I copied this from 2004. Today, computer designed tread patterns (tiny variations around the circumference to minimize noise) can give quality and durability at lower cost, if the casing is well made. Highly advertised name brands are going to cost more due to marketing expenses not necessarily related to tire quality. I've seen comments where people preferred Yokohama to Michelin, and I was disappointed with Pirelli. The only way you're really going to know is to try them for yourself over time. One thing I always like to do is physically examine and inspect the unmounted new tire before deciding. That way you can see and feel the weight, flexibility and general quality of construction inside and out. ==================== Prior comments from others: As a former manager of a performance auto service center, . . . A good bit of the problem we had with radial and other tire faults were the brand of tires themselves. Of the major tire brands, we had many problems with Firestones, Pirellis, and Goodyear - they just always seemed to have problems with them, no matter what price tire we had. I inherited a 78 Caddy with Goodyear
tires, and two tires blew out on me because of radial belts flaws which
caused the outer rubber to separate from the belts and go out-of-round.
We never had any problems with customers who came in with tires (sold and/or installed by us or not) by Michelin, BF Goodrich, Dunlop, Yokohama, secondary brands like Hankooks and the former Western Auto store-brand tires and Sears store-brands (which, except for the Sears tires made by
Goodyear I have run on various personal family cars) which I've heard of no problems with any of those brands. However, I would not recommend the NTB stores for any work even though they are owned by Sears ========================= These comments don't reflect newer tire design, but draw your own conclusions. Like I said, I like the Yokohamas overall, seem to be a very well constructed tire at excellent pricing, putting their money into the product instead of spending it to create name recognition through expensive advertising. As usual on these groups, just my opinon.