The best brands of summer tires for passenger cars
Content
Today, an Irish-made company should be considered as a “cheaper” version of GOODYEAR. The brand has been owned by the American concern since the mid-XNUMXs, producing high-quality tires at a moderate cost. In some cases, they completely repeat the old models from Goodyear, produced using a simplified technology. A good choice for buyers who value quality and reliability at a reasonable price.
The choice of summer tires is not an easy task for many motorists. Our ranking of manufacturers of summer tires for passenger cars will help you understand which companies' products you should pay attention to in the first place.
How to choose summer tires
First of all, they look at the characteristics of the tread, which can be different:
- Symmetrical and non-directional - the choice of practical car owners, such wheels can be thrown along the axles in any sequence.
- Symmetrical directional - such a tread well removes dirt and snow porridge, which is why the car retains directional stability and "hook", it is recommended for lovers of high speeds.
- Asymmetric, combined - universal, suitable for asphalt and dirt roads (it can also be symmetrical).
Consider the specific parameters that should be guided.
The choice of rubber for the intended purpose
Regardless of which company’s tires are better for the summer in a particular case, when buying, they must be sorted according to their purpose:
- Road - characterized by pronounced central grooves and weak hooks, which is why they are ideal for asphalt, but they do not perform well on dirt roads and wet green grass.
- Universal - they are distinguished by a combination of pronounced sipes and central grooves, suitable for asphalt and "ground" operation, allowing, with the appropriate driver skill, to overcome light off-road conditions.
There are also special off-road ones - their various types have large lamellas and side hooks that allow the car to “jump” out of the rut.
Profile characteristics
Regardless of the brand, all brands of summer tires produce three types of tires:
- "low" - up to 55 inclusive;
- "high" - from 60 to 75;
- "full" - with a profile height of 80 or more.
The next important characteristic is the width. The larger it is, the more stable the car is at speed and the less afraid of the rut. But in this case, the load on the suspension elements increases, which is why it is not worth abusing a smaller height and a large width of tires.
Studded summer tires
It is easiest for owners of budget and expensive cars to choose a suitable manufacturer of summer tires. High-profile wheels that save suspension and are moderately priced are the first to go. In the second, you have to select tires recommended by the automaker, which is why the choice is often narrowed to two or three models from a couple of manufacturers.
Rating of the best rubber manufacturers
There are many companies specializing in the production of car tires. But globally successful summer tire brands can be counted on one hand.
Nokian Tires
A Finnish company whose name, not by chance, has a part reminiscent of the deceased Nokia brand. She was also part of the concern, later spun off from him. With tires, the Finns are doing well.
Despite the great popularity of their winter tires produced at the company's factories, there is also enough summer tires in the assortment. It is distinguished by quality and cost. These tires can not be called budget tires, but buyers appreciate Finnish products for directional stability, “hook” in corners and hydroplaning resistance.
GOOD YEAR
An American company, better known not for its high-quality tires, but for the wide range of rubber products. American tires are characterized by strength, durability, the ability to work "to the last" - it's not without reason that they are chosen by lovers of aggressive driving.
Any international rating of manufacturers of summer tires for passenger cars must include at least two or three models from the USA. The company's products also do not differ in budget, but the cost is more than offset by performance.
cordial
Many sincerely believe that the country of origin of the brand is Germany, but in fact it is Russian. The company was organized relatively recently - in 2005. Tires of this brand are produced at the Yaroslavl, Omsk, and partially Nizhnekamsk tire plants.
The brand belongs to the price category "B", which is why it is in demand among owners of budget cars. It is better to choose tires of this company for the summer if you need high-quality, inexpensive, wear-resistant and relatively comfortable tires. In this case, the buyer will not be disappointed with his choice.
"Kama"
There is no motorist in Russia who would not come across in his practice the products of the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant. Despite the dismissive attitude of some "aesthetes", when analyzing reviews of summer tires by brand, it is easy to notice a curious pattern - Kama models always deserve a moderately positive assessment.
Tires with new tread
This rubber, although it does not shine with ideal comfort and stable behavior at extremely high speeds, is completely suitable for the average motorist. Tires of the Nizhnekamsk plant are distinguished by moderate cost, wear resistance and durability.
Continental
The German company, which ranks first in terms of sales of tire products in the European market. Rubber of high quality, durable, characterized by high rates of directional stability and "hook" in corners. That is why every major rating of manufacturers of summer tires for passenger cars necessarily includes at least one of the company's models. Prices are above average.
Dunlop
Today, an Irish-made company should be considered as a “cheaper” version of GOODYEAR. The brand has been owned by the American concern since the mid-XNUMXs, producing high-quality tires at a moderate cost. In some cases, they completely repeat the old models from Goodyear, produced using a simplified technology. A good choice for buyers who value quality and reliability at a reasonable price.
Triangle
If you open any catalog of summer tires with prices from all manufacturers, it is easy to see that the tires of this company are of moderate cost, and every year their sales increase. The explanation is simple - this Chinese-made company managed to earn the image of a "strong middle peasant".
Its products, although they do not reach the level of European brands, are better than Kama or Viatti, and the price differs slightly.
MICHELIN
A French tire manufacturer traditionally competing with the German Continental. The company produces high-quality and comfortable tires, and a number of models are used in professional motorsport. The price is appropriate, but picky motorists prefer to buy these tires.
Yokohama
Russian motorists know the Velcro of this Japanese manufacturer, but there are enough summer models in its assortment. If any automotive publisher lists the best manufacturers of summer tires, this corporation will definitely be among them. Tires of Japanese origin are valued for their "tenacity" on any type of road surface, softness, allowing them to "swallow" the unevenness of the canvas. In recent years, sales of summer tires have been declining due to rising prices.
Pirelli
Italian tire manufacturer known for tires designed for extreme speeds. Tires are often used in motorsport. For the “civilian” market, the Italians produce many models at average prices, which are popular among buyers for their softness and directional stability on the track.
Bridgestone
Another summer tire, whose Japanese manufacturers have relied on product quality. Tires are known to Russian buyers for their reliability, durability, range of radii, comfort and minimal noise when driving. They have only one drawback - the cost.
Toyo
Our list is completed by another Japanese manufacturer of rubber products. He actively cooperates with GOODYEAR, Continental and Pirelli, which is why the assortment of these companies has a number of models that “resonate” with each other. If we compare them, the "Japanese" may be a little more expensive, but the quality of the rubber compound of their products is higher.
Types of Car Tires
Products are soft, good grip and directional stability. As in the previous case, the minus is its cost, but you can safely buy these tires for the summer.
How to properly store summer tires
Tire fitters consider the range from +10 to 25 °С to be the optimal temperature for maintaining the performance of rubber. The main condition for proper storage is protection from direct sunlight. There is no unequivocal opinion on the possibility of storing summer tires on a balcony or in a garage. If the temperatures there do not fall below -10 ° C, then nothing bad will happen to the wheels.
