Nexen Tire is a global tire manufacturer based in South Korea. Founded in 1942, the company has a rich history spanning over eight decades in the tire industry. Originally established as Heung-A Tire Company, it later rebranded as Nexen Tire in 2000.
Headquartered in Yangsan, South Korea, Nexen Tire operates three state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in South Korea and one in Qingdao, China. The company employs over 6,000 people worldwide and distributes its products to more than 120 countries across six continents.
Nexen Tire is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and performance. The company invests heavily in research and development, continuously pushing the boundaries of tire technology. With a focus on eco-friendly manufacturing processes and sustainable practices, Nexen Tire aims to provide high-quality, durable, and environmentally conscious tire solutions for various vehicle types and driving conditions.
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Nexen Tire Product Range
Nexen Tires offers a diverse range of tire products to cater to various driving needs and vehicle types. Their product lineup includes:
All-Season Tires: Designed for year-round performance, Nexen’s all-season tires provide a balance of traction, handling, and durability. Models like the N’Priz AH8 and N’Fera AU7 are popular choices for sedans, coupes, and crossovers.
performance tires: For drivers seeking enhanced grip, responsiveness, and cornering capabilities, Nexen’s performance tire lineup delivers. The N’Fera SUR4G and N’Fera Sport are engineered to provide superior handling and stability at higher speeds.
Winter Tires: Nexen’s winter tire offerings, such as the Winguard WinSpike WH62 and Winguard Ice Plus WH43, are designed to provide superior traction and braking performance on snow and ice. These tires feature specialized tread patterns and compounds to ensure safe driving in harsh winter conditions.
Light Truck and SUV Tires: For pickups, SUVs, and other light truck applications, Nexen offers the Roadian line, including the Roadian HTX RH5 and Roadian AT Pro RA8. These tires are engineered to deliver durability, off-road capability, and a comfortable ride.
Specialty Tires: Nexen also produces specialty tires for specific applications, such as the N’Blue HD Plus for fuel-efficient driving, N’Fera RU7 for ultra-high performance, and N’Priz AH5 for grand touring vehicles.
With this diverse product range, Nexen aims to provide tailored tire solutions for various vehicle types, driving styles, and road conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety for their customers.
Tire Performance Reviews
Nexen tires have garnered a reputation for delivering reliable performance across various driving conditions. Through extensive testing and real-world feedback, several key aspects of their tire performance have been evaluated.
Dry Traction and Handling: Nexen’s tire compounds and tread patterns are designed to provide excellent grip and responsiveness on dry roads. Many users report impressive cornering capabilities and short braking distances, contributing to a confident and controlled driving experience.
Wet Performance: Nexen’s advanced siping and grooves effectively channel water away from the contact patch, ensuring reliable wet traction. While not at the top of the class, their wet performance is generally praised for providing a sense of security and stability in rainy conditions.
Snow and Ice Traction: Nexen offers dedicated winter tires that excel in snowy and icy environments. Their winter tire lineup features aggressive tread patterns, specialized rubber compounds, and advanced siping technologies to maximize traction and braking performance on slippery surfaces.
Comfort and Noise: Nexen has made significant strides in improving ride comfort and reducing noise levels. Their tires are designed with optimized tread patterns and advanced construction techniques to minimize road noise and vibrations, resulting in a more pleasant driving experience, especially on longer journeys.
Treadwear and Durability: While not the longest-lasting tires on the market, Nexen tires are known for their respectable treadwear and durability. With proper maintenance and rotation, many users report achieving satisfactory mileage from their Nexen tires before needing a replacement.
Overall, Nexen tires consistently deliver reliable performance across various driving conditions. While they may not be the top performers in every category, they strike a good balance between capability, comfort, and value, making them a popular choice among drivers seeking a well-rounded tire solution.
Durability and Treadwear
One of the key factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a tire is its durability and treadwear performance. Nexen tires have generally received positive reviews in this regard, with many users reporting impressive tread life and longevity.
According to Nexen’s warranty information, many of their tire models come with a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles or more, depending on the specific tire line and model. This warranty coverage is comparable to or better than many other mid-range tire brands, indicating that Nexen tires are designed to provide a good balance between performance and treadwear.
Real-world reports from Nexen tire owners further support the brand’s claims of good treadwear performance. Many drivers have reported getting 40,000 to 60,000 miles or more out of their Nexen tires before needing to replace them, even in demanding driving conditions.
However, it’s important to note that treadwear can vary significantly based on factors such as driving habits, vehicle weight, road conditions, and proper tire maintenance. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and neglecting tire rotations and alignments can accelerate tread wear on any tire brand.
Nexen’s commitment to using advanced tread compounds and tire construction techniques likely contributes to the good treadwear performance reported by many users. The brand’s focus on delivering value-oriented products with solid durability appears to be paying off in terms of customer satisfaction with tread life and overall tire longevity.
Prices and Value
Nexen tires are generally considered a budget-friendly option compared to premium tire brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear. While their prices are lower, Nexen still aims to deliver a good balance of performance and value.
For example, a set of four Nexen N’Priz AH8 all-season tires for a midsize sedan can cost around $300-$400, while a comparable set from a premium brand might be $500-$700 or more. This price difference can be significant, especially for cost-conscious consumers or those on a tighter budget.
However, it’s important to note that lower prices don’t necessarily mean a compromise in quality or performance. Nexen tires are designed and engineered to meet industry standards and provide reliable performance for various driving conditions and vehicle types.
The value proposition of Nexen tires lies in their ability to offer a decent level of performance at a more affordable price point. While they may not match the absolute highest levels of grip, handling, or tread life offered by premium tires, Nexen tires can still deliver a satisfactory driving experience for many drivers, particularly those who prioritize value over the absolute best performance.
Additionally, Nexen often offers competitive warranties and treadwear guarantees that can further enhance the overall value proposition of their tires. For example, many Nexen tire models come with a 60,000-mile or even 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, which can provide peace of mind and long-term value for consumers.
Ideal Usage and Vehicle Types
Nexen tires are designed to cater to a wide range of drivers and vehicles, offering a versatile selection suitable for various driving conditions and requirements. Their tire lineup includes options that excel in different areas, making it essential to choose the right model based on your specific needs.
For daily commuters and city drivers, Nexen’s touring and grand touring tires provide a balanced combination of ride comfort, handling, and treadwear. These tires are well-suited for sedans, coupes, and small SUVs, delivering a smooth and quiet ride while offering reliable traction on dry and wet roads.
If you frequently encounter light off-road conditions or live in areas with harsher weather, Nexen’s all-terrain and mud-terrain tires might be the ideal choice. These tires are engineered with aggressive tread patterns and reinforced construction, making them suitable for pickup trucks, SUVs, and off-road enthusiasts who demand superior traction and durability on unpaved surfaces.
For drivers seeking maximum grip and performance in dry and wet conditions, Nexen’s ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires are worth considering. These tires are designed for sports cars, high-performance sedans, and enthusiast vehicles, offering excellent handling, responsiveness, and cornering capabilities.
Winter driving conditions require specialized tires, and Nexen’s winter tire lineup is engineered to provide enhanced traction and control on snow and ice. These tires feature dedicated tread compounds and patterns, ensuring reliable performance and safety during the colder months.
Nexen also offers tires specifically designed for commercial vehicles and light trucks, catering to the unique demands of hauling and towing. These tires prioritize durability, load-carrying capacity, and treadwear, making them suitable for work trucks, vans, and other commercial applications.
Overall, Nexen’s diverse tire range ensures that drivers can find a suitable option tailored to their driving style, vehicle type, and specific requirements, whether it’s a focus on comfort, performance, off-road capability, or specialized winter traction.
Warranty Information
Nexen Tire offers competitive warranties on their tire products, designed to provide customers with peace of mind and protection against defects in materials and workmanship. Their standard limited warranty covers tires for a specific period of time or treadwear depth, depending on the tire line.
For example, their flagship Nexen Roadian tire line comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, while their high-performance N’Fera line offers a 40,000-mile warranty. These warranties are comparable to those offered by other major tire brands in their respective categories.
In addition to the treadwear warranty, Nexen also provides a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the first 2/32″ of treadwear or within the first year of purchase, whichever comes first. This warranty covers free replacement or a pro-rated amount towards a new tire, depending on the remaining tread depth.
Nexen’s warranties are transferable to subsequent owners, providing added value if you decide to sell your vehicle. However, it’s important to note that the warranties may have specific eligibility requirements, such as maintaining proper tire inflation and rotation intervals.
Overall, Nexen’s tire warranties are competitive within the industry and offer reasonable protection for their products. While not the most extensive warranties available, they provide a level of assurance that aligns with the brand’s positioning as a value-oriented tire manufacturer.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Nexen tires tend to receive average to above-average ratings from customers in terms of overall satisfaction. According to various online reviews and surveys, Nexen tire owners generally express contentment with the performance, value, and longevity of their tires.
Many customers praise Nexen tires for their impressive treadwear and durability, especially considering their affordable pricing. Owners frequently report getting good mileage out of their Nexen tires before needing to replace them. The tires are often commended for their smooth and quiet ride, as well as their reliable traction in dry and wet conditions.
However, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the tires’ performance in more extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or ice. There have also been a few complaints about premature wear or uneven treadwear, although these seem to be in the minority.
Overall, the majority of Nexen tire owners seem pleased with their purchase, citing the tires’ value for money and decent all-around performance as the main reasons for their satisfaction. While not considered a premium tire brand, Nexen tires appear to meet the expectations of many budget-conscious consumers.
Where to Buy Nexen Tires
Nexen tires are widely available at major tire retailers and automotive stores across the United States and worldwide. Here are some of the top places to purchase Nexen tires:
Online Retailers:
- Tire Rack: One of the largest online tire retailers, offering a wide range of Nexen tires for cars, SUVs, and light trucks. They provide detailed tire information, reviews, and competitive pricing.
- Amazon: A convenient online option for purchasing Nexen tires, with a vast selection and competitive prices. Prime members can enjoy free shipping on eligible products.
- Discount Tire Direct: An online tire retailer specializing in offering discounted prices on various tire brands, including Nexen.
Brick-and-Mortar Stores:
- Discount Tire: A nationwide chain of tire stores with over 1,000 locations across the United States. They carry a comprehensive selection of Nexen tires and offer installation services.
- Costco: A popular membership-only warehouse club that sells Nexen tires at competitive prices. Costco’s tire centers also provide installation and balancing services.
- NTB (National Tire & Battery): A part of the TBC Corporation, NTB has over 600 locations nationwide and carries a wide range of Nexen tires for various vehicle types.
- Walmart Auto Care Centers: Many Walmart stores have auto care centers that sell and install Nexen tires, offering competitive pricing and convenient locations.
- Local Independent Tire Shops: Numerous independent tire retailers across the country carry Nexen tires and can provide personalized service and expertise.
It’s always recommended to research and compare prices from multiple retailers to find the best deal on Nexen tires that suit your vehicle and driving needs. Additionally, some retailers may offer promotions, rebates, or bundle deals that can further reduce the overall cost.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Nexen tires offer good value for money, with competitive pricing compared to premium tire brands.
- Many Nexen tire models receive positive reviews for their dry and wet traction performance.
- Certain Nexen tires, like the N’FERA RU7, are praised for their long treadwear and durability.
- Nexen provides a wide range of tires suitable for different vehicle types and driving conditions.
- The company backs its tires with decent warranty coverage, including treadwear protection.
Cons:
- While affordable, Nexen tires may not match the performance and refinement of top-tier premium brands.
- Some models have received criticism for producing excessive road noise or having a harsher ride quality.
- Nexen’s winter tire options are relatively limited compared to its all-season and summer tire lineups.
- Availability and selection can vary depending on the region and tire retailer.
- Customer satisfaction ratings are average, with some complaints about inconsistent quality control.
