Federal
Taiwanese performance at enthusiast-friendly prices
History & Overview
Federal Corporation was founded in 1954 in Taipei, Taiwan, initially producing bicycle tires before expanding into automobile tires in 1960. The company steadily grew its capabilities and began exporting to international markets in the 1970s, establishing a reputation for quality manufacturing at competitive prices.
Federal gained significant recognition in the performance community through involvement in grassroots motorsport, particularly drifting. The 595 RS-R and its successor RS-RR became favorites among drift enthusiasts for their combination of respectable grip, predictable breakaway characteristics, and affordable pricing that allowed drivers to go through tires without breaking the bank.
The brand has also made inroads in time attack and club racing, where their competition tires offer serious performance at fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. Federal continues to operate as a family-owned Taiwanese company, maintaining close control over quality while keeping manufacturing costs competitive. Today, Federal serves markets worldwide with a comprehensive lineup spanning performance, touring, and commercial applications.
For official specifications, visit Federal's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
595RS-RR
Extreme Performance SummerSemi-slick street tire popular in drifting and time attack. Aggressive tread pattern with minimal siping for maximum dry grip. 140 treadwear rating. Available in 15"-20".
595RS-PRO
DOT CompetitionDOT-legal competition tire for serious track use. Even more aggressive compound than RS-RR with ultra-low 80 treadwear. For dedicated track and competition use. Available in 14"-18".
Evoluzion ST-1
Ultra High Performance SummerModern street performance tire with asymmetric tread design. Better daily driver manners than RS series while maintaining enthusiast appeal. Available in 17"-20".
Formoza AZ01
Standard Touring All-SeasonBalanced touring tire for daily driving. Quiet ride with respectable wet traction at budget pricing. Available in 14"-18".
Couragia M/T
Mud TerrainAggressive mud-terrain tire for off-road trucks. Tough 3-ply construction with self-cleaning tread. Budget alternative to premium mud tires. Available in 15"-20".
Himalaya SUV
Studless Winter SUVWinter tire for SUVs and light trucks. Multi-cell compound for ice traction. Affordable option for seasonal use. Available in 16"-20".
Price Range
Brand Highlights
- 595RS-RR is a drift community favorite for predictable grip and value
- Family-owned Taiwanese manufacturer since 1954 with quality focus
- DOT competition tires offer serious performance at accessible prices
- Popular in grassroots motorsport including time attack and autocross
- Budget-friendly pricing allows enthusiasts to run through tires at track days
- Comprehensive lineup from touring to extreme performance
Who Should Buy Federal?
Ideal For
- Drifters who go through tires quickly and need affordable replacements
- Track day enthusiasts on a budget who want real grip
- Grassroots racers in autocross, time attack, or club racing
- Students and young enthusiasts building first project cars
- Anyone prioritizing value-per-dollar in performance tires
Consider Alternatives If
- Daily drivers seeking maximum tread life (look at Michelin)
- Wet-weather performance priority (premium brands excel here)
- Those who want brand prestige or OEM-matching
- Drivers in cold climates (limited winter options)
Federal vs Nankang
Federal and Nankang are the two dominant Taiwanese performance tire brands competing in the budget enthusiast space. Federal's 595RS-RR is generally considered to offer slightly better grip than Nankang's AR-1/NS-2R, but wears faster. Nankang tends to have better tread life and wet performance. Federal dominates in drifting where predictable breakaway matters more than ultimate grip; Nankang is often preferred for time attack where consistent lap times over a session matter more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Federal tires safe?
Yes. Federal tires meet DOT safety standards and are used in professional motorsport worldwide. They're not cutting corners on safety—they're cutting costs through efficient manufacturing in Taiwan. The 595RS-RR has been proven safe at professional drift events where tires endure extreme abuse.
How long do Federal 595RS-RR tires last?
On the street with spirited driving, expect 10,000-15,000 miles. At track days, you might get 3-5 events depending on driving style. This is comparable to other extreme performance tires—the soft compound that provides grip also wears quickly. That's the trade-off.
Why are Federal tires so cheap compared to Michelin?
Lower manufacturing costs in Taiwan, less marketing spend, and simpler distribution. Federal doesn't sponsor F1 teams or produce Michelin Guide restaurants. The savings get passed to you. Quality control is still rigorous—Federal has been making tires since 1954.
Are Federal tires good for daily driving?
The 595RS-RR is NOT recommended for daily driving—it's too aggressive, wears fast, and performs poorly in rain. For daily use, look at Federal's Evoluzion ST-1 or Formoza lines, which balance performance with livability and cost $80-120 per tire.
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