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Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. Without them, you’re going to have a pretty hard time moving. You need them for traction, acceleration, cornering, braking, shock absorption, supporting the weight of the vehicle, and keeping you heading in the right direction. There are levels to both the quality of your tires, as well as the type of tire best suited for different situations and conditions. If you’re looking for a boost in performance and want to get the absolute best out of your car, you’ll want to continue reading to find the best performance tires you can buy.
Summary List
Best Overall: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Best Budget: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06
Honorable Mention: BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus
Best Entry Level Performance: Achilles ATR Sport 2
Best Racing and Competition: Toyo Proxes R888R Racing Tire
Our Methodology
When searching for the best performance tires, I made sure to keep some things in mind: Grip, ideal conditions, speed rating, lifespan, comfort. To make sure that I only recommended the best options, I made sure to only include brands that have a reputation of being trustworthy and reliable throughout the years. Although some choices vary in price, I chose to present options that get the overall job done, regardless of cost. Most of my research comes from looking into the reviews of professionals, but customer feedback from people who have used these products for extended periods of time also played a part. For more info on selection criteria, head over to The Drive’s Gear About page which explains our methodology further.
Best Performance Tires Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Best Value
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06
Honorable Mention
BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus
Best Entry Level Performance Tires
Achilles ATR Sport 2
Best Racing and Competition
Toyo Proxes R888R Racing Tire
Our Verdict
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is an industry-standard and remains one of the top recommended choices among both professionals and everyday drivers. It delivers outstanding grip in dry and wet, is comfortable, quiet, and comes with a great warranty. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 and BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus are great options for those looking to save a few dollars, while still receiving a very similar output.
Things to Consider Before Buying Performance Tires
The main things to consider before purchasing performance tires are your overall plans for use, the type of vehicle you drive, and the environment that you’ll be consistently driving in. These factors are the best way to determine which tire you should spend your money on. Most options are capable of getting the job done during spirited driving or daily commutes, but you’ll find that some are better suited for your needs when considering these topics.
It’s important to do your own research with those points in mind, as there are an overwhelming amount of great choices on the market. I picked the tires on this list considering the average driver and their general conditions for use, but you may find better options suited for you elsewhere. All in all, this guide is meant to point you in the right direction on your search for a great performance tire.
The general specs that you should always consider are tread pattern, ideal conditions, lifespan, and comfort. Remember that although they may appear similar, not all tires are created equal.
Performance Tires Pricing
On average, you can expect performance tires to run between $45 and $80 per tire on the budget-friendly end of the spectrum. For more capabilities and versatility, the cost will rise to $120 to $180. And if you’re looking for the most premium options focused on racing and competition, you can spend upwards of $200 or more per tire. The premium options are not necessary for the average driver, and springing for a racing tire is only necessary for those taking their cars to the track or those racing in competitions.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: You’ll want to look for a tire with a great tread pattern, long lifespan, reliable compound, and ability to perform in multiple weather conditions.
A: Generally yes, as the rubber compounds used to make them are often much softer than the average tire, causing them to wear out faster over time.
A: Performance tires come with a softer compound and unique tread patterns that lead to more grip, better cornering stability, and quick expulsion of water.
A: Absolutely not! Normal all-season tires can and will work for pretty much any road legal car, but if you’re looking to increase your confidence during spirited drives in the mountains or the occasional track day, you’ll want to purchase a set of performance tires.
A: It depends on how you look at it. Since they’re softer than all normal season style tires, they will wear quicker. Performance tires are also often run with a thinner sidewall than regular tires, causing a higher chance of bent wheels. During hard driving, however, a performance tire will hold up a lot better than an all-season tire, thanks to its specialized design.
A: Not necessarily, but the terms are often used interchangeably. Some performance tires can be categorized as all-season tires.