What are Budget Tyres?
Budget tyres are tyres manufactured as a cheaper alternative to premium manufacturer tyres such as Michelin, Continental and Dunlop. They are usually constructed using cheaper materials and by brands that you may not be familiar with. Whilst they are initially cheaper to purchase, they may wear more quickly, meaning that they can be less cost effective long term.
How Are Budget Tyres Different to Premium Tyres?
Firstly, the difference between budget and premium tyres is the price and this reflects the research that has gone in to the manufacturers’ constant tyre innovations, the material used to construct the tyre and finally the meticulous testing.
Secondly, premium tyres tend to last longer than budget tyres as they are constructed with higher quality rubber and wear resistant tread patterns.
The Pros of Budget Tyres
The main pro of choosing budget tyres over premium manufacturer tyres is the initial cost. If cost is a serious consideration, you should always choose to purchase a budget tyre rather than buying part worn premium manufacturer tyres as this option poses significant dangers.
The Pros of Premium Tyres
There are many benefits to fitting premium manufacturer tyres to your vehicle and these include:
- Performance – premium tyres are designed to offer an excellent performance on the road and will offer higher levels of resistance to aquaplaning, better traction and enhanced handling compared to budget tyres.
- Safety – tested meticulously, premium manufacturer tyres provide higher levels of safety on the road especially in wet conditions and when driving at speed. That is not to say budget tyres are unsafe, however, as they legally have to meet UK safety requirements.
- Economy – premium tyres offer better economy in the long term, as they are generally more resistant to damage and will wear slower. It is important to remember that both budget and premium tyres will last longer if cared for effectively.
- Braking Distance – thanks to enhanced gripping capabilities, premium tyres can provide shorter braking distances then budget tyres. Take a look at the video below, from Continental tyres, for further information.
If you are still struggling to decide which tyre is right for you, take a look at the EU Tyre Label for further guidance. This can provide helpful information on the performance levels you can expect from different tyres.
Alternatively, you can contact a tyre specialist at your local Dexel Tyre & Auto Centre for further advice.