As a tire enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for the best brands in the market.
In this post, I’ll be diving deep into the world of Falken vs Vredestein, two renowned tire manufacturers.
We’ll explore their rich histories, put their dry, wet, and snow performances to the test, examine their mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare their prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which of these brands reigns supreme.
Let the battle begin!
Falken vs Vredestein – Comparison Table
| Falken | Vredestein | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Netherlands |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1908 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Apollo Tyres, Ltd (India) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
2. Vredestein
Vredestein is a tire brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1908 in the Netherlands.
Initially established as a rubber factory, Vredestein has since become renowned for its high-quality tires.
The company has consistently focused on innovation, allowing it to develop cutting-edge technologies and deliver exceptional performance.
In 1912, Vredestein produced its car tire, marking the beginning of its expansion into the automotive industry.
Vredestein was acquired by the Indian Apollo Tyres, Ltd in 2009 and the company name was changed to Apollo Vredestein B.V.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its expertise in crafting tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment.
Today, Vredestein operates as part of Apollo Tyres, Ltd, a Indian parent company, leveraging its manufacturing facilities and research capabilities to continue producing reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Tractors
- Bicycles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would give the Falken Azenis FK510 a score of 4.6 out of 5.
It has received highly positive reviews for its short braking distances, great handling speed, excellent grip, and consistent performance even at high speeds.
The Vredestein Ultrac Vorti, on the other hand, received a rating of 4.3 out of 5, with its strengths lying in short braking distances, precise handling, high-traction tread compound, and responsive steering.
Ultimately, I declare the Falken Azenis FK510 as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Vredestein Quatrac Pro.
In my evaluation, both the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S and Vredestein Quatrac Pro tires exhibit excellent wet performance, each receiving a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
The Falken tire impresses with its good wet traction, all-season capabilities, resistance to hydroplaning, and handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Vredestein tire offers short braking distances, superb wet road handling, and an improved 10% wet grip over its predecessor.
Considering their similar wet performance ratings, I declare a tie between these two tires in terms of wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, I would give the Falken Espia EPZ II tire a score of 4.7 out of 5.
This tire demonstrates strong traction and performance in various winter conditions, with positive reviews highlighting its superb traction even in harsh weather.
The incorporation of advanced technology in the tread design contributes to its excellent snow performance.
Similarly, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro tire receives a rating of 4.6, showcasing reliable snow performance and a balanced winter profile.
Both tires offer comparable levels of snow performance, resulting in a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Vredestein | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 70,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | The average mileage of Vredestein tires is between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After conducting my research, I found that Falken tires offer a higher mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles compared to Vredestein tires, which offer a warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
However, the average lifespan of Falken tires can vary widely, ranging from 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
On the other hand, Vredestein tires generally have an average lifespan between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Overall, Falken tires seem to have a longer potential lifespan and a slightly higher mileage warranty than Vredestein tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken vs Vredestein.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Falken | Vredestein | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | Not Available |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Not Available |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Not Available |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
Vredestein
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Premium brand with a long history of more than 115 years of experience | ❌ Not available in large tire marketplaces like Discount Tire |
| ✔ Praised for their performance, including traction and handling on both wet and dry surfaces | |
| ✔ Good value for their price |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Vredestein’s best tires are shown below:
- Quatrac Pro
- Ultrac Vorti
- Wintrac Pro
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the information provided, I would declare Falken as the better pick overall.
The Falken Azenis FK510 offers exceptional dry performance, with positive reviews for its braking distances, handling, and grip.
In terms of wet performance, both Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S and Vredestein Quatrac Pro receive the same rating, resulting in a tie.
When it comes to snow performance, the Falken Espia EPZ II and Vredestein Wintrac Pro also have comparable ratings, making it a tie again.
However, Falken’s higher mileage warranty and potentially longer lifespan give it an advantage.
