Hercules Tires: Good Tires on a Budget

DIY
Wheels and Tires
June 17, 2023
June 17, 2023
Hercules tires - opens in new window or tab. are more affordable compared to competing mainstream brands. This makes them attractive for car owners looking for dependable tires at a lower price.

Terra Trac Cross V: Comfortable Crossover and SUV Traction

Hercules Terra Trac Cross V tire
Hercules Terra Trac Cross V
$135 to $265 per tire
This is a very good all-around tire with an open shoulder design and gripping edges for wet, light snow, and icy road conditions. There’s a unique water guard design in the lateral zig-zag tread that boosts traction by expelling water to prevent hydroplaning and heighten braking efficiency.Owners report excellent durability and a comfortable ride. The Cross V is covered by a 70,000-mile protection program and road hazard free replacement for up to two years or the first 50 percent of tread life.

Raptis R-T5: Affordable Performance For Sporty Cars

Hercules Raptis R T5 tire
Hercules Raptis R T5
$90 to $150 per tire
While you won’t find it on a NASCAR pit road or the Rolex 24 hours at Daytona, the Raptis R-T5 is Hercules’ most performance-oriented tire. Although it still utilizes an all-season tread compound, the R-T5 is engineered with technology Hercules calls CoolCourse to optimize performance in various temperatures.This tire isn’t recommended for snow and icy road conditions. Otherwise owners report good grip when cornering and decent braking distances. It comes with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty and an excellent price in its class of tire.

Terra Trac AT X-Venture: Truck/SUV Performance for the Road and Trail

Hercules Terra Trac AT X-Venture tire
Hercules Terra Trac AT X-Venture
$175 to $375 per tire
Hercules calls this all-terrain, all-season tire its “road warrior and trail blazer rolled into one.” Whether hitting the road or on an off-road trail, the X-Venture is designed with enhanced, rugged features to deliver traction and durability. It is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Certified, meeting required performance criteria in snow testing. The tire features an aggressive dual side wall and shoulder design with deep lugs.Owners report that the X-Venture is outstanding on paved streets and handles excellently on dry pavement when panic braking. It’s an overall great choice if you frequently alternate between on- and off-road driving. The AT X-Venture is covered by a 60,000-mile protection program and road hazard free replacement for up to two years or the first 50 percent of tread life.

Avalanche XUV: Studdable Winter Tires for SUVs and CUVs

Hercules Avalanche XUV tire
Hercules Avalanche XUV
$175 to $250 per tire
Designed specifically for SUVs and CUVs, this tire features Snow Grip Technology with a winterized tread pattern. Snow Grabber Grooves are specifically designed for optimized snow-on-snow traction. The zigzag ribbed block placement assures road surface contact throughout the drive, helping with steering responsiveness and driving stability. The tread area is pinned for studs, which can enhance the tire’s overall performance. Symmetric tread design reduces uneven wear and prolongs tread life.The Avalanche XUV carries the mountain snowflake symbol meaning that it meets requirements for providing traction in harsh conditions. It’s covered by Hercules’ road hazard protection program providing free replacement for up to two years or the first 50 percent of tread life.

About Hercules Tire Company

Vintage Hercules Tires sign
Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. was formed in 1952 by a group of 21 tire retreaders wanting to offer better pricing. Hercules does not manufacture its own tires. Since 1960, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has been its exclusive manufacturer. The company manufactures a wide variety of Hercules tires, each designed for a specific purpose.
Hercules does an excellent job of merging style, on-road and off-road attributes, and comfort in an affordable product.

About the author

Jim Prueter
Jim Prueter has been writing about cars since 1980. His first driving experience was when, at 12, he “borrowed” his grandfather’s 1956 Ford F-100 pick up on the family farm in Michigan. He has been a lifelong car enthusiast ever since. Jim is a freelance automotive journalist and a former spokesperson for AAA. His work has appeared in over 50 automotive publications, websites, radio, and television shows. He currently drives an 18-year-old BMW 645 Ci.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.