Are Avon good tires? The numbers tell a compelling story. With 97% of drivers saying they would buy the Avon AX7 model again, this British brand delivers performance that keeps customers coming back. Avon has been manufacturing quality tires since 1904, building over a century of expertise that many drivers never knew existed.
The performance data speaks for itself. The Avon ZV7 model outperformed several higher-priced competitors in recent testing, despite being the most affordable option in the comparison. When luxury automakers like Jaguar, Bentley, and Aston Martin select Avon tires as original equipment for their vehicles, you know there's serious engineering behind the brand.
What sets Avon apart from budget alternatives is their commitment to research and development. These aren't just cheap tires with fancy marketing – they're engineered products that deliver both durability and performance for everyday drivers who want quality without paying premium prices.
Founded in an old cloth mill in Melksham, England, Avon Tires has built a reputation that extends far beyond their humble beginnings. The brand's distinctive character comes from a combination of heritage, engineering expertise, and proven performance credentials that have kept them competitive in a demanding market.
Avon's story started in 1885 as a rubber goods factory, but the real tire manufacturing began in 1901 when the company established their first pneumatic tire shop. The first Avon automobile tires appeared in advertisements by 1906, with motorcycle tire production following in 1911.
What separates Avon from many competitors is their sustained investment in research and development throughout the early 20th century. This commitment paid off with significant breakthroughs, including their development of radial tire technology during the 1970s. The company achieved another important milestone in 1985 by becoming the first UK tire manufacturer awarded BS5750 certification, which later became ISO 9001.
Yes, Avon Tires operates under The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company ownership. The transition happened when Goodyear completed its acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber in 2022, bringing Avon into the Goodyear family of brands.
This ownership change has brought renewed focus to Avon's unique market position. Goodyear has made substantial investments in Avon production facilities, installing five state-of-the-art production machines and an all-new finishing line specifically for custom tire manufacturing. These improvements demonstrate Goodyear's commitment to maintaining Avon's quality standards while expanding their capabilities.
Avon's racing credentials form the backbone of their performance reputation. From 1958 through 1963, every solo motorcycle world championship rider across all displacement classes won their titles on Avon tires. The brand's automotive racing success includes Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori's 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans victory, achieved on Avons in their Aston Martin DBR1.
Today, Avon continues their motorsport involvement as the exclusive tire supplier for several European racing series, including Peter Auto Group C Racing and Lotus Cup Europe. When you see professional racers trusting their careers to Avon tires, it says something about the engineering that goes into every product.
The luxury automotive endorsement speaks volumes about Avon's quality standards. Manufacturers like Jaguar, Bentley, and Aston Martin choose Avon tires as original equipment for their vehicles. These partnerships aren't just business deals – they're quality endorsements from brands that demand the best performance and reliability for their customers.
Choosing the right tire comes down to understanding your specific driving needs. Avon's tire lineup covers everything from daily commuting to commercial hauling, with each model engineered for particular applications and performance requirements.
The Avon ZV7 serves as their everyday performance tire, designed to handle varied weather conditions with reliable consistency. The ZT7 takes this further with its new tread profile and high silica compound, delivering enhanced traction, improved wet braking, and better lateral grip. This uniform tire-to-road contact patch also reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while extending tread life.
SUV drivers will find the AX7 strikes the right balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. For 4x4 applications, the ZX7 is manufactured right in the UK and provides excellent wet grip while keeping road noise to a minimum.
Winter driving demands specialized tread technology. The WV7 Snow uses high-ratio sipe density to generate superior traction when conditions turn unpredictable. Its center rib design maintains precise steering control on ice, snow, and slush, while the directional winter pattern ensures responsive cornering stability. The WV7 earned the 'Severe Snow Conditions' three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, meeting strict winter performance standards.
Commercial operations require tires that balance efficiency with durability. The AV12 delivers low rolling resistance combined with durability and reliability that commercial drivers depend on. For year-round commercial use, the AS12 All Season van tire maintains performance in all weather conditions, backed by its 3PMSF rating. The symmetrical tread design creates even footprint distribution and impressive wear characteristics for extended service life.
Power cruiser and custom motorcycle owners need tires that handle both performance and load requirements. The Cobra AV71 and AV72 series incorporates sports motorcycle technology for nimble handling while using special construction to manage heavy loads. These touring-focused tires provide excellent stability and longevity, featuring a distinctive 'snakeskin-effect' sidewall design with aggressive tread patterns.
Laboratory ratings tell you the basics, but real-world testing shows how tires actually perform. Multiple independent tests have evaluated Avon's offerings against major competitors, revealing where these tires excel and where they fall short.
The wet braking numbers tell an impressive story. Avon's ZV7 model earned the EU's highest 'A' grade for wet grip, reducing braking distances by up to 30% compared to lower-rated options. In the 2021 Tire Reviews ultra-high performance test, the ZV7 placed 5th out of 14 for wet braking (+7.6% from the best performer).
Dry handling shows more mixed results. The same ZV7 model ranked 9th out of 14 for dry handling in the Tire Reviews test. However, the data indicates these differences primarily matter during aggressive driving – most everyday drivers won't notice the gap during normal commuting.
The disconnect between laboratory results and customer satisfaction is striking. Laboratory wear testing placed the ZV7 near the bottom (49th out of 50 tested models), predicting only 24,000 km of useful tread life. Real-world feedback contradicts this projection – drivers regularly report exceeding these estimates, sometimes by significant margins.
One GT86 owner documented 22 months and 26,000 miles on a set of rear ZV7s despite spirited driving. This gap suggests that controlled laboratory conditions don't always reflect actual road performance under normal driving patterns.
Road noise isn't an issue with most Avon models. The ZV7 scored 4th out of 14 for noise levels in the 2021 Tire Reviews ultra-high performance test (+1.9% from the quietest option). Driver feedback consistently mentions reduced road noise compared to their previous tire brands.
Durability results vary significantly by model and driving style. Laboratory testing ranked the ZV7 at 49th out of 50 for wear resistance, with an estimated 24,000 km lifespan (+66.4% from the longest-lasting tire tested). Real-world experience tells a different story – one GT86 owner reported getting 22 months and 26,000 miles from a set of rear ZV7s despite spirited driving.
When it comes to tire value, price alone doesn't tell the whole story. Avon tires sit comfortably in the mid-range tire market, delivering premium features without the premium price tag that often comes with big-name brands.
Avon gives you more bang for your buck than typical budget options. Many Avon models earn 'A' ratings for wet braking performance and include noise-dampening technology for quieter rides. When luxury manufacturers like Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Range Rover choose Avon as their recommended brand, you're getting tires that meet premium vehicle standards at affordable prices.
The customer satisfaction picture shows both strengths and concerns. The Avon AX7 achieves an impressive 97% repeat purchase rate according to Tire Reviews. However, some users report premature tread cracking issues with certain models, particularly the ZV7, sometimes appearing within 1-3 years of use.
Yes, Avon tires remain available through authorized dealers across the country. Production has shifted since the historic Melksham factory in Wiltshire closed in December 2023 after 112 years of operation, but the brand continues strong distribution through its dealer network.
Not quite, but they're related. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company acquired Avon's tire business in 1997, allowing both brands to maintain separate product lines while sharing technology and resources. Goodyear's 2021 purchase of Cooper brought Avon under an even larger corporate umbrella, which should strengthen availability and support.
Avon tires make a strong case for drivers who want quality tires without paying premium prices. While bigger brands get more attention, Avon's century of tire manufacturing and motorsport heritage prove their capabilities. When Aston Martin and Bentley choose Avon for their luxury vehicles, that says something about the quality you're getting.
The test results show Avon's strengths and weaknesses clearly. Excellent wet grip and low noise levels are real benefits for daily driving. The dry handling could be better, but most drivers won't notice the difference in normal conditions. That 97% repeat purchase rate on the AX7 model tells you what matters most – actual customers are happy with their choice.
The premature cracking issue with some ZV7 tires is worth considering before you buy. Check with your dealer about this potential problem and look at warranty coverage.
For everyday drivers, Avon delivers solid performance at reasonable prices. You get tires that handle wet roads well, run quietly, and come from a manufacturer with serious engineering credentials. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or motorcycle, Avon's range offers options that balance cost and performance effectively.
Choose the Avon model that matches your driving conditions. If you spend a lot of time on wet roads, their wet grip advantage makes them a smart choice. Contact authorized Avon dealers who can help you select the right tires for your vehicle and driving needs.
Avon tires offer solid mid-range performance backed by over 100 years of manufacturing experience and luxury automaker endorsements, making them a compelling value proposition for everyday drivers.
• Avon AX7 achieves remarkable 97% customer repeat purchase rate, indicating strong real-world satisfaction despite mixed test results
• ZV7 model earns EU's highest 'A' grade for wet grip, potentially reducing braking distances by 30% in wet conditions
• Luxury brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce choose Avon as original equipment, validating quality standards
• Mid-range pricing delivers premium features without premium costs, though some models show premature tread cracking issues
• Performance varies by model: excellent wet grip and low noise levels, but weaker dry handling and rolling resistance compared to competitors
While Avon may not dominate performance charts, their combination of heritage, reasonable pricing, and specific strengths in wet conditions makes them a practical choice for drivers prioritizing value over outright performance supremacy.
Avon tires offer solid mid-range performance backed by over 100 years of manufacturing experience. They provide good value for everyday drivers, with certain models like the AX7 achieving a 97% customer repeat purchase rate. While they may not dominate performance charts, Avon tires deliver a balance of quality and affordability.
Avon tires generally excel in wet conditions. The ZV7 model, for instance, earned the EU's highest 'A' grade for wet grip, potentially reducing braking distances by up to 30% compared to lower-rated tires. This makes them a good choice for drivers who frequently encounter rainy weather.
Several prestigious automakers have chosen Avon as their recommended brand or original equipment. These include Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Range Rover. This endorsement from luxury manufacturers suggests that Avon tires meet high-quality standards.
The longevity of Avon tires can vary depending on the specific model and driving conditions. While some users report excellent durability, with one GT86 owner getting 26,000 miles from a set of rear ZV7s, official tests have shown mixed results. It's best to consult with a tire professional for an estimate based on your specific vehicle and driving habits.
Yes, Avon tires are still available for purchase in the US through authorized dealers. However, availability may be affected by recent changes in ownership and production. Goodyear's acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (Avon's parent company) in 2021 has led to some reorganization, which could impact supply chains and deliveries in the short term.
