Wondering if cheap tyres mean cutting corners on safety? In this guide, we break down the key differences between budget and premium tyres — from performance and handling to cost and longevity. Learn why budget tyres can still keep you safe on the road and how to choose the right ones for your car.
One of the biggest questions that we get asked here at Tyres.co.uk is whether cheap and budget tyres are actually any good.
From safety on the road to fuel efficiency and overall longevity, understanding the differences between expensive and budget tyres is an important part of the buyer research process. Lucky for you, we’ve made that research easier than ever with this article, dedicated to the price of tyres and whether budget tyres are a good idea or not.
What Are Budget Tyres?
First thing’s first, what constitutes a budget tyre and what is it that affects the price of different tyres?
Perhaps the most obvious difference between budget and premium tyres is the branding. As is the case with practically every product across every industry, there are some brands which are considered premium and more expensive, while others are more affordable.
Beyond that, the main difference between budget and premium tyres is the impact on driving experience.
All tyres which are sold to the mass market are safe to use and will get you from A to B. There is no brand of budget or affordable tyre that skimps on safety – meaning that the answer to the overarching question of this article is yes. Budget tyres are safe to drive on.
Beyond safety, however, we start to see some differences.
- Budget tyres are basic and suitable for every day driving
- Premium and more expensive tyres are designed for high performance use, offering superior grip and handling
So, premium tyres improve and impact the driving experience.