Best Tires For Drifting

Table of Contents

‍1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a high-performance summer tire designed to deliver excellent performance on both the track and the street. The Sport 4S is an all-season tire that is available in a wide range of sizes, making it a good fit for a variety of vehicles.

The Sport 4S offers good grip and handling on wet surfaces and even has a built-in water drainage system that helps expel water quickly from the tread area. This reduces the risk of hydroplaning and keeps you in control at all times - especially during high-speed maneuvers.

The tire also features a unique rubber compound designed to provide extended tread life and improved traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The Pilot Sport 4S also utilizes a unique cutting edge tread pattern that maximizes the tire's ability to evacuate water and maintain traction. This technology has proven to be quite effective at maximizing grip even in tough conditions with little to no contact between tires and surfaces like snow.

Another advantage of the Sport 4S is its high-temperature resistance which helps prevent heat buildup - especially on track days when you are running at wide-open throttle for long periods. The rubber compound performs well in warm weather while still ensuring good wet performance.

This technology prevents rubber hardening, allowing for increased traction during cornering, accelerating, and braking maneuvers. Overall, this tire had great reviews online, with many users praising all-around performance on dry roads and good durability.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Pilot Sport 4S is also very comfortable to drive. I was really impressed with how well it handled on both the highway and back roads. The steering feel was precise and responsive, and the ride was smooth and controlled.

The downside to this tire was some noise when driving at higher speeds. Also, the price may put some people off but considering this is one of the best tires on the market - it's actually quite reasonable!

They come in several popular sizes, including 245/40R18, 265/35R19,/35R20, so they should easily fit most vehicles.

Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is an exceptional tire that satisfies the needs of even the most demanding drifters. It's well-balanced and can be easily used as a daily driver if your vehicle allows it (I mean, how often do you drive like a mad man?).

Order your set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires today from TireRack.

Pros

Good all-round performance on dry and wet surfaces
Excellent temperature resistance
Highly durable - even in tough conditions like gravel roads and snow (due to rubber compounds)
Available in several different sizes
30,000 miles treadwear warranty

Cons

More expensive than other options available in the same category
A tad noisy

2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is a high-performance tire that has been designed to offer drivers superb handling and control in all weather conditions. This tire has been equipped with many advanced features that help it deliver optimum performance, which is crucial for drifting.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was designed with a unique asymmetric tread pattern that ensures uniform performance throughout the tire's life. It also features a special Silica-Grip compound which offers optimum grip for control and stability.

After testing the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 in various conditions, we found that it offers drivers an excellent level of performance and control. In particular, we were impressed by its ability to provide excellent levels of grip, even when drifting at high speeds. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 also delivers a very comfortable and quiet experience, making it an ideal choice for those who love to drift at night as well as during the day.

The Asymmetric 2's internal construction comprises two steel belts reinforced with a spiral polyamide cord for better tread stability and high-speed performance. It also features an asymmetric tread pattern that provides exceptional grip on wet and dry surfaces. Additionally, the tire's reinforced sidewalls help to minimize the risk of damage when driving over rough terrain.

Additionally, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's curved tread blocks help to absorb shocks and vibrations, minimizing driver fatigue. Its rear end is a little more upright and rounded, which helps give the driver greater control during drifting. The firm outboard shoulders improve traction and grip, enhancing the experience even further.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is also designed to provide a quiet and comfortable ride. The tire's noise-canceling technologies help to reduce road noise, making for a more pleasant driving experience.

As well as excellent handling capabilities, this tire also offers low rolling resistance and reduced fuel consumption. It is manufactured using the latest technologies and innovations, making it a great choice for those who want an excellent level of performance for drifting.

As with most high-performance tires, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 doesn't come with a treadwear warranty. However, given its excellent performance and durable construction, this shouldn't be a major issue for most drivers.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is available in a number of popular sizes to ensure that drivers can find the perfect fit for their vehicle needs. These include 235/40R18, 265/40ZR19, and 235/35ZR20.

If you're looking for a tire that can handle high speeds and provide superior grip while drifting, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is definitely worth considering. It offers drivers everything they need to enjoy a thrilling drifting experience, whether on the track or on the open road.

Order your set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires today from TireRack!

Pros

Offers drivers excellent grip and control on wet and dry surfaces.
Delivers a comfortable driving experience, even at high speeds.
Features an asymmetric tread pattern for enhanced stability during drifting

Cons

Doesn't come with a tread warranty.
Costs slightly more than other tires in its category.

3. Falken Azenis FK510

We've been running Falken Azenis FK510s for a little over 12 months now. During that period, we ran them on our rally cars as well as daily drivers and have put around 10,000 miles of mostly gravel road use on them.

In addition to their use in competition rallies/orienteering, they see use in drifting events with the occasional bit of competitive stage rallying thrown in. They are also fitted to several work-related vehicles, and these are used mainly on unsealed roads - although this is not an ideal environment for any tire, really!

The FK510 tires were selected based on user reviews, feedback from others using them within various clubs and advice from tire fit familiar with them (and other tires of a similar price range), and some car-specific factors.

The Falken Azenis FK510 is an ultra-high-performance summer tire. It replaced the older FK451 model. The FK510 has a new tread pattern composed of more blocks and a revised shape. This helps improve braking, traction, and handling on tarmac and gravel.

The Nano Design tread compound used on the FK510 effectively distributes pressure evenly over the contact patch, improving grip and stability when cornering. The sidewalls are also reinforced with a special aramid and nylon fiber, adding to the tire's overall strength and durability.

The tire is designed to offer good grip and handling on various surfaces, including tarmac, gravel, and dirt. The tire is also designed to last well on the street, making it a good option for those looking for drifting tires that can also be used as a daily driver.

The only major downside is that the ride quality isn't as comfortable as some other tires on the market. Not to mention Falken doesn't offer any treadwear warranty on this tire. However, given the Falken Azenis FK510's track record, it is likely that you won't need one.

We couldn't agree more - having used them in all sorts of conditions; we found the FK510s to be an extremely capable tire in various scenarios. In particular, we've been impressed with their performance on gravel roads, where they offer good grip and handling while still being able to last well. If you're looking for an ultra-high-performance drifting tire that can do it all, the Falken Azenis FK510 should be high on your list!

The Azenis FK150 is available in several popular sizes, including 225/45ZR17, 235/40ZR18, 245/40ZR18, 255/35ZR19. This means that they should be a good fit for a wide variety of vehicles.

Order your set of Falken Azenis FK510 tires today from Tire Rack!

Pros

Improved grip and handling even on wet surfaces - especially on gravel.
Strong sidewall reinforcement.
Low noise

Cons

Ride quality isn't great.
No treadwear warranty

4. Toyo Proxes R35

The Toyo Proxes R35 is another excellent choice for those looking for a great tire for drifting. It was designed with high performance in mind and offers drivers superb grip and handling capabilities.

The optimized tread blocks on the Toyo Proxes R35 help deliver excellent braking performance when going around corners quickly. They are designed to maximize contact with the surface while minimizing heat buildup, making them a great choice for drivers who enjoy traveling at high speeds regularly.

In addition to handling high speeds with ease, this tire is manufactured from quality materials that help provide confident handling in wet conditions. This helps enhance grip and stability during drifting. It also features computer-optimized grooves that improve the interaction between the tire's grooves and water for precise control even in wet weather conditions.

Furthermore, its tapered shoulder diamonds allow the tire to operate at an optimum level in all weather conditions. They also minimize cupping, which can often occur with tires that are subjected to high levels of stress.

The only downsides to these tires are a lack of treadwear warranty and sizes that may not be suitable for all vehicles. However, the Toyo Proxes R35 is an excellent choice for those who want a high-performance tire that can handle drifting in any weather conditions.

The Toyo Proxes R35 is currently available in only one size 215/55R17.

Overall, the Proxes R35 is a high-performance tire that can handle whatever you throw at it. So, if you're looking for a tire that can take your driving experience to the next level, the Proxes R35 is definitely worth considering

Order your set of Toyo Proxes R35 tires today from Tire Rack!

Pros

Delivers excellent grip and handling in wet and dry conditions.
Computer-optimized grooves improve interaction with water for precise control.
Tapered shoulder diamonds minimize cupping and optimize performance in all weather conditions.
Affordable price

Cons

No treadwear warranty.
Sizes may not be suitable for all vehicles.

5. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500

The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is another great option for those looking for a tire that can handle both daily driving and drifting. The Firehawk Indy 500 is a high-performance summer tire that was designed with the track in mind. It takes most of its construction from Bridgestone, which is a subsidiary of Firestone. That's fantastic news in and of itself.

It offers excellent grip and handling on both wet and dry surfaces, making it a good choice for those who do a lot of street driving as well as track days. The tire also features a unique silica enhanced tread compound designed to reduce tread wear and heat buildup.

The Indy 500 has a relatively stiff sidewall construction which improves handling and stability and reduces the frequency of flat spots when airing down for drift events. The internal construction comprises a durable polyester casing and a wider steel belt. This design helps with high-speed capabilities and enhances dry and wet road handling.

The tire is also made with a wide footprint that improves cornering characteristics - especially on gravel roads where it provides good steering response thanks to its rigid shoulders.

The Firestone Indy 500 also has a good all-around performance record too. The tire is known to last well on the street thanks to its tough construction and smart design that doesn't compromise ride comfort - despite what some competitors may claim!

They come in several popular sizes, including 245/40R18, 265/35R19, 275/35R20 - this means they should fit most vehicles with ease. They're even approved by Porsche and BMW, making them an excellent choice if you own a sports car or two-seat roadster.

Overall, the Firestone Indy 500 is another excellent tire that offers good performance on the street as well as on gravel. This means you can save some cash by not buying separate sets of wheels and tires for every occasion!

Order your set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires today from Tire Rack!

Pros

Great value for money
Good performance on the street and on gravel roads
Available in different sizes
Excellent wet performance
Can be used as a daily commute tire

Cons

No treadwear warranty
Doesn't provide the most comfortable ride

About The Author

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.