wheels of this company that the first production Ford left the factory. The history of the company has more than 100 years. The work has always been based on the search for innovation and the introduction of advanced technologies. The main office has been located since 1898 in Akron (Ohio). The line includes tires for cars and trucks, motorcycles and aircraft, agricultural vehicles and special vehicles.
Flattering reviews from Russian motorists are mainly associated with summer tires. It perfectly keeps the car on a slippery road when cornering. When driving, no noise is heard, the balance is excellent, it copes well with unpaved surfaces. Driving quickly over potholes and bumps can lead to the appearance of a "hernia". Identical characteristics can be found in the most popular tire of this brand - Wrangler DuraTrac. The only thing to get a “hernia” on such rubber is to try hard. Despite the brutal deep tread, the tire is quite quiet in operation, and at the same time it is highly wear resistant.
When high-quality rubber is installed on the car, the driver does not worry about his safety. Excellent traction with the roadway makes it easy to control the vehicle. There are a wide variety of tires on the market today. However, only a few of them are very popular.
Top car tire manufacturers
Nokian
Finnish tires are considered the most reliable and high quality. They have long been in demand among Russian motorists. Such fame is associated with the appearance newest rubber Hakkapeliitta 9. I must say that the previously sold "eight" from Nokian does not lose popularity. High-quality Nordman 7 tires quickly gained momentum in the market.
Continental
The company has been manufacturing tires for over 150 years. Back in 1936, the first synthetic rubber was made at its factories for the first time.
In recent years, Conti Premium Contact 5 tires have gained great popularity. This summer tires designed for use on cars. The handling of the car becomes easier, the wheels do not make much noise.
Continetal was the first to create tires that meet environmental requirements and reduce fuel consumption. Currently, the company's engineers are developing the latest puncture-free tires that can be installed on a standard rim.
Pirelli
An Italian product that has made its mark with Winter Ice Zero tires that can be used in the toughest conditions. Wheels feel confident icy road, due to the special design of the spikes and the unique rubber compound. According to drivers, driving on a suburban highway on Pirelli tires can be considered completely safe. Any drifts are completely excluded.
Michelin
Michelin produces the most expensive tires. For example, one wheel on a Bugatti Veyron costs $9,065. However, such rubber is able to withstand speeds exceeding 400 km / h. The Caterpillar 797 model, installed on mining trucks, is valued at $60,000.
Michelin's most famous tire is the Primacy 3. It took first place in 2015. It is distinguished by high stability on sharp turns, the ability to drive on wet asphalt and dry roads.
good year
Premium tires, the cost of which is affordable for many motorists. The wheels are characterized by high cross-country ability on snow-covered roads due to the excellent shoulder area and the original Goodyear tread pattern.
Kumho
Wheels of a Korean manufacturer, which began to be produced in 1960. Kumho is currently supplying tires for Formula 3 cars in Korea.
Self-sealing tires are sold in the Korean market. Solus KH17 tires are distinguished from analogues by excellent adaptive properties. Such wheels easily adapt to the surface of the roadway, as well as any weather conditions.
Bridgestone
The Japanese company Bridgestone has long been popular among motorists. Rigid sidewalls of tires increase their wear resistance.
For winter conditions, the Blizzak DM-V1 model is considered the best. In summer, Turanza T001 is very popular. Thanks to special grooves with a resonator effect, the wheels do not emit excessive noise and are highly wear resistant.
Gislaved
The manufacturer has become known all over the world thanks to the latest Nord Frost 200 tires. On such wheels, the car feels great on a snowy road and city avenues. The high quality of rubber and affordable price have made Gislaved tires one of the most popular in Russia.
Dunlop
For 125 years, Dunlop has been making tires for cars. Tubeless tires brought fame to this English company. The company's factories are located in many countries, but most of its products are produced at home in the UK.
Almost all foreign-made cars run on tires manufactured by Dunlop. The Sport BluResponse wheels, designed for summer use, are very popular. They have excellent handling characteristics.
Yokohama
A hundred years ago, this company was founded. Today, it produces a huge range of rubber and is considered one of the best manufacturers of car tires. The concern manufactures chassis for aircraft, tires for cars, bicycles and more. The company also fulfills orders for the manufacture of tires for racing cars.
Yokohama tires are installed on their cars by world manufacturers:
- lexus,
- toyota,
- Porsche,
- mercedes benz,
- mazda,
- Aston Martin,
- Subaru.
Therefore, the company's products are considered one of the most prestigious. The inexpensive C.drive 2 AC02 tire is very popular with motorists. It is highly stable when maneuvering at high speed.
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 the separation into a separate structure of Pirelli Industrial (produces tires for trucks and special equipment) was not taken into account. In addition, the consolidation of the assets of ChemChina and Pirelli into the new Prometeon structure will certainly have an impact. This year, Sumitomo also overtook Hankook for sixth place, which means that since Pirelli is now only engaged in cars and motorcycle tires, it will be difficult for the Italians to maintain fifth place next year (turnover is expected to fall by about 1 billion euros).
One notable change was that Cooper overtook Giti for 10th place. Now the two companies already share about 200 million euros, so it will not be easy for Giti to return to the top 10 next year.
Two Indian companies are developing rapidly - MRF and Apollo. The first was able to move up from 16th to 15th place, while the second managed to climb from 18th to 16th place. With less than 90 million euros now separating them and Apollo growing sales at a faster pace, next year it is likely to overtake MRF to become India's largest tire manufacturer.
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 strengthened its status as one of the leaders in the global market, Huayi (formerly Double Coin) and Linglong are steadily improving their positions. This trend continues, and Sailun also entered the top 20 this year.
Another newcomer to the ranking is Nexen, so it now includes all three of the top tire companies from South Korea- Hankook, Kumho and Nexen. The situation around Kumho is of particular interest. This year it ranks 14th, but if Doublestar does close its deal to buy the Korean manufacturer, the new combined company could climb 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 have a harder time discovering new markets - were able to increase sales by 28% and 40% respectively. At the same time, Goodyear for 10 years, albeit slightly, but reduced its turnover - by 3.7%.
It remains to add that this time already 24 tire companies have managed to pass the mark of 1 billion euros, while ten years ago there were half as many.