Tires

What's behind our tire Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 174 models in tires to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    Overall score emphasizes safety-related tests, including braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning. Scores and ratings are held to a comparative standard within a tire category.
  • Dry braking
    Dry braking is from 60 to 0 mph.
  • Wet braking
    Wet braking is from 40 to 0 mph.
  • Handling
    Handling includes how well the tires gripped in an avoidance maneuver involving a swerve into the left lane and back into the right lane; dry and wet cornering grip; and subjective steering feel.
  • Hydroplaning
    Hydroplaning reflects how quickly we could drive through standing water before the tires begin to lose contact with the pavement.
  • Snow traction
    Snow traction reflects the distance our test car needed to accelerate from 5 to 20 mph on moderately packed snow.
  • Ice braking
    We tested ice braking on a skating rink from 10 to 0 mph.
  • Ride comfort
    Ride comfort reflects our on-road judgments.
  • Noise
    Noise reflects our on-road judgments.
  • Rolling resistance
    Rolling resistance, measured on a dynamometer, is a factor in fuel economy.
  • Tread life
    Tread life is an indicator of wear potential from CR's vehicle road test on the Federal Government's treadwear course.

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Recommended tires

Recommended tires are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
Car owners need to replace their tires a few times over the life of a typical vehicle. Despite advances in longer-lasting tires, actual tread life will vary by car type, tire type (such as all-season or high-performance), driving aggressiveness, and even road and weather conditions. If you're looking for information about tires, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ tire reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our tire buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and tire reviews to help you choose the best tires for your needs.

Recently reviewed tires

The BFGoodrich T/A is a premium all season tire with a 70,000 mile tread wear warranty. It has a directional tread pattern - Check that the tire is installed to rotate in the direction shown on the sidewall. This tire is suitable for many family cars and minivans.

Tire buying guide

Tire buying guide

Despite advances in longer-lasting tires, actual tread life will vary by car type, tire type (such as all season or high performance), driving aggressiveness, and even road and weather conditions. Car owners still need to replace their tires a few times or more throughout the life of a typical vehicle. As the adage goes, nothing lasts forever.

Proper maintenance and responsible driving can maximize the mileage in a set of tires. Monthly tread inspections can inform when the tires warrant replacement, well in advance of the federally ... Read more

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