The Best Nexen Tires

Buying Guide

Nexen Tires has been around for more than seven decades, starting as Heung-A Tire Company in 1942. In 2005, the company moved into the U.S. under the brand name Nexen Tire America, while also continuing to build manufacturing facilities and offices across the world.

Whether you’re looking for a tire to provide stability for off-roading or you just want a tire for everyday use, Nexen has you covered. The company specializes in innovative designs that improve traction in a variety of road conditions. In fact, the company has won several design awards for its unique concepts.

The brand “Nexen” was chosen because it combines two words: “next” and “century.” The company prides itself on having no recalls in its history, due in part to the extensive testing each tire undergoes before being released to the public. Both the quality and reliability have made many top car manufacturers include Nexen as original equipment on their vehicles, including Volkswagen, Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors.

One of the biggest ways Nexen sets itself apart is through the tread pattern on its tires. The company strategically places waves, grooves and V patterns that improve traction in a variety of road conditions. This helps it grip corners, handle wet conditions like snow and rain with ease and, in some cases, manage muddy conditions if you want to take your vehicle off-road.

But there are two features that many tire buyers prize over all others. One is comfort. You’ll find many the extras that help with grip and control also easily handle obstacles like bumps in the road, giving you a better riding experience. Another is noise. Nexen uses its own pitch arrangement that will keep the ride quiet. No more turning up the radio to drown out the roar coming from your tires. You can ride in peace.

• Tire requirements vary from person to person. Look at your own driving habits. Do you live in an area with snowy weather? If so, you may need a different type of tire than someone who only deals with rain. A good tire will have the traction necessary to handle wet conditions without hydroplaning.
• Noise is also a factor. Although your tire shop likely won’t let you take the tires for a test drive, there are some features that contribute to noise on a tire. For a quiet ride, look for a tread with varied block shapes that create what’s called a “multiple pitch pattern.” Continuous ribs that have straight grooves between them tend to be quieter.
• It’s important that you check your vehicle owner’s manual to find the exact specifications for your tires. If you buy a tire that’s too large, you may strain the capacity of your transmission and other components. A tire that’s too small may not give you optimum performance.
• Once you’ve decided the perfect tire for your vehicle, shop around. You can get a good deal by having a membership at a warehouse club like Sam’s or Costco, but some buyers prefer the expertise and ongoing service that comes from a tire shop. You can save by ordering tires online, but unless you have the skills and equipment, you’ll need to pay a local repair shop to install them for you.
• The weight of your vehicle isn’t the only thing your tires will have to support. If you regularly haul heavy loads, keep that in mind while you shop.