Best Tires For VW Jetta: Complete Guide

8 Best Tires For VW Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta was first built and released in 1979. It has been in production and released to the open market every year since with no pauses in production. It is one of the most consistent vehicles available. VW designed the Jetta to fill a gap in the market in the compact sedan niche, and did so successfully with over 30 years of sales to show for it.

Here we have put together the 8 best tires for a VW Jetta. Along with a deep dive into each recommended tire, we have provided analysis on the OEM factory tire that a new VW Jetta is equipped with at purchase.

Every tire we recommended completed our four primary field tests and provided exceptional results to make it onto this list. The ultimate goal from this tire guide is to help VW Jetta owners make informed purchasing decisions when shopping for a new tire.

The factors we consider are available features, tire technology, durability, seasonality, warranty, and overall performance. The tires are broken down in specific categories such as best winter or best summer tire.

A VW Jetta driver in a colder climate will require different tire needs than a driver in a warmer climate that doesn’t experience freezing temperatures or snow. We help accommodate all drivers to find the perfect tire match.  

Here is the list of top rated and recommended tires for your VW Jetta:

General Altimax RT43 - Best All Season

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General is a premier tire making with over 100+ years of experience releasing new products onto the market. They produce all tires for passenger, light truck, and SUV vehicles. The General Altimax RT43 is our top choice for all season tires for the VW Jetta.

Released in 2013, the Altimax RT43 was an upgrade release to the original Altimax RT. The upgraded model has improved features, a cleaner look, and longer lasting treads to perfect the all-season capabilities a driver is looking for in a tire.

The Altimax RT43 is also considered a grand touring tire. RT is an acronym for road touring. Not only are you purchasing four seasons performance, but extreme touring comfort and durability too.

Now let’s discuss the design. General built a tire with a high-tech silica tread with twin cushions blended into an asymmetric pattern. This tread provides longer lasting wear and all surface performance. Including “anti-slip” sipes created by General.

Wet traction performance is aided by circumferential grooves and biting edges to expel water from tire grooves while adding grip performance in the snow and ice.

Independent tread blocks and a strong center rib make up the interior structure. General created a sound wave suppression technology built within these tread blocks. Driving over bumps and potholes has never been so smooth and quiet with a General tire.

General uses many different technology features. Their expertise is why they rate so highly on the market. The Low Surface Abrasion Technology is a construction feature to improve tire durability. It creates a smoother rubber to road contact to minimize the wear on treads.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: Up to 75,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 21 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 700
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

General builds for a wide audience. This tire can be purchased in rim diameter sizes ranging between 13” and 20”. VW Jetta drivers will shop in the 15”, 16”, 17”, and 18” range depending on the year and model type of their vehicle.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Expect a strong warranty policy to protect you when purchasing the General Altimax RT43. The policy begins with coverage of 6 years / 75,000 miles for T rated tires. The coverage drops to 6 years / 65,000 miles for H and V rated tires.

There is also a special warranty offering to take advantage of. The first 45 days are the customer satisfaction trial period, meaning if you are not satisfied you can return the tire for a full refund.

How noisy is this tire?

The General Altimax RT43 is an extremely comfortable and quiet tire. The twin cushion tread design is an advanced feature to eliminate road noise and absorb vibrations without creating extra cabin noise to disrupt a driver. There is great stability at every speed range too, so expect highway comfort too.

Michelin Premier A/S - Best Touring

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If we decided to create a top 3 or top 5 list in each category, it is possible a Michelin tire would end up ranking somewhere across the point. They are a generational tire manufacturing and tend to lead the charge on new tire technology developments.

The Michelin Premier A/S is another example of excellent production blending with innovative technologies to create an unbeatable tire. Our best touring tire is known for long treadwear life, versatility, and comfortable riding.

Now about those features. The tread is built from a combination of silica and sunflower oil. This mixture creates a more reliable tread on wet surfaces and in cold weather. Michelin calls this the EverGrip technology because of increased performance and better longevity.

EverGrip also adds extra Expanding Rain Grooves and Emerging Grooves lined along the inside and outside shoulders. They both work together to open up larger exit areas for water and snow to exit key contact areas for a more direct dry contact with the road.

The interior structure contains a pair of twin steel belts with an added layer of security from a polyamide cord and polyester casing. The interior of a touring tiring relies on extra support because a reliable touring tire needs to provide long distance driving at higher speeds without sacrificing durability.  

All of these features create a reliable touring tire with an emphasis on performance and fuel efficiency.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 19 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 640
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

Michelin created the Premier A/S tire with compact vehicles in mind. There are dozens of OEM sizes available ranging between 15” and 18” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty available is a 6 year / 60,000 mile warranty to cover any treadwear that needs replacement.

Michelin also offers one of the best special warranty policies. There is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee that allows new drivers to return the tire if they don’t love it. On top of that, there is a 3 year flat tire changing guarantee to take advantage of too.

How does this tire handle the snow?

The Premier A/S can handle the snow well thanks to the EverGrip technology compound. Michelin wanted to create a touring tire that didn’t back down to the wintry conditions. Drivers can feel comfortable using this tire in light snow and ice.

Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - Best Summer

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The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is an ultra high performance summer tire for sporty sedans. With a summer tire, drivers look for handling, rain performance, and ability to handle high temperature weather. Firestone built a tire that can do all 3 well.

Because of the specific tread design, this tire along with competing summer tires should not be driven in near freezing winter temperatures. They cannot handle ice, snow, and cold well and the treads will wear quickly. Performance gets significantly worse too.

The specific tread built by Firestone here is a silica enhanced Long Link Carbon technology tread compound. Essentially, in an asymmetric pattern the carbon and silica mixture provides more support for aggressive driving.

Firestone also has a Pulse Groove Technology for better wet traction performance. There are center circumferential grooves to push water away and provide hydroplaning resistance and short distancing braking.

Summer tires like to go fast too. The Firehawk Indy 500 got its name from that specific ability. With an internal structure of polyester casings and twin steel belts, the structure is there for high speed stability and durability.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 23 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 340
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

Firestone made this tire for a specific audience in mind. It is available in sizes ranging between 16” and 20” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Because this is a summer tire, there is no warranty available. Firestone does offer a special warranty giving drivers a 90 day “Buy & Try” guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the tire, you have 90 days to return for a full refund.  

What happens to this tire in the cold?

As with all summer tires, the Firehawk Indy 500 should not be driven in the cold weather. In near freezing temperatures, the treads will crack and performance will decline. Avoid snow and ice too. Traction will be subpar and your VW Jetta will struggle to handle the weather.

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - Best Winter

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Pirelli is most known for their high performance tires, specifically the street and performance track tires that made the brand so famous. However, they have the ability to manufacture a great winter tire too. The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is an ultra-high performance winter tire made for sedans looking for higher-level winter traction and handling.

Pirelli operates under the belief that a winter tire must be able to handle a variety of different elements that are always changing. Sottozero means “below zero” in Italian. Drivers are not only purchasing a tire to handle snow and ice, but one to handle freezing temperatures with better durability and support.

The tread compound uses special polymers to increase the pliability in different temperatures. In a directional tread pattern, the tire has a large contact area to improve contact between the tire and the road. The unique design includes arrow shaped center blocks on the treads for better water evacuation.

Other winter features include wider shoulder blocks, high-density 3D sipes, and a pair of twin steel belts. All three components pitch in for better grip on surfaces during the wintry conditions. Driver’s can also expect the best short distance braking and cornering for a winter tire.

Remember, a winter tire struggles as the temperatures get hotter. Dry surface handling is excellent but in the heat it can become a problem.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 20 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A
• Winter tires are not UTQG Rated

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

Pirelli is a well respected brand with a lot of vehicles sporting their wide range of tires. This particular winter tire can be purchased in sizes between 16” and 21” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no warranty available on this tire. Winter tires are a seasonal purchase and often come without a warranty. Pirelli does offer a uniformity warranty for the first 1 year or 2/32” of wear for drivers to take advantage with added protection.

What happens to this tire in the summer?

Initially, this tire may seem to hold up nicely in the summer. But after driving it for a bit, the treads will start to wear much faster. Handling, braking, and cornering abilities will all significantly decline and the tire will cause your VW Jetta to underperform.

We highly recommend changing this tire out before the summer months.

BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 - Best Performance Street

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A performance street tire should handle driving on the roads better than competitors. They provide better cornering, more high performance driving, shorter distance braking, and faster acceleration. Luckily for those searching, BFGoodrich made the g-Force Sport Comp-2 just for you.

The g-Force Sport Comp-2 is an ultra-high performance summer tire for sedan drivers looking to increase key handling features in their vehicle. BFGoodrich used their racing experience in the past to break into the performance street tire market and create near replicas except for street instead of track.

The silica tread compound was specifically made from similar racing technologies to increase key performance metrics. This tread increases the grip on dry and wet surfaces for secure handling. There are more fillers than a traditional tread so there is a longer lifespan on the tire. Drivers estimate at least 40,000 miles before this tire starts to wear.

The tread design is directional with specific grooves for water to flow outward from the contact areas. There are intermediate shoulder blocks for stable steering and cornering. Also, the g-Hook intermediate ribs help out with high speed cornering and performance.

The key to a performance street tire is a strong internal structure. BFGoodrich uses a pair of twin high tensile steel belts to make it possible. It works in combination with an ETEC System to stabilize the sidewalls of the tire at high speeds, during cornering, and braking.

This is a summer tire that does not handle cold temperatures well.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 340
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

Pirelli manufactures this tire in rim diameter sizes ranging between 15” and 20” to fit all potential VW Jetta models for interested buyers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

This is a summer tire and Pirelli does not offer a warranty on treadwear. Seasonal tires will receive lower or no warranty at all because if exposed to the wrong conditions they will wear quickly.

Pirelli does offer a uniformity warranty that covers 1 year or the first 2/32” tread depth wear.

How does this tire handle snow?

This is a high performance tire and will really struggle in the snow. The colder temperatures cause the treads to tighten up and with no technology to cause pliability within the tire, traction becomes an immediate problem. Snow and wintry conditions should be avoided.

Kumho Solus TA71 - Best Highway

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Highway driving is meant to be enjoyed and the best way to make this possible is with a perfect highway tire. The Kumho Solus TA71 is the perfect choice for VW Jettas in need of long tread life and a quiet driving experience.

Kumho uses an advanced technology known as nano silica for the tread design. While being driven, the treads disperse heat to extend the treadwear life and improve traction in near-freezing temperatures. The tread pattern is an asymmetric design for better surface grip, responsiveness, and short distance braking.

This tire can even handle wet surfaces too. The four circumferential grooves create a channel for water to flow away from critical areas and increase hydroplaning resistance. Expect strong winter performance thanks to sipes and biting edges for ice and snow traction.

Overall, this tire can do it all. But the long lasting treads and smooth, quiet riding make it the top highway tire choice.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,389 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11.6/32’’
• Tire Weight: 23 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 600
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This is a popular tire choice. Kumho releases over 50 different OEM sizes across rim diameters ranging between 15” and 19” to the market.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Kumho offers a 6 year / 60,000 mile warranty on this tire for tread life. There is also a uniformity warranty to protect drivers on the first 2/32” on tread wear.

Falken Pro G4 A/S - Best All-Purpose

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The Falken Pro G4 A/S tire is our top pick for an all purpose tire because of the four season capabilities, dependable tread life, quiet riding experience, and cornering abilities. It can be compared to a performance street tire because of how well it can handle.

Falken builds the Pro G series tires with Dynamic Range Technology. This is a high-silica tread in an asymmetric pattern for optimal traction on both dry and wet surfaces. The technology creates a pliability effect in colder temperatures to create the perfect all season tire.

For wet performance, a set of 3D sipes and extra biting edges can handle both rain and snow.

The variable tread depth design absorbs road noises and vibrations to eliminate cabin noise for drivers.

This is the best option for VW Jetta drivers looking for quiet rides, winter performance, and durability.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 65,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 500
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in many sizes ranging between 15” and 20” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty available varies based on the speed rating of the tire. H and V speed rated tires have coverage for 65,000 miles. The coverage drops to 45,000 miles for W rated tires.

Kumho Spare Tire T121 - Best Temporary Spare

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The best strategy to stay prepared in the event you experience a flat tire is to store a temporary spare in the trunk. They are a compact, lightweight option at a low cost. The Kumho Spare Tire T121 was specifically invented to add extra trunk space for drivers and lessen the weight added onto vehicles.

Remember, temporary spares are only meant for temporary usage. The ultimate goal is to regain mobility on the road and get your vehicle from point A to point B for repairs.

The temporary spare does have narrow treads, a shallower tread, and more compact construction. It cannot provide the same type of durability and strength as a traditional tire.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,984 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 60 PSI
• Tread Depth: 5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 13 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

How many miles can this last?

This temporary spare like most others can only last up to 70 miles maximum. It is recommended to service your vehicle and get a new tire before reaching the 70 mile threshold.

What is the top speed I can drive?

The top speed to drive a temporary spare is 50 MPH. Any faster creates a risk of a new flat, tire blowouts, and internal car damages.

Falken Sincera SN250A All-Season - Factory Tire

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When purchasing your new VW Jetta, you can expect to see a set of Falken Sincera SN250A tires on the vehicle. This is a grand touring all season tire providing balanced capabilities for drivers in all regions.

The symmetric tread design adds longer tread life support. Some key winter and wet performance features include 3D Canyon Sipes, angled tread grooves, and high sipe density. All three features work together to fight off snow, slush, ice, and water during driving to improve rubber to road contact.

There are also four circumferential grooves that create outward flowing channels to lose water and improve hydroplaning resistance.

This is a strong all season tire but does not grade near the top of our list in snow performance, treadwear life, and fuel efficiency.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 21 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 320
• UTQG Traction: B
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 14” and 18” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear warranty offered. One of the strengths of all season tires is typically the best warranty offerings. Falken does not check the box here.

How to Accurately Understand the VW Jetta Tire Specifications

While shopping for a new VW Jetta tire, it will be important to understand the tire specifications of potential options you are considering. The tire sidewall contains all of these specifications in the event you need to read the tire to determine if it will fit on your Jetta model.

Below is a chart that breaks down each element and what it means:

What Are the Different VW Jetta Tire Sizes & Models Available?

We have tracked the VW Jetta back to 2016 to include the different models that have been released along with the corresponding OEM tire size that comes with each model. The table below displays the 7 different OEM sizes for recent Jetta models.

• ‍225/40R18
• 205/50R17
• 195/65R15
• 225/45R17
• 205/55R16
• 205/55R17
• 205/60R16

If you still aren't sure which size is best for your specific Jetta type, we have compiled an entire table labeled by year, model type, and each size that is compatible. Check out the list to find your vehicle.