Guide To Nankang Tires

All You Need To Know About Nankang Tires

It can be quite difficult to find performance tires that last and at the same time are easy on the wallet. The search for such tires is indeed a longstanding one. But there’s good news for all the car fanatics out there looking for value-for-money yet good quality performance tires. nankang tires produces relatively cheaper performance tires, targeting the car lovers out there. 

Established in 1940, Nankang has now become the largest company to manufacture tires, with RV, motorhome, agricultural, and trailer in its portfolio. It has even claimed to invent the radial tire (even though this is debatable). This goes to show the importance of Nankang in the car tire industry. However, although it has an impressive track record, it is still wise to compare and contrast the specifications of such tires, in order to get the one that is most suitable for your needs. Not only would performance tires be covered in this article, but also those made for a comfortable street drive, truck, as well as SUV tires. 

The Top 5 Nankang Tires

Nankang SP-9 Cross-Sport

Starting off with the Nankang SP-9 Cross-Sport, best for SUV touring. It is a tire that gives the drivers a good mix of traction, performance, tread life, and comfort. The price is good for a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, and it works well on both wet and dry roads. The tires respond well enough for a rather seamless driving experience and it grips well even on wet roads. However, the braking distances on wet roads are not the best and can be slightly on the noisier side, especially on highways. However, these tires ride quite smoothly and it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular Nankang tires. 

Nankang AS-1

The steering on the Nankang AS-1 is precise and responsive and is excellent to use even on tough terrains. This makes the driving experience with Nankang AS-1 tires an exciting one. The cornering grip is good for how much it costs and brakes really well, making it an ideal, high performing tire for all seasons. However, the snow traction on these tires is mediocre and its braking on wet roads is nothing to rave about. Some even reviewed it to have accelerated treadwear, compared to the 40,000-mile treadwear warranty it claims to have.

Nankang NS-2R

This is the tire to look out for if you are a sports car lover. Its high levels of grip make the Nankang NS-2R wonderful to drive with, even if you own an older model of sports cars or a relatively lighter vehicle such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Even though this tire might have problems with traction on more powerful cars and not the best for driving in rainy conditions, its good cornering grip, responsive handling, and strong braking make this tire a go-to as it is also much less expensive than other similar tires in the market. 

Nankang SP-7

Next, the Nankang SP-7. This tire is made for crossovers and SUVs with highly powerful turbocharged or V6 engines. It is a sturdy tire that brakes well and is good to handle on both dry and wet roads. Overall, it is responsive but is not very quiet. The treadwear warranty of this tire is also a little disappointing and its snow traction could use some improvement. However, it is still a cheaper option than other tires, given its performance level and steering.

Nankang AT5 Conqueror A/T

Lastly, the Nankang AT5 Conqueror A/T works well on all terrains, regardless of the weather, making it the best all-terrain tire there is. Being able to drive well even on hard-packed surfaces such as gravel, it also boasts a generous 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. Unfortunately, it is not the most ideal when it comes to noise levels or driving through big rocks or mud.

What’s Good about Nankang Tires

Nankang has a myriad of tire types that come in many sizes as well. Their goal is to manufacture tires that are suitable for modern cars, SUVs, crossovers, and also older vehicle models. They do offer tires suitable for most seasons but winter tires are only available in the United Kingdom and Europe.

On the whole, Nankang tires are generally well made, have a good tread life warranty while being rather budget-friendly, and performs well. Unlike some companies that just purchase the raw materials needed to manufacture tires, Nankang has a well-rounded R&D team that comes up with its own designs and goes through rigorous testing, so you can be assured of its quality. Despite this, Nankang tires are still up to half the price of its premium-grade tire competitors. While they might not be the longest-lasting tires out there, it’s treadwear warranty is generally well above what you actually pay for, all while not skimping on quality. Granted they are not any award-winning state-of-the-art level tire manufacturers like Bridgestone or Michelin, but they do the job just fine in providing the driver a safe environment to drive, regardless of the weather conditions, which is the main and top priority for almost every driver. 

What’s Bad about Nankang Tires

That being said, there are some areas for which Nankang can improve on. First, it is definitely not up to standard with other premium tire brands. It is always best to go for the best quality tires if you are able to afford them. While Nankang’s tires get the job done, the differences in its braking and handling can see a big difference. Next, Nankang’s tires do not have the best treadwear warranties. Yes, its warranties are definitely good for the price you are paying but when compared to other companies like Mastercraft, the 50,000-mile treadwear warranty of Nankang tires comes up a little underwhelming, especially in 2020 standards. 

Also read: A Guide to Better Purchase of All Weather Tires

Conclusion

In essence, Nankang tires are probably best for those looking at decent performance tires that give them a bang for their buck. In this aspect, Nankang indeed stands out among their more premium competitors in the performance tires market.