Budget Vs Premium Tyres: Which are Better?
If you have ever contacted a tyre fitter to request a quote for replacement tyres, you will know fitters carry a range of options. We have all heard the term “budget vs premium tyres”, but what does this mean? How does this impact your driving experience?
What is the difference between premium tyres vs nudget Tyres?
Shopping for tyres can be highly confusing, especially when there are different sizes, types, and brands you have never heard of. These options can make your choice an overwhelmingly tough decision to make. However, our guide will enlighten you on the various options available to help you make your final choice.
Budget tyre factors
When it comes to budget tyres, the most obvious selling point is the pricing. These tyres have a small price tag, which is always a bonus if you are trying to save some extra cash. However, they may need replacing more often, costing you more over time.
In the UK, all manufactured tyres must adhere to specific quality and safety standards. These standards consider design and manufacturing processes to ensure road safety. Tyres also need to comply with regulations despite the lower price tag.
Unfortunately, budget tyres do not accommodate dynamic driving very well. Budget tyres are designed for a standardised driving style on flat roads.
If you don’t drive very far and use your car for short trips, the budget tyre option may be for you.
Premium tyre factors
Premium tyres are on the pricier side of things, but they do last slightly longer. Premium tyres have a detailed testing and regulation process, and the materials used are high quality.
Premium car tyres are designed for premium cars and drive with a more dynamic driving style. The high-quality rubber compounds used in manufacturing tyres result in enhanced road performance and better grip.
If you drive a powerful car or have a dynamic driving style this may be the right option.
What are part-worn tyres?
Tyres that are defined as part-worn are tyres that have already been used on another vehicle and removed due to a write-off or as spare parts. This is a great way to save some money on your tyre purchase. However, the downfall is you don’t know the previous history of the tyres.
With part-worn purchasing, you can’t be sure how the tyres have been stored, looked after or even how old they are. Trusting the seller is a very important part of making the purchase.
If you are considering part-worn it is recommended to purchase a well-known brand. The reason for this is because despite not knowing the previous history of the tyre you can be sure that the quality standard is still within the tyre.
How to choose the right tyre style
When choosing the right tyre for your car, you should consider your vehicle and your driving style. For example, if you drive a high-performance sports car, SUV, or 4×4, you will see the best results from your tyres if you choose the models specially designed for your vehicle. There are also multiple other factors to consider such as the season, is it summer or winter?
Many people drive with summer tyres all year round, But they should also consider extreme weather conditions such as snow and rain. These factors may impact the performance of your vehicle.
Another factor to consider is the noise asll tyre treads are unique and can create different noises and volumes when driving. Finally, how tyres impact fuel economies should be considered as, recently fuel prices have risen, but investing in tyres that have an eco-degree of rolling resistance can reduce your fuel consumption (and save you some money in the long run).
When should I change my tyres?
If you feel something is off with the performance of your car, you should check on your tyres. The checks you carry out will help determine if you need new ones.
Checking your tread depth is the most important thing. In the UK, there is a legal limit on this. Anything below 1.6mm could land you a £2,500 fine. Experts recommend tyres are replaced at 3mm to ensure safety as when the tread depth is too low it causes poor brake performance and increases the risk of aquaplaning.
If you have had the same tyres for five years or more, it’s a good idea to ensure they have regular inspections to ensure they are still in good condition.
Final thoughts
There is such a wide range of options available, which means choosing the right tyres for your vehicle can be challenging.
The tyre you choose to purchase is subject to personal preference and what kind of performance you want to achieve from your car.
The price tag is a key indicator of the total cost, time taken, and energy used to produce the product. Whether high or low, you are paying for quality. The main thing to consider is your vehicle.
Do you have a high-performance sports car that would thrive with premium tyres? Or do you have a rattletrap that gets you to work and back? Either way, your vehicle will always benefit from installing the most suitable tyres.
If you are considering new tyres or upgrading to alloy wheels, weigh up the pros and cons explored to help decide if this choice is right for your driving style and overall vehicle performance.