Nankang AS-1 Tire Review & Rating
The Nankang AS-1 sports a high performance all-season tread design for drivers of all makes and models of sport coupes, sedans and smaller SUV’s. The advanced tread compound is molded into an asymmetric tread design that provides increased handling and traction in all types of weather conditions.
A curved shoulder design and larger outside shoulder blocks enhance cornering grip and provide added steering response and feel. It gives the tires more stability throughout the speed range.
Two circumferential grooves and the addition of angled tread blocks combine with a silica enhanced tread compound to promote wet surface traction and handling, as well as evacuate water from under the tread and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Unique sipe bars around the tread help promote better handling on wet or snow covered roads.
Road noise is reduced through the variable pitch tread sequence that Nankang uses. It also adds to the overall ride comfort that this model provides. Nankang offers a number of 13-21 inch sizes, and you’ll find T, H, V, W and Y-speed ratings. A 40K mile tread warranty is included with all sizes.
Pros
- Very good dry traction and cornering grip
- Steering response
- Ride is comfortable
Cons
- Winter performance
- Braking on wet pavement
- Treadlife
Overall Thoughts
The AS-1 has the same similar high performance characteristics of the NS-II summer tire, but with an all-season tread design. Cornering grip, straight line acceleration, traction and handling are all very good on this tire. The ride is comfortable and road noise is not a huge issue, especially for a cheaper tire. We will say… Nankang has come a long way in upping their quality control. No, you won’t confuse them with tire makers like Continental, Michelin and others, but they have managed to step up their game over the years.
The negatives with the AS1 would certainly be traction on snow and ice. Braking and acceleration in particular could be improved on ice and hard-pack. The other area where we find this tire lagging behind is with its wet braking. It seems to take it more time to come to a stop than many leading tires in its class.
Treadlife on this tire has proven to be quite good based on numerous reviews from other drivers, although we’ve also heard a few complaints in this area as well. Nankang now includes a 40K mile warranty on this model.
Overall, for the low price the AS-1 is a decent value in second-tier all-season tires. It’s particularly appealing to drivers on a tight budget looking to get the most tire for the dollar.
Click Here To Find Current Prices
What Vehicles Will The AS-1 Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- Buick Lesabre
- Chevrolet Cobalt, Malibu, Impala
- Dodge Neon, Grand Caravan, Stratus
- Ford Focus
- Honda Civic, CR-Z, CRV, Insight, Accord, Fit
- Kia Optima
- Mazda 6
- Mini Cooper
- Nissan Altima, Maxima, Versa, Leaf, Cube
- Pontiac Vibe, Grand Am
- Saturn Aura, L200
- Toyota Camry, Prius, RAV4, Avalon
- Volkswagen Jetta, Passat
Tire Sizes
13″
175/50R13 72V BSW
15″
155/60R15 74V BSW
175/55R15 77V BSW
195/55R15 85V BSW
16″
205/65R16 95H BSW
215/65R16 98H BSW
195/60R16 89H BSW
195/55R16 87V BSW
205/55R16 91V BSW
17″
215/60R17 96H BSW
205/55R17 91V BSW
215/55R17 94V BSW
225/55R17 101V BSW
215/50R17 91V BSW
225/50R17 94V BSW
235/50R17 96V BSW
225/45ZR17 94W BSW
18″
225/60R18 100H BSW
265/60R18 110H BSW
225/50R18 95H BSW
235/50R18 97H BSW
245/50R18 104T BSW
215/45R18 93H BSW
225/45R18 95H BSW
235/45R18 98H BSW
245/45R18 100H BSW
255/45ZR18 103Y BSW
205/40R18 86H BSW
215/40R18 89H BSW
225/40R18 92V BSW
225/40R18 92V BSW
235/40R18 95H BSW
245/40R18 97H BSW
255/40R18 99H BSW
215/35R18 84H BSW
225/35R18 87H BSW
255/35R18 94H BSW
19″
225/45ZR19 96W BSW
235/40ZR19 96Y BSW
255/40ZR19 100Y BSW
20″
255/45ZR20 105W BSW
265/40ZR20 104Y BSW
315/35ZR20 110Y BSW
21″
245/35ZR21 96Y BSW
295/35ZR21 107Y BSW
255/30ZR21 93Y BSW
285/30ZR21 100Y BSW
Price Range
Prices on the AS 1 tire range from approximately $48 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.
Click Here To Find The Current Prices On All Nankang AS-1 Sizes
Warranty
Nankang provides a 40,000 mile tread warranty on the AS-1. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first 10% of treadwear. Materials and workmanship are warranted for a prorated amount down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.
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I fitted 4 235/35/18s as1s on my Alfa Brera in 2018.. I’ve done about 25000ks on them and for a budget priced tyre they’re great. Handling and braking are great with minimal wear i’ll probably get another 30000 out of them. I’m very happy with them
We love the Alfa Brera, sadly not available in the States.
Wish I read this before I bought my set in June 2018 from Walmart (235/40/19; about $115 per tire). I experienced a blow out on my left rear tire about 1 year after purchase. I was on the highway going 80 mph and I thought I was gonna get into a car wreck! Luckily I was able to safely pull over. These tires were used for less than 15000 miles on a 2015 Lexus gs350 sedan. The tires wore out quickly, more than any other tire I have had( I usually stick to good year, continental, pirellis). I take good care of my cars, and they take care of me. During routine service visits, I was told that the remaining tread-wear was at about 40-50%! The car had an alignment and I had them rotated every 6 months. Don’t risk your life with these cheap pieces of S***!!
These tires are trash
First let me say my vehicle is an SUV I’ve owned 12+ years 300,000+ miles and have had many sets of tires on it all lasting between 55,000 thousand to 70,000 miles. They all were rotated every 6,000 miles or every other oil change religiously so I know how they should act and feel ! Let me say that I bought these tires solely because of the price and they were DOT rated so how could I go wrong? Well the first month or so they seemed fine then it went down hill and fast road noise was first, rotated them early thought that it might be one bad tire (very possible) but no change, the next few thousand miles I started to notice in the morning or in cold weather that square tire feel and noise like tires had before radial tires were introduced I think they were called bias-ply. These tires have only been on my truck for about 18,000 miles and though there is some tread left it is 65-70% gone and if this isn’t bad enough the main reason I’m writing this review is the other day I was traveling 65-70 MPH and got a blowout on my left side rear tire. I’ve been driving 40+ years and never had a blowout with any tire that looked in this good of condition. Blowouts in this day and age are a thing of the past. These tires are Antiquated Junk !!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I will not Cheap out on tires again. I Hope This Helps Any One From Making The Same Mistake !!!!!!!
Thanks for the review, i was planning on buying a set but not anymore
Hi, thanks for sharing such a detailed account of your experience.