Priced between $50 and $120 per tire, Douglas Tires are among the most affordable retail options available. Douglas Tires are owned by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, are made in the U.S., and cost nearly half as much as their premium Goodyear siblings. This raises the question of whether Douglas tires from Walmart are any good. Here's what users have to say.
In general, the reactions are mixed, yet many people praise Douglas tires for being consistent and able to offer a safe driving experience
for up to 60k miles. They also state that for general commuter cars, Douglas tires are fine as long as you don't push the car. On the other hand, some people were less convinced, saying that Douglas tires are flimsy, prone to belt separations, rapid tread wear, and are generally less durable compared to more premium offerings.
All in all, Douglas Tires are a solid choice for those on a tight budget and those who are looking for a regular city-friendly commuter tire. They're designed to provide a more practical, cost-effective solution rather than superior performance, and for that application, they are sufficient.
Read more: 11 Of The Fastest Dodge Cars Ever Made, Ranked By Top Speed
What's The Difference Between Premium And Budget Tires?
The question of whether it is worth spending extra money on expensive tires as opposed to budget-friendly brands like Douglas is rooted firmly in the balance of value versus performance. Brands such as Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, and Pirelli are all widely regarded as staple premium tire brands. This means that the value versus performance ratio with these is in favor of performance.
Premium tire brands use higher-quality tread compounds, which are intended to make the vehicle more reactive to the driver's input, especially during hard braking and acceleration. Engineering Explained reached the same conclusion in testing, finding that premium tires stopped 36 feet shorter than a comparable cheap tire. This gave the driver about an extra life-saving second to react compared to budget options. Moreover, it also translates to nearly one-third of a G difference in measurable handling performance.
Premium tires last longer, are quieter, and are often more fuel efficient. For those looking for the very best performing tires on the market, premium tires are always the better choice because premium tire brands go the extra mile to make their tires as best as they can be. Budget brands on the other hand, try to make their tires as affordable as they can be while still performing adequately.
How Long Do Douglas Tires Last?
In some instances, Douglas Tires start deteriorating after just three years of use, and there are numerous reviews across the internet of people complaining about lackluster tread life and accelerated tread wear. On the other hand, some people deem Douglas Tires perfectly adequate for the price, with reports that they will last 40k or even 60k miles. It's worth noting that these come with a warranty for up to 50k miles, which is in line with some premium tires.
Be that as it may, tire longevity isn't only tied to the tire compound itself, as there are many ways you can make your tires last longer. This means that if you aren't maintaining your tires and not using them for what they were designed to do, chances are that they will not be able to last as long as they otherwise would. For a spot of context, a proper wheel alignment can extend the lifespan of your tires for up to 30 percent while regular tire rotations can push their lifespan for up to 20 percent.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
