But first let me explain what exactly it is that I do, because I am not a mechanic and I do not own a car washing facility. What I do know is where to take a car to have all those things serviced for the best price and the best quality. And while a good mechanic is worth his weight in gold and I can’t really do much there in terms of cost, when it comes to tires things get very, very easy. That is because most people would think that you need big brand sounding companies for your very expensive tires but let’s be honest about something: “When did you stop and looked at what it said on a Rolls Royce’s tires last?”

And let me tell you, in fact nobody really cares about the brand of a particular set of tires as long as the car performs to its peak level. And, of course, when I have to handle a 400 horse power speed machine I will go for a big brand tire name because when you go over 200 mph you tend to need every ounce of grip a tire can offer you. But in terms of luxury, comfort, handling capabilities at normal cruising speeds none will ever know the difference between Michelin and Nankang.

So here’s what I found out and what I can confirm by my own experience. Nankang tires are some of the cheapest tires on the market but their quality is definitely above average. Both in terms of tread life and in handling on wet and dry terrain these tires are better than the rivaling Kumho or Hankook. Of course they would never match a brand like Bridgestone or Dunlop but then again you can buy almost 3 Nankang tires with the price of one Dunlop tire.

Still I have my suspicions about them simply because the production cost for any company has to be about the same with every other. So I know they are cutting corners with their expenditures and being a Vietnam operated company I know how easy it would be for them to do just that. Sadly although I have access to a wide range of statistical document about accidents none of them mention the make of the tire but because I suspect I would find many of these tires imploding and causing accidents I would not buy them. Still, I must be honest and admit that I have never heard or seen such a case.

My first-hand experience with Nankang tires was a very pleasant one. I had just changed the braking pads on a Honda and I wanted to make sure they worked perfectly well. I took a look at the tires and say this strange label on them so I thought I wouldn’t press the car too much from the first try. Still, I did want to make sure that the brakes were working adequately and I gradually raised the speed and the how strong I applied the brakes. And I was amazed to see just how well the tires were actually working particularly because it was a rainy day and I didn’t expect that a no name brand of tires would work this well.

Since then I have had the chance to drive several other cars and besides an impressive grip power I can tell you that Nankang tires also corner perfectly. So I asked my clients about them and they confirmed that the price had been amazingly low and that the tread life is very good. Of course the best aspect about these tires is their price which is lower than any other on the market today. I prefer Michelin tires myself because those are superb performers but for my wife’s car I am certain to buy a set of Nankang’s when the time will come.