When it comes to the best tire brands, it goes beyond a question of economy, as an inadequate choice can put drivers and fleet vehicles at risk. That's why we're going to help you make the right decision.
How to choose the best tire brands?
What are the best tire brands?
Types of car tires
Tips and care to extend the life of your tires
Tire-related fines
How to choose the best tire brands?
Choosing quality tires is one of the first steps in taking care of your fleet, so before even evaluating which are the best tire brands for your operation, it is important to pay special attention to this.
It's no use having the best brakes in the world or the best suspension if the vehicle lacks grip. And tires may all look somewhat similar, but there are many differences between them, such as fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise emission.
Therefore, when it comes to fleet safety and performance, you can't compromise on tire quality. As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for.
All tires on the market are evaluated by Inmetro and you can identify the label on the products, which follows the 3 criteria established by the institution:
Rolling resistance
Rolling resistance refers to the energy absorbed when a tire is rolling, influencing fuel consumption and the emission of polluting gases. On the label, it is classified on a scale from A to G, ranging from the most to the least energy efficient.
Read more: How to reduce your fleet's emissions
Wet grip
In this case, we are talking about tire grip on wet surfaces during braking, a fundamental point for safety and reducing the risk of skidding. Quality tires excel in this aspect, which is also classified on a scale similar to the previous one.
External noise
External noise indicates the level of sound intensity emitted by the tire in decibels (dB). For passenger vehicles, the limit is 75 dB, while for light commercial vehicles and utility vehicles, the limit is 77 dB.
Remember that quality tires are designed to offer greater wear resistance, extending their lifespan, so they require fewer replacements and generate long-term savings.
Furthermore, as they are designed to reduce rolling resistance, they are also more fuel-efficient, lowering operational refueling costs.
Read more: Tires: tips and care for your fleet management
What are the best tire brands?
Now that you know what to look for in the best car tire brands, let's talk about what they are. Here in Brazil, several companies are widely recognized for their quality and durability.
We based our analysis on the ranking of the best tire brands from Inmetro , which were evaluated according to the criteria we just discussed and show balanced scores across all of them.
Michelin
Michelin is recognized as one of the most prestigious brands on the market, with tires notable for their long durability and performance, making them perfect for fleets that prioritize efficiency and safety.
The Primacy 4 model is one of the best rated on the market, with an A rating for wet grip and low noise levels. For those looking for more savings, the Energy XM line is a good option.
Kumho
Kumho is a South Korean manufacturer that may not be as famous as other brands, but it is attracting attention in the domestic market. Its Ecowing ES 31 model has B ratings for fuel economy and wet grip, in addition to being quieter, emitting only 70 dB of noise.
Shelf
The German company Continental has been present in the automotive sector since 1871 and offers highly reliable and technological products. One example is the ContiPowerContact 2, which stands out for its cost-benefit ratio, while the Premium Contact 6 guarantees greater safety in the rain.
Pirelli
Pirelli, another name among the best car tire brands, was founded in Italy in 1872 and has since established itself as one of the world leaders, and is even the most widely used brand in brand new vehicles.
Its reputation is based on excellent grip and resistance, which makes its tires perfect for different road conditions.
The highlights are the Cinturato line, of high quality and ecological concern, while the P Zero is ideal for performance at high speeds, receiving a B rating on wet tracks.
Goodyear
Goodyear manufactures tires for a range of vehicles, including cars and SUVs, and is recognized as one of the best tire brands available on the market.
Its products are of excellent quality, providing good grip on wet roads and fuel economy. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 model stands out, offering high performance and safety in everyday use.
momo
Another Italian brand that stands out in Brazil, Momo tires are receiving increasingly positive reviews from consumers and Inmetro (the Brazilian National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology), as they offer superior quality and value for money, being about 53% cheaper than the average price.
The standout model is the Toprun M30, a UHP (Ultra High Performance) model, perfect for warmer climates and dry or wet roads.
Bridgestone
Bridgestone is nothing less than the world's largest tire manufacturer for all types of vehicles, famous for its innovations in technology and in terms of durability and efficiency.
A line that balances performance and economy is the Ecopia EP150, while the Turanza ER300 is praised for providing comfort and safety.
Read more: Everything about tire lifespan and how it directly impacts your fleet.
Types of car tires
Another side of this story is that, for each situation and vehicle, there are different types of specific tires to better meet the needs:
On-road
It is the most common type, designed for asphalt and developed to improve vehicle performance on this surface. By increasing the contact area with the ground, the on-road tire provides greater grip.
Off-road
Off-road tires, on the other hand, are designed for dirt and mud roads, offering high braking and stability, which is essential for withstanding uneven terrain without suffering more deformation than expected.
Mixed tire
A mixed-use tire is ideal for paved roads and dirt roads, offering durability and a more robust look. However, it tends to increase fuel consumption and noise levels at high speeds.
Another negative point is that it is expensive, so it is only worth the investment if your drivers frequently use both types of roads.
Read more: How to dispose of and recycle used tires in your fleet
Green tires
Without a doubt, the most eco-friendly option in this series. They are also lighter, last longer, and produce less noise.
The purpose of green tires is to reduce fuel consumption and the emission of polluting gases. Another benefit is their excellent performance on wet roads, which reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
Radial tires
Radial tires, with their more durable tread, are best suited for those who travel at high speeds, ensuring better performance in curves and excellent braking quality.
Cargo tires
There are two categories of cargo tires. The recommendation for pickup trucks derived from passenger cars is tires identified with the code C. Light utility vehicles, such as vans and SUVs, require tires marked LT, for Light Truck.
Tips and care to extend the life of your tires
So, you've chosen the best tire brands, so there's nothing better than making sure the investment was worth it. Some basic care is essential to preserve the parts, here are the main ones:
- Check tire and spare tire pressure regularly
- Perform alignment and balancing every 10.000km or when you notice vibrations in the steering wheel
- Rotate your tires every 5.000 km to promote balanced wear
- Do not exceed the recommended maximum weight limit
- Avoid sudden braking and acceleration
- Inspect and check for signs of tire wear or damage
- Change tires as recommended by the manufacturers
A worn tire will put more strain on the engine, suspension and other components when driving around, in addition to using more fuel. On the other hand, keeping your tires in good condition ensures safety and helps your vehicle's performance.
Read more: Fleet maintenance plan: how to develop one and ensure greater safety in your operation.
Tire-related fines
In addition to the dangers to driver safety, driving with worn tires can also result in penalties on your driver's license.
There is no specific fine for bald tires, but driving with tires in this condition may result in the application of Article 230 of the Brazilian Traffic Code.
This implies an infraction related to the use of a vehicle in poor condition, resulting in a serious fine, five points on the license and a payment of R$195,23, with the possibility of having the driver's license withheld if the problem is not resolved immediately.
It is important to remember that bald tires are not the only cause of fines: lack of adequate grooves, tire pressure not being as recommended and being overweight can also result in penalties.
So if you want some extra help with the proper use of vehicles in your fleet, we have a complete guide on fleet control and defensive driving. It’s free, so don’t miss out.
