Looking for a reliable, affordable all-season tire that won’t let you down? You’re in the right place. This Laufenn G Fit AS review puts this budget-friendly option through its paces to see if it delivers. We’ll look at its performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions, its comfort levels, and where it truly fits in the competitive tire market.
Laufenn might be a newer name to you, but it’s actually a value-focused brand from Hankook, a company with decades of tire-building experience. The G Fit AS is designed as an all-season touring tire for sedans, coupes, and minivans. It promises a balance of longevity, comfort, and year-round capability without the premium price tag. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Laufenn G Fit AS Review: Budget-Friendly All-Season Performance Tested – The Tire Reviews
We tested the Laufenn G Fit AS on a popular midsize sedan over several weeks. Our testing covered highway commuting, backroad driving, and some intentionally seeking out rain-soaked roads. We also evaluated its behavior in light winter conditions to gauge its true all-season claim.
What is the Laufenn G Fit AS Designed For?
This tire has a clear mission. It’s built for drivers who need dependable, everyday performance without any fuss. Think of the person who wants a safe, quiet, and long-lasting tire for their daily drive to work, school runs, and the occasional road trip.
Its key design features include a symmetric tread pattern for even wear, wide circumferential grooves to channel water away, and siping (those small cuts in the tread blocks) for extra grip in cooler weather. The goal is a straightforward one: provide good value and predictable handling.
Dry Road Performance and Handling
On dry pavement, the Laufenn G Fit AS behaves predictably and securely. For normal driving, it’s more than competent.
* Steering Response: The initial turn-in is decent, though not sporty. The tire communicates adequately, giving you a fair sense of what the front wheels are doing.
* Grip and Braking: There’s sufficient grip for confident cornering at legal speeds. Emergency braking distances are acceptable for the category, offering a stable and linear feel.
* Overall Feel: It prioritizes comfort and stability over sharp, athletic handling. You won’t feel glued to the road like a performance tire, but you’ll feel safe and in control.
The tire’s compound and construction are tuned for mileage, so ultimate dry grip is sacrificed somewhat for longevity. That’s a typical trade-off in this segment.
Wet Weather and Hydroplaning Resistance
Wet performance is a critical test for any all-season tire. Here, the G Fit AS shows both strengths and some limitations.
* Light to Moderate Rain: The tire performs well. The tread design effectively disperses water, maintaining solid contact with the road. Braking and cornering inspire reasonable confidence.
* Heavy Rain and Standing Water: Resistance to hydroplaning (when the tire skims on top of water) is average. In deep puddles at higher speeds, you might feel a slight floatiness. It’s crucial to slow down in torrential conditions, a good practice with any tire, really.
* Wet Grip Consistency: The siping helps by providing biting edges, but the tread compound isn’t the softest. This can mean a slight reduction in cold, wet grip compared to some higher-end competitors.
For most common rainy commutes, it’s perfectly adequate. Just adjust your driving in severe downpours, as you should anyway.
Light Snow and Winter Capability
It’s vital to have realistic expectations here. The G Fit AS carries the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol and the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, meaning it meets specific snow traction requirements.
* Light Snow and Slush: The tire can handle a couple inches of fresh snow reasonably well. The sipes open up to provide traction, allowing you to get moving and make controlled stops.
* Packed Snow and Ice: Performance drops significantly on packed snow and especially on ice. The tread compound hardens in freezing temps, reducing flexibility and grip.
The Verdict: It’s suitable for drivers who experience occasional, light winter weather and can stay home during major storms. If you face severe, frequent winter conditions, a dedicated winter tire is a far safer and more effective choice. The all-season designation here means capable in all seasons, not optimized for deep winter.
Ride Comfort and Noise Levels
This is an area where the Laufenn G Fit AS often shines, especially for a budget tire.
* Road Noise: Noise generation is impressively low. On smooth asphalt, the tire is very quiet. On coarser pavement, some hum develops, but it’s never intrusive or boomy. It’s one of the quieter tires in its price range.
* Bump Absorption: The ride quality is comfortable. It absorbs small road imperfections like cracks and tar strips effectively. Larger potholes and bumps are felt, but the impact is softened adequately. You and your passengers will appreciate the composed ride on long journeys.
The focus on a quiet and comfortable experience is a major selling point for this touring-oriented tire.
Treadwear and Longevity
Laufenn offers a 75,000-mile treadwear warranty on the G Fit AS, which is outstanding for the price point. This indicates a high confidence in the tire’s durability.
* Even Wear: The symmetric tread pattern is designed to promote even wear across the surface, which is key to achieving that high mileage.
* Compound: The long-lasting tread compound is a double-edged sword. It provides great longevity but, as noted, can compromise ultimate grip, especially in colder wet conditions.
* Real-World Expectation: With proper rotations (every 5,000-7,000 miles) and alignment, hitting 60,000+ miles is a realistic expectation for many drivers. This makes the cost-per-mile value very attractive.
Price and Value Proposition
This is where the Laufenn G Fit AS makes its strongest case. It is consistently priced below many well-known competitors from brands like Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone.
You are getting a tire from a reputable manufacturer’s value line that offers:
* A strong treadwear warranty.
* Excellent ride comfort and low noise.
* Competent all-season performance for mild climates.
The value is clear: maximum miles and decent comfort per dollar spent. You arn’t paying for ultra-high performance or brand prestige.
Who Should Buy the Laufenn G Fit AS?
This tire is an excellent fit for a specific type of driver. Consider it if you:
* Drive a sedan, coupe, or minivan primarily on paved roads.
* Want a quiet, comfortable ride for daily commuting and family trips.
* Live in a region with mild to moderate winters, or have the option to avoid driving in heavy snow.
* Prioritize tread life and overall value over maximum sporty performance.
* Are on a budget but don’t want to compromise on basic safety and reliability from a known manufacturer.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
The G Fit AS isn’t for everyone. You might want to consider other options if:
* You face harsh, snowy, and icy winters regularly.
* You enjoy spirited driving and want the highest levels of dry and wet grip.
* You drive a performance-oriented vehicle where steering feel is critical.
* You frequently encounter heavy, standing water on your routes.
How It Compares to Key Competitors
Let’s see how it stacks up against a few popular rivals.
* vs. Michelin Defender T+H: The Michelin is the benchmark for the category. It offers superior wet and winter traction, slightly better noise comfort, and a similar warranty. However, it costs significantly more. The Laufenn provides about 85-90% of the performance for 20-30% less money.
* vs. General Altimax RT45: This is a closer price competitor. The General might have a slight edge in light snow traction, but the Laufenn often wins on ride quietness and can have a better wear warranty depending on the size.
* vs. Kumho Solus TA31: Another strong value player. The Kumho and Laufenn are very close in many areas. The choice may come down to specific pricing and availability for your vehicle at the time of purchase.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Laufenn G Fit AS delivers on its core promise. It provides safe, comfortable, and quiet transportation with the potential for very high mileage, all at a budget-friendly price. It’s not the most gripping tire in snow or on a wet backroad, but for the vast majority of daily driving scenarios, it performs admirably.
If your needs align with its strengths—mileage, comfort, value, and mild-weather capability—it’s an easy tire to recommend. It represents a smart, rational choice that won’t disappoint. Just be sure to manage your expectations for severe winter driving and remember that no all-season tire is a true substitute for dedicated winter rubber in tough conditions.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Getting the most from your tires involves proper care from day one.
1. Professional Installation: Always have tires installed and balanced by a qualified technician. This ensures no damage occurs to the wheel or tire bead.
2. Break-In Period: Drive moderately for the first 500 miles. Avoid hard acceleration, braking, and cornering. This allows the release lubricants from manufacturing to wear off and the tread to settle.
3. Inflation Pressure: Check and adjust tire pressures at least once a month when the tires are cold (driven less than a mile). Use the pressure listed on your vehicle’s door jamb sticker, not the number on the tire sidewall. Proper inflation is critical for wear, fuel economy, and safety.
4. Regular Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This promotes even treadwear, which is essential to reaching the tire’s full lifespan potential. Your vehicle’s manual will have a recommended rotation pattern.
5. Alignment Checks: Have the wheel alignment checked if you notice uneven wear or if the vehicle pulls to one side. A bad alignment can ruin a new set of tires in just a few thousand miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Laufenn a good tire brand?
A: Yes. Laufenn is the value brand of Hankook Tire, a major global manufacturer. You benefit from Hankook’s technology and quality control at a lower price point.
Q: How does the Laufenn G Fit AS perform in snow?
A: It’s rated for light snow and can handle a few inches reasonably well. It is not suitable for deep snow, packed snow, or icy conditions. For severe winter weather, dedicated snow tires are recommended.
Q: Is the Laufenn G Fit AS a quiet tire?
A: Generally, yes. One of its standout features for the price is its low road noise and comfortable ride quality, making it great for long highway drives.
Q: What is the warranty on the Laufenn G Fit AS?
A: It comes with a 75,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. It also includes a standard workmanship and materials warranty. Always check the specific warranty sheet for full details and limitations.
Q: Can I use the G Fit AS on my SUV or crossover?
A: The G Fit AS is designed for passenger cars (sedans, coupes, minivans). Laufenn makes other models, like the I Fit AS, which are designed specifically for crossover and SUV applications. Using the correct tire type is important for safety and performance.
Q: Where are Laufenn tires made?
A: Laufenn tires are produced in various Hankook manufacturing facilities globally, including plants in Asia. The specific location for your tire will be molded on its sidewall.
Q: How does it compare to a cheap, no-name tire?
A: The difference is significant. As a Hankook product, the G Fit AS undergoes rigorous development and testing. It will offer better safety, consistency, longevity, and often a warranty that budget no-name brands cannot match. The extra investment is worth it for peace of mind.