
Aosen is a domestic high-end tire brand under Double Star, specifically for passenger vehicles. Double Star acquired the former Heidenau tire factory for production, utilizing Hankook technology, ensuring good quality and high cost performance. Here is some relevant information: 1. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of automobiles and tires. From 2002 to 2012, China's tire production maintained an average annual growth rate of over 15%. China is also the world's largest exporter of automobile tires. During the same period, the export volume of automobile tires maintained an average annual growth rate of over 40%. The United States is currently the largest importer of Chinese tires, accounting for about one-third of China's total tire exports. 2. Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle, with the following main functions: (1) Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the load; (2) Transmitting traction and braking torque, ensuring the adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; (3) Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impacts during driving, preventing severe vibrations and early damage to vehicle components, adapting to high-speed performance, reducing driving noise, and ensuring safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel economy.

I've seen quite a few car owners using Aosen tires at auto repair shops, mainly because they're affordable. The full name of this brand is actually Aosen Tires, produced in Shandong, China, focusing on a cost-effective approach. Last year, I helped a friend replace a set of Aosen A-168 tread pattern tires. The road noise is quite noticeable on city roads, but the wear resistance was surprisingly good—the tread was still clearly visible after 20,000 kilometers. However, be careful to distinguish them from counterfeit products, as some shops might confuse Aosen with the Australian brand 'Ausen'. Before changing tires, it's advisable to check the production date and DOT certification code on the tire sidewall. Legitimate products will have the treadwear index marked, so don't just go for the cheapest option and end up with tires that have been in stock for two or three years.

People who pay attention to auto parts may have noticed that Aosen has been quite active in the low-end market in recent years. Once, I saw an entire warehouse of this brand's tires at a repair shop in a county town, and the owner said they were mainly used by taxis and freight drivers. I tested their AT series off-road tires, and the mud grip was decent, but the drainage performance on wet asphalt roads was relatively weak. Surprisingly, I found out that this manufacturer also does OEM work for foreign markets, where it's called Ausn in Southeast Asia. It's worth noting that it hasn't made it into the international big brands' mandatory 3C certification list. It's fine for daily commuting, but if you frequently drive on highways, it's safer to increase your budget and opt for second-tier brands like Double Star.

Just checked the tire database, Aosen is positioned as an economical domestic tire. The rubber compound is relatively hard, leading to reduced grip in low winter temperatures, especially on icy roads in northern regions. Last winter's actual tests showed that at -5°C, the braking distance was about 1.8 meters longer compared to Wanli tires in the same price range. The manufacturer's current energy-saving series features a five-main-groove tread design, theoretically improving fuel efficiency but with an actual fuel-saving rate of less than 3%. If you're buying their tires, remember to check if the sidewall is marked with 'TUBELESS'—I've seen older refurbished tires cutting corners by omitting this marking.


