Tires are one of those expenses in life that you just have to pay for. They're not exciting and might not be a purchase you planned for, but they're necessary for driving. And just like a good auto insurance policy, you want to make sure you get it right.

While it's important you know where to go for tires, it's just as vital to know where not to go. Some tire brands don't have the best reputation when it comes to durability and performance, which can result in a shorter lifespan.

After looking at different forums, reviews, and other online research, we've rounded up the 10 tire brands you might want to think twice about before purchasing.

Westlake Tires

Westlake tires are budget-friendly but can be known for poor traction, especially in wet conditions. Many users report rapid tread wear, with some tires lasting less than 30,000 miles.

Reddit users frequently criticize them, with one user admitting after suffering a burst tire from Westlake that "everything I read said these tires are a ticking time bomb."

Chaoyang Tires

Manufactured in China, Chaoyang tires reportedly suffer from weak sidewalls and inconsistent tread wear. Multiple reviews and news articles cite poor handling and increased road noise, making them a risky choice for everyday driving.

Additional reviews mention that they might burst in extreme heat, are too soft, and can easily get punctured.

Triangle Tires

While slightly better than some ultra-cheap brands, Triangle tires still struggle with grip and durability. A recent Tyre Review test showed longer braking distances in wet conditions, raising safety concerns.

They're also noisy, particularly when they start to show wear. Other reviews state they're not good for high-speed driving and cause significant issues with grip and braking in wet conditions.

Goodride Tires

Goodride markets itself as an affordable option, but drivers frequently complain of blowouts and uneven wear. One reviewer said, "Worst tires ever bought, car skids on straight even at low speeds."

Safety needs to be a priority when driving, so you want tires that you know you can trust and won't potentially put yourself or your family members at risk when behind the wheel.

Landsail Tires

Landsail tires are known for stiff ride quality and poor performance on water, making them less than ideal. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences long or harsh winters.

One reviewer stated, "Limited wet grip, very long wet and dry braking distances, bad handling, and poor aquaplaning resistance."

Accelera Tires

This Indonesian brand offers low prices but allegedly suffers from weak construction and fast tread degradation, which might not make it perform well in wet conditions. Some users report sidewall cracks after just one year of use, which isn't the best use of your money.

Geostar Tires

Geostar tires are another budget brand with high failure rates. Mechanics often see them with premature balding and separation issues, indicating poor manufacturing standards. They're said to have a bad tread pattern, lose grip when turning, and not last for very long.

When tested by VW Vortex, they found Geostar to finish at the bottom of their ratings. Overall, not the best choice for your vehicle.

Milestar Tires

While marketed as an off-road option, Milestar tires have a reputation for weak puncture resistance and excessive road noise. Some users say they're okay considering the lower price point. However, the issues with quality make them not the best option.

Ohtsu Tires

Distributed by Falken, Ohtsu Tires is a more affordable option but lacks the quality control of its parent brand. There are reports of tread separation and poor wet braking, which can make driving in the rain hazardous.

Some users report that they're alright on surfaces like asphalt, but they don't grip concrete well, which can be hazardous.

Sunny Tires

Sunny tires are among the worst-rated for durability, with many drivers experiencing blowouts and rapid wear. This can be costly, both in terms of the constant need to purchase new ones and the potential risk of an accident if your tire blows out on a busy road.

Bottom line

Not all budget tires are bad, but these 10 brands don't always get the best marks when it comes to safety, durability, and traction. The average driver replaces their tires every three to five years, meaning cheap tires often wear out in half that time and cost you more in replacements.

While you might not like seeing a high price tag in the short term, investing in quality tires is a smart money move for car owners. Sticking with well-reviewed brands will ultimately save you money (and stress) in the long run.