# I need new tires - is there really such a difference in quality between cheap & expensive? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 30, 2021, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887 "2021-12-30T00:26:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/21 "2021-12-30T15:43:34Z")
As with many other things I tend to go with the mid-priced but well-reviewed tires. Somewhere between the cheap Chinese tires and $400 Michelins there are tires that are 90% as good for half the price. I have bought several sets of BF Goodrich G-Force Comp-2 tires for my Mazdaspeed3 and now my Focus ST, they perform and wear very well. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/22 "2021-12-30T16:14:48Z")
Tire Rack is your friend, have found the user ratings to be VERY accurate. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/23 "2021-12-30T16:35:10Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > Somewhere between the cheap Chinese tires and $400 Michelins there are tires that are 90% as good for half the price. I have Chinese tires on my car – not my preference, but they were chosen by my mechanic after he offered me several options and I went with “cheap”. I’ve had no real issues with them and it’s been quite a few years. As a matter of fact, the tires I did have issues with (in a previous car) were some model of Goodyear that I no longer remember – frequent failures, including a blowout on an expressway. On one occasion when I got a flat on one of those, I had my air compressor with me and pumped it up enough to drive it to a nearby repair shop. I was informed that the tire was shot and would have to be replaced. They may have just been trying to sell me a tire, but the Goodyears were such crap that I believe it. And more recently, a couple of years ago, I had a flat on one of the Chinese tires. It was a rear tire and I didn’t even realize it until a passing motorist pointed it out. It was totally flat, but I had to drive it still further to get off the road and into a parking lot to deal with it. I took it into a tire shop, certain that the tire was ruined, but they said no, they could patch it up, and it’s been fine. Go figure. Still, when it comes time to replace them I’ll probably go with one of the brands recommended here. The thing with Chinese tires is not that they’re necessarily bad, but that it may be something of a crapshoot. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/24 "2021-12-30T16:35:22Z")
Seconding the suggestion of using Tire Rack to help you find good tires. Their selection guide is great, even if you don’t buy the tires from them. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/25 "2021-12-30T16:37:48Z")
> [@Mallard](#): > > From anything I’ve read, Michelin all seasons are not very good in winter conditions It’s hard to be that general. All of the tire manufacturers make many different tires at different price points, and with different abilities. Some all season tires are going to be more performance or summer biased, and not do too well in snow. Others may be better in snow, but sacrifice noise, ride quality, or wear. A good review site will help distinguish between those different compromises, so maybe you buy an all season tire that is better in the rain, but not as good in the snow, because you live someplace that sees much more rain than snow. Or, maybe you optimize on price. Find the longest lasting tire in your price range, that isn’t terrible in snow. That also takes quality reviews and tests to determine. It is a curse of choice, and can easily lead to decision overload. Tires are the only thing a car uses to stop, go, and turn (unless things have gone very wrong), so it’s worth investing a bit of mental energy into choosing the best ones for your situation. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/26 "2021-12-30T16:52:19Z")
I have used nothing but Michelin Defender all season tires for the past 30 years and have found them to be excellent. Had to drive over Snoqualmie Pass this past Monday during blizzard conditions and had zero issues. Didn’t have to switch over to 4 wheel drive either, drove entirely in 2 wheel drive. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/27 "2021-12-30T17:05:20Z")
> [@racer72](#): > > I have used nothing but Michelin Defender all season tires for the past 30 years and have found them to be excellent. Of course a lot also depends on the vehicle. One negative thing I will say about the current tires I mentioned (all-seasons) is that they are crap in snow, but I don’t know how much of that is the car, which is a relatively light FWD compact. The previous car was a minivan, which is a totally different beast. It was excellent in snow with the Goodyear all-seasons, which were unfortunately crap in every other way! ---
**Author:** ![Limmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f04885/32.png) [@Limmin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Limmin)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/28 "2021-12-30T17:25:16Z")
Tires are a product like, say, shoes, that you should pay a bit more for better quality. Else, if you buy the cheapest ones, they fail much sooner and you end up paying more overall to keep your wheels properly clad. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/29 "2021-12-31T18:04:25Z")
> [@Limmin](#): > > if you buy the cheapest ones, they fail much sooner and you end up paying more overall to keep your wheels properly clad. The trouble is knowing when one item costs more because it is made of better, but more expensive, materials, and is built to more rigorous quality standards, and when it costs more because the seller thinks they can get away with charging more. In many (but not all) products there is a positive correlation between price and quality, but that correlation is far below 1.0 in all categories. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/30 "2021-12-31T19:09:32Z")
> [@John\_DiFool](#): > > Tire Rack is your friend Indeed. To address the question, I’ve found that ‘cheap’ brands like Kuhmo, Sumitomo and others have been every bit as good (or in some cases better) than Michelin and Continental. Decent performance, similar wear. I drive fast and hard on mountain roads frequently, and everything wears out pretty fast, and tires that cost half as much are a bonus. I do try to avoid tires made in China, for other, more esoteric reasons. I’ve had many, many sets of Kuhmo tires manufactured in Korea and been happy with them. Got a set of Sumitomo’s made in Indonesia on one of the little screamers, and they are fine. I think they were like $60 a tire or something. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/31 "2021-12-31T19:27:01Z")
Is there a site that rates tires for road noise? ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/32 "2021-12-31T19:44:23Z")
[Tire Rack](https://www.google.com/search?q=tire+rack+noise+ratings&client=safari&hl=en-us&sxsrf=AOaemvJhX1i7f-j0KEOzzyCoHpnJz9KhbQ%3A1640979663280&ei=z1zPYa_4CpCDwbkP9_yV8AY&oq=tire+rack+noi&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAEYADIFCAAQgAQyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgUIIRCgATIFCCEQoAE6BwgjELADECc6BwgAEEcQsAM6BwgAELADEEM6EAguEMcBEKMCEMgDELADEEM6EAguEMcBENEDEMgDELADEEM6EAguEMcBEK8BEMgDELADEEM6CggAEIAEEIcCEBQ6DQgAEIAEEIcCEMkDEBQ6BQgAEJIDOg0ILhCxAxDHARDRAxAKOggIABCABBDJAzoLCC4QgAQQxwEQrwE6BQgAEJECSgUIOBIBMUoECEEYAFCXEljTG2CWKmgBcAF4AIABlQGIAcwEkgEDMC40mAEAoAEByAERwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#ip=1). It’s a great site. A friend manages a Goodyear tire shop and he refers customers there all the time. I get my tires from America’s Tire and they use it regularly too. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/33 "2021-12-31T19:48:06Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > The trouble is knowing when one item costs more because it is made of better, but more expensive, materials, and is built to more rigorous quality standards, and when it costs more because the seller thinks they can get away with charging more. > > In many (but not all) products there is a positive correlation between price and quality, but that correlation is far below 1.0 1.01.0 in all categories. Quoted for truth. I would be very reluctant to spend a lot on a product unless I had some reason _other than its price_ to believe that it was high quality. It’s been awhile since I subscribed to _Consumer Reports_, but I’d be tempted to check them if I were in the OP’s situation and wanted to know which tires were better, and by how much. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/34 "2021-12-31T19:54:34Z")
Michelin Defender LTXs are great tires for SUVs. I’m running them on my 2016 Grand Cherokee now, and I ran them on my last car, a 2001 Honda CR-V. I’ve run ATs (all terrain tires) on both cars and for my usage of 98% miles on pavement and 2% on trail, the Defender LTX is ideal. Good traction in dry / wet / snow, long lasting, and a quiet, comfortable ride. The ATs I’ve run are: Bridgestone Duelers Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac BF Goodrich KO2 — this is a very strong tire Here are some pics of my Grand Cherokee. > > first 3 are 18” Defender LTXs, on the trail (up on 3 wheels) > > 18” KO2s > > 20” Wrangler Duratracs on a muddy trail — I needed to be pulled out [[Album] Diesel Grand Cherokee ![](https://i.imgur.com/pz2gzTx.jpeg?fb "Diesel Grand Cherokee") ](https://imgur.com/gallery/bRjBA9U) ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/35 "2021-12-31T21:00:42Z")
I just read that Discount Tire is acquiring Tire Rack as of today, Dec. 31st. I wonder how that will affect Tire Rack’s veracity? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/36 "2021-12-31T21:27:34Z")
I have lived in the mountains of Colorado for 30 years. I will only buy Bridgestone Blizzkaks or Nokian Hakkapeliitta. Quite expensive, but better than being in the hospital. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/37 "2021-12-31T22:42:55Z")
**Bullitt** - Oh, my! How did you do that? Do tires have a shelf life besides treadwear? What I mean is, does the rubber (or whatever they use now) deteriorate over time? StG ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/38 "2021-12-31T22:49:55Z")
I’ve had to replace tires that still had tread left, and the replacement was required due to dry rot. So yes, they do deteriorate. (And I never thought of shopping for tires based on road noise but now that it’s been mentioned, it’s going to be a priority next time.) ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/39 "2021-12-31T22:50:41Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I will only buy Bridgestone Blizzkaks or Nokian Hakkapeliitta. I have a friend in Alaska who is – as we speak – shaking his head in full agreement, and/but they eventually stuck with the Nokians exclusively. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2021, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887/40 "2021-12-31T23:36:31Z")
Just this afternoon my friend’s husband looked at my tires and told me I need new ones. I’ve a Michelin woman, but frankly they stink on wet roads. He always uses Tire Rack and found e what I need. SAme size as yours St.G. Cooper Ultra Touring CS5. $148.99. Made in America. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-tires-is-there-really-such-a-difference-in-quality-between-cheap-expensive/956887.md?page=3)