Any vehicle can benefit greatly from the handling, stopping distances, and other benefits of performance tyres. If you’re looking for performance tyres, our ranking of the top models can set you on the proper course.
Let’s get going.
Best Performance Tires
1. Michelin – Pilot Sport 4 S
Our Golden Wrench winner and top recommendation for the best performance tyre available right now is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. The best ratings for flexibility, grip, and traction were given to this exceptional tyre. The Pilot Sport 4S is an exceptional precision tool with outstanding performance.
2. Continental – ExtremeContact DWS06
The ExtremeContact DWS06 is ideal for a range of weather conditions and features a sophisticated all-season tread compound.
3. Goodyear – Eagle Exhilarate
For great performance, handling, and traction in both wet and dry situations, the Eagle Exhilarate was developed.
4. General – G-Max AS 05
The G-Max AS 05 is a well-liked tyre with a broad, aggressive tread design that gives great handling and grip.
5. Pirelli – P Zero All Season Plus
In wet and light snow, the P Zero All Season Plus has exceptional traction. This tire’s asymmetric, irregular tread sizes provide for good handling.
Car Talk’s Methodology
Using Car Talk’s exclusive technique based on more than 30 different data points, all of these tyre options were ranked:
- Consumer Satisfaction: Consumer feedback regarding their experiences with specific tyre models from each of these brands was collected.
- Industry Professionals: Over 800 technicians and business professionals participated in a nationwide poll conducted by Car Talk researchers to get their perspectives.
- Government Reporting: statistics for durability and safety.
- Tire Quality and Engineering: The overall quality and engineering or innovation of a tyre brand had an impact on a consumer’s choice to buy.
- Performance: Car Talk examined the performance of tyres from these specific brands in various weather scenarios.
Michelin – Pilot Sport 4 S
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is the Golden Wrench Best Performance tyre winner according to Car Talk. Simply paying for Michelin tyres gained notoriety for good reason. The business is skilled at producing tyres that live up to the hype. The Pilot Sport 4 S is a superb illustration of Michelin’s expertise. The tyre received the highest scores in our ratings, in part because of its adaptability and capacity to keep traction under a wide range of situations. The Michelins perform surprisingly well in lower temperatures, with excellent wet and dry stopping distances and positive feedback. The Pilot Sport 4 S is a precision tool that provides an amazing grip and a smooth ride in warm weather. Price and tread life are two significant drawbacks, however, they are also minor infractions on an otherwise excellent report card.
- Excellent durability
- Superior performance
- Available sizes: 17″ – 23″
Continental – ExtremeContact DWS06
ExtremeContact tyre was created by Continental to offer superb traction throughout the year. The tyres provide a high level of grip in slick conditions while retaining exceptional dry traction. The intricate tread patterns of the ExtremeContact tyres, according to Continental, make them perfect for light snow. They are excellent for winter use.
- Solid handling
- Excellent dry and wet traction
- Available sizes: 16″ – 22″
Goodyear – Eagle Exhilarate
Drivers looking for a tyre to get them through the winter without sacrificing performance may consider the Eagle Exhilarate. Goodyear claims that the tyres’ sipes and groove patterns give them traction on ice and in light snow, and they have reinforcements to increase their stability and high-speed capabilities.
- Good in the rain and light snow
- High-speed traction
- Available sizes: 17″ – 20″
General – G-Max AS 05
In order to acquire and keep as much rubber on the road as possible, General G-Max tyres were designed with traction and grip in mind. They also have a broad, wide footprint. The tyres have good 50,000-mile treadwear warranties and visual alignment indications to let you know when something is amiss.
- Large treads
- Good in the rain and light snow
- Available sizes: 16″ – 22″
Pirelli – P Zero All Season Plus
For people who live in areas where winter poses a real weather danger, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus is a winner. High-performance all-season tyres are hit or miss because trying to be a master of all trades can lead to mistakes. Pirelli avoids this trap with a complicated tread pattern that enables the tyre to perform and sustain traction in a range of circumstances, even in cooler temperatures. The trade-off is appreciated by those who enjoy driving all year round even though that all-around capacity does come at the expense of all-out performance.
- Excellent control
- Advanced asymmetric tread
- Available sizes: 17″ – 20″
BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 AS Plus
The business claims that the new G Force tyres from BFGoodrich have superior traction and shorter stopping distances in inclement weather because they have a specific cold weather tread compound. The tyres’ squared shoulders increase the area of the tyre that makes contact with the road, which should result in good wet traction. The V-shaped grooves aid in water drainage and lessen the possibility of hydroplaning.
- Responsive handling
- Excellent control
- Available sizes: 16″ – 20″
Sumitomo HTR A/S PO3
Even though the Sumitomos only won a bronze medal, there are still many positive aspects. The HTR A/S PO3 performs admirably all year long and even competes in snowy circumstances. The tire’s reasonable cost sweetens the deal by making it available to a wider range of drivers and vehicle owners.
- Traction in dry, wet, and light snow
- Asymmetric tread pattern
- Available sizes: 15″ – 20″
What Are Performance Tires?
Performance tyres are made with maximum grip and performance as their name suggests as their top priorities. Special rubber formulations are used by tyre makers to improve cornering and increase grip, but the trade-off is typically a shorter lifespan. The comfort and tread life of tyres have been improved by numerous tyre manufacturers, making them far more accommodating and comfortable than performance tyres from earlier decades. As the rubbers are more malleable and offer higher traction in the summer, performance tyres are also typically better in hotter climates.
When to Buy Performance Tires?
Tire replacement is one of the quickest and most effective improvements you can make to any vehicle. Additionally, you don’t have to drive a high-performance vehicle to reap the benefits of the tyres. The grip and performance of your automobile will improve once you purchase performance tyres, but if you live in a colder region, you might not get the most out of the tyres during the winter.
What is the Cost of Performance Tires?
A number of the tyres that reached our best-of list have average beginning prices listed in the table below. They have vastly different prices, which can be linked to a few different variables. Branding and marketing come first and are the most obvious. No one does this better than Michelin, and in addition to offering tyres that consistently rank at the top of their respective classes, the business also has excellent branding. You may read our comprehensive review of Michelin tyres.
| Tire | Average Starting Price |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | $200 |
| Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 | $100 |
| Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate | $150 |
| BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 | $110 |
| Sumitomo HTR A/S PO3 | $80 |
Performance Tire FAQ
What is the difference between Performance Tires and All Season Tires?
Performance tyres are made to provide the most grip and capabilities under a specific set of conditions. For them to function at their best, warm, dry weather is typically required. On the other hand, all-season tyres are designed to tolerate a far wider range of situations, but they do so at the expense of peak performance. It’s also crucial to remember that all-weather tyres are not “all-season,” despite their name.
How long do performance tires last?
You are the main factor affecting tyre life. The most significant influences on tyre longevity are your driving habits and readiness to perform standard tyre care, such as rotations. However, compared to other tyre types, performance tyres tend to deteriorate more quickly. For instance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S has a tread warranty of only 30,000 miles, but the company’s non-performance tyres have warranties of 50,000 miles or more.
Are performance tires good in the snow?
The number of winter performance tyres is increasing, yet conventional performance tyres are designed for warm, dry weather. These days, it’s possible to purchase snow tyres with excellent handling and greater speed ratings.
Do performance tires make a difference?
One of the most useful upgrades you can make are performance tyres. A car’s performance and handling qualities can be substantially altered by new tyres, which also significantly reduce lap times. The other inexpensive item that can significantly improve performance is new brakes.
Do high-performance tires wear out faster?
Yes, in most cases. Performance tyres have incredible grip and capability, but their rubber composition also tends to wear out more quickly than tyres made of tougher rubber.
Tire Buying FAQ
Where do I shop for the best prices?
Many online merchants, including Tire Rack, provide tyre discounts and free shipping on a regular basis. To further assist you in understanding what you are purchasing, their websites also include price estimators and tyre fit recommendations.
How much is shipping?
When you choose to have the tyres installed at a partner shop, the majority of online tyre retailers provide free shipping or discounted freight costs. The retailer might have a deal with a regional tyre chain or installation shop, in which case the tyres could be delivered free of charge.
How long does shipping take?
Tire Rack is one of several online retailers that frequently offer free shipping and discounts on tyres. Their websites also offer price estimators and tyre fit suggestions to help you better comprehend what you are buying.
How much does it cost to install a tire?
When you buy tyres from certain stores, they’ll install them for free, and online sellers frequently advertise the same deal for customers who opt to have the installation done by one of their partners. Depending on what is required, you should anticipate paying anywhere from $15 and $50 per tyre if you do need to pay for tyre installation. For a secure and comfortable ride, that money is used to mount and balance the tyre.
Do I need to change the tire pressure monitoring system with tires?
Although the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is separate from your tyres, it should still be inspected on a regular basis to make sure there is no damage or failure. As part of routine tyre rotation or installation, your neighborhood tyre shop can carry out this inspection.
Can an online retailer help me with all-season tires?
Yes! Nearly every online retailer’s website has the proper fit, tyre pattern, and speed rating available. Around the time when customers start looking for winter tyres, they occasionally offer discounts and rebates (late fall).
If I’m changing tire sizes or buying all-season tires, should I buy a wheel and tire package from an online retailer?
It’s not necessary to purchase your wheels and tyres from the same store, but doing so increases your chances of saving money on the bundle. Look over the retailer’s current specials, then decide. Additionally, you can discover a better value by purchasing the other component from your neighborhood store and ordering the wheels or tyres online.
Do online retailers provide tire rebates the way traditional stores do?
Yes, and occasionally refunds are provided in addition to tyre discounts. If the rebates are confusing, be sure to talk with or call the shop before placing your order so that you may clarify your questions and understand what you’re obtaining the ExtremeContact DWS06 offers an advanced all-season tread compound and is great for a variety of weather conditions. ing.