BUDGET TYRES
When it comes to selecting new tyres for your vehicle, the amount of choice can sometimes be overwhelming. You will be faced with a great deal of information and it may be tempting to choose the cheapest tyres rather than the tyres best suited for your vehicle.
When choosing your tyres you should first consider your vehicle, mileage and driving style as this will give you the best indication of which tyres are right for you. It is also important to bear in mind that the cheapest tyres may not always be the most cost-effective in the long run.
Setyres have put together some helpful information to help you to decide whether or not budget tyres would be the best choice for you.
WHAT ARE BUDGET TYRES?
Budget tyres are often an attractive option for drivers due to their significantly lower price tag than that of premium and mid-range tyres. It is questionable, however, which is the most cost-effective choice due to the fact that premium tyres tend to last longer and are more capable on the road.
The price of premium tyres is reflected in the quality and they will have been meticulously researched, designed and tested before they are unveiled on the market. That is not to say that budget tyres are not regulated, as they will still meet legal tyre specifications.
THE PROS AND CONS OF BUDGET TYRES
COST
The biggest positive of budget tyres is the lower initial purchase price.
VALUE
Premium tyres offer greater value for money in the long run because they tend to live longer than budget tyres.
WEAR
Due to the fact that premium tyres are constructed with higher quality rubber, wear resistant tread patterns and reinforced to resist damage they will wear dramatically slower than budget tyres.
PERFORMANCE
Budget tyres can usually offer an adequate performance on the road, however, when it comes to aquaplaning resistance, cornering and handling, premium tyres have been built to excel.
BRAKING DISTANCES
When it comes to braking distances, there is often a large gap between budget and premium tyres. A recent test undertaken by Continental tyres, for example, showed that wet braking distance was over five metres longer when the vehicle was using budget tyres compared to premium tyres.
WHICH ARE THE BEST TYRES FOR ME?
You should base your tyre decision on your driving needs as this is more important than the price of the tyre and the manufacturer name printed in the sidewall. Here are some things that you should consider:
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS
Longer journeys are best left to premium manufacturer tyres whereas budget tyres may be adequate for those who tend to drive only short distances on a daily basis.
AREA
If you drive in predominantly urban areas, budget tyres may be suitable for you. If you live in a more rural area, however, it may be worth investing in premium tyres as they will provide better handling and performance in these conditions.
DRIVING STYLE
Dynamic drivers who enjoy a high performance from their vehicle would benefit from choosing premium tyres which can keep up with their demands.
If you are still struggling to determine which tyre is right for you, why not take a look at the EU tyre label. This can provide information on safety and performance standards and it can be used as an interesting comparison point.
Browse all premium brand tyres we stock by tyre manufacturer. Alternatively, you can contact your local Setyres branch for information on the quality budget tyres we stock.