10 Worst Tire Brands To Avoid if You Don’t Want To Waste Your Money

Tires are one of those essential but often unexciting expenses you simply have to pay for. They are a critical safety component of your vehicle, directly impacting its handling, braking, and stability. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, the truth is that not all tires are created equal. Some budget-tier brands have earned a notorious reputation for poor durability, weak performance, and a shorter lifespan, which can ultimately cost you more in the long run and, more importantly, compromise your safety. Based on an analysis of owner reviews, professional tests, and forum discussions, we've compiled a list of tire brands that you might want to think twice about before purchasing.

Brands to Reconsider

Westlake Tires: While their budget-friendly price is appealing, Westlake tires are frequently criticized for their poor traction, particularly in wet or slick conditions. This can lead to longer braking distances and a less secure feeling on the road. Many users also report alarmingly rapid tread wear, with some tires failing to last even 30,000 miles, which is significantly less than the 50,000-80,000 miles expected from a quality tire. The consensus among many drivers is that the initial savings are not worth the potential safety risks and short lifespan.

Chaoyang Tires: Manufactured in China, Chaoyang tires are another ultra-budget option where quality control can be a significant concern. Reports frequently cite issues with weak sidewalls, which are prone to bulges and potential blowouts. Inconsistent and uneven tread wear is another common complaint, leading to poor handling and a noisy, uncomfortable ride. Some reviews have noted that the soft rubber compound is easily punctured and may perform poorly in extreme heat.

Triangle Tires: While generally considered a step above some of the cheapest brands, Triangle tires still struggle with performance where it counts most. Independent tests and user reviews often point to a noticeable lack of grip and extended braking distances, especially in wet weather. This raises significant safety concerns. They also tend to become very noisy as they wear down, diminishing the driving experience.

Goodride Tires: Goodride positions itself as an affordable choice, but numerous driver complaints about blowouts and uneven wear patterns should give you pause. Safety must be the top priority, and a tire that drivers describe as making their car "skid on straight even at low speeds" is not one that inspires confidence. The potential risk to yourself and your family outweighs the upfront savings.

Landsail Tires: Landsail tires are often cited for their stiff, harsh ride quality. More critically, their performance in wet conditions is frequently reported as poor. This includes limited grip and a high risk of aquaplaning, which is when a tire loses contact with the road surface on standing water. This makes them a particularly risky choice if you live in a region that experiences heavy rain or harsh winters.

Accelera Tires: This Indonesian brand is known for its low prices, but it also has a reputation for weak construction and rapid tread degradation. Some of the most concerning reports from users involve the development of sidewall cracks after only a single year of use. This suggests potential issues with the rubber compound and overall manufacturing quality, making their long-term value highly questionable.

Geostar Tires: Geostar is a budget brand that consistently appears at the bottom of professional tire tests. Mechanics and tire technicians often report seeing these tires with premature balding and issues with tread separation, both of which are serious safety hazards. Their tread patterns are often cited as being poorly designed, leading to a loss of grip when cornering.

Milestar Tires: While Milestar markets some of its tires towards the off-road and light truck segment, they have earned a reputation for weak puncture resistance and generating excessive road noise. While some users feel they are adequate for the low price, the quality control issues make them a gamble, especially if you plan to use your truck for serious work or travel on rough terrain.

Ohtsu Tires: Ohtsu is a budget brand distributed by the more reputable Falken Tire. Unfortunately, it does not seem to benefit from the same quality control as its parent brand. Reports of tread separation and poor wet-braking performance are common, which can make driving in the rain a hazardous experience. Some drivers also note a discernible difference in grip between asphalt and concrete surfaces.

Sunny Tires: Sunny tires are frequently ranked among the worst-rated brands for overall durability. Many drivers have experienced sudden blowouts and extremely rapid tread wear. This can be costly, both in terms of the constant need for replacements and the significant danger posed by a tire blowout on a busy highway.

Brand Primary Reported Issues Primary Risk Factor
Westlake Poor wet traction, rapid tread wear. Safety (Braking)
Chaoyang Weak sidewalls, inconsistent wear, road noise. Durability (Blowouts)
Triangle Poor grip (especially wet), long braking distances. Safety (Braking/Handling)
Goodride Blowouts, uneven wear, skidding. Safety (General Failure)
Landsail Stiff ride, very poor wet performance, aquaplaning. Safety (Wet Conditions)
Accelera Weak construction, sidewall cracks. Durability (Longevity)
Geostar Premature balding, tread separation. Safety (General Failure)
Milestar Weak puncture resistance, excessive noise. Durability (Off-Road)
Ohtsu Tread separation, poor wet braking. Safety (Wet Conditions)
Sunny High rate of blowouts, extremely rapid wear. Durability (Blowouts)

Key Takeaways