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Top Tires to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

July 18, 2024

When it comes to picking car tires, the choices can feel endless. Whether you're a car enthusiast aiming for peak performance or just someone who wants a safe and efficient ride, the right tire can make a world of difference. Tires aren't just rubber circles; they're the crucial link between your car and the road, affecting everything from fuel efficiency to handling and comfort. With all the advancements in tire tech, there are now specialized options for electric vehicles (EVs), off-road adventures, and even specific driving conditions like mud or snow. So, let's dive into some top tire picks that cater to various needs and preferences.

First up, let's chat about the Goodyear ElectricDrive tire, crafted specifically for electric vehicles. Our experts love this tire because it tackles the unique challenges EVs face, like heavier weight and faster acceleration. Plus, it comes with a 60,000-mile limited warranty, making it a solid choice for frequent EV drivers. The Goodyear ElectricDrive shines in improving EV range while offering confident handling in both wet and dry conditions. Pros? A 60,000-mile warranty, EV-specific design, and potential range boost. The downside? It’s pricier upfront and might wear out faster than traditional tires.

The Goodyear ElectricDrive is an all-season tire designed to provide enhanced traction and longevity. It features a specialized tread compound that ensures a quiet ride at various speeds throughout the tire's life. The tire size available is 215/55R17, with a load range of SL, load index of 94.0, and speed rating of V. It also comes with a 60-day satisfaction pledge and a replacement limited warranty that covers most passenger tires. This tire is available for purchase starting at $158.00 per tire. The ElectricDrive is designed to offer confident handling in wet or dry conditions, making it a versatile choice for EV owners. Its specialized tread compound contributes to a quiet ride, enhancing the overall driving experience. The 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable option for those who drive frequently.

Goodyear ElectricDrive

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Next, let's talk about the Bridgestone Turanza EV tire. This tire is engineered to meet the demands of electric vehicles, offering a 50,000-mile limited warranty. Our experts chose this tire for its balance between durability and performance, addressing the rapid wear and tear caused by EVs' heavier weight and quick acceleration. Ideal for EV owners who drive frequently, the Turanza EV focuses on providing a longer wear life without sacrificing performance. The highlight here is its ENLITEN technology, which optimizes all-season performance and incorporates renewable and recycled materials. Pros include a 50,000-mile warranty, EV-specific design, and potential range improvement. Cons are the higher cost compared to ICE vehicle tires and potential noise issues.

The Bridgestone Turanza EV is the first replacement market tire in North America to feature ENLITEN technology. This technology is engineered to optimize all-season performance, provide longer wear life, and allow for the incorporation of renewable and recycled materials. The tire is designed to help maintain a long mileage range per charge without sacrificing tread life or premium performance. It features low rolling resistance made possible by Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tire technology. The tire also delivers an exceptional 50,000-mile limited warranty thanks to its next-generation tread compound featuring new PeakLife polymer technology. This enhances tread wear to overcome the load and torque challenges that historically lead to premature wear out in EVs. The Turanza EV tire is manufactured using synthetic rubber associated with recycled plastic, helping keep more used plastics out of landfills and the environment. However, some users have reported issues with increased noise levels and decreased range compared to the original tires that came with their EVs.

Bridgestone Turanza EV

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For off-road enthusiasts, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain 315/70R17 is a popular choice. Our experts picked this tire for its wider contact patch and better aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite among off-roaders. This tire is ideal for those who prioritize a wider tire for aesthetic appeal and potential performance benefits in certain conditions. The highlight of this tire is its aggressive looks and long-lasting performance. Pros include a wider contact patch, better aesthetic appeal, and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. Cons are its heavier weight, less tire flex at higher pressures, and potential performance issues in certain off-road conditions.

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is an all-terrain tire designed for trucks and SUVs. It is available in various sizes, including the 315/70R17 size, which is suitable for Ford, Hummer, and Jeep trucks. This tire features a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty and a 3PMS designation, indicating its ability to perform in snowy conditions. It is designed to provide aggressive looks, low noise, and long-lasting performance. The 315/70R17 size is available for purchase on Amazon for $396.39. Custom Offsets offers this tire starting at $1585.56. The Baja Boss A/T is built with Power Ply XD Construction, an asymmetric tread design, and features Extreme SideBiters for enhanced durability and traction. It also comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance. The tire is available for purchase through various retailers, including Amazon and Desertrat, with prices ranging from $322.88 to $359.69, depending on the quantity purchased.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain 315/70R17

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Another excellent option for off-road enthusiasts is the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain 255/85R17. Our experts chose this tire for its better tire flex at higher pressures and lighter weight compared to wider tires. This tire is ideal for those who prioritize performance and tire flex over aesthetic appeal. The highlight of this tire is its ability to mold around rocks and obstacles, offering potential advantages in off-road conditions. Pros include better tire flex, lighter weight, and easier fit on certain vehicles. Cons are its narrower contact patch, less aesthetic appeal, and limited availability in certain sizes.

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain (A/T) tire in the size 255/85R17 is a premium extreme hybrid all-terrain tire designed for use on smaller trucks, dually applications, and wide wheel fitments. This tire features an all-new silica reinforced compound that enhances its performance in various weather conditions, making it suitable for all-terrain use. The Baja Boss A/T is known for its quiet operation, with users reporting minimal road noise. The tire is available in various sizes, including the 255/85R17 size, which has a load index of 121 and a speed rating of Q. This specific size is designed to support a maximum load of 3,195 lbs. at 80 psi. The Baja Boss A/T is manufactured by Mickey Thompson Performance Tires, a company known for its high-performance tires and wheels for street, strip, track, and off-road use. The Baja Boss A/T is built with Power Ply XD Construction, an asymmetric tread design, and features Extreme SideBiters for enhanced durability and traction. It also comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance. The tire is available for purchase through various retailers, including Amazon and Desertrat, with prices ranging from $322.88 to $359.69, depending on the quantity purchased.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain 255/85R17

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Lastly, we have the BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain 315/70R17. Our experts picked this tire for its unique contact patch shape and better tire flex over obstacles. This tire is ideal for off-road enthusiasts who want a tire that offers both performance and aesthetic appeal. The highlight of this tire is its balance between performance and aesthetic appeal. Pros include better tire flex, unique contact patch shape, and balanced performance. Cons are its higher cost, heavier weight, and the need for ultra-low pressure for optimal performance.

The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is a radial tire designed for off-road use, particularly in muddy and soft soil conditions. Key features include Krawl-Tek Compound, which enhances grip on rock and slick surfaces, and Coreguard Max Technology, which helps prevent sidewall splitting and puncturing. The tire also features Traction-Armor Sidewall Sculpture for additional traction and a Linear Flex Zone that allows the tire to flex and envelop objects in aired-down situations. The Terrain-Attack Tread Design delivers grip from any angle of approach, while Mud-Phobic Bars are designed to release compacted mud for enhanced traction. The tire size is LT315/70R17, with a load rating of 121 and a speed rating of Q. It has a load range of E (10 ply) and a load capacity of 3195 pounds. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is designed to provide better mud traction than its predecessor, with a 5% improvement in mud traction and 8% better grip on rock and slick surfaces.

BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain 315/70R17

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Conclusion

Choosing the right tire for your vehicle is crucial for ensuring safety, performance, and comfort. Whether you drive an electric vehicle, an off-road truck, or a daily commuter, there's a tire designed to meet your specific needs. The Goodyear ElectricDrive and Bridgestone Turanza EV are excellent choices for EV owners, offering durability and performance tailored to the unique demands of electric vehicles. For off-road enthusiasts, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain and BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain provide exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal, making them ideal for tackling challenging terrains. Each of these tires has its own set of pros and cons, so it's essential to consider your driving habits and requirements when making a decision.

In summary, the Goodyear ElectricDrive stands out for its long-lasting performance and EV-specific design, while the Bridgestone Turanza EV offers a balance between durability and performance with its innovative ENLITEN technology. The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All-Terrain tires, available in both wider and narrower sizes, cater to off-road enthusiasts with their aggressive looks and long-lasting performance. Lastly, the BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tire provides a unique contact patch shape and better tire flex, making it a top choice for off-road adventures. By understanding the unique features and benefits of each tire, you can make an informed decision that enhances your driving experience.

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