How2Day: Different Brands of Tires

New tires enhance traction and safety. Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Consumer and commercial tires are produced and sold under a wide variety of brand names. Because of the many tire brands, purchasing new tires can become complex. Many drivers choose the brand initially installed on their automobile. When visiting a retail tire store or warehouse, tires will be listed by brand, vehicle and tire size. It's helpful to consider information about some of the well-recognized, brand-name manufacturers of vehicle tires.

Continental AG is one of the world's largest makers of tires for cars, SUVs, motorcycles and bikes. Based in Hanover, Germany, Continental was established in 1871 and employs some 134,000 persons at 190 locations in 39 countries. A U.S division is based in Fort Mill, S.C. Continental retails tires primarily under four classifications: performance, passenger/coupe/minivan, original equipment and winter. The company supplies original equipment tires for major car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, BMW, General Motors and Toyota.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., established in 1898, bears the name of Charles Goodyear, who invented vulcanized rubber. Goodyear is one of the most recognizable tire brands and is known for its blimps observed in the skies above major public events. Goodyear's 57 production plants extend across 23 countries with headquarters in Akron, Ohio. The company employs 69,000 people, making tires for automobiles, airplanes, ATV, racing, farming and heavy machinery. In addition, it produces rubber hoses and shoe soles for different industries.

Brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin established Michelin, a French tire manufacturer, in 1889. One of the company's innovations was the radial tire, which is the most used type of tire for vehicles. Michelin produces more than 150 million tires yearly in the passenger car, light truck and heavy truck market. In addition, it makes tires for motorcycles, heavy-goods vehicles, civil engineering machinery, agriculture and aviation. Seventy-two production facilities operate in 19 countries, with more than 109,000 employees. Michelin bought the tire and rubber division of B.F. Goodrich and the Uniroyal company to expand its tire empire.

Founded in 1914, Cooper Tires makes consumer car tires, racing tires, tread rubber and related equipment. The company operates in 10 countries, with head offices in Findlay, Ohio. Cooper tires are well regarded in the racing-car industry and snow-tire field. In addition, Cooper manufactures tires for light trucks, SUVs, motor sports and motorcycles. You will find the company's tires mostly on-line and at independent tire stores.

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