Kelly tires
Goodyear's budget brand, made in Goodyear plants. Typically $60–$170 per tire.
Kelly-Springfield Tire was founded in Springfield, Ohio in 1894 and was one of the earliest American tire makers. Goodyear bought it in 1935, and for ninety years Kelly has been Goodyear's price-fighter brand, sold mainly through Goodyear-owned stores and Goodyear dealers. Most Kelly tires are built in Goodyear's own US plants, which sets it apart from budget brands that import from Asia.
The lineup is compact and covers the basics. The Edge A/S and Edge Touring A/S are entry-level all-season tires for sedans and crossovers, the Edge HP is a value performance all-season, and the Edge AT is a budget all-terrain for pickups and SUVs. The tread designs are generally a generation behind the Goodyear equivalents, using proven rather than cutting-edge technology.
Prices are among the lowest you will find from a US-built tire, and Kelly tires are frequently discounted at Goodyear stores. Warranties are shorter than Goodyear's, typically 45,000 to 60,000 miles, but they are backed by the same nationwide network. The honest trade-offs are more noise, less wet grip and shorter tread life than Goodyear or the mid-tier Asian brands. For an older car, a second vehicle or a lease that is ending soon, Kelly is a reasonable way to buy a domestic tire for little money.
Kelly models worth buying
| Model | Type | Mileage warranty | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edge A/S | All-Season Tires | 55,000 mi | $80 | Older sedans and minivans that need a basic US-built all-season for little money. |
| Edge AT | All-Terrain Tires | 50,000 mi | $130 | Work trucks and older SUVs that need an all-terrain look and light off-road ability on a budget. |
| Edge HP | Performance Tires | 45,000 mi | $90 | Sporty sedans and coupes that want a performance all-season at a budget price. |
| Edge Touring A/S | All-Season Tires | 60,000 mi | $85 | Crossovers and sedans that want a slightly quieter all-season than the base Edge A/S. |
Strengths
- Built in Goodyear's US plants
- Backed by Goodyear's nationwide dealer and warranty network
- Frequently discounted at Goodyear stores
Weaknesses
- Tread designs and compounds lag Goodyear by a generation
- More noise and less wet grip than mid-tier brands
Kelly tires: common questions
Is Kelly a Goodyear brand?
Yes. Goodyear has owned Kelly-Springfield since 1935 and sells Kelly tires as its value brand, mainly through Goodyear stores and dealers. Most Kelly tires are built in Goodyear's US plants.
Are Kelly tires any good?
They are basic but dependable. Kelly tires use proven Goodyear designs from a generation ago, so they are safe and predictable but louder, shorter-lived and less grippy in the wet than current Goodyear or mid-tier Asian tires. For a second car or a vehicle you will not keep long, they are a sensible buy.
Where are Kelly tires made?
Most Kelly passenger and light-truck tires are built in Goodyear plants in the United States, including Lawton, Oklahoma and Fayetteville, North Carolina. Some sizes may come from Goodyear plants in Canada or Mexico. Check the DOT code on the sidewall for the factory.