Armstrong Tires Review: Are These Tires Your Wallet’s Best Friend?

Armstrong Tires: Company Overview

Armstrong Tires is a leading tire manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1912. Founded by James Armstrong, a visionary entrepreneur from Akron, Ohio, the company has been at the forefront of tire innovation for over a century.

Originally established as the Armstrong Rubber Company, the brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and cutting-edge tire designs. From the early days of producing tires for horse-drawn carriages to embracing the automotive revolution, Armstrong has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are strategically located across the United States, ensuring efficient production and distribution. Armstrong takes pride in its vertically integrated operations, maintaining strict quality control measures throughout the entire manufacturing process.

With a mission to provide drivers with superior performance, safety, and durability, Armstrong Tires has consistently pushed the boundaries of tire technology. The company’s core values revolve around innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, which have been the driving forces behind their success.

Armstrong’s commitment to research and development has resulted in numerous groundbreaking advancements, such as their patented tread compounds, advanced siping patterns, and innovative construction methods. These technologies have earned Armstrong a reputation for delivering exceptional grip, handling, and longevity in their tire products.

Tire Product Lines

Armstrong Tires offers a diverse range of tire products to cater to various vehicle types and driving needs. Their product lineup includes tires for passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and performance enthusiasts.

Passenger Car Tires

Armstrong’s passenger car tire selection covers a wide spectrum, from budget-friendly options to premium touring and grand touring models. The TourPlus lineup is designed for a comfortable ride and enhanced fuel efficiency, while the UltraGrip series prioritizes all-season traction and handling. For drivers seeking a balance of performance and value, the ProTour tires are a popular choice.

Truck and SUV Tires

For those who demand rugged durability and off-road capability, Armstrong’s truck and SUV tires deliver. The TerraGrip line is engineered for superior traction on rough terrain, with reinforced sidewalls and aggressive tread patterns. The TruckMaster series caters to heavy-duty hauling needs, offering impressive load-carrying capacity and resistance to punctures and impacts.

Performance Tires

Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Armstrong’s performance tire offerings, designed to maximize grip, responsiveness, and cornering prowess. The MaxxSport lineup features asymmetric tread designs and advanced compounds for exceptional dry and wet traction. The UltraHighPerformance series takes it a step further, with ultra-high-speed ratings and enhanced stability at high speeds.

Winter and All-Season Tires

Armstrong’s winter tire selection, including the IceTrek and SnowTrac models, provides enhanced traction and braking performance on snow and ice. For those seeking year-round versatility, the WeatherMax all-season tires offer a balance of wet and dry grip, with improved treadwear and fuel efficiency.

Across all product lines, Armstrong Tires prioritizes innovative tread designs, advanced compounds, and rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity for various driving conditions and vehicle types.

Performance and Ride Quality

Armstrong Tires are engineered to provide a well-balanced performance across various driving conditions. Their tire models are designed with advanced tread patterns and specialized rubber compounds to optimize traction, handling, and ride comfort.

In dry conditions, Armstrong tires offer responsive steering and excellent grip, allowing for confident cornering and precise maneuvering. The tires’ stiff sidewalls and rigid tread blocks contribute to a sporty and engaging driving experience, particularly appreciated by driving enthusiasts.

On wet surfaces, Armstrong’s proprietary siping and grooved tread patterns effectively channel water away from the contact patch, ensuring reliable hydroplaning resistance and enhanced traction. This feature instills confidence in drivers during rainy conditions, providing a sense of control and stability.

For winter driving, Armstrong offers dedicated winter tire models that incorporate specialized rubber compounds and aggressive tread designs. These tires excel in snowy and icy conditions, providing superior traction and braking performance when temperatures drop below freezing.

Regarding ride quality, Armstrong tires strike a balance between comfort and performance. Their advanced construction and optimized sidewall stiffness help absorb road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rougher surfaces. However, some models may exhibit slightly elevated noise levels, particularly at higher speeds, due to their performance-oriented tread patterns.

Overall, Armstrong Tires deliver a well-rounded driving experience, catering to a wide range of driving styles and conditions. Whether you prioritize performance, comfort, or all-season capability, Armstrong’s diverse tire lineup offers suitable options to meet your specific needs.

Treadwear and Durability

Armstrong Tires are known for their exceptional treadwear and durability, ensuring a longer lifespan and better value for your investment. Many of their tire models come with impressive treadwear warranties, with some offering coverage up to 80,000 miles or even more.

The company’s proprietary tread compound formulations and advanced construction techniques contribute to the impressive longevity of their tires. The tread designs are engineered to provide an optimal balance between treadwear and traction, with features like interlocking sipes and computer-optimized tread patterns that help resist irregular wear.

Additionally, Armstrong Tires are designed with reinforced sidewalls and specialized bead fillers, enhancing their resistance to cuts, punctures, and other types of damage that can compromise tire integrity. This added durability is particularly beneficial for those who frequently drive on rough or unpaved roads.

Real-world owner reviews consistently praise the long treadlife of Armstrong Tires, with many reporting excellent tread depth even after tens of thousands of miles. Professional tests and evaluations also confirm the brand’s superior treadwear performance, often outperforming competitors in the same categories.

Whether you’re seeking tires for your daily commute or long-distance road trips, Armstrong’s commitment to treadwear and durability ensures you get the most out of your investment, providing a reliable and cost-effective driving experience over the long haul.

Wet and Winter Traction

Armstrong tires are engineered to provide reliable traction and grip in wet and wintry conditions. Their dedicated winter tire line, the IceTrek, features an advanced silica-enhanced compound that remains pliable in freezing temperatures, allowing the tread blocks to conform to the road surface for superior grip on ice and snow. The directional tread pattern is designed to channel away slush and sleet effectively.

Independent testing by leading consumer organizations has consistently ranked Armstrong’s winter tires among the top performers for snow traction and braking on icy surfaces. The hydroplaning resistance of their all-season and summer tires has also received praise, with the wide circumferential grooves efficiently evacuating water from the tread area.

Real-world owner reviews corroborate these findings, with many drivers reporting confident handling and shorter braking distances on slick roads compared to other tire brands they’ve used. Armstrong’s commitment to traction is further evidenced by their continuous investment in developing advanced rubber compounds and tread designs optimized for inclement weather grip.

Pricing and Value

Armstrong Tires offer a compelling value proposition for drivers seeking high-quality, durable tires at a reasonable price point. While not the most affordable option on the market, Armstrong’s pricing is generally competitive with other premium tire brands, and their products often outperform many budget-friendly alternatives in terms of performance and longevity.

When compared to industry leaders like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental, Armstrong’s tire prices are typically 10-20% lower across most product lines. This makes them an attractive choice for cost-conscious consumers who prioritize quality over rock-bottom pricing. Additionally, Armstrong frequently offers promotions, rebates, and discounts, further enhancing the value for money.

It’s important to note that tire prices can vary significantly based on factors such as size, speed rating, and specific model. However, as a general guideline, Armstrong’s all-season tires for passenger vehicles typically range from $80 to $150 per tire, while their high-performance and truck/SUV tires can cost between $120 and $300 per tire, depending on the size and specifications.

When factoring in the impressive treadwear ratings, handling characteristics, and overall durability of Armstrong’s products, many experts and consumers alike consider them to be a cost-effective option that delivers excellent value for the money spent. While not the cheapest tires on the market, Armstrong strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making them a compelling choice for drivers seeking a quality tire without breaking the bank.

Availability and Sizing Options

Armstrong Tires offers a wide range of sizing options to accommodate various vehicle types, from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks and SUVs. Their tire sizes typically range from 13 inches to 24 inches in diameter, with a variety of aspect ratios and load ratings to choose from.

One of the standout features of Armstrong Tires is their availability of plus-sizing options. Plus-sizing refers to the practice of fitting a larger diameter tire and wheel combination on a vehicle, providing improved handling, traction, and a more aggressive appearance. Armstrong Tires offers plus-sizing options for many of their tire models, allowing drivers to enhance the performance and aesthetics of their vehicles.

When it comes to purchasing Armstrong Tires, consumers have several options. The tires are available through the company’s network of authorized dealers and distributors across the country. Many tire retailers, auto parts stores, and online retailers also carry Armstrong Tires, making it convenient for customers to find a local supplier or order online.

In addition to traditional retail channels, Armstrong Tires has an online store where customers can browse and purchase tires directly from the manufacturer. The online store provides detailed information on tire specifications, sizing, and pricing, making it easier for customers to find the right tires for their vehicles.

Overall, Armstrong Tires offers a comprehensive range of sizing options to cater to various vehicle types and driving needs, ensuring that customers can find the perfect fit for their vehicles. With a wide availability through multiple retail channels, including online stores, obtaining Armstrong Tires is a straightforward process.

Warranties and Customer Support

Armstrong Tires offers competitive warranties and customer support services to back their products. Their treadwear warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, with coverage ranging from 45,000 to 80,000 miles depending on the tire line and model. This warranty provides pro-rated replacement for tires that wear out prematurely under normal driving conditions.

In addition to the treadwear warranty, Armstrong provides a roadside assistance program for customers who experience flat tires or other tire-related emergencies. This service includes free tire change, towing, and other roadside services, providing peace of mind for drivers.

Armstrong’s customer support team is available to assist with any questions or concerns regarding their tires. Customers can reach out via phone, email, or through the company’s website for assistance with warranty claims, product information, or any other inquiries.

Overall, Armstrong Tires demonstrates a commitment to standing behind their products and ensuring customer satisfaction. Their comprehensive warranties and support services aim to provide a hassle-free experience for tire owners throughout the life of their tires.

Environmental Impact

Armstrong Tires has made significant strides in recent years to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and products. The company has implemented various sustainability initiatives throughout its manufacturing processes, aiming to minimize its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.

One of the key areas of focus for Armstrong Tires is the development of low rolling resistance tires. These tires are designed to minimize the energy required to keep a vehicle in motion, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Armstrong’s low rolling resistance tire line features advanced compound formulations and tread patterns that optimize rolling resistance without compromising other performance aspects.

In addition to their low rolling resistance tires, Armstrong Tires has taken steps to reduce emissions and waste generated during the manufacturing process. The company has invested in energy-efficient equipment and implemented lean manufacturing techniques to streamline operations and minimize resource consumption. Armstrong Tires also actively recycles and reuses materials whenever possible, reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing waste sent to landfills.

Furthermore, Armstrong Tires is committed to using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in its tire production. The company has explored the use of renewable and recycled materials, such as silica derived from rice husk ash and recycled rubber from end-of-life tires. These efforts not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to a circular economy by repurposing waste materials.

Armstrong Tires’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products and manufacturing processes. The company actively participates in various environmental initiatives and partnerships, collaborating with organizations and communities to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Overall, Armstrong Tires’ approach to environmental responsibility demonstrates its dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint while providing high-quality and innovative tire products to consumers.

Professional Reviews and Tests

Professional reviews and comparative tests from reputable tire testing organizations and automotive publications provide valuable insights into the performance and quality of Armstrong tires. These expert evaluations typically involve rigorous testing across various conditions and metrics to offer an objective assessment.

Many professional reviews highlight Armstrong’s commitment to delivering tires with impressive grip, handling, and ride comfort. Their tire compounds and tread designs are often praised for providing reliable traction on dry, wet, and wintry surfaces. Additionally, Armstrong’s focus on developing tires with extended treadwear and durability is frequently commended.

In comparative tests against competing tire brands, Armstrong tires frequently rank among the top performers in their respective categories. Their ultra-high-performance tires, in particular, have garnered recognition for their exceptional cornering abilities and responsiveness, making them a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.

Moreover, Armstrong’s dedication to incorporating advanced technologies, such as specialized silica compounds and optimized tread patterns, has earned them recognition for delivering well-rounded performance and value. Reputable publications and testing organizations often recommend Armstrong tires as a reliable and cost-effective option for various vehicle types and driving conditions.

Owner Reviews and Feedback

Armstrong tires receive mixed reviews from long-term owners. Many praise their affordable pricing and decent all-season performance, but there are also numerous complaints about premature wear, poor traction in winter conditions, and noisy ride quality.

On the positive side, owners frequently cite Armstrong’s budget-friendly costs as a major selling point. For the price, these tires can’t be beat,” writes one buyer who purchased a set for their family sedan. They’ve held up well through two New England winters so far.” Others laud the tires’ dry grip and responsive handling, saying they inspire confidence in daily driving situations.

However, the negative reviews tend to focus on durability and treadlife issues. “I got maybe 25,000 miles out of my last set before they were completely bald,” laments one owner. That’s just unacceptable for a tire in this price range.” Complaints about sluggish steering response on ice and packed snow are also common. Multiple owners claim the tires became louder and produced more noticeable road noise as the miles accumulated.

Overall, the mixed owner feedback suggests Armstrong makes a decent budget option for drivers wanting affordable tires for moderate use. But those needing superior traction, longevity, and refinement may need to look at pricier premium tire brands. As with most tires, your mileage may vary based on driving habits and conditions.

Summary: Pros and Cons

Armstrong Tires offer a compelling blend of performance, value, and durability that make them an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers. Their tires excel in areas like dry and wet traction, ride comfort, and treadwear longevity, backed by industry-leading warranties and customer support.

Pros:

• Outstanding dry and wet grip for confident handling in various conditions
• Smooth, comfortable ride quality that absorbs bumps and road imperfections
• Impressive treadwear ratings for extended tire life and value
• Wide range of tire options for different vehicle types and driving needs
• Competitive pricing compared to premium tire brands
• Comprehensive warranties and responsive customer service

Cons:

• Limited availability through certain retailers or locations
• Some models may have average performance in severe winter conditions
• Lack of brand recognition compared to more established tire manufacturers

Overall, Armstrong Tires are an excellent choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded combination of performance, durability, and value. They are particularly well-suited for daily commuters, highway cruisers, and those seeking a comfortable, reliable tire for their sedans, SUVs, or light trucks.