Dunlop Tires: Pneumatic Tire Innovation & Motorsport Heritage Since 1888
High-Performance, Eco-Friendly Designs for Cars, Motorcycles, and SUVs
Dunlop Tires, founded in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop, is a pioneer in tire innovation, credited with inventing the pneumatic (air-filled) tire. Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Dunlop is renowned for its motorsport heritage, dominating events like the Isle of Man TT and Le Mans. The brand serves car, motorcycle, SUV, and aviation markets, blending cutting-edge technology with reliability.
Owned by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company since 1999, Dunlop focuses on high-performance and all-terrain tires, emphasizing safety and eco-friendly designs.
Dunlop Tires: Quick Facts
From inventing the pneumatic tire in 1888 to dominating Le Mans and MotoGP, Dunlop’s innovations have redefined mobility for over a century
- Full Company Name: Dunlop Tyres Limited
- Founded: 1888 (Dublin, Ireland)
- Headquarters: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Website: dunloptyres.com
- Global Presence: Sold in 100+ countries (manufactured in the UK, USA, Japan, Germany)
- Parent Company: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- Product Categories:
- Passenger car tires
- Motorcycle tires
- SUV/4×4 tires
- Winter/Snow tires
- Motorsport/racing tires
- Popular Sub-Brands/Series:
- Sport Maxx (high-performance)
- Grandtrek (SUV/all-terrain)
- Winter Response (snow/winter)
- Roadsmart (motorcycle touring)
- Direzza (track/competition)
- Sustainability Initiatives:
- Recycled materials in tire construction.
- Energy-efficient production processes.
- Partnership with FIA for sustainable motorsport tires.
Dunlop Tires: Product Lineup
| Model Name | Category | Available Sizes | Tread Pattern | Warranty | Product URL |
| Sport Maxx RT2 | Ultra-High Performance | 17″–22″ | Asymmetric | 6-year limited | https://www.dunloptyres.com/sportmaxx-rt2 |
| Grandtrek AT5 | All-Terrain SUV | 16″–20″ | Rugged Lug | 55,000 miles | https://www.dunloptyres.com/grandtrek-at5 |
| Winter Response 2 | Winter/Snow | 15″–19″ | Multi-Zone Siping | 6-year limited | https://www.dunloptyres.com/winter-response2 |
| Roadsmart IV | Motorcycle Touring | 17″–19″ | Multi-Compound | 5-year limited | https://www.dunloptyres.com/roadsmart-iv |
| Direzza ZIII | Track & Competition | 18″–20″ | Extreme Grip | 30,000 miles | https://www.dunloptyres.com/direzza-z3 |
| Enasave EC300+ | Fuel-Efficient | 14″–18″ | Eco-Focused Design | 50,000 miles | https://www.dunloptyres.com/enasave-ec300 |
| SP Sport Maxx 050+ | Grand Touring | 16″–20″ | Variable Pitch | 60,000 miles | https://www.dunloptyres.com/sp-sportmaxx050 |
| Signature HP | Luxury Performance | 18″–22″ | High-Density Sipe | 6-year limited | https://www.dunloptyres.com/signature-hp |
Notes:
- Disclaimer: Product availability and warranties vary by region. Confirm with local dealers.
Header: Why Buy Dunlop Tires?
- Motorsport Legacy:Proven performance in MotoGP and endurance racing.
- Innovative Tech:Multi-Radial Construction for stability and grip.
- Durability:Reinforced sidewalls for SUV/off-road models.
- Eco-Friendly Options:Enasave series reduces CO2 emissions.
Dunlop Tires: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent wet-weather traction with HydroPaddle groove tech.
- Lightweight designs improve fuel efficiency.
- Wide range of motorcycle tires for touring and racing.
Cons:
- Premium pricing for high-performance models.
- Limited EV-specific tire options.
- Some all-terrain tires lack aggressive treads for rock crawling.
How to Care for Dunlop Tires
- Rotate tires every 6,000–8,000 miles.
- Maintain 32–35 PSI for passenger cars (check vehicle manual).
- Align wheels after hitting potholes or curbs.
- Inspect tread depth monthly using a gauge.
- Clean tires with mild soap; avoid silicone-based dressings.
- Store seasonal tires away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid mixing tire brands on the same axle.
- Balance tires during installation.
- Replace winter tires at 4/32” tread depth.
- Check for uneven wear or sidewall cracks quarterly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Dunlop offer a road hazard warranty?
A: Yes, most passenger tires include a 2-year road hazard warranty in the US.
Q: Where are Dunlop tires manufactured?
A: Factories in the UK, USA, Japan, Germany, and South Africa.
Q: Are Dunlop winter tires studdable?
A: Winter Response 2 is non-studded, but Grandtrek MT2 allows studs.
Q: What’s the best Dunlop tire for motorcycles?
A: Roadsmart IV for touring; Sportmax Q4 for track use.
Q: Do they make run-flat tires?
A: Yes, the Sport Maxx RT2 RunOnFlat for BMW/Mercedes models.
Q: How long do Dunlop tires last?
A: 40,000–70,000 miles for touring tires; 15,000–30,000 for performance models.
Q: Are Dunlop tires noisy?
A: Grandtrek and Enasave models prioritize quiet rides.
Q: Can I use SUV tires for off-roading?
A: Grandtrek AT5 handles light trails; MT2 is for heavy off-roading.
Q: Are there all-weather options?
A: Yes, the Grandtrek PT2 for year-round use in mild climates.
Q: Do they sell bicycle tires?
A: Yes! Dunlop produces MTB, road, and commuter bike tires.
Q: How do I claim a warranty?
A: Visit an authorized dealer with proof of purchase and tire DOT code.
Q: Are recycled materials used in Dunlop tires?
A: Yes, Enasave tires use 20% recycled materials.
Q: What’s the price range?
A: 80–80–350+ per tire, depending on size and model.
Q: Are Direzza tires street-legal?
A: Direzza ZIII is DOT-approved for street and track use.
Q: Do they make aviation tires?
A: Yes, Dunlop supplies tires for Boeing, Airbus, and military aircraft.
