These 3 Tire Brands That Are Manufactured In America Will Cost You More Money

American-made tires have always cost a bit more, but now they're becoming even more expensive because of what it costs to build a tire in the U.S. Goodyear and Cooper (and even foreign brands like Michelin and Bridgestone that make tires in U.S. factories) have to deal with higher wages, tougher safety rules, and stricter environmental standards. Just labor alone can make up 25% to 35% of the final price of a tire.

Then there are tariffs. The U.S. government has announced a 25% tariff on imported automotive parts, including tires, effective May 3, 2025. That's meant to give American factories a leg up, but it also means higher prices for everyone, not just for imports. On top of that, the raw materials used to make tires like synthetic rubber are getting more expensive because of supply chain issues and those same tariffs. As a result, now is not a great time to buy a car.

Still, for many drivers, American-made tires can be worth paying extra. U.S.-made tires often justify their price with longer tread life and better performance in extreme weather. But just because a tire sounds American doesn't mean it was made in the U.S. To be sure, check the DOT code on the sidewall (often near the rim). It begins with "DOT" followed by a serial number that includes the first two characters of a plant code, and manufacturer-specific details, plus the last four digits of the production date. These three tire brands fit the bill.

TreadWright Tires, based out of Texas, is doing something a little different. Instead of making tires from scratch, it gives old ones a second life by retreading; adding brand-new treads to used tire casings. This uses about 75% of the original material and saves 15 gallons of oil per tire. But doing it right isn't cheap — TreadWright uses a method called mold-cure retreading. It's more precise and thorough than the cheaper "precure" process that some other companies use.

Each tire goes through detailed inspections, special bonding steps, and plenty of quality checks. That means more time and more care, leading to higher costs. For example, the Guard Dog M/T tire sells for around $175 per tire. Not the cheapest, but far less than the $500 some premium brands charge. And it performs. Off-road drivers on TrailTacoma have reported getting about 30,000 miles out of them — even on rough terrain.

TreadWright keeps things close to home. It sources rubber from U.S. suppliers like Liberty Tire and works with regional trucking companies to gather used casings. This creates a loop where nearly all the money — about 95% — stays in the U.S., according to the company. Yet, there's a catch; because retreaded tires are made in smaller batches and cater to a more specific market, they can't match the low prices of mass-produced imports. So while they're cheaper than brand-new American-made tires, they still cost more than some of the budget options you'll find overseas.

Cooper Tires has been around for over a century, and it still keeps things domestic. Most of its tires roll out of factories in Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas. That's part of why you'll pay a bit more for a Cooper tire. For instance, the Discoverer AT3 4S starts at around $220 per tire. The Evolution Tour, one of Cooper's more everyday models, runs anywhere from $61 to $155, depending on the size. What you're paying for isn't just the rubber — it's the research. Cooper develops its own tread compounds at its R&D center in Ohio.

Cooper's reputation for reliability stems from its rigorous quality control processes. Although it doesn't give the details about how many quality checks each tire goes through, the fact that it supplies Ford and GM says a lot. Automakers have strict standards such as the OEM-specific protocols, often tighter than what the government requires. That level of quality control means fewer worries down the road. Independent tests also show Cooper tires like the Discoverer AT3 4S hold up well over time, especially on treadwear.

Cooper's made-in-America strength also comes with a few issues. Since the company sticks to domestic manufacturing, it's more exposed when tariffs hit materials like Chinese-made steel belts or synthetic rubber. Those extra costs fall to buyers. But, Cooper owns some of its own raw material processing operations right in Mississippi. That kind of control helps keep costs in check and production running smoothly.

Goodyear doesn't aim to be the cheapest on the shelf. The Wrangler Fortitude HT runs between $155.99 and $279.96 per tire, while the sportier Eagle Exhilarate can climb to $390.96. These higher price tags reflect what's going on behind the scenes. As one of the biggest tire makers in the U.S., Goodyear pours serious money into innovation. Back in 2019 alone, the company set aside $800 million just for research and development. That funding powers places like the Akron Tech Center in Ohio, where engineers cook up tire tech like DuraLife rubber blends and Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls.

For drivers, this means more grip, longer tread life, and peace in bad weather. The Wrangler Fortitude HT, for example, has TripleTred tech — a tire made with layers of different rubber compounds. Each layer helps the tire handle a specific kind of weather. To enjoy all this you might pay more. It's been predicted that Goodyear might raise prices soon. The reason is tariffs. The U.S. slapped new import taxes — from 26% to 46% — on tires coming in from major producers like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea. But it's not just about finished tires. Tariffs also hit raw materials like synthetic rubber, which is essential in tire production. The bottom line is whether you're shopping for a fresh set of all-seasons or off-road, expect to pay little more this spring.