Budget vs. Premium Tyres
The type of tyres your car needs might not be something you think much about as a car owner. However, it is imperative that you choose the right tyres to ensure your safety on the road. Our team of experts at Shires Garage know how important it is to choose the right tyres for your vehicle. That’s why we are here to help.
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is whether to opt for premium or budget tyres. Although budget tyres are generally more affordable, they often fall short in terms of performance, safety, and durability compared to their more expensive counterparts, which are known as premium tyres.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between budget and premium tyres to help you in making an informed decision that suits both your vehicle and budget.
So, let’s get into it!
What type of tyres would be best for my car?
When buying new tyres, there are many factors to consider. These are the factors that we consider important:
Overall Fuel Efficiency
With fuel prices so high, it’s always a good idea to explore ways to reduce fuel costs. With premium tyres, you can achieve fuel savings year after year. Despite paying more upfront for premium tyres, their low rolling resistance will likely save you money at the petrol station. Although budget tyres might seem more affordable in the short term, they could end up costing you more in the long run.
By using premium tyres instead of budget tyres, you can save on fuel depending on a variety of factors, including your driving habits, the type of vehicle you drive, and the road conditions you encounter. According to some studies, this can result in fuel savings of between 4-8% compared to budget tyres.
The Durability Aspect
The last thing you want when buying new tyres is to have to replace them after a short period of time. Tyre durability depends on the compounds and materials used to manufacture them. The lifespan of premium tyres is typically longer than that of budget tyres. Despite their higher upfront price, they’re made of high-quality materials that can handle any terrain, providing value in the long run.
In case you do not drive often, budget tyres may be the best option for you. Budget tyres, however, won’t help you save money if you’re a frequent driver. Although premium tyres may cost more initially, they’ll last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Safety in Bad Weather
The weather in the UK can be brutal at times. Rain, snow, and ice are especially difficult to deal with during the winter months. It is important that the tyres you choose are able to handle poor road conditions. It should come as no surprise that premium tyres perform better in bad weather than budget tyres. Budget tyres may reduce your car’s stopping distance in bad weather when you apply the brakes, which can be dangerous for you and other road users.
Which tyres are better – budget or premium?
There have been several studies and tests conducted to compare the performance of premium and budget tyres. One of the most well-known tests was conducted by Auto Express, a UK-based automotive magazine. During their tyre test in 2021, they found that premium tyres performed better than budget ones in wet and dry braking, handling, and aquaplaning resistance.
In another study, Michelin, a world-renowned tyre manufacturer, found that premium tyres provide up to 20% better mileage than budget tyres due to their superior durability and quality materials.
Furthermore, many premium tyre manufacturers invest heavily in research and development in order to develop tyres with advanced features such as reduced rolling resistance, improved tread patterns, and advanced rubber compounds. These features, in turn, enhance fuel efficiency, safety, and performance.
The research shows that while budget tyres may be more affordable initially, premium tyres are likely to provide better safety, durability, and performance in the long run.
Making your choice easier
You should choose budget tyres if:
- You do not frequently drive long distances.
- The weather in your area is mild.
- Your budget is tight, and premium tyres are unaffordable.
- You require a temporary solution until you can afford premium tyres.
You should choose premium tyres if:
- Rain, snow, or ice are common in your area.
- You frequently drive on motorways or at high speeds.
- Safety and performance are a top priority, even if it means paying more upfront.
- You plan to keep your vehicle for an extended period of time.
- You want to save money on fuel expenses in the long run.
When it comes to choosing between premium and budget tyres, it ultimately comes down to your driving needs, your budget, and your preferences.
One last thing….
After investing in new tyres, it’s crucial to align your wheels. In addition to reduced performance, safety, and longevity, misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear and tear on the tyres.
Ensure that your new tyres are aligned with your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems for optimal performance and handling, as misaligned wheels can affect your vehicle’s braking, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear.
By reducing tyre wear and improving fuel efficiency, wheel alignment can also save you money in the long run. You can save money on frequent tyre replacements and fuel costs by aligning your wheels when you replace your tyres.
In Summary
When choosing tyres for your car, you’re making a decision that could impact your safety, performance, and wallet. Despite being more affordable than premium tyres, budget tyres offer inferior safety, durability, and fuel efficiency. We recommend choosing a premium tyre if you have the funds to do so.
At Shires Garage, we know that selecting the right tyre can be a challenging process, so our experts can provide you with expert advice. Whether you need tyres or wheel alignment, our team of specialists are always available to help.
Make sure you don’t compromise your safety or driving experience. Drive with confidence on the road by finding the right tyres for your vehicle with our help. Our friendly reception team are waiting for your call.
