13 Tire Brands Mechanics Recommend Steering Clear Of
Tires are among the most critical yet frequently overlooked components of your vehicle. However, mechanics know that not all tires deserve to be on your car. The quality of your tire can mean the difference between a safe journey and an accident waiting to happen.
Since I first started driving, I've changed and driven a wide range of tires. I've also had the bad luck of using these so-called “budget-friendly tires,” and my experience was instant regret.
Behind the attractive price points, certain tires are potential safety hazards that could cost more than the initial savings they promise. Mechanics often warn against these tires based on firsthand experience with failures.
I consulted multiple sources to compile this list, such as tire review sites, the NHTSA database, and professional mechanics' forums. All models featured on this list aren't based on brand prejudice but on years of documented issues. So, here is our list of 13 tire brands you should avoid touching with a ten-foot pole, based on advice from mechanics.
Achilles Desert Hawk (Indonesian)
The Achilles Desert Hawk might be a budget-friendly option, but it ranks among mechanics' least recommended picks, especially in the light truck and SUV segment. The Desert Hawk suffers performance issues across several areas.
Users frequently report vibration problems at moderate speeds and excessive road noise. Wet-weather performance is another significant drawback, with longer stopping distances and reduced grip.
The tire's durability is particularly concerning; many users must replace it at 15,000 – 20,000 miles. For context, the expected lifespan for tires in this category is 40,000 miles.
Lexani LX-Twenty ( South Korea)
Lexani markets its LX-Twenty as a premium option with an attractive price point. However, many users have reported alarming levels of hydroplaning, even on moderately wet surfaces.
Build quality is another red flag, as mechanics have observed persistent balance issues despite multiple balancing attempts. Bubbling and premature wear are common complaints among LX-Twenty users.
Mechanics typically recommend more established brands like Continental and Michelin, which offer superior safety and durability characteristics.
Goodyear G159 (US)
The Goodyear G159 is one of the most controversial tire models in the US. Built for RVs and motorhomes, it became the subject of extensive investigations and litigation after several reports of blowouts and tread separation.
Despite its 65 mph rating, G159s reportedly experienced severe heat buildups at these speeds, resulting in fatal accidents. According to NHTSA investigations and court documents, the G159 was linked to at least 98 deaths and accidents. In 2022, Goodyear recalled the tires and agreed to a $37 million settlement with the NHTSA.
Westlake RP18 (China)
The Westlake RP18, manufactured by Chinese company Zhongce Rubber, has been criticized for its questionable build quality. Common RP18 complaints include frequent balance issues, irregular wear patterns, and sidewall flexibility problems.
Another cause for concern is the tire's wet weather performance. In rainy conditions, drivers have reported increased stopping distances and reduced traction due to the tire's poor water displacement abilities. This becomes more prominent as the tire wears.
GT Radial Champiro UHP1 (China)
Although marketed as an ultra-high-performance tire, the GT Radial Champiro UHP1 continually falls short of performance standards. Despite its aggressive tread pattern, mechanics frequently point out the Champiro UHP1's compromised handling characteristics.
When pushed to limits that other ultra-high-performance tires routinely handle, the Champiro UHP1 displays unpredictable grip levels during cornering and poor feedback through the steering wheel. It also doesn't do well in the temperature management segment, which is crucial for UHP tires.
Alternatives like the Continental ExtremeContact and Firestone Firehawk might cost more but offer better value for money.
Nankang SP-9 (China)
The Nankang SP-9 is marketed as an all-season touring tire but has been criticized for its underwhelming performance. Primary issues include rapid tread wear, poor hydroplaning resistance, and excessive road noise.
The tire's build quality has also raised red flags, particularly with sidewall durability issues, vibration at highway speeds, and frequent balance issues.
The tire comes at an attractive price point, but you'd be better off with alternatives like the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring and General AltiMAX RT43.
Ironman iMove Gen2 AS (China)
The Ironman iMove Gen2 AS, a budget all-season tire, has a concerning reputation among mechanics for several critical issues. First, despite its all-season designation, it struggles on snow, ice, and wet surfaces, especially during emergency maneuvers.
Its affordable price comes at the cost of premature tread wear, balance problems, and frequent tread separation, particularly in warmer regions. While it might seem like a bargain initially, users spend more with higher fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and regular replacement needs.
Goodride Radial SW602 (China)
The Goodride Raidial SW602 perfectly explains why mechanics warn against ultra-budget tire options. This tire's most significant problem is its dangerous hydroplaning tendencies, even in moderate rain conditions.
With its poor winter performance, the SW602 doesn't live up to its all-season capability claims. Moreover, the tread compound hardens in cold conditions, compromising the already questionable grip levels. Longevity isn't among the tire's strengths, and irregular wear patterns are a common problem.
Kumho Ecsta AST (South Korea)
Kumho's Ecsta AST is a significant departure from the manufacturer's generally high standards. The performance tire is notorious for rapid tread wear, especially around the 15,000 – 20,000 mile mark. Wet traction deteriorated significantly after minimal use, and its unpredictable grip levels during cornering are a concern.
The tire has been criticized for its questionable build quality, with mechanics reporting frequent tread separation, especially in warmer areas. The Ecsta AST is one model to avoid because it is vulnerable to bulging, impact damage, and vibrations at highway speeds.
Sumitomo HTR Z III (Japan)
The Sumitomo HTR Z III is marketed as an ultra-high-performance tire but fails to deliver its performance promises. Its primary flaw is heat management. During performance driving, the compound overheats quickly, reducing grip and handling.
Tread life could be better, with users reporting wear-out between 12,000 and 15,000 miles. It also tends to develop flat spots when parked overnight, causing morning vibrations that persist until the tire reaches operating temperature.
The HTR Z III's inconsistent build quality leads to sidewall bubbling, a high failure rate in hotter climates, and rapid shoulder wear.
Wanli S1088 (China)
The Wanli S1088 is a high-performance summer tire that most mechanics do not recommend. Its most significant flaw is its unpredictable handling, particularly during high-speed cornering.
Build quality issues plague the S1088, with frequent balance problems and rapid wear. Instead of the expected 40,000-mile lifespan, the tire often requires replacement by 20,000 miles.
Accelera Phi (Indonesia)
While Accelera pitches the Phi as a performance bargain, the reality tells a different tale. It's not a tire you want to rely on when it matters the most. At its worst, the Phi displays inconsistent grip and sudden traction loss, particularly during aggressive driving maneuvers.
Wet weather performance is also a big issue, with users reporting dangerous levels of hydroplaning. The tire's tread compound prioritizes cost reduction over durability, leading to a rapid wear pattern, often requiring only 15,000 – 20,000 miles of replacement. Owning these tires will only keep you on a first-name basis with your tire shop.
Antares INGENS A1 (China)
The Antares INGENS A1 is another budget tire with significant performance and safety compromises. Most notably, it needs more durability and should be replaced after 20,000 – 25,000 miles. Once wear sets in, the tire's handling characteristics decline rapidly, especially on wet surfaces.
Temperature management presents another significant issue. The compound is prone to accelerated degradation in warm climates, often showing irregular wear patterns and compromised structural integrity.
