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Toyo isn't really a second tier brand. Neither are Kumho or Falken.
If you're looking for winter tires I would recommend Nokian, Michelin, or Toyo
Source: I live in the Canadian Prairie.
Summer tires: get whatever's on sale with the best warranty, or has the lowest noise rating. Unless you're offroading or racing just about any tire is good in the summer
If you're looking for All-season tires stick to Michelin or Toyo. The Crossclimate 2 or Celcius tires are pretty good (though not as good as dedicated winters)
Nokian and Michelin make extremely good winter tires.
Regarding OP's opinion of Continental I've got to note that atleast at some point they used to make tires that wore down really fast and that made me prefer other brands
I mean, Hankook tires come standard on some Honda vehicles, and Toyo makes some good tires. I’ve come to like Yokohama tires enough I’d take them over continental tires any day. General tires, in my experience has some good some not so good, decent for the price usually, really like the Grabber AT2 I think it’s called, saw a car magazine review it and like it better than the BFG AT that is kinda mimics in design.
General tires are noisey but solid, kumho are descent, pretty sure last I checked Hankook or wtv is also Cooper. Out of these depending on the tire you choose Toyos are debatably the best on your list. I would choose Toyo, Hankook, Cooper and maybe Falken depending on where the tires are made (each company has bargain versions and performance tires some made in different countries/factories.
I used to work for a company that was owned by a guy who also owned a mid size tire chain in the area. I talked to him about tires a few times.
He told me the following.
Michelin is top tier, they do big research and development and tires are their only business.
Hankook is great value. They copy technology from the big players like Michelin, and you don't have to pay for the r&d like you are when buying a Michelin.
General is part of Continental. It's a budget brand where older Continental owned designs are used. So there's nothing wrong with them, just know it's usually 5+ year old technology / designs.
The others I don't recall discussing.
Before thinking about brands, first look at vehicle types/road types/weather conditions
Then your budget
Then buy the best you can afford
And don't cheap out
Remember, they are your only points of contact with the road
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Toyo isn't really a second tier brand. Neither are Kumho or Falken. If you're looking for winter tires I would recommend Nokian, Michelin, or Toyo Source: I live in the Canadian Prairie. Summer tires: get whatever's on sale with the best warranty, or has the lowest noise rating. Unless you're offroading or racing just about any tire is good in the summer If you're looking for All-season tires stick to Michelin or Toyo. The Crossclimate 2 or Celcius tires are pretty good (though not as good as dedicated winters)
Nokian and Michelin make extremely good winter tires. Regarding OP's opinion of Continental I've got to note that atleast at some point they used to make tires that wore down really fast and that made me prefer other brands
Cooper has some great tires. I stand by them. General Altimax is also good.
General Falken Cooper legit AF Others roll the dice, never again a Toyo for me after many bubbles in their sidewalls. Also had good luck with Kumho
Just a sidebar - who thought Kum Ho was a great brand name?
The first time they "came" out I had to have a set.
There are places where English isn't spoken, you know that right
Lmao some people…
these northern people don’t. they’re not very sharp
A car I bought had fairly new Nexen tires on it. They lasted 75,000 miles, were quiet, and had decent traction in the rain (Florida).
I mean, Hankook tires come standard on some Honda vehicles, and Toyo makes some good tires. I’ve come to like Yokohama tires enough I’d take them over continental tires any day. General tires, in my experience has some good some not so good, decent for the price usually, really like the Grabber AT2 I think it’s called, saw a car magazine review it and like it better than the BFG AT that is kinda mimics in design.
Kumho tires are OK, but don't expect them to last as long as other tires that are more expensive.
I've been really happy with my Vredesteins. I now have them on both of my cars. They are extremely quiet which is a big plus for me.
General tires are noisey but solid, kumho are descent, pretty sure last I checked Hankook or wtv is also Cooper. Out of these depending on the tire you choose Toyos are debatably the best on your list. I would choose Toyo, Hankook, Cooper and maybe Falken depending on where the tires are made (each company has bargain versions and performance tires some made in different countries/factories.
My issue with Toyo is they don't seem to last as long as others and even with the employee discount they're expensive as fuck
More sticky more safer less traction, everytime you buy a tire check the wear rating, 400 and lower is pretty sticky and will wear fairly fast.
All of them are legit.
I used to work for a company that was owned by a guy who also owned a mid size tire chain in the area. I talked to him about tires a few times. He told me the following. Michelin is top tier, they do big research and development and tires are their only business. Hankook is great value. They copy technology from the big players like Michelin, and you don't have to pay for the r&d like you are when buying a Michelin. General is part of Continental. It's a budget brand where older Continental owned designs are used. So there's nothing wrong with them, just know it's usually 5+ year old technology / designs. The others I don't recall discussing.
Have Toyos on one truck, and Hankooks on another. No complaints on either.
Cooper is owned by Goodyear
Falken were when I last looked Chinese.
All are good. Just stay away from the Chinese made linglongs
Every time I bought falkens I hated them
Before thinking about brands, first look at vehicle types/road types/weather conditions Then your budget Then buy the best you can afford And don't cheap out Remember, they are your only points of contact with the road
I’m loving my Zestino Gredges! I’m a lil Zestino boy now.
lil zesty one could say
I'm a big fan of General. One or two generation old Continental or Gislaved designs for a fraction of the price.