Who buys tires according to brand?

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I used to, but over the last several years I've been buying based on price, tread design, and customer ratings and it seems to be working out well. I buy tires that are on the lower end of the pricing scale, but not necessarily the least expensive. Over the last 5 or 6 years I think I've had one or two tires go bad, but since I always buy my tires at Discount Tire, they always replace them prorated. I've always gotten the rated mileage or better, even with the least expensive tires. I know some people swear by certain brands, but I think a lot of what you're paying for with those tires is the name. I don't necessarily think they're any better than the "cheap" tires...
 
DT is one of the few tire places that will take care of you if you need tires pro-rated. I remember going to Firestone with tire issues at 30k into a 60k warranty. After they pro-rated the tire and added install and other fees the pro-rated tires were more expensive that what I originally paid for them. I bought them under a buy 3 get one free deal. The pro-rated new tire(s) would be $92 each to install on a 99 Accord with 15 inch wheels. I said forget it and bought some Kelly tires from a local tire shop for $300 installed. No issues with those except for being a bit loud. But I was told this by the store employee upfront who had the same tires on his car.
 
Not to start a flame war, but due to the brand I won't buy anything from Michelin.
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No, I've always tried to compare various models and buy what I think will work best for me. Sometimes that "best" changes after a few years. All about the selection criteria, that drives what I get.

I have been ignoring Chinese tires but supposedly they are getting better all the time. For something lightly driven around town I might be tempted some day. But I usually try to time the DTD sales.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Not to start a flame war, but due to the brand I won't buy anything from Michelin.
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Neither will I after having to replace a 3 year old set with 22K due to sidewall cracking.

There are certain brands that I absolutely will not buy due to personal experience, but will choose out of those remaining, factoring in pricing, value, sales, etc. Have 2 vehicles with Pirelli's, one with Generals, and another with Coopers. Have been happy with all 4 sets of tires.
 
I stick with Michelin, Bridgestone and lately, Pirelli.
I have bought 1000s of Michelins and Bridgestone tires as a fleet manager.
Personal use as well on the Michelins.
The Michelin LTX Premiers 235/55-19 on my 2016 KIA Sorento - some of the best tires I have ever owned.
Quiet, good handling, good traction, wearing well.
 
Originally Posted By: Tdbo
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Not to start a flame war, but due to the brand I won't buy anything from Michelin.
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Neither will I after having to replace a 3 year old set with 22K due to sidewall cracking.


Same here with Michelin. Cracking and dry rot after a relatively short period of time. They roll great and balance easy but I just don't think the tread compound cuts it in hot climates. Just my personal speculation.

I hear a lot of complaints about the Korean tires, but I've had good service from them.
 
I wil select the most suitable tire from all the major brands as they are the ones doing R&D and therefore you know what you're buying.

I never skimp on tires and brakes as my life depends on those.
 
I see a lot of you have said you stay away from the Chinese and Korean brands. I think these are most of the tires I have purchased over the last several years and I must say, they have been just as good as any of the brand name tires I've had...
 
My local family owned tire shop sells mostly Cooper tires, and because of their very good service I have continued to buy Coopers for the last 35 years. Oh! And Coopers have given me fine service.
 
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Michelin and Bridgestone a close second are my go to. Other than OE Conti's (generally horrible).

I REALLY like Michelin's. Really, really, really, like. My current ride is shod with PS A/S 3+.

The biggest thing with tires is making sure not to buy old stock because tires have a shelf life of approx 5 years.

Check that manufacturing date people !!!
 
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I have found most premium and mid-grade brands have good tire but also bad/cheap ones.

The "premium" Michelin tires on my old CTS were rubbish. Put some Mid-grade Coopers on it and worked so much better dry and wet.

I always buy based on the tire itself, not the makers name.
 
grampi, I'm like you. I like customer rating/reviews plus CR & TR ratings & reviews as well. I purchase tires based on my criteria, needs, driving style and climate. Once I've decided on a tire brand & model, I look for the best price OTD whether it's local purchase & installed or online w/my installer.
 
I'm a Michelin fan,but each time I go to buy tires I always check tire rack customer reviews and make sure that I'm really getting the best tire for my money. Funny but over the years after buying about 20 sets of tires, each time it always comes up that Michelin makes the best tire. So I guess in a way I Do by by brand, but I do my research first.
 
I used to buy Michelin, but have not had good lifespan with the last sets. I have Pirelli on the elantra, and love them. General grabbers on the truck. I will probably stick with Pirelli for the cars/suv. For the truck I will shop around when its time, but probably will not be Michelin.
 
195/65/15 Michelin Premier A/S on my 1998 Honda Accord and 215/45/17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ on my 2009 Scion tC. I will buy Michelin as long as the reviews are good and I have good experiences driving on them.
 
Right now all BMWs save the i3 are on Michelins; the Cooper runs Vredsteins and the Wrangler runs BFGs.
I've also had good luck with Kumho and Pirelli tires. Continental and Goodyear? Not so much.
 
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