Replacement tires can be challenging to shop for because there are so many companies to choose from. A good replacement tire should be affordable, effective, and durable, but not every tire is made the same. From the sidewalls down to the treads, every tire has unique design features.
Nexen Tire is a Korean tire manufacturer that’s been in business for over seventy years, and they develop high-end replacement tires for passenger cars, light trucks, high-performance cars, and off-road vehicles. The company competes with top-tier Korean companies like Kumho and Hankook, but Nexen tires are known for being more affordable.
Nexen Tire has been through a lot of changes, and with those changes came innovations. Nexen tires are heavily tested before they reach the shelves, and they have some of the best warranties that you can find. When you combine premium tires with a low price, it’s no shock that Nexen became one of the top tire manufacturers in the world.
If you’re shopping for replacement tires, Nexen tires are a great choice. If you’re curious about Nexen tires, read on. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about these tires.
Nexen Tires History
When you’re shopping for the right replacement tire, you want to make sure that you get to know the brand. To familiarize yourself with a tire brand, you want to look at where the company came from. So, we’re going to take you through Nexen Tire Corporation’s extensive history.
Nexen Tire Corporation was founded in 1942 and used to be called Heung-A Tire Company. The company started small and focused on producing tires for their local Korean market. Nexen had plenty of success in their native market, and while they were a secondary replacement tire company, they began to cut into Kumho Tire’s market.
Growth began to happen exponentially during the 1980s and to accommodate for their growing demand, the company opened its second manufacturing plant in Yangsan, Korea. At this time, Nexen Tire changed its name to Woosung Tire, and in 1985 the company became one of the most popular radial tire manufacturers.
Once the early 2000s came around, Nexen made another significant change. During the year 2000, the company officially changed its name to Nexen Tire and became publicly traded on the Korean Stock Exchange. With support from public investors, Nexen was able to divert more funding towards research and development.
Their research paid off in 2005 when they were awarded a patent for technology that helped develop silicate nano-composite, which improved their tires’ fuel efficiency, durability, and longevity. This patent was vital because it helped Nexen stand out from the competition, and they began working on winter tires to expand their catalog.
Demand for Nexen tires became higher than ever before during 2006 and 2007. The release of their UHP, LTR, and standard SUV tread patterns helped Nexen penetrate the light truck market. These tires were affordable and maintained quality on par with top-tier companies. Nexen’s market share went up 12% during that year, which led to the establishment of its first Chinese manufacturing plant. Once Nexen was able to manufacture their tires in China, they were able to slash their prices to become more competitive.
Today, Nexen Tire is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world. The company’s revenue surpassed $1.6 billion in 2019, and it’s on track to continue growing. Nexen has even expanded its manufacturing and research facilities to countries like China, Europe, and the United States.
What Sets Nexen Tires Apart
Nexen Tire spends a lot of time researching and developing affordable and reliable tires. When you’re shopping for a tire, it’s essential to understand what makes a tire brand unique.
Focus on Different Tires
First and foremost, Nexen Tire has four sub-branches of their company that focus on specific types of tires. Companies typically have in-house research focusing on certain styles, but it’s rare to see a company that specializes in every kind of tire. Some companies focus on performance, off-road, or passenger, but Nexen Tire gives plenty of attention to each tire line.
Nexen Tire accomplishes this by using a divided company structure. Instead of having all of their employees focus on the same tires, each group is split up into four focus groups. These groups are specifically tasked with producing a specific tire. For example, Nexen Tire has an entire branch dedicated to off-road tires, while another branch focuses on light truck or winter tires.
Focus on Technology
It might not seem like technology is essential for tires because they look like nothing more than rubber circles if you don’t know about all the thought that goes into them. While a tire is certainly a rubber circle, there is a lot more to it than that. An excellent tire company focuses on innovations and technologies that can enhance the performance and durability of their tires. Nexen Tire spends a lot of time researching and developing their tires with the best technology.
To make sure that the smartest minds make Nexen tires, the company established research and development centers around the world. Not only are Nexen tires manufactured in Korea, but they also have locations in the United States, Europe, and China. By having positions across the globe, the company can leverage the minds of engineers from all different backgrounds.
Customer Satisfaction
One of the best ways to determine the quality of a company is to examine their customer satisfaction. If a company maintains high ratings, reviews, and support from the community, you can safely assume that they’re a good company.
Roadside Assistance
Nexen is a unique company because they care for their customers after the sale. Nexen is one of the only tire companies that offers a roadside assistance program for 36 months. Once you get a Nexen tire, you have full service every single day of the year for three years. The service covers blowouts, tire changing, and towing costs if a tow truck is needed.
Solid Reviews
Nexen tires maintain great reviews from a few different sources. Listed on their website, most of their tires have a rating of above four stars, out of five, and shoppers have plenty of great things to say about them. Nexen tires also maintain high reviews from Consumer Reports and Tire Rack.
Advanced Testing
There is a lot of testing that needs to be done before a tire reaches a vehicle. Tires are tested for durability, traction, longevity, and strength, among other features. Companies that put their tires through advanced testing see more success and better customer satisfaction.
3D Imaging
Nexen Tire primarily tests and develops their tires with the help of 3D imaging. This technology is used to make sure that the treads, sidewalls, and tubing is up to par with their design goals. The benefit of using 3D imaging is that the company can pinpoint possible issues with their tires that would otherwise not be able to see.
Nexen Tire Vehicle Dynamic Testing Grounds
Nexen Tire has a unique location designed for testing their new tires. Nexen calls this the Nexen Tire Vehicle Dynamic Testing Grounds. The site is used to test the performance and quality of their new tire projects. The results from the test are processed and tweaked on their performance before they reach consumers.
Automated Manufacturing
In the past, tires were manufactured by hand. While hands-on manufacturing gives each tire a personal touch, it also leaves more room for human error. While the chances of failure are low, Nexen Tire makes sure that each tire functions the same by using automated manufacturing. Nexen has these facilities around the world, which means that every Nexen tire is built uniformly.
Flexible Warranties
When you’re shopping for tires, you should always keep an eye on the warranty they come with. Plenty of tire companies have tire warranties, but Nexen Tire has one of the best warranty packages around. In fact, Nexen Tire has a few different warranty options.
Limited Warranty
Nexen’s limited warranty is similar to most warranties you can find. The warranty lasts up to five years from the date of purchase, or down to 2/32″ of treadwear; it depends on which occurs first. The warranty covers a free replacement if the tire has notable material defects that contributed to premature and uneven wear. Keep in mind, the tires must be rotated every 6,000 miles, or the warranty is null and void.
Limited Road Hazard Warranty
Most Nexen tires come with a 1-year limited road hazard warranty. The warranty covers any potential hazards on the road that you encounter within the first year, and the replacement is free. Possible hazards that qualify include nails, potholes, glass, and other debris.
Treadwear Warranties
Nexen Tire offers a few different treadwear warranties depending on the tire you’re looking at. For most tires, the average warranty coverage is around 50,000 miles, but Nexen also manufactures all-season tires that include 80,000-mile warranties.
Nexen Tires Design Features
Nexen Tire is a company that backs up its claims with premium design features. In the past, tires used to be basic, but innovations have led to capable high-end tires everyone can afford. In this section, we look at what makes Nexen’s tires special.
Superior Handling
A car can only handle as well as its tires. While shocks and struts contribute to traction and control, it all starts and ends with the tire. If tires lack high-quality treads, you can end up hydroplaning, oversteering, or spinning out. So, not only is handling necessary for high-performance and off-road vehicles, but handling is crucial for passenger and touring cars too.
Asymmetric treads
Asymmetric treads are a new tread style that helps a car stick to the road. While symmetrical treads used to be the industry norm, asymmetrical treads work well for all-season and high-performance vehicles. Nexen chooses to use asymmetrical treads on their high-performance and all-season tires to ensure that the tires always have grip. Even if the surface is not level, as long as one side of the tire can touch the terrain, you’ll have traction.
Biting Edges
Biting edges help a tire grip uneven surfaces by latching onto the terrain. Tires that feature biting edges work well for off-road and all-season situations because they can keep a tire from slipping. For this reason, Nexen Tire makes sure that their all-season and off-road tires have more than enough biting edges. While biting edges work well enough, Nexen tires feature ribbed treads that give biting edges extra leverage for hooking.
Lateral Tread Grooves
Nexen tires feature lateral grooves to increase traction during braking. On dry pavement, the effect is minimal, but if you encounter rain or snow, you’ll notice a night and day difference. Handling in the snow or rain can rapidly deteriorate, which is why lateral grooves are a great design feature on Nexen’s all-season tires. The grooves work by aiding deep sipes with water reduction.
Deep Sipes
Nexen tires feature deep sipes embedded within tread grooves to keep water away from your tire. Hydroplaning occurs when your tire is rolling on more water than road, but deep sipes push water out from under the tire to enhance traction during wet conditions.
Durability
Replacement tires have a negative stigma that they don’t last as long as OEM tires. In some cases this is true, but just because a tire is affordable doesn’t mean that it lacks durability. Choosing a durable tire is important because regardless of the price, replacing tires too soon can be expensive. Due to their strong build quality and the features they include, this is another area where Nexen won’t let you down.
Silica Tread Compound
Silica tread compounds reinforce a tire’s tread by reducing the amount of rolling resistance it has. The less rolling resistance a tire has, the longer it will last. Why? Because the treads experience less friction that melts the rubber down. Also, silica tread compounds are known for increasing fuel efficiency.
Dual Sidewalls
Select Nexen tires, like the Roadian MTX, feature unique dual sidewalls. The sidewalls are customizable and aggressive but looks aside; they increase the durability of the tire by adding an extra layer of protection against debris and road hazards. For off-road driving, not a lot of tires can match this level of durability for the price.
Stability
Stability is necessary to make your driving experience smooth and comfortable. If your vehicle lacks stability, you’ll be in for a bumpy ride regardless of the terrain. While a vehicle’s shocks and struts are known for maintaining balance, your tires are just as essential. A bad set of tires can turn your luxury truck into a nightmare.
Twin Steel Belts
A lot of tires rely solely on durable rubber, which isn’t a bad thing, but Nexen tires incorporate twin steel belts in their design. The purpose of these belts is to enhance the durability of a tire, but the belts also provide balance by acting as a counterweight.
Polyester Coating
Tire companies encase their tires with all sorts of casings, but Nexen’s polyester casing is unique. The coating seals the treads of the tire and reduces the impact of potholes, cracks, and other bumps on the road. Not only does this reduce vibrations, but it also keeps noise levels low while you’re driving.
Nexen Tires Recognition and Sponsorships
Industry recognition is one of the best ways to learn the truth about a tire company. If a tire company lacks any notable recognition, it can be difficult to believe their claims and promises. Nexen Tire has been around for decades, and over the years, the company has built up its recognition and sponsorships.
Good Design Award 2018
Nexen’s Roadian MTX received the Good Design Award in 2018. The award is given out by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, and tires from around the world are evaluated in twenty-five different categories. When a tire receives this award, it means that the tire excels in most measurable tests. Nexen winning this award is a testament to their superior designs.
Consumer Reports Top Five 2017
Every year, Consumer Reports releases its top five recommendations based on consumer reviews and feedback. Consumer Reports also test the tires to ensure quality, and plenty of big-name tire companies appear on the list. While Nexen Tire is more of a secondary tire company, they share the fifth spot on the list with Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear. It’s impressive that Nexen tires are more affordable than all three brands, but maintain the same level of quality.
International Champions Cup USA
The International Champions Cup USA is one of the most significant preseason soccer events in the United States. Recently, Nexen Tire agreed to sponsor the competition for the second year in a row. Along with the International Champions Cup USA, Nexen is known as the primary touring partner of the Manchester City Football Club.
Best Selling Nexen Tires
Nexen Tire produces a lot of high-quality tires, but some sell better than others. We’re going to take you through some of Nexen Tire’s best selling tires.
Nexen Roadian HTX RH5
The Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 is Nexen’s all-season tire for light trucks, vans, and pickup trucks. The tire is designed to handle light loads and prolonged highway driving. Highway driving can wear a tire down quickly, especially if debris comes into contact with the sidewalls.
Nexen increases the durability of these tires by using twin steel belts and a reinforced sidewall to keep the tire stable if it comes into contact with potential hazards. Even if debris manages to pierce the tire, the tire is backed by a 1-year road hazard warranty. For commuters relying on a truck, these tires are perfect.
Nexen Aria AH7
The Nexen Aria AH7 is one of Nexen’s best selling all-season tires. If you need a tire that will last you a few years in any conditions, the Aria AH7 is an excellent choice. The tire features unique design features like twin steel belts and ribbed treads for extra traction, durability, and stability. Even if you’re worried they won’t be as durable as claimed, the tires are under warranty for up to 80,000 miles.
Nexen Winguard Sport 2
The Nexen Winguard Sport 2 is one of the best performing winter tires that you can find. The Winguard Sport 2 is a studless winter tire that reduces the chances of slipping and hydroplaning in the snow.
The only better winter tire around is the Vredestien Wintrac Pro, but Nexen’s tire is more affordable and lasts just as long. While the Winguard Sport 2 is designed to cut through ice and improve handling, it doesn’t sacrifice your ride quality to do so and keeps noise levels low.
Nexen Roadian GTX
The Nexen Roadian GTX is an all-season touring tire for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. These tires are built to last and include extensive warranties that cover up to 70,000 miles. The Roadian GTX performs well in most conditions thanks to deep sipes that keep water from getting in between the road and the tire. These sipes work alongside wide grooves to reduce the chance of hydroplaning and slipping. For light trucks and SUVs, these tires are an affordable and safe option.
Nexen Roadian MTX
The Nexen Roadian MTX is an absolute monster of a tire. The Roadian MTX is Nexen’s best selling mud tire, and for a good reason. The grooves are thick and full, which ensures that traction is always maintained. These tires also feature deep sipes to keep water away from the tire, and there are plenty of biting edges to help the tire hook in deep or uneven mud. If you love to venture off the roads, the Roadian MTX is a safe and affordable way to have some fun in the mud.
A List of Nexen Tires
High-Performance Summer
Nexen N3000
Nexen N Fera SU1
Nexen N Fera AU7
High-Performance All-Season
Nexen CP641
Nexen CP672
Nexen N5000
Nexen N5000 Plus
Nexen N7000
Nexen N7000 Plus
Touring All-Season
Nexen CP661
Nexen CP662
Nexen N Priz AH8
Passenger All-Season
Nexen Aria AH7
Nexen CP671
Nexen N’Priz AH5
Light Truck / SUV / Crossover
Nexen CP521
Nexen N Fera RU5
Nexen Roadian 541
Nexen Roadian 542
Nexen Roadian AT
Nexen Roadian AT II
Nexen Roadian A/T Pro RA8
Nexen Roadian HP SUV
Nexen Roadian HT LT
Nexen Roadian HT SUV
Nexen Roadian HTX RH5
Nexen Roadian MT
Nexen Roadian MTX
