Goodyear vs Continental Tyres - Which Brand is Best in UAE?

An increasing number of people in the UAE are worried about their car’s tyres because of the rise in accidents associated with tyres. However, instead of undertaking proper research, they opt to buy tyres from a renowned brand. Although there is no doubt about the quality of their tyres, car owners need to understand the needs of their car. It is not necessary that a tyre from a top-end brand will work well with your car.

The two top-end brands that people usually prefer are Continental and Goodyear. Goodyear Tyres in UAE has a significant market share. Similarly, Continental tires in Dubai and the rest of the UAE have gained much following. This article compares the two brands to inform the readers which brand is better.

Brief History of Goodyear

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire manufacturing company. Apart from making tyres, Goodyear manufactures various parts for the automotive industry. It was founded over 120 years ago in the United States. Over the years, it has introduced innovative technologies that provide drivers with safe and comfortable driving experience.

It was one of the first companies to manufacture the tubeless tires. Today, Goodyear is the official tire supplier of tyre for NASCAR and other motorsport events. Therefore, the company produced a variety of tyres to meet the demands of high-end performance cars. Goodyear is renowned for its Research & Development, which has enabled it to introduce modern technologies within the industry.

Technology Highlights

The list of innovative technologies that Goodyear has introduced or perfected is long. Some of the technologies that go with Goodyear tyres are:

• Instead of petroleum-derived isoprene, the tyres will utilize products from bio-based alternatives. It will reduce the carbon footprint of the tyres and help in improving the environment.
• Electric Drive Technology: Focused on the needs of electric vehicles and offers extended mileage, high durability and high load carrying capacity.
• Air Maintenance Technology: Named as one of Time Magazine’s Inventions of the Year in 2012, it keeps the air pressure in the tyres at an optimal level.
• RunFlat Technology: Punctured tires without any air pressure can be driven up to 80 km at a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
• 3D-BIS Technology: Increases the road to rubber contact which improves handling.

Feature Tyres

Goodyear produces a variety of tyres for diverse needs. Its Eagle range is performance-oriented, and one tyre in this range can cost up to 2,930 AED. The cheapest tyre in the consumer range costs around 350 AED per tyre.

• Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: It is perfect for off-road driving.
• Goodyear Fortera: Ideal for driving on varied road conditions.
• Goodyear Efficient grip SUV :  Designed for SUVs and offers reduced noise and excellent grip.
• Goodyear F1 Directional 5: An ultra-high-performance tyre for passenger cars.
• Goodyear Eagle NCT5 (ECO): A luxury tyre designed for premium car brands.

Brief History of Continental

Continental is a German company, and one of the largest tyre manufacturing companies in the world. Apart from manufacturing tyres, it makes a variety of components for the automotive industry. Considering the varied needs of all sorts of drivers, Continental produces a variety of tyres. However, pricing is one factor that dissuades many drivers from opting for Continental tyres.

Like Goodyear, Continental has developed technologies that give its tyre the edge over many of its competitors. Apart from competitive advantage, these technologies provide drivers with improved performance and comfortability.

Technology Highlights

Some essential highlights about Continental's technology include:

• It informs about the tread depth and alerts the driver to any tire damage.
• Adjusts the tire pressure and rim width according to the road conditions.
• Anti-Vibration Technology: It reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in the vehicle.
• Self-Supporting Run Flat Technology: With a fully punctured tyre, cars can drive up to 80 km at a speed of 80 km/h.

Most of the Continental tires have an average price of 1100 AED per tire. The cheapest tire range of Continental costs around 475 AED per tire. The 'ContiSportContact’ is the most expensive tire range of Continental and one tire in this range can cost up to 2200 AED. Some famous tires of Continental include:

• Continental ContiSportContact 5P (MO): a high-performance tire that provides improved handling.
• Continental ContiCrossContact UHP (R01): Ideal for high-performance SUVs.
• Continental UltraContact 6: Ideal for passenger cars.
• Continental ContiPremiumContact: The 3D groove technology provides excellent grip on wet surfaces.
• Continental ContiEcoContact 5: Designed for passenger cars and offers improved fuel efficiency.

Goodyear VS Continental - Comparison

Both Goodyear and Continental, are considered as the top companies in the tire industry. In 2018, Goodyear&rsquo's revenue was $15.475 billion. On the other hand, Continental&rsquo's revenue was $49.770 billion. Both invest heavily in Research & Development and have developed innovative technologies over the years.

When two brands are so evenly matched, it is exceedingly difficult to make a comparison. They both are original equipment tires for various auto manufacturers around the world. Both produce very high-quality tires to meet the demanding needs of different cars. Nevertheless, the following table attempts to make a comparison between the two companies.

The data is taken from canstarblue.com

Conclusion

The above comparison shows Goodyear performing better than Continental in all aspects. However, the choice of tyres ultimately depends on the drivers and their cars. For some drivers and their cars, Continental would be more suitable. Similarly, Goodyear will be suitable for others.