Whether your ride has been modded to the max or you have a bone-stock daily driver, good tires will make a world of difference in performance. Since they’re the only part of your car directly in contact with the ground, they have the greatest influence on performance—more than your turbo, your big brake kit or your über-expensive coilovers; without the right tires, they’re not working to their full potential. Depending on the level of upgrades you’ve already installed, there’s a tire out there for everyone. From die-hard track whores to casual hardparkers, each tire is designed for a specific goal and knowing how to select the right tire will help you get the most from your car and your wallet.
There’s more to picking the right tires than just looking up the most expensive set each brand has to offer. Tire compound, tread life (UTQG), speed rating and price are all important factors. Knowing what environment your car will be spending the most time in will also help determine the proper tire. If you never go to the track, there’s no need for R-compounds; conversely, if you’re hitting the track every few months (or more), you’re going to want a tire designed to take the heat and forces demanded by track days. But fear not, whether you need a comfortable street tire or a track slick, we’ve got you covered!
High-Performance Street Tires
The tires in this section are ideal for cruising the streets and offer excellent wet and dry performance. They also provide exceptional durability and can handle the occasional “spirited drive,” but they’re not designed to deal with the prolonged extreme heat requirements of the racetrack.
1. Advan Sport
UTQG Rating: 180AA/A
Speed Rating: Y
Use For: High-performance street tire, occasional light track use
Source: yokohamatire.com, 877.238.2677
2. Advan S.4
UTQG Rating: 400AA/A
Speed Rating: V,W or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: yokohamatire.com, 877.238.2677
3. BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDW
UTQG Rating: 300AA/A
Speed Rating: W and Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: bfgoodrich.com, 877.788.8899
4. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position
UTQG Rating: 280AA/A
Speed Rating: W and Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: bridgestone.com, 800.807.9555
5. Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport
UTQG Rating:
340A/A
Speed Rating: W
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: bridgestone.com, 800.807.9555
6. Continental ContiSportContact 5
UTQG Rating: 280AA/A
Speed Rating: V, W, and Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: conti-online.com, 800.847.3349
7. Continental Extreme Contact DW
UTQG Rating: 340AA/A
Speed Rating: W or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: conti-online.com, 800.847.3349
8. Dunlop Direzza DZ101
UTQG Rating: 300A/A
Speed Rating: W OR V(size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: dunloptires.com, 800.321.2136
9. Falken Azenis FK453
UTQG Rating: 300AA/A
Speed Rating: W or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: falkentire.com
10. Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval
UTQG Rating: 320AA/A
Speed Rating: H, W, or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: firestonetire.com, 800.807.9555
11. General Tire G-Max AS-03
UTQG Rating: 480A/A
Speed Rating: V or W (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: generaltire.com, 800.321.2136
12. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
UTQG Rating: 240AA/A
Speed Rating: V or W (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: goodyeartires.com, 800.321.2136
13. Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season
UTQG Rating: 420AA/A
Speed Rating: W or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: goodyeartires.com, 800.321.2136
14. Hankook Ventus R-S2
UTQG Rating: 200AA/A
Speed Rating: V, W, or T (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire, occasional light track use
Source: hankooktireusa.com
15. Maxxis Victra MA-Z4S
UTQG Rating: 420AA/A
Speed Rating: V or W (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: maxxis.com
16. Maxxis Victra MA-Z1 Drift
UTQG Rating: 280AA/A
Speed Rating: W (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire, occasional track use
Source: maxxis.com
17. Michelin Pilot Super Sport
UTQG Rating: 300AA/A
Speed Rating: Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire, occasional light track use
Source: michelinman.com
18. Toyo Extensa HP
UTQG Rating: 360A/A
Speed Rating: V or W (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: toyotires.com, 800.442.8696
19. Toyo Proxes T1R
UTQG Rating: 280AA/A
Speed Rating: V, W, or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire, occasional light track use
Source: toyotires.com, 800.442.8696
20. Yokohama S.Drive
UTQG Rating: 300AA/A
Speed Rating: T, V, W or Y (size dependent)
Use For: High-performance street tire
Source: yokohamatire.com, 800.722.9888