When you start your journey to finding the best replacement tyres for your vehicle, it’s impossible to ignore the sheer scale of the tyre market - both in terms of the different brands and countless models. With tyres for every vehicle type, every driving condition and every budget, filtering results and identifying the best fitments to suit your needs can seem like an impossible task. Luckily, we’ve created this basic guide to tyre price and quality, to help drivers find the perfect balance for their vehicle.
The Impact of Tyre Brand
There are some tyre brands that you’ll be familiar with regardless of your knowledge of the market. These tend to be the most prolific premium brands, recognised for their prestigious tyre fitments as well as their connections to other industries.
For example, Michelin is a popular tyre brand but also spearheads the famous Michelin star scheme for restaurants and hospitality venues. Pirelli, meanwhile, is a brand name associated with high speed motor racing as well as everyday driving, owing to its links with notable events like Formula One.
Other notable premium brand names include the likes of Continental, Bridgestone and Goodyear - all of which manufacture a wide range of tyres for different vehicle types and driving preferences. But what is it about premium tyres that makes them more expensive than cheaper budget brands?
When we look at the value of premium tyres compared with more affordable brands, there is an undeniably prestige that comes with the brand name and label itself. Reputation plays an integral role in the tyre market with many opting for premium tyres simply because they are familiar with the name. Beyond that, premium tyres are made using high quality materials, are generally more durable than cheaper models, and support high-performance driving and responsiveness. They may cost more to purchase upfront, but they have a longer lifespan and will often provide the balance of comfort and performance that a driver needs for year-round driving. Thus, the elevated price tag equates to a longer lasting tyre that’s suitable for a wide range of driving needs.
In contrast, mid-range and budget brands are cheaper to purchase upfront but may require replacement sooner due to not being as durable or long-lasting. This means that, while cheaper, the long term value of budget brands in particular is lower.
Some examples of popular mid-range and budget tyre brands include Hankook, Kumho, Cooper Tyres, and Uniroyal.
Are More Expensive Tyres Safer?
Every driver has their own priorities when it comes to tyre selection and overall driving experience. But while some seek elevated comfort over long driving distances and others look for high-speed precision and performance, safety is always up there as one of the top concerns for drivers.
The high-grade materials and integration of innovative tyre technology may lead you to assume premium tyres are safer. However, while these features do have their advantages, safety is one aspect of tyre design that is standardised across all brands and models - regardless of price. You may find the more expensive tyre models respond more efficiently and precisely to handling and steering, but as a general rule, safety is prioritised across all tyre brands and models regardless of their market status and price.
