Armstrong Tires Review: Best Bang for Your Buck
Armstrong Tires have a roller coaster of history. For the first few decades after its founding in 1912, the tire brand was on its way up. At one point in the 20th century, the demand for its tires was so high that Armstrong Tires was the 5th largest tire manufacturer.
However, beginning in the 1960s, its purple spell came to a close. Rapid changes in the American tire industry, the arrival of new tire makers, and the failure of Armstrong Tires to adapt to these changes saw it get relegated to the sidelines of the tire industry.
The downfall of Armstrong Tires over the past half-century has been so steep that a vast majority of drivers in the US have never heard of the brand’s name. Which is a shame considering the company provides high-quality tires at incredibly affordable prices.
Need proof? Then you must read this article to the end. Besides reviewing the top 5 tires from this brand, we’ll provide several reasons why Armstrong Tires should be on your wish list the next time you’re in the market for a set of pocket-friendly radials.
Armstrong Tires Review
Here are the best Armstrong tires currently on the market:
#1. Armstrong Blu-Trac PC – Best All-Season Tire
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The Armstrong Blu-Trac PC ticks many boxes for passenger car drivers.
A symmetric tread design and dynamic inner ribs help this model offer reduced noise levels and improved comfort on the highway. These two design elements are the reasons why you can push this model to its limits without worrying about uneven wear.
Next comes the self-locking sipe system, which ensures quick and effective water evacuation to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. You can thus count on this tire to safely carry you from point A to point B on slippery surfaces.
Pros
- Backed by an exceptional 85,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Offers a quiet and comfortable ride on the highway
- Will wear gradually and last a long time
Cons
- Unreliable in snow
#2. Armstrong Blu-Trac PC Flex – Best All-Weather Tire
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Would you have liked our top pick more if it performed better on snow? If so, the Blu-Trac PC Flex shouldn’t escape your attention. This all-weather tire boasts all the attributes of its colleague while providing better traction in the snow.
How can we be so sure? Because we have witnessed the sipes on its tread area in action. By providing the rubber with biting edges, these sipes help this tire offer enhanced traction in snow. Additionally, they help shorten braking distances on slippery surfaces.
However, there is one area where this model disappoints. It comes with a 50,000-mile warranty, which is below average for an all-weather tire.
Pros
- Offers adequate traction on snow
- Incredibly reliable on slippery surfaces
- Can be used 365 days a year
Cons
- Treadwear warranty could be better
#3. Armstrong Blu Trac HP – Best High-Performance All-Season
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If you have always liked high-performance all-season tires, but your budget is yet to allow you to buy one, the Armstrong Blu-Trac HP should be able to get your attention.
This tire has several technologies and construction materials that make it quick and agile on dry roads. You’ll also appreciate the grip this model provides during cornering, with its 45,000-mile mileage guarantee serving as icing on the cake.
When driving at high speed on slippery surfaces, this model offers the grip needed to help you maintain complete control over your vehicle. Unlike many tires in this category, the Blu-Trac HP always stops at the right time to ensure your safety in the rain.
Pros
- Quick response and flexibility on dry roads
- Good grip and control on slippery surfaces
- Superb mileage warranty for a high-performance all-season tire
Cons
- Slightly noisy
#4. Armstrong TRU-TRAC SU – Best SUV Tire
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The TRU-TRAC SU has everything associated with the best all-season tires for SUVs.
This model strikes an ideal balance between dry and wet traction to stay useful 365 days a year. Sturdy internal and external construction helps this model boast an incredible load capacity. As such, your SUV won’t have any issues carrying heavy loads.
Its wide footprint won’t just stabilize this tire’s road contact for a safe driving experience. It will also reduce this model’s rolling resistance to help you enjoy fuel savings.
Pros
- Comes with a 65,000-mile warranty
- Offers balanced handling on dry tarmac
- Delivers a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads
Cons
#5. Armstrong TRU-TRAC HT – Best Highway Tire
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The TRU-TRAC HT is an excellent option for anyone who is in the market for an affordable yet high-quality highway terrain tire.
Like its much pricier competitors, this tire doesn’t make much noise on paved roads. A noise-blocking bar on its shoulders helps keep things quiet regardless of the driving speed. Additionally, it enables this model to wear evenly, helping it outlast its 65,000-mile rated tread life.
Unlike many models in this category, the TRU-TRAC HT features continuous open lateral channels. As such, this model stays stable on surfaces where its competitors are prone to slipping.
Pros
- Available in a large number of sizes
- Superb traction on wet and slippery surfaces
- Price tag defying 65,000-mile mileage warranty
Cons
- May struggle in the snow
#6. Armstrong Desert Dog MT – Best Mud-Terrain Tire
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Multiple features make the Desert Dog MT one of the top mud tires on the market.
Start with the cut- and chip-resistant tread compound, which helps prevent damage from rocks, debris, and other hazards off the road. Next comes the rugged sidewall blocks, which make this model less likely to experience punctures, blow-outs, and other kinds of tire failure.
As if the above features weren’t enough to give this tire the toughness it needs, Armstrong supplemented it with a high-void tread area. One which plays the role of a self-cleaner to ensure quick evacuation of stones and minimize the risk of stone drilling.
Pros
- One of the cheapest mud tires on the market
- Offers supreme puncture resistance
- Brilliant traction and grip in deep mud
Cons
- May feel stiff on the road
#7. Armstrong Ski-TRAC PC – Best Cheap Winter Tire
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This studless winter tire has everything to keep you (and your vehicle) safe in harsh wintry conditions. For instance, its four circumferential grooves provide it with all the tread needed to offer confident handling on wet and snowy roads.
Multiple 3D sipes supplement the tread with the biting edges required to dig in the snow. Plus, a grid-shaped tread design ensures quick evacuation of snow and ice to minimize the risk of hydroplaning and, by extension, slipping and skidding.
Pros
- Above-average grip and traction levels on snow
- Boasts superior aquaplaning resistance
- Gives you a large number of sizes to choose from
Cons
- Braking distances lag behind the best
#8. Armstrong BLU-TRAC Van – Best Light Truck Tire
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The BLU-TRAC Van promises to be an exciting option for light truck drivers.
Its advanced tread compound not only enables this model to offer long wear and, in turn, longer road life. It also reduces the tire’s rolling resistance, helping it enhance your vehicle’s fuel economy. You can thus expect significant savings at the pump.
To further sweeten the deal, Armstrong backs this tire with a 40,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. This means at least 3 to 4 years of road life under normal driving conditions.
Pros
- Can handle the weight of your vehicle and any cargo it may be carrying
- Offers decent resistance to punctures, blow-outs, and other types of damage
- Reduced rolling resistance for an improved fuel economy
Cons
- The ride could be more refined
Armstrong Tires Buying Guide
What is there to like about Armstrong tires? What is it that distinguishes these tires from the chasing pack? Are there areas where Armstrong Tires could or should have done better? Any shortcomings that could potentially be deal-breakers? This section has all the answers.
Why Should You Buy Armstrong Tires?
Here’s why Armstrong Tires should be on your short list of tire brands to buy next:
1) Wide Range of Pocket-Friendly Tires
Although many tire brands claim to provide you ‘the best bang for your buck,’ Armstrong is one of the few that truly delivers on this promise. Whether you’ve opted for all-season, performance, or winter tires from this brand doesn’t matter – Armstrong tires will never blow a hole in your pocket.
2) Multiple Tire Warranties
Another thing that distinguishes Armstrong Tires from the competition is that these models come with multiple warranties. These include:
- Tuff 360 Warranty: If your tire suffers any workmanship or material-related defect within the first year, Armstrong will offer 100% reimbursement. From then on, you’ll get at least some coverage for the next five years. So, you’ll be covered for 6 years in total.
- Treadwear Warranty: To distinguish itself from other budget tire brands, Armstrong backs its radials with market-leading treadwear warranties. For example, the BLU-TRAC PC comes with a class-leading 85,000-mile mileage warranty.
- 30-Day Moneyback Guarantee: Here is an area where Armstrong locks horns with the likes of Michelin and Bridgestone. Like the premium tire brands, it offers a 30-day trial period for all Armstrong tires purchased in the US and Canada.
3) Reliable and Long-Lasting Tires
When a company offers a warranty as extended as Armstrong’s on its tires, it can only be positive for its customers. After all, no manufacturer will offer an 80,000-mile warranty if it knows its tires can last 50,000 miles at most.
Why Should You Not Buy Armstrong Tires?
Here’s why Armstrong Tires may not be the right pick for you:
1) No Information About Technologies Being Used
Visit the website of any tire manufacturer you prefer, and you’ll be bombarded with a list of technologies used in the tires. Except for Armstrong, which makes no such mention on its website (or anywhere else, for that matter). Such secrecy raises unnecessary doubts about the quality of its tires, which as we know are much better in every aspect than similarly-priced competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Armstrong tires?
ZAFCO International manufactures and distributes Armstrong tires In North America, Europe, and Central & South America.
Where are Armstrong tires made?
Armstrong tires are currently being manufactured in Thailand.
How long do Armstrong tires last?
Most Armstrong tires last from 40,000 to 60,000 miles depending on driving style, road conditions, and weather.
Is Armstrong a good brand?
Armstrong is a tire brand that has been around for over a century. It has gained an excellent reputation for producing high-quality tires on a budget. As such, if you’re in the market for a set of high-quality, affordable tires, Armstrong is a brand you can trust.
Are Armstrong tires noisy?
Customer reviews indicate that most Armstrong tires are quiet on the highway. However, as with any other tire brand, Armstrong’s tires too could get noisy as their tread wears down.
Are Armstrong tires good for snow?
The Armstrong SKI-TRAC PC and SKI-TRAC HP are both excellent candidates for snow driving. Both models have what it takes to safely carry you from point A to point B in harsh wintry conditions.
Conclusion
Armstrong Tires defy the myth that pocket-friendly tires cannot be reliable or long-lasting. As their excellent treadwear warranties and rave customer reviews indicate, this brand’s tires truly provide the best bang for your buck.
