Premium tyres balance the need for safety and durability with better performance, driver comfort, and an overall better experience. While more expensive to purchase, they last longer than budget and even mid-range tyres, which means drivers get more for their money.
We tend to recommend premium tyres for those with high-performance vehicles, as well as those who often travel long distances and want the added reliability and peace of mind of well-made tyres that bridge fuel efficiency and sustainability with durability.
Premium tyres are the most expensive tyres on the market, typically manufactured under access to leading technology and made with materials and components that perform well. Many of the performance-specific tyres on the market, including high performance and UHP tyres, as well as winter off-road tyres and long-lasting tyres are all premium – combining the best materials with top-level testing to maximise efficiency and handling.
The cost of premium tyres starts under £100 but quickly rises once you start adding in specific design traits like off-road capability, run-flat tyre design, and more.
It depends on the kind of driving you are doing and whether you want your tyres to optimise handling at high speeds, support driver comfort on challenging terrains and road surfaces, or ensure safety in adverse conditions.
Some of the highly rated premium tyre models that regularly pop up on tyre recommendation lists include the Michelin Pilot Sport rate, Pirelli P Zero tyres, Bridgestone Turanza tyres, Continental Eco Contact tyre, and Goodyear tyres’ EfficientGrip Performance range.
Premium tyres combine the use of advanced tyre technology in their design with the best and most efficient tread designs, supportive rubber compounds and materials, and the notoriety of a reputable brand name.
Some other benefits include shorter braking distances thanks to the low rolling resistance, greater fuel economy, lower road noise, and a more comfortable driving experience.
It is important to note that many mid-range and more affordable tyre brands use the same technology and design blueprints as premium tyres, but do not have the premium brand name attached to them.
Drivers across the UK can benefit from all-season tyres all-year round, with our temperate climate meaning that passenger cars and commercial vehicles can safely traverse roads and tracks in dry and wet weather, without the need for season-specific tyre designs. However, for those who want to maximise performance in the warm summer months or on cold winter roads, winter tyres and summer tyres bridge varying structural compounds with unique tread designs that maximise grip and handling.
Premium winter tyres are designed to stay pliable and flexible even in cold temperatures, with chunky tread patterns and deep grooves that maximise grip. Premium summer tyres are stiffer to hold their shape and structure in high temperatures and are resistant to aquaplaning with balanced dry and wet grip design. Browse winter and summer designs from our range of tyres online, and find the right tyres for your local road surfaces.
One of the indisputable benefits of premium tyres is their fuel efficiency, with low rolling resistance that improves the economy of the vehicles and reduces the level of carbon emissions produced. While driving style and the kind of vehicle you drive has an effect on fuel consumption and how much it costs to run the vehicle, choosing premium tyres that have eco benefits can help lower costs to an extent.
It is perfectly safe to mix premium tyres with budget tyres on the same vehicle, as long as they are the correct tyre size and meet the specifications of the car. However, doing this will minimise the benefits of owning premium tyres, as the handling, performance, and durability of the more expensive tyres will be dulled by the budget tyres.
As a general rule, it is often advised that drivers keep the front axle pair of tyres the same, and the back axle tyres the same – to ensure balance and safe handling.
A well maintained premium tyre can last longer than a budget tyre or even a mid-range tyre – with one of the main benefits being their durability and longer lifespan.
If the tyre is kept inflated to the correct tyre pressure, is properly matched with its surrounding terrain and climate, and is checked for even tyre wear on a regular basis, it can last anywhere between 40,000 and 60,000 miles.
Find out more about extending the lifespan of your premium tyres, selecting the perfect new tyres for your car, and accessing our local tyre fitting service across our website.
