American Made Summer Only Tires
 

Yes, I know where my car is made. Yes, I love it. But based on what has been happening in the economy the past couple of years, I'm purposefully purchasing American made when ever possible. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be when I tried to get new summer only tires for my '04.

The only Goodyear summer only tires are their F1s, and I couldn't find those for a reasonable prices. Tried all the other usual suspects and couldn't find anything I was looking for. I then happened upon the Coopers from Cooper Tire. Turns out not all of their tires are made in the U.S. But, all of their RS3-S tires in our original size are made in the U.S.

I also just found out that Roush used to use the older version of these as their normal tire.

At any rate, I'm exceedingly happy with them. Driving around on non-runflat tires has completely changed the character of the car for the better. Getting off of old and tired run-flat winter tires on to these new tires has been a joy.

If you are looking at new summer only tires, consider these. I'm very happy with them.

(No, I'm not sure what I'm going to do come winter.)

Christopher

American made or American company or both?

I know that there are a number of Michelin tires made (and even designed) in Columbia, South Carolina. American company, they are not.

I'm sure there are plenty of other foreign companies that have production lines here in the states. You just need to figure out exactly what you want.

Hmm. Didn't know that about the Michelins. Didn't show up when I was searching. I wasn't looking for a U.S. company, I was looking for made in the U.S.A.

I'll keep them in mind next time. But I am digging the Coopers.

Christopher

There are quite a few Michelin production plants in the USA.
http://www.michelin-us.com/north-america/past/
Only reason I know this much about them is because a good friend of my wife's husband works for Michelin in South Carolina.

Also, BF Goodrich (tires) was an all-american company until they were bought by Michelin around 1988-1990. I'm pretty sure most of the BF Goodrich tires are still made in the US.

As for Cooper tires...I know nothing.

They may be. But I didn't want all season tires, or truck tires or minivan tires. That's why the title of the post was Summer Only.

I just went and did a search again and checked Tire Rack. All those tires are either all season or truck or minivan tires.

The only summer only tire US made listed on Tire Rack's site is the Goodyear F1. Very pricey.

Christopher

this

KDW-2
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ce+T%2FA+KDW+2
The price is reasonable too...but has been trending up since I bought them years ago.

It is not the quietest tire, but it is an awesome tire (imo). I do believe this is one of the tires made in SC.

BF Goodrich also makes:
Extreme Performance Summer - KD
Ultra High Performance Summer - Sport, KDW

They make more than "mini-van" and "truck" tires.

Darn. That's the tire I was originally looking for. Oh well.

The Coopers are very quiet (I guess anything next to the original run flats would be quiet) and I haven't been able to get them unstuck on the road yet.

I know the mileage conversation is a separate thread, but it seems like I'm getting better fuel economy with these tires versus the originals. I wonder if run flats are generally better or worse in that regard

Christopher

Runflats are generally heavier. MPG will suffer with them :)

^ Not to mention the ride. Dramatic difference between my friends 335d run flats and regular tires.