It seems to me that tires have improved dramatically over the last 20, even 10 years. There is a lot of high tech built into tires even though they look pretty much the same as they have since Henry Ford began his first production line.
I'd say that a cheap tire now is probably significantly better than a top-of-the-line tire of just 10 years ago, and certainly better that a top-line tire of 20 or 30 years ago. Better in lots of ways; durability, ride, handling, traction, hydro-planing resistance, longevity, etc.
I'm not suggesting that we all should buy cheap tires, for tires are the only thing connecting our two-ton mechanical masses to the ground! But, I do think there is a lot of value to be found in tire brands such as Yokohama, Kuhmo, etc.
I'd say that a cheap tire now is probably significantly better than a top-of-the-line tire of just 10 years ago, and certainly better that a top-line tire of 20 or 30 years ago. Better in lots of ways; durability, ride, handling, traction, hydro-planing resistance, longevity, etc.
I'm not suggesting that we all should buy cheap tires, for tires are the only thing connecting our two-ton mechanical masses to the ground! But, I do think there is a lot of value to be found in tire brands such as Yokohama, Kuhmo, etc.