Hankook vs Continental: The choice between two tires of similar qualities from different brands could be a hassle. You have to do research on the tires, read reviews, watch out for users’ comments, and many more before you make a choice.

Two of the leading high-performance tires you can get in the market are Hankook and Continental tires. At the end of this article, you will be able to decide which of these tires you will opt for. Read on.

Highlights:

Hankook excels in wet & muddy conditions while continental prioritizes dry grip and stability.
Hankook tires may be nosier compared to continental tires.
Continental tires offers longer durability compared to Hankook.
Continental tires are more affordable than Hankook tires.

Hankook VS Continental

Hankook and Continental tires are traditionally two of the biggest brands of tire manufacturers in the world. They are both suppliers of OEM tires to some auto brands. Hankook tires were established about five decades while the Continental tires have been around for over a century. Both manufacturers have produced many brands that have received positive reviews from users. Below are some of the comparisons of the two brands under different headings.

Design

Hankook is gaining popularity worldwide with its unique designs. Most Hankook tires are designed with larger spaces in the grooves. This prevents the harbouring of stones and other sharp objects that could puncture the tire. On the other hand, Continental tires have different designs that have been tested over time. In most situations, their grooves and thread are close to make sure that the tire grips better in dry conditions.

Comfort

Well, many people overlook the exterior of the vehicle and focus on the interior when they talk about comfort. No matter how stylish the interior is, you could feel uncomfortable if there is an issue with the exterior. For instance, tire noise makes many people feel uncomfortable when they are in a vehicle.

Due to its design, Hankook tires will likely make a louder noise when you are driving. The bigger spaces in the grooves will trap more air and this will lead to louder noise. The noise will be disturbing, depending on the speed of the vehicle.

Performance

You cannot overlook the tires when you talk about the performance of a vehicle. The way the tire spins is very important. Continental tires are known for enhancing steering stability, especially in tight cornering. On the other hand, Hankook tires perform better in wet and muddy conditions.

Durability

The potential lifespan of the tire is one of the major issues that many car owners consider before they buy a new tire. Though both tires are durable, depending on how you care for them, there is a high chance that Continental tires will outlast Hankook tires.

Firstly, the tires have been around for a while and they have metamorphosed over the years to have improved tires while Hankook is relatively new. Aside from that, available reviews suggest that Continental tires are more durable than Hankook tires.

Price

The affordability of a product depends on the buyer. What is affordable to you might not be affordable to another person. When placed side by side, Hankook tires are relatively costlier than their Continental counterparts, depending on the type and model you want to buy.

Pros and cons of Hankook tires

Hankook gradually became a household name among tire manufacturers. The company was established in the ’60s and it supplies OEM wheels for some Korean automobiles. The following are some of its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Pros

Below are some of the pros of Hankook tires

Availability

One of the most popular tires you can get in the market now is Hankook. Due to its high demand, most retail shop owners have their tires available in many numbers in their stores. It is unlikely that you will not get Hankook tires when you walk to any retail tire shop.

Safety

The design of Hankook tires ensures that you are potentially secured. The spaces between the grooves make it difficult for sharp objects to puncture the tire. You can get to your destination without the fear of puncture or sudden blowout.

Passenger vehicle

There are different designs of tires and they suit different types of vehicles. Hankook tires suit better when you mount them on passengers’ vehicles.

Review

What users say about a product is one of the ways you can know the quality of a product. From Users’ comments and reviews, one can easily assume that Hankook is a quality product.

Warranty

The warranty guarantees a buyer that the product is of high quality and you are covered if you experience otherwise. Most Hankook tires have a limited warranty of 6 years from the date of purchase.

Cons

The following are some of the criticism of Hankook tires

Fuel economy

The tires aid the efficiency of the engine. The engine will likely consume more fuel when you mount Hankook tires.

Price

Many people consider Hankook tires as being expensive when they compare the price with that of other similar tires.

Pros and cons of Continental tires

Continental tires have been around for more than a century since they started in Germany in 1871. The company has risen to become one of the most popular tire brands in the world. The company has received praises for producing tires of high quality and also received a fair share of criticism on its products. The following are some of the pros and cons of Continental tires. (Read Also:Hankook Vs Michelin RV Tires(Which Is Better?)

Pros

Below are some of the pros of Continental tires

Good warranty

Continental has one of the best warranty policies for its tires. The company offers a limited warranty on its tires for 72 months. The interesting thing about the warranty is that you get free replacement of the tire if there is an issue within the first 12 months.

Cons

The following are some of the drawbacks of Continental tires

Pricing

Being one of the premium brands you will get in the market, the tire is considered by many as being relatively expensive.

What you should consider when you want to buy a new tire?

We have compared two of the leading tire brands you can get in the market. Knowledge of the potential brand that you want to buy is good but you should also consider the following factors.

Size

The size of the tire you want to buy matters. For instance, you cannot install a 22-inch tire on your vehicle if your manufacturer recommends 17 inches or 32 inches. So, before you go to the market, you should know the size that suits your vehicle better. You should also consider other specifications by the manufacturer.

Price

To get a quality tire like Continental, Hankook, and other popular brands, you need to have the budget. You should ask yourself before you go to the wheel shop if your budget will buy the type of tire you want. You can search online to have an idea of how much it will cost you.

Your environment

Since the tire is that part that moves on the road, you should consider the nature of the road before you buy a new tire. It is recommended that you buy a tire that performs better on the nature of the road where you will cruise the vehicle often.

Warranty

Both Hankook and Continental offer potential buyers a great warranty that spans more than 5 years. When you want to buy a new tire, you should consider the warranty.

Caring for tires

Quality matters but that will not be enough to guarantee that the tires will last for many years. The way you care for the tires matters. If you want the tires to last for a longer duration, you should consider the following tips.

Regular cleaning

Stones, dirt, and mud residual on the tire will make it less attractive and it will also affect the lifespan of the tires. Regular cleaning is what you can do to get rid of these contaminants from the tires. All you need to do is to wash the tires regularly with auto-rated soap. You should intensify your effort in washing the tires during winter.

Ensure balancing

The wheel, as a bearer of the weight of the vehicle, needs to be balanced. When the weight is not properly balanced on the wheel, the one with the excess weight wears quickly. This will also affect the handling of the vehicle. Moreover, you should do the bearing and alignment of the wheel.(Read Also:Nexen VS Hankook(Which Is Better?)

Inflation of the tires

The amount of air in the tire is also important. High or low pressure is not safe for the tires. To avoid quick wear, you should check the pressure level always and ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

Prompt resolution

The tires will likely have issues after a period of usage. The issue could be negligible but you should resolve it immediately. You can seek counsel from a wheel specialist.