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When it comes to your tires, your number one concern should be that of safety. And by safety, we are talking about how well your tire brand performs under a wide range of driving conditions where road slippage under dry, wet and ice conditions occur; wear that can be affected not only by the type of terrain your frequent, but also how it holds up against tire-puncturing road debris; and tread life, so that you can factor in cost against and tire life expectancy when comparison shopping between tire brands and types.
Aside from Safety, There’s The Damage as Well to Consider from a Blowout
Not to belabor the point about safety, however, tire shoppers also need to take into consideration that should a tire blowout happen on their car, there’s often more to the damage than just replacing a tire and sometimes the rim.
Here’s a good example of the damage a Toyota Highlander received from a blowout that makes a good argument toward why buying the best (and likely more expensive tire) can be a smart money-saving decision you should consider.
Why Tire Blowout Can Wreak Havoc on Your Car or Truck!
Consumer Reports Ratings
Buying the best tire means spending more because not all tires are created equal. Such was the message in a CR report this year that found through extensive tire testing, there are significant differences among brands and models---especially when it comes to a tire’s road grip capabilities and tread life.
“The best tires shine for impressive braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. For all-season and winter tires, snow traction and stopping on ice are important in our scores,” stated Ryan Pszczolkowski, Consumer Reports’ tire program manager in their newsletter. “By choosing a top-rated tire, drivers can often enhance the performance and safety of their car.”
To help consumers decide on which tire brand and type is the right choice for their sedan or SUV, CR analysts tested 29 brands of which 16 were rated at the end of the analysis that included at least four models under each brand name.
Michelin Rates the Highest
In fact, in early 2023, Michelin was the clear winner when it came to a wide range of road tests that included---but were not limited to---measured performance in braking, comfort, handling, hydroplaning, noise, snow traction, and safety. Furthermore, value was a factor that played just as important of a role in CR’s analysis for consumers wanting the most performance for their dollars spent.
Only the Best for Your Car
Because car enthusiasts and safety-conscious car owners understandably want the best for their ride, here is a summary of the topmost brand rated by Consumer Reports and seven tire models within the brand so that you can focus on what you need for your sedan or SUV. Because now is the time to begin your early tire replacement price shopping before needing to switch out your old tires for new ones in order to ensure that you will save money when buying replacement tires.
GOING MICHELIN ALL THE WAY, WELL…ALMOST
According to CR’s subscription-based newsletter, going all the way is not recommended based on brand name alone:
Michelin is near or at the top of most tested tire categories. Typically, Michelin models offer a good mix of grip, handling, and long tread life. And even though Michelins are often among the most expensive models, they tend to be a good value when factoring in performance and tread life. That said, two of the 11 tested models don’t earn a CR recommendation, underscoring the point that you shouldn’t shop just based on brand.
However, of those tires that did make the cut, here is a summary of the models that should cover the tire types and needs of most drivers for their cars and SUVs:
1. All-season: Defender T+H ($115 for tested tire size 215/60R16)
The Michelin Defender T + H has a long wearing 90,000 miles of tread life based on CR testing.
Treadwear Warranty: 80,000 miles
2. All-season performance: CrossClimate2 ($199.99 for tested tire size 215/55R17)
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is an all-weather tire for year-round use. It has a 3 peak mountain and snowflake (3PMSF) symbol to meet a snow traction requirement of a winter / snow tire. The tire comes in H and V speed rated sizes to fit many cars and SUVs.
Treadwear Warranty: 60,000 miles.
3. SUV all-season: CrossClimate SUV ($206 for tested tire 245/60R18)
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is an all-weather tire. It has a mountain and snowflake symbol indicating it meets snow traction requirements of a winter tire, but can also be used all year long.
Treadwear Warranty: 50,000 miles
4. UHP summer: Pilot Sport 4s ($236.99 for tested tire 225/40ZR18)
Summer tires set high standards for dry and wet grip, but are not designed for cold, wintry weather. They are suitable for many coupes, sedans, and sports cars.
Treadwear Warranty: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4s is one of the rare few with a treadwear warranty, of 30,000 miles.
5. UHP all-season: Pilot Sport All-Season 4 ($189 for tested tire 225/40ZR18)
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is available mostly in a wide swath of W and Y speed rated sizes. It has an asymmetric tread pattern.
Treadwear Warranty: 45,000 miles
6. Winter/snow: X-Ice Snow ($195.99 - $211.96 for tested tire 215/55R17)
The Michelin X-Ice Snow fits many cars and SUVs, and has a 40,000 mile treadwear warranty. Most winter / snow tires do not have a warranty.
7. Performance winter/snow: Pilot Alpin PA4 ($240.57 for tested tire 225/40R18)
A performance winter/snow tire suited for sport cars and performance sedans and SUVs. This tire comes with a rare treadwear warranty as well in this category of 30,000 miles.
For additional articles related to your car’s tires, here are a few for your consideration:
- Electric Vehicle Summer Tire Recommendations
- Consumer Reports Analysts Recommend Against Buying These Tires
- Proper Tire Care & Maintenance Car Owners Need to Follow
For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car-related shopping research.
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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