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Best tyres in Australia

Hit the road safely with the best tyres you can buy in Australia right now, chosen from hundreds of customer reviews.

The best tyres in Australia

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews on sites like productreview.com.au, tyrereview.com.au and autohero.com.au. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the tyres with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.


Michelin PRIMACY 4

Best overall tyres

Michelin PRIMACY 4
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • EverGrip technology for improved grip in wet-weather conditions
  • Designed to perform when new or worn

Cons

  • There are cheaper options available
  • Some reviewers claim they’re not as quiet as they could be

Why we chose it

If you're looking for a tyre that offers durability, a quiet ride and good grip in all conditions, it's hard to go past the Michelin Primacy 4. The successor to the popular Primacy 3, the Primacy 4 has an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from over 20 reviews on productreview.com.au and an average score of 4.5 out of 5 from over 2,700 Google reviews.

Michelin also took home the top prize as the best-rated car tyre brand in the 2020/21 Finder Retail Awards, impressing consumers with the performance, durability, build quality and value for money of its tyres. As a result of all these factors, the Michelin Primacy 4 is our best overall pick if you're looking for new everyday tyres for your car.

The Primacy 4 is designed to provide safe braking performance when new or when worn. It uses EverGrip technology, which Michelin says provides an extra 50% of space for water to evacuate, providing improved braking performance in wet-weather conditions.

Silent Rib technology is another major feature of the Primacy 4. This sees the inclusion of interlocking bands between the tread blocks, which work to reduce air pumping noise while the tyre is rolling, to ensure a quiet, comfortable ride.

All Michelin tyres also come with a standard manufacturer's limited warranty. This covers workmanship and materials defects for either 6 years or the life of the usable tread, providing added peace of mind when you invest in a set of Michelin Primacy 4s for your vehicle.


Toyo OPEN COUNTRY A/T II

Best four-wheel-drive tyres

Toyo OPEN COUNTRY A/T II
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Longer tread life
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Some buyers claim wet-weather performance could be better
  • There are cheaper options available

Why we chose it

Searching for a new set of tyres for your 4WD? For our money, there are lots of good reasons why you should check out the Toyo Open Country A/T II.

These all-terrain tyres are designed to offer superior off- and on-road performance as well as a long tread life. They've also picked up plenty of positive reviews from Australian consumers, including the following:

With this in mind, the Toyo Open Country A/T II is our top pick as the best four-wheel-drive tyre.

Designed for 4x4s, SUVs and utes, the Open Country A/T II offers versatile performance on and off the road. These all-terrain tyres feature a functional tread pattern and are available in passenger car or light truck varieties – choose the former for comfort and the latter if you want better puncture resistance or the ability to carry larger loads.

The Open Country A/T II features a new tread compound for better resistance to wear and deeper tread depth for a longer lifespan. The enhanced tread design also aims to improve off-road traction, while a new casing profile increases durability.

So whether you're heading to the shops or off the beaten track, there are plenty of good reasons why the Toyo Open Country A/T II is worth a closer look.


Michelin PILOT SPORT 4

Best performance tyres

Michelin PILOT SPORT 4
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Responsive
  • Wet-weather performance

Cons

  • Not the cheapest
  • Some complaints about road noise

Why we chose it

If you're in the market for tyres that offer the best performance and handling, we recommend checking out the Michelin Pilot Sport 4. Designed in cooperation with a range of leading carmakers, the Pilot Sport 4 is a highly responsive performance tyre.

It's also picked up plenty of positive feedback from customers, including the following:

  • An average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 90 ratings on productreview.com.au.
  • An average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from over 90 ratings on tyrereview.com.au (85% of reviewers would buy again).
  • An average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 2,800 Google reviews.

And with Michelin named the best-rated car tyre brand in the 2020/21 Finder Retail Awards thanks to the performance, durability, build quality and value for money of its tyres, the Pilot Sport 4 takes the win here as the best performance tyre.

The Pilot Sport 4 features what Michelin calls Dynamic Response technology, with a hybrid belt of aramid and nylon to ensure the precise transmission of your steering inputs to the road. The tread pattern is designed to adapt continuously to road conditions, and the tyre has been created in cooperation with manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche.

The other main selling point of the Pilot Sport 4 is its performance in the wet. It features a new compound mix for enhanced grip on wet roads, while wider and deeper grooves in the tyre ensure improved drainage.

So if you're searching for a reliable performance or summer tyre, the Pilot Sport 4 from Michelin is well worth a closer look.


Falken WILDPEAK AT3W

Best snow tyres

Falken WILDPEAK AT3W
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 3PMSF rating for severe snow
  • Rugged all-terrain tyre

Cons

  • Some buyers report that tread life could be better
  • Some say that the ride could be a little softer

Why we chose it

A reliable set of snow tyres are an essential investment in some parts of Australia. And if you're searching for a snow tyre that can keep you and your family safe, there's a lot to like about the Falken WildPeak AT3W.

Many reviewers rate this all-terrain tyre as an impressive performer in a range of off-road conditions, including snow. It's rated for severe snow conditions and has picked up a host of glowing reviews from consumers, including the following:

As a result, the Falken WildPeak AT3W is our pick as the best snow tyre.

One of the first things you notice about the WildPeak AT3W is that it bears the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol. This means it's capable of providing the traction you need in severe snow conditions.

The WildPeak AT3W features a rugged tread design and a silica tread compound, which Falken says is designed to offer improvement in the areas of wear, weather and wet performance. 3D Canyon Sipe technology offers better wear resistance and handling, while heat diffusing technology in the lower sidewall helps ensure stability.

So no matter where you're going or what the weather's doing, the WildPeak AT3W can offer the performance and confidence you need to get there safely. Check it out if you're searching for a quality snow tyre.


Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus

Best all-season tyres

Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Quiet ride
  • 50,000km wear life guarantee

Cons

  • Keen drivers might want something a little more performance-oriented
  • Some buyers report that road noise increases a little as tyres get older

Why we chose it

Searching for a tyre that's suitable to use at any time of the year? The Turanza Serenity Plus from Bridgestone is well worth a closer look.

Designed to offer strong all-round performance, the Turanza Serenity Plus combines a quiet ride with a 50,000km wear life guarantee. It's been well received by Australian consumers too, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 from 75 ratings on productreview.com.au and an average of 4.6 out of 5 from 19 autohero.com.au reviews.

Bridgestone was also the second highest-rated tyre brand in the 2020/21 Finder Retail Awards, scoring well with consumers in categories like build quality and durability. With this in mind, the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus is our pick as the best all-season tyre.

This asymmetrical tyre features a wide tread pattern and high angle grooves. It's designed to provide optimum grip in wet conditions, while silencer grooves help minimise the amount of road noise that makes it into your car's interior. This ensures a quiet and comfortable ride on the highway and in the city.

The Turanza Serenity Plus is made with Bridgestone's Nano Pro Tech rubber, which is designed to improve the tyre's rolling resistance and therefore offer better fuel efficiency. It's also backed by Bridgestone's 50,000km wear life guarantee, which provides added peace of mind when you fit a set of these tyres to your vehicle.

So if you're looking for a capable and reliable all-round performer, there are lots of good reasons why you should check out the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus.


Falken Ziex ZE914 EcoRun

Best eco-friendly tyres

Falken Ziex ZE914 EcoRun
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Most reviewers praise their grip in dry conditions
  • Tyre wear indicators

Cons

  • Some complaints about road noise
  • Some buyers report that wet-weather grip could be better

Why we chose it

Eco-tyres offer reduced rolling resistance, which results in reduced fuel consumption and lower COâ‚‚ emissions. And if you're looking for a tyre that can save you money at the bowser and also reduce your environmental footprint, we recommend checking out the Falken Ziex ZE914 EcoRun.

Featuring an EcoRun compound that ensures low rolling resistance, this tyre is designed to lower fuel costs and offer maximum tread life. It's also picked up plenty of positive reviews from Australian customers, including an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 26 productreview.com.au ratings. With this in mind, the Ziex ZE914 EcoRun from Falken takes the win here as the best eco-friendly tyre.

The Ziex ZE914 EcoRun is a high-performance tyre that features an asymmetric tread pattern. This helps provide a longer wear life and better braking in wet conditions, while Falken says the natural radius carcass profile improves handling. The 4 straight, wide grooves in the tread pattern also provide hydroplane resistance when you're driving in the wet, while slots and sipes around the tyre are designed to help provide traction and ensure even tread wear.

When it comes to wear, the Ziex ZE914 EcoRun also comes with Falken's Special Eyes tyre wear indicators to make it easier to tell when it's time to rotate your tyres – a handy feature for anyone with limited interest in or knowledge of all things automotive. So if you're searching for an eco-tyre that's suitable for everyday driving, the Falken Ziex ZE914 EcoRun offers plenty of impressive features.


Bridgestone POTENZA ADRENALIN RE003

Best asymmetric tyres

Bridgestone POTENZA ADRENALIN RE003
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Many reviewers praise the level of grip provided by these tyres

Cons

  • Some complaints about short tread life
  • Some complaints about road noise

Why we chose it

Searching for an asymmetric tyre that can offer improved handling performance for your car? You might want to check out the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003, a tyre designed to suit the driving needs of sports car enthusiasts.

The Potenza Adrenalin RE003 has picked up its fair share of positive reviews from Australian customers. These include an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 200 ratings on productreview.com.au and an average of 4.8 out of 5 from over 120 ratings on autohero.com.au. As a result of all these glowing reviews, it takes the win here as the best asymmetric tyre.

Precise handling and maximum control are the name of the game with this performance tyre. Designed with an eye towards handling stability and increased traction, the Potenza Adrenalin RE003 features a wide centre rib and curved groove wall to offer responsive performance when cornering.

A pulse groove and deflectors improve drainage and protect against hydroplaning, while the 3 and a half grooves in the tyre enhance rigidity and ensure faster response to steering inputs.

Many reviewers praise the Potenza Adrenalin RE003 for its impressive levels of grip in both dry and wet conditions. Admittedly, not everyone will want a performance tyre for their car and may be better suited to something with a harder compound that should offer longer tread life. But if you're in the market for an asymmetric tyre to provide reliable grip and handling on the road, it's hard to go past the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003.


Goodyear EAGLE F1 DIRECTIONAL 5

Best directional tyres

Goodyear EAGLE F1 DIRECTIONAL 5
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Many reviewers praise handling performance
  • SportGrip technology

Cons

  • Some buyers report that tread wears a little quickly
  • Some complaints about increased road noise as tyres wear

Why we chose it

If you're in the market for a directional tyre that can provide precise handling and grip, it's well worth checking out the Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5. Designed for use on sports performance vehicles, this tyre also boasts special features to help ensure a quieter ride.

It's picked up a wide range of largely positive reviews from Australian buyers too, such as the following:

As a result, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5 is our top pick as the best directional tyre.

A high-performance tyre, the Eagle F1 Directional 5 uses Goodyear's SportGrip technology, which uses special compounds and tread patterns to offer secure handling and responsive grip. It also boasts a closed shoulder tread design and a silica tread compound as well as a host of other features designed to ensure improved traction and performance.

Another feature of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5 is its cavity shape, which gives the tyre a squarer footprint and allows for even pressure distribution. And with the tread designed to keep noise emissions low as the tyre wears, the Eagle F1 Directional 5 provides a quieter ride.

So if you're searching for a sports-oriented directional tyre for your car, make sure to add this highly-rated tyre from Goodyear to your shopping shortlist.


Hankook OPTIMO K415

Best symmetrical tyres

Hankook OPTIMO K415
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Many reviewers praise tread wear levels
  • Designed to provide better handling in wet or dry conditions

Cons

  • Some complaints about road noise
  • There are cheaper options available

Why we chose it

If you prefer the cost-efficiency and versatility of symmetrical tyres, we recommend checking out the Hankook Optimo K415. This summer tyre for small and medium-sized cars aims to offer impressive handling performance in both dry and wet conditions.

It's also earned its fair share of praise from Australian customers, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 60 reviews on productreview.com.au and an average score of 4.6 out of 5 from over 45 Tyresales customers. With all this in mind, the Hankook Optimo K415 is our top pick as the best symmetrical tyre.

The tread pattern on the Optimo K415 includes a range of features to help improve handling and grip. These include a wide centre rib that also shortens braking distances, a 4-channel drainage system to help you stay safe when driving on wet roads and a shoulder rub block that reduces vibrations in order to offer a more comfortable ride. Lateral shoulder grooves are also included to help ensure reliable performance in both dry and wet conditions.

Wide, high-tensile steel belts are designed to provide a more precise response to steering inputs, while the jointless bead wire helps to improve stability at high speeds.

Available in sizes ranging from 14 to 19 inches, the Hankook Optimo K415 offers plenty to motorists looking to fit a set of symmetrical tyres. If that's you and you're not on a super-tight budget, the K415 is well worth a closer look.


Hankook DYNAPRO ATM RF10

Best tyres for sand

Hankook DYNAPRO ATM RF10
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Many reviewers praise the lifespan of the tyres
  • Rugged and aggressive look

Cons

  • Some complaints about road noise
  • Some users criticise their performance in wet conditions

Why we chose it

Heading off the beaten track or to the beach and searching for tyres that can help you reach your destination safely? There are lots of reasons why the Hankook Dynapro AT-M might be just what you're looking for.

These all-terrain tyres provide everything you need for off-road driving. They've picked up a lot of positive reviews from Australian customers, with many buyers praising their performance in sandy conditions. The Hankook Dynapro AT-M has picked up an average rating of 4 out of 5 or higher from hundreds of reviews on productreview.com.au and tyrereview.com.au, so it's our top pick as the best tyre for sand use.

This all-season 4x4 tyre is designed with aggressive all-terrain driving in mind, and its tread pattern includes a range of features to help you tackle the tough stuff. For example, deep-tiered side grooves help ensure stable cornering performance, while blocks feature zigzag edges to improve grip. Scallop grooves between each of the tread blocks maximise your traction in off-road conditions, and the wide tread helps prevent uneven wear while also providing improved grip.

Stone ejectors in the centre and shoulder grooves provide added protection, while the wraparound tread improves traction while also aiding puncture resistance. The thick sidewall rubber gauge will come in handy too when you need to withstand any off-road impacts.

All things considered, it's not hard to see why the Hankook Dynapro AT-M is well worth checking out if you're planning on tackling some sand driving in the not too distant future.


Maxxis RAZR MT772

Best tyres for mud

Maxxis RAZR MT772
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Many reviewers mention that there's reasonably minimal road noise for mud tyres
  • Specifically designed with mud use in mind

Cons

  • Some users say wet-weather on-road performance could be a little better
  • One reviewer says the ride is a little harsh

Why we chose it

If you want to get down and dirty with a bit of muddy driving, we recommend taking a closer look at the Maxxis RAZR MT772. This rugged off-road performer includes specific features to enhance traction in the mud, so it doesn't mind getting a little dirty and heading off the beaten track.

The RAZR MT772 has also garnered a whole lot of positive feedback from Australian buyers. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 over 75 reviews on tyrereview.com.au, with 95% of buyers indicating that they would buy again. As a result, the Maxxis RAZR MT772 takes the win here as the best tyre for mud use.

Maxxis specifies the driving application of this tyre as 85% off-road and 15% on-road. It features deep, sculpted centre blocks to help maximise traction in the mud, and the armour sidewall design enhances traction while providing puncture resistance at the same time.

The RAZR MT772 is also a self-cleaning tyre, with stone and mud ejectors a welcome addition. The staggered shoulder blocks are designed to provide a higher level of traction when you're battling through difficult conditions, and many buyers report that these tyres look downright impressive when fitted to their 4x4.

Another common point raised by reviewers was that as far as mud tyres go, the RAZR MT772s are reasonably quiet with minimal road noise – a handy feature to have for those long highway stretches.

So if you're planning on tackling some muddy, boggy trails, be sure to give the Maxxis Razr MT772 a closer look before heading off-road.


Amazon prices last updated on 3 December, 2023 at 04:01 am
eBay prices last updated on 3 December, 2023 at 07:10 am

How did we pick this list?

19
Brands considered
100+
Products compared
11
Best products chosen
  • We considered tyres from 19 leading brands.
  • We chose our top picks based on key product features and real customer reviews.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

Why you can trust our picks

Every effort has been made in this guide to provide a fair analysis of all tyres, from budget options through to premium products.

We started our search for the best tyres in Australia by searching for the highest-rated products on sites like productreview.com.au, tyrereview.com.au and autohero.com.au. We then compared those top-rated tyres against other tyres in the same category, considering factors such as durability, performance in different conditions, noise, comfort and price to help us decide on our top picks. We also took into account the fact that Michelin was named the top-rated car tyre brand in the 2020/21 Finder Retail Awards.

To be considered for this guide, a tyre needed to have received at least 10 customer reviews.
We considered tyres from the following brands:

  • Achilles
  • BFGoodrich
  • Bob Jane
  • Bridgestone
  • Continental
  • Cooper
  • Dunlop
  • Falken
  • Federal
  • Goodyear
  • Hankook
  • Kumho
  • Laufenn
  • Maxxis
  • Michelin
  • Mickey Thompson
  • Nexen
  • Nitto
  • Pirelli
  • Toyo
  • Winrun
  • Yokohama
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.

When do I need new tyres?

The right tyres ensure that your car accelerates, turns and stops safely, is cheaper to run and offers a smooth ride. But when should you change your car tyres? Some experts recommend changing tyres that have been fitted for more than five years, but the best indicator is the tread of the tyre.

The legal minimum tyre tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm. New tyres come with around 8mm of tread depth, and some manufacturers recommend getting new tyres when the depth reaches 3mm.

Take a close look at the tread on your tyres. There should be tread wear indicators moulded into the tread – when the tyres are worn down so far that these bars are flush with the adjacent tread, it's time to get new tyres. Make sure you check the entire surface of the tyre so you don't miss any uneven wear.

Worn tyre tread can make a sizable difference to stopping distance and mean the difference between life and death, so don't put off shopping for new tyres if yours are starting to look worn. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask a professional for advice. Visit a reputable tyre shop and let their expert eyes give your car's rubber a closer inspection.

For more tips and advice on how to keep your car in tip-top condition, check out our guides to car servicing and car maintenance.

Types of tyres

The main way to distinguish between tyres is based on their size. However, to understand what size a tyre is, you'll first need to decipher the code printed on the side of your tyre, which may look something like this: P205/65R15 92H.

In this code:

  • P stands for passenger tyre.
  • 205 is the section width (measured in mm) of the tyre when properly inflated. The section width is the distance between the exterior sidewalls.
  • 65 is a percentage that denotes the tyre's aspect ratio, which is the comparison between the section height and section width.
  • R is for radial, the most common tyre construction method.
  • 15 is the diameter (in inches) of the rim the tyre must be fitted to.
  • 92 is the load rating index, which is used to denote how much weight one tyre is rated to carry. In this case, an index of 92 means the tyre can carry up to 630kg.
  • H is an index that specifies the maximum speed at which a tyre can travel. In this case, H is 210 km/h.

Check your car's owner's manual or tyre placard for the manufacturer's recommended tyre size, speed and load. When carmakers launch a new model, they work closely with big-name tyre companies to find the best handling, braking, comfort, efficiency and wear rate, so the tyres your carmaker nominates are typically the best choice.

How to compare tyres

While it can be tempting to save money and fit budget tyres, spending a little extra for quality tyres usually means improved performance and safety. Pricier tyres will also generally last longer than their cheaper counterparts, which can help to offset some of the additional cost. Car tyre prices start at around $70, with most sitting somewhere in the $100-$350 price bracket.

Once you know what size and type of tyre your car manufacturer recommends, you can start weighing up the pros and cons of the available options. Make sure you consider the following factors when comparing tyres:

Brand

A good rule of thumb is to stick to well-known, mainstream tyre companies. These brands may carry a price premium but they usually offer higher quality and back-up support if something goes wrong with their product. If someone's trying to sell you a brand you've never heard of with no history or customer support network behind it, consider other options.

Performance

Choosing tyres often involves making compromises between things like grip, durability, road noise and performance. For example, soft tyres provide increased grip but wear quicker than hard tyres. Grooved tyres provide more grip on wet roads but may also have increased road noise. No one tyre will be the best at everything, so it's up to you to decide which criteria you prioritise above all else.

Year of manufacture

Tyres are also stamped with a four-digit code to denote their year of manufacture. The first two digits indicate the week in the year the tyre was manufactured and the last two digits indicate the year – so a tyre marked 0416 was manufactured in April 2016. If any of your tyres have a three-digit code instead, this means they were manufactured in the 20th century and are long overdue for replacement.

Directional vs asymmetric

Directional tyres must be fitted to a car with their tread pattern facing a particular way. The correct rolling direction is usually indicated by an arrow on the sidewall, and fitting a tyre the wrong way can result in reduced handling performance and a shorter lifespan. Asymmetric tyres must be fitted to your car with a particular side (the one marked "outside" on the rim) facing outwards.

Reviews

From wet and dry handling performance to the quietness of the ride, there are many things it's impossible to know about a tyre simply by looking at it. This is why it's a good idea to check out some independent reviews from other users to find out how a particular tyre performs in the real world.

Rolling resistance

Tyre manufacturers sometimes make claims about the better fuel economy delivered by the low rolling resistance of their tyres. However, as there's no uniform testing method used across all manufacturers to measure rolling resistance, you shouldn't accept these claims as gospel.

How many tyres should I buy?

It's recommended that you replace all tyres at the same time to ensure that there's no interference with your car's handling and performance. If you're replacing less than the full complement, take note that tyres on both sides of an axle must have the same tread pattern and tread depth.

US ratings

When a tyre is sold in the US, it must have a tread wear rating printed on the sidewall. If it's also sold in Australia, you can use this rating to work out how long a tyre will last. The Uniform Tyre Quality Grading system (UTQG) measures tread wear around an 11,520km test course, with all tyres graded against a "standard" tyre rated at 100. So if a tyre has a rating of 300, it should last three times longer than a standard tyre.

There are also two other ratings printed next to the tread wear rating:

  • A traction rating. This rates the tyre's ability to stop in the wet (AA, A, B or C).
  • A temperature rating. This grades a tyre's ability to dissipate heat (A, B or C).

Frequently Asked Questions

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