When it comes to car parts and tires, it’s not unusual for these components to be produced overseas. Perhaps you’re looking for a pair of tires made in the USA, and are wondering where to start? Today we discuss which tires are made in the USA.
Some brands are owned and manufactured by American companies, while others are owned by international brands, but have production facilities in the US. Many of these companies are top rated tire brands. Everyone on the list here has some manufacturing and production in the United States.
Before we get into the USA tire brands, let’s first look at how to determine where a tire was made…
Using The Tire Code to Determine Origin Country
Tires have a tire code on the sidewall which represents the letters and numbers of their manufacturing plant. In theory, these codes can tell you where the tire was made, but they are not so helpful (unless you know the facility code you need)! Using the diagram on the right and a tire country code chart you can decipher where the tire was made.
It’s far easier to read up on which brands are made in America. Companies such as Goodyear and Cooper were founded in America, and they also manufacture their tires in the US.
Tires that are Made in The USA – Born and Bred
Goodyear
Goodyear tires were founded in Ohio, back in the 1890s. The company has manufacturing locations worldwide, seventeen of which are in America. Besides this, Goodyear runs auto and tire service centers all across the globe. Goodyear is famous for producing OE tires, standing for ‘original equipment’. Original equipment tires are designed and tuned to every model type, assuring the performance that the manufacturer intended. At Goodyear, you can find all types of tires including winter tires, summer tires and 4 x 4 tires.
Cooper
This Ohio based company started all the way back in 1914. Brothers-in-law Claude E.Hart and John F.Schaefer started a business producing tire repair kits and patches. Cooper makes racing tires, motorcycle tires, and a wide range of car tires. Cooper pride themselves on making durable, long-lasting tires. All tires sold here come complete with a premium or standard limited warranty. Selected tires are also given a road test of 45-days.
International Brands with Manufacturing Plants in USA
There are many other brands which manufacture their tires in the USA, although these companies are not USA founded. Let’s take a look at these brands to give you a few more options for your tires:
Michelin
Michelin is a French brand; however, they do manufacture their tires in the USA. They have 19 US locations to be exact, producing a range of car tires, motorcycle tires, and even tires for planes. One of the great things about Michelin is that they are committed to sustainability initiatives. Michelin solutions are designed to make mobility more eco-friendly and safe. Whether you’re looking for light truck tires, high-performance tires or SUV tires, Michelin has got it all!
Continental
Continental began producing tires in Germany, back in 1871. Since back then they’ve worked hard to make transport more convenient, safe, customized and affordable. In the 1980s Continental started producing their tires in the USA. As well as automotive tires, Continental also manufactures a wide range of auto parts. The company is passionate about making transport more efficient. Continental have developed various new technologies in their research department including connectivity systems, sensors and radars. All of these technologies have been designed to increase safety.
Toyo
The Toyo brand was founded in Japan, and now has several manufacturing facilities in the USA. With agents and subsidiaries in 120+ countries, Toyo is one of the top tire companies in the world! Toyo aims to use tech innovation to stay one step ahead. The company sells tires for sports cars, UVs and eco-cars, plus all the other types you could dream of!
Hankook
Hankook is the seven largest tire company on the planet, founded in South Korea, with a few manufacturing plants running straight out of America. Like many modern tire manufacturers, Hankook are committed to environmental sustainability; upholding these practices when producing their tires. Hankook produces tires for a huge range of vehicles, plus trucks and vans. They also make aircraft tires, agricultural tires and industrial tires.
Nexen
Headquartered in Yangsan, Nexen has a small number of plants in the USA. Nexen sells a range of global OE tires, passenger car tires, light truck tires and more. Nexen was recently the winner of ‘America’s IDEA Design Award’, and also Germany’s ‘IF Design Award’. If you’re looking for some serious quality tires, you can’t go wrong with these guys!
Yokohama
Yokohama are a Japanese brand; they started selling in America in the 1960s. The company has facilities in both Mississippi and in Virginia. Here they make high-performance tires, off-road tires and commercial tires for cars and trucks. Yokohama are also well known for producing an epic range of racing and rally tires.
Which Tires Are Made in The USA – Conclusion
So hopefully this list should give you more than enough options for your USA manufactured tires! With so many top manufacturers running in the US, you’ll have many choices. If you are looking for US businesses through and through, then Goodyear and Cooper are your best options. While there are many tires made in the USA, those are the two true American brands.