Purchasing tires can seem overwhelming. With lots of options on the market, you want to make sure you get the best tire for your dollar. In this article, we’ll review the Hankook line of tires, so you can see if it’s a good fit for you.
About Hankook
Hankook Tire Company was founded in 1941, making it one of the youngest large tire companies in the world. Despite being a new kid on the block, Hankook has risen to become the sixth-largest tire manufacturer worldwide. Hankook has headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, as well as Nashville, Tennessee. The company is known for its affordable, high-quality tires and industry-leading tread warranties. Hankook offers car, SUV, and light truck tires. It also provides original equipment (OE) tires for brands such as Hyundai, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda.
How Tires Are Rated
Just like other major tire brands, Hankook tires rates its tires using a system designed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The rating system is called Uniform Tire Quality Grading, or UTQG. The UTQG system rates tires on their tread, traction, and temperature.
Treadwear
The tread rating of a tire is an estimate of tire longevity. Every tire undergoes a 7,200-mile tread test against a “control” tire. The control tire has a rating of 100 and all tires are compared against that standard. The higher the number, the longer the tire should last. For example, if a tire has a tread rating of 400, that tire lasted four times longer during testing than the UTQG standard.
Most tires on the road today have a tread rating between 300 and 500. Many Hankook tires boast tread scores in that range, and some tires that are intended for trucks or vehicles for off-roading have scores between 500 and 700.
Traction
Traction refers to a tire’s ability to stop on wet roadways. The ratings are AA, A, B, and C. Tires with an AA rating are the highest and provide the shortest stopping distance. C-rated tires are the lowest and give the longest stopping distance. AA-rated tires are usually ultra-high performance tires and are unnecessary for most drivers. An A-rated tire is sufficient for standard day-to-day driving. The vast majority of tires sold in the United States, including Hankook, have an A rating.
Temperature
A tire’s temperature rating is its ability to withstand heat. As you drive, the temperature of your tires increases. Low-quality tires can create dangerous conditions, including blowouts, when overheated. Tires are temperature-rated as A, B, or C.
- A-rated tires can dissipate heat at speeds greater than 115 mph. These tires stay cool when driven at high speeds and for long distances.
- B-rated tires can dissipate heat at speeds between 100 and 115 mph.
- C-rated tires can dissipate heat at speeds between 85 and 100 mph.
When choosing a tire, an A-rated tire is more heat durable than a B- or C-rated tire. All grades are considered safe and sufficient for driving in the United States, as no speed limits exceed 85 mph. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 96% of all tires sold in the U.S. are Temperature Grade A or B. Hankook tires generally receive A ratings for temperature.
Finding Ratings on Tires
There are two ways to find tire rating information.
- Tire sidewall: Each tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature rating should be marked on the outside wall of the tire.
- Tire Rating Lookup Tool: The NHTSA’s online tool contains lots of information, including ratings, for the majority of tires on the road today.
Hankook rigorously tests all of its tires before offering them to the public. Tires are tested in a variety of real-life conditions, including snow, rain, and high temperatures.
Popular Hankook Tire Models
These are some of the most popular Hankook tires on the road today:
Kinergy ST
- Perfect for passenger sedans
- Long tread warranty
- Excellent traction in all weather conditions
- Designed to reduce road noise
Ventus S1 Evo2
- One of Hankook’s best high-performance tires
- Extremely stable and durable in high heat conditions
- Summer tires only, so they’re not suitable or safe for cold or snowy conditions
Ventus ST RH06
- Excellent tire for SUVs
- V-shaped tread for enhanced stability and traction, especially on wet roads
- Rim-protectors keep your rims free of scratches and dents
Dynapro AT-M
- Designed for off-road driving and light trucks
- Original equipment tire used on the F-150
- Special tread grooves provide improved traction in snow
Hankook Tire Pricing
Hankook tires are among the most affordable tires for sedans, with an average cost of $82 per tire, $20 less than comparable tires from other brands. Hankook tires sized for SUVs cost a bit more, with an average price of $139 per tire. Hankook’s large truck tires are very competitively priced, averaging $181 per tire. When comparing pricing among tire brands, be sure to look at tread warranties. Hankook tires generally offer long tread warranties, making them cheaper to own over the life of the tire.
Hankook Tire Warranty
Hankook is known for providing excellent customer service. Owners of Hankook tires will enjoy:
30-Day Road Test
All Hankook tires have a 30-day test drive warranty. If you don’t like your tires after driving on them for 30 days, Hankook will take them back and provide a full refund.
Limited Warranty
Every Hankook tire is covered for problems due to defective materials or workmanship. Owners of defective tires may be entitled to:
- Free tire replacement: If a tire fails due to a manufacturer error, Hankook will replace it for free.
- Proportional replacement: If your tire fails within the first year of driving, you can receive a refund. Refunds are pro-rated based on the condition of your tire and the number of months you used it.
- Treadwear mileage warranty: Hankook offers long treadwear mileage warranties compared to other brands. Many Hankook models have tread warranties of 60,000 miles or more.
FAQ About Hankook Tires
Here are a few commonly asked questions about Hankook tires:
What brands compare to Hankook?
Hankook tires are comparable to brands such as Goodyear, Continental, Firestone, and BFGoodrich.
Where can I buy Hankook tires?
Hankook tires can be purchased anywhere tires are sold. You can also buy Hankook tires online through tire retailers such as Tire Rack.
What size tires does Hankook make?
Hankook manufactures a wide range of tire sizes, from 13 inches to 22 inches.
Hankook tires are both affordable and well-designed. With industry-leading tread warranties and a wide variety of sizes and models, Hankook tires are a solid choice for your car, SUV, or truck.
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