What Are Tier 5 Tires and Are They Safe?

When shopping for tires within a tight budget, Tier 5 options can be tempting. After all, why pay more when you don’t have to? While Tier 5 tires may be suitable in certain scenarios – such as a vehicle driven short distances in consistent weather – there are important considerations to keep in mind before making a decision to purchase them.

What is a Tier 5 tire brand?

A Tier 5 tire brand generally refers to the lowest price tier in the tire market. This is not an official or regulated classification, but rather an industry shorthand used by distributors, retailers, and manufacturers to describe tires with similar characteristics. There is no governing body that formally assigns these tiers but industry professionals commonly group brands based on factors like pricing, R&D investment, testing, warranty support, quality consistency, and brand accountability.

What are common characteristics of a Tier 5 brand?

Tier 5 tires are usually priced to be very affordable – sometimes under $40 per tire. To reach this low price point, some manufacturers may focus less on advanced R&D, extensive testing, or robust post-sale support.

Other general characteristics may include:

Limited performance features
Minimal branding or recognition
Limited or no third-party testing or validation
Basic construction with lower-grade materials
Shorter tread life
Narrow size availability
Limited warranty coverage
Limited or no US-based customer support
Sold through brokers or third party distributors

Also, because margins are thin, these brands may offer less infrastructure for customer support or claims.

How can you determine if you're purchasing a Tier 5 tire?

While there's no definitive way to to classify a brand as Tier 5, a few examples of brands that contain the characteristics described are:

Roadtrack – value pricing with basic performance reviews
Bossway – budget positioning with limited testing data
Joyroad – export-focused brand with minimal independent reviews
Three-A Rapid – entry-level brand with limited performance data

Other brands, such as Shandong Haohua (that produces APLUS, Royal Black, and Compasal) and ZODO Tires (manufactures brands like Grenlander, iLink, Fronway, Zmax, Rockblade, Goldshield), often sell through distributors or brokers in the US rather than directly. Products made by Firemax also primarily reach US consumers via brokers and online channels. This distribution model is common for budget-focused brands, and consumers should research support and warranty options before purchasing. Additionally, according to this TyrePress article from 2022, a batch of tires from Firemax Tyre Co., Ltd. failed to pass the inspections of the State Administration for Market Regulation of China. So it's essential to do your research before selecting any brand of tire.

The real question: who do you call if something goes wrong?

Consumers who purchase Tier 5 tires may have fewer options for post-sale support or warranty resolution. If a tire develops a defect or wears prematurely, there could be limited US-based assistance, and warranty processes may be less established. Consumers should be aware that saving money up front may also mean fewer options if a replacement or repair is needed.

What are Tier 5 tires actually useful for?

If Tier 5 tires are the only option in your budget, they may serve as a short-term solution, but keep your expectations realistic and consider the following:

Tread life may be limited (often under 20,000-25,000 miles)
Performance is basic and may be inconsistent
Generally not recommended for extreme weather, heavy loads, or large-diameter applications
Not ideal for for EV-optimized, ultra-high performance, or off-road tires

While some Tier 5 brands advertise special features, the lack of R&D, testing, and warranty support can make real-world performance less predictable.

A better alternative: Tier 4 tires

For many drivers, Tier 4 tires represent a better balance of price, performance, and support and typically only cost 10-15% more. These products often:

Benefit from R&D investment
Have more consistent manufacturing
Offer established warranties
Include US-based distribution or corporate support
Provide longer tread life, better ride comfort, and improved safety

Examples of brands generally considered Tier 4 are: Mastercraft, Kenda, Sentury, Sailun, Kelly, Delinte, Sumitomo, Laufenn, Prinx, Landsail, and Advanta.

As an informal guide, the following tires commonly fall into these tier categories:

Tier 1: Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin, Firestone
Tier 2: Yokohama, Nitto, Toyo, Falken, Continental
Tier 3: Hankook, Nexen, Kumho, GT Radial, Maxxis
Tier 4: Kenda, Laufenn, Mastercraft, Sentury, Delinte, Sailun, Prinx, Landsail
Tier 5: Budget brands with limited support and testing, often sold through brokers or distributors

The final assessment

Tier 5 tires may save money initially, but they come with trade-offs in durability, performance, and after-sale support. If a tire fails early, replacement costs and potential inconveniences can outweigh the initial savings. For consumers and dealers alike, investing in a slightly higher-tier tire often delivers better safety, peace of mind, and long-term value. Tire Research's recommendation is to spend a little more upfront and choose a Tier 4 tire for a safer, more reliable experience.

The content of this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects the author’s research and opinion based on publicly available sources and industry reporting. Brand names, tire “tiers,” and performance characteristics are presented as general observations and may vary by specific product, model, region, or seller. Readers should independently verify all information before purchasing tires or making business decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any damage, loss, or liability arising from the use of the information provided.

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