Barum Tyres was founded in Czechoslovakia in 1948 as the result of a merger between three manufacturers. It became a prolific supplier of durable and affordable tyres for everyday drivers, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Continental Tyres 1993 following a merger with the premium tyre brand.
Ever since that 1993 merger, Barum Tyres has been recognised across the industry as a bridge between the budget-friendly tyre market and the premium tyre designs of Continental – noted for its advanced manufacturing and innovation, its broad array of tyres, and its commitment to reliable quality. But how do Barum Tyres compare with other brands, and what elements of the prestigious Continental brand can be seen in Barum Tyres’ collection?
What is Barum Tyres Known For?
Barum Tyres is a mid-range brand that promises premium materials and leading manufacturing technologies and techniques, but with a more affordable price tag than many more prolific brands. Its collection includes tyres for passenger cars, light trucks and 4x4s, and larger vans, with summer, winter, and all-season designs to optimise handling and stability.
Outside of the tyres themselves, Barum Tyres is recognised as a trusted brand, that benefits from the ownership of Continental both in terms of reputation and its access to research and innovation. This is a brand that is positioned as a mid-range option for drivers, but which has access to premium development and manufacturing.
So, with Barum Tyres a reputable mid-range brand that balances performance with value for money, what are the pros and cons that drivers need to be aware of?
Barum Tyres Pros
The Barum Tyres collection meets the needs of different drivers – whether you’re looking for a reliable touring tyre like the Bravuris 6 model, a stable winter tyre like the Polaris 5, or a year-round performance tyre like the Quartaris 5. Not only are its tyres versatile but they focus on several core factors that are of equal importance to drivers – most notably the importance of handling, tread block stability, longevity, and wet braking.
Some other benefits include:
- Strong reputation thanks to both Barum’s own history and its ownership under Continental
- Longevity and durability on the roads, which is particularly prominent in the Bravuris line
- Low rolling resistance and optimised fuel efficiency
But of course, any budget-friendly mid-range brand comes with some limitations that sit it underneath the premium line of brands like Continental, Michelin and Pirelli.
What Limitations Does Barum Tyres Have?
The great thing about Barum Tyres is that their mid-range market position and lower price tag comes more from the lesser known brand name than the quality of the tyres. In fact, the fact that Continental owns Barum Tyres means that while the brand doesn’t benefit from the premium association, it does utilise many Continental innovations and manufacturing techniques.
The main bulk of limitations around Barum Tyres are focussed on the limited audience range – that is, this is not a brand for those seeking high-performance driving experiences or luxury. Rather, Barum Tyres is for economical drivers and those seeking reliability on a budget.
Another thing to consider if you are interested in Barum Tyres is the compromise when it comes to exceptional quality in some conditions. Barum has a range of seasonal tyres, but they are not as high performing as more expensive alternatives and premium brands.
These limitations are typical of the more affordable brands on the market, and do not detract from the quality of different Barum models in line with specific driver needs. We urge drivers to match the tyres they choose with their climate and vehicle, recognising that mid-range tyres are not always as versatile as the more expensive options.
