The tire market is changing, and so is tire technology and design. One of the real benefits of those changes is that affordable all-season tires often incorporate the kinds of innovations, materials, and features that were previously visible only on the more-expensive premium tires. For drivers of performance-oriented sedans, coupes and crossovers, there’s nothing like a set of summer or ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires that can extract the most out of your car’s handling, braking, steering response and cornering potential. When it comes to UHP-summer tires that offer buyers value for money, the [Maxtrek Maximus M1] is a great example of what we’re talking about.

The Maxtrek Maximus M1 delivers all the above and checks all those boxes at a surprisingly low price, but at temperatures above 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit. But there’s no reason to just take us at our word on that; let’s go in and get a closer look at the Maxtrek Maximus M1 review.

Features and Benefits

Here are some of the innovations and features that the Maxtrek Maximus M1 brings to the table (many of which used to only be found on much more expensive tires):

• An advanced tread compound here features a blend of functionalized polymers, carbon black, natural rubber and silica for great wear properties, and excellent traction on wet or dry roads
• A series of circumferential and angled grooves work together as a system to resist hydroplaning by routing water away from the tire’s contact patch
• Contact patch is redesigned and optimized to put more rubber in contact with the road for improved handling, braking, traction, even wear
• Tread pitch is randomized and computer-tuned to cancel certain frequencies and resonances, keeping road noise to a minimum
• Solid, continuous center rib helps deliver excellent straight-line stability and road manners with quick, nimble steering response
• Internal construction includes a polyester casing with steel belt package and nylon cap ply layer for stability
• Shoulder blocks are reinforced to reduce tread squirm and deformation during hard maneuvers, boosting cornering ability

Pros and Cons

PROS:

• Cornering and handling are confident and predictable
• Good braking ability
• Ride quality is quiet and refined
• Strong and stable at high speeds
• Dependable traction on wet or dry pavement

CONS:

• Not good in snow or temperatures below 40-45 degrees F
• No treadwear warranty coverage

SimpleTire’s view on Maxtrek Maximus M1 tires

Are you familiar with SimpleTire’s SimpleScore system? SimpleScore is what our team developed to give you a quick at-a-glance idea of a tire’s performance and value. We look at reviews, specs and other data points, then determine a numerical score from 1 to 10 for the categories of traction, handling and longevity, as well as an overall average SimpleScore for any given tire. For the Maxtrek Maximus M1, the SimpleScore numbers are as follows:

Traction: 7.6 Handling: 8.0 Longevity: 7.1 Overall average SimpleScore: 7.6

Considering that the Maxtrek Maximus M1 starts at $47.99 per tire, those are some pretty admirable SimpleScore ratings. We’re impressed by the quick and nimble steering response of the Maxtrek M1, thanks to that solid center rib (which also figures into the tire’s dead-solid stability in a straight line on the highway). Cornering is predictable and neutral right up to the vehicle’s limits, with little tendency toward understeer or oversteer. When pushed hard, the Maximus M1 can do a controlled drift that can be easily corrected by letting off the throttle slightly.

Ride quality is controlled and composed, even on rough or irregular pavement, with little in the way of roughness and vibration being transmitted to passengers. During our Maxtrek Maximum M1 tire review, we saw that the tire responds readily to driver commands. Traction and braking are both confident on wet or dry pavement, and the Maximus M1 is a tire that feels solid and in command at high speeds.

Granted, the Maximus M1 from Maxtrek is designed as a summer-only tire. Its tread composition is softer and “stickier” and will harden and lose traction on colder days – tire manufacturers advise against using summer and UHP tires if temperatures are below 40-45 degrees F. And no, the Maximus M1 doesn’t come with treadwear coverage, but to be fair, many summer and UHP tires don’t have a mileage warranty. It’s our opinion that the Maxtrek Maximus M1 is a great deal on a performance-oriented tire and a great choice if you’ve got a sporty sedan, coupe or crossover that’s an older model and you don’t want to break the bank on a set of tires.

Vehicles the Maxtrek Maximus M1 is a good replacement tire for

While the Maxtrek Maximus M1 isn’t featured as an OEM tire on any new vehicles, it would be a great fit for cars and crossovers like these:

• Acura TSX
• Audi A6
• Buick Lacrosse
• Cadillac CT5
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Chrysler 200
• Ford Mustang
• Genesis G80
• Honda Accord
• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia K5
• Mazda3
• Nissan Altima
• Tesla Model 3
• Toyota Supra
• Volkswagen Passat
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Crosstrek