Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear? Which are the most preferred tyre brands in Malaysia?

Tyres, black, round things that are your only contact patch on the road. They either help you avoid an accident, or become the very reason that gets you into one. The importance of tyres on your cars cannot be overstated. But, with an assortment of brands, and models to select from, choosing the right tyre can be daunting.

Which is why, we at WapCar.my decided to give you a rundown of Malaysia's most preferred tyre brands, and select two of each brand's most popular tyre models, to help you decide. No matter what your preference to driving is, you can find a tyre that meets your needs.

Michelin - the premium option

Probably the first brand that Malaysians think of when it comes to tyres is Michelin. The French giant is one of the most instantly recognisable brands in the automotive tyre sector, having been around for over 132 years. Having an adorable and iconic mascot helps immensely too. So, which are Michelin's two most popular tyre models in Malaysia?

Pilot Sport 4 (16 - 21-inch): The Pilot Sport 4 (PS4) is one of the most popular choice for many who seek a sporty, precise driving experience yet still pliable and quiet enough to do daily driving in. The PS4 has forged a reputation for being a superb performer in dry or wet conditions, which makes it the benchmark in its segment and a default choice for many. 

Energy XM2+ (13 - 16-inch): Another popular Michelin tyre is the Energy XM2+, which caters to customers who want something that's durable and long-lasting, but at the same time is comfortable with low noise levels. Again, the XM2+ is the go-to choice for many because it is the best all-rounder in its segment versus competitors, simple as that. 

While there's no doubting the quality and performance of Michelin tyres, they don't come cheap, whether it's the PS4 or the  XM2+. Having said that, you do get what you pay for when it comes to Michelin tyres. 

Continental - German engineering for everyone

Another popular and well-regarded tyre brand in Malaysia is Continental. Boasting a longer legacy that even Michelin (149 years), Continental has a tyre model to cater to every market segment. Here are two of Continental's most popular models. 

MaxContact 6 (16 - 20-inch): Continental's answer to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4, the MaxContact 6 (MC6) is a solid performer for drivers who like tyres with a sporty edge. Just like the PS4, it aims to deliver a rounded driving experience, and to some extent, it shows. 

Ultimately, it is not as encompassing an all rounder as the Pilot Sport 4, but the MC6 boasts a far better value-for-money proposition in comparison. 

ComfortContact 6 (13 - 16-inch): The name says it all, the ComfortContact 6 (CC6) is Continental's comfort-oriented tyre model. The latest iteration of the ComfortContact lineage is exactly what you'd expect it to be; quiet, comfortable, and fuel-efficient.

Furthermore, it is one of the most affordable comfort-oriented tyres you can buy. However, the CC6's thread life and wet grip isn't as good as its competitors. Overall, the CC6 delivers what buyers in this segment are looking for; affordable price, comfort and respectable performance.

Bridgestone - Japanese innovation, derived from motorsports

Bridgestone is another tyre brand that is rather favoured on our shores, and with good reason. With over 90 years of tyre manufacturing know-how, and also participation in various motorsport disciplines (even Formula One), Bridgestone has a product for performance-minded consumers, as well as those who prioritise comfort. Here are two examples.

Potenza RE004 (15 - 20-inch): A performance-oriented tyre model, the Bridgestone Potenza RE004 is a wonderfully grippy tyre that promises a slick and precise driving experience for its price. The trade-off is that due to its stiffer sidewalls, the RE004 isn't the most comfortable tyre in its class. 

The aggresive thread design also means road noise is rather noticeable. Wet-weather performance, while improved from its predecessor - the RE003 -, is still not class-leading. But again, the RE004 scores very highly in its price-to-performance ratio, delivering excellent value for money.

Ecopia EP300 (15 -18-inch): Bridgestone's eco-minded tyres, the Ecopia EP300 is designed for low rolling resistance to help reduce fuel consumption. Moreover, the Ecopia EP300's construction is centred around delivering a quiet ride.

However, the Ecopia EP300 has stiffer side walls to reduce energy loss from flexing, but that also means it's not as comfortable as say, the Continental CC6 or Michelin XM2+. All said, when you add in improved wet handling, durability, the Ecopia E300 is a solid choice for the everyday driver. 

Goodyear - 123 years of tyre-making expertise

American manufacturers Goodyear have over 123 years of history in the tyre making industry. This rich legacy is reflected also in the products that Goodyear produces. Just like its competitors above, Goodyear has harnessed knowledge from participation in motorsports to produce better tyres for everyone. Below are 2 examples of Goodyear's innovation prowess. 

Eagle F1 Sport (16 - 18-inch): The latest in a long line of performance-oriented Eagle F1 tyres, the Eagle F1 Sport builds on Goodyear's performance heritage which promises superb cornering stability and steering response. Goodyear's reputation for wet handling also shines through in this tyre.

However, the Eagle F1 Sport does suffer from higher noise levels versus the best-in-class contenders. Despite that, given its asking price, the Eagle F1 Sport is a tyre model that's well-worth considering. 

Assurance Triplemax 2 (15 - 17-inch): Goodyear's comfort-oriented, everyday option is optimised using the latest technologies to deliver not just a comfortable ride, but also secure handling with trademark Goodyear wet handling capabilities. Now in its second generation, the Assurance Triplemax 2 also benefits from improved braking performance.

While the Assurance Triplemax 2 is indeed a comfort-biased, user ratings shows that it doesn't score as highly as the others here, like the Michelin XM2+ or Continental CC6. There's not much in it, though, as the Assurance Triplemax 2 is still a very accomplished tyre for the money.

Conclusion

So there you have it, Malaysia's most popular tyre brands, with it the respective models that are most highly-regarded by users. Whether you're looking for a sharp, sporty driving experience, or prefer to rack mileage with the most fuel-efficient tyre, these brands above have you covered.

Whatever your budget, there is a tyre option out there for you. What's most important to remember is that you should never skimp on tyres. Always go for reputable brands, as these companies have invested time and resources in R&D to ensure you get not only a rewarding driving experience, but a safe one too.