Budget vs Premium Tyres

Budget tyres or premium? A question many drivers will ask… There are a myriad of factors to consider when buying new tyres in the UK - and one of the most persuasive factors will usually be the price. As anyone who has bought tyres will know, there is a huge difference in price between budget tyres and premium tyres. In comparison, premium manufacturer tyres look quite costly. So, what's the difference between budget and premium tyres? And how do you know which to choose?

When deciding between budget or premium tyres, rather than choosing the tyres that will make the least initial impact to your bank balance, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of both budget and premium tyres and choose the product that will provide the greater economy in the long run.

Budget Tyres vs Premium Tyres?

To really understand whether you should choose budget or premium tyres for your vehicle, there’s a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the difference.

What are Budget Tyres?

Budget tyres are often chosen for their cost effectiveness. Budget tyres are cheaper tyres that are often made by manufacturers that you may not have heard of. Budget tyres need to be manufactured to a certain standard by UK law, so they will always meet the minimum tyre safety requirements. However, they will not be able to match the safety, performance and efficiency of premium manufacturer tyres.

The cheaper price tag reflects the materials used in the tyre, so budget tyres will usually wear much more quickly. If you are expecting a long service life from your tyres, budgets may turn out to be less economical if they need to be replaced more frequently.

Advantages of budget tyres

• Cost saving - The most obvious advantage is a lower price.
• Availability - Budget tyres are widely available in various sizes and specifications to fit most car models.
• Adequate performance - Provide satisfactory performance according to the standard safety required by law.
• Versatility - Budget tyres can be a great option for secondary vehicles or for drivers who don't cover more miles.
• Improved technology - Materials used in budget tyres have improved over the years (but they won't better the performance of premium materials).

What are Premium Tyres?

Premium tyres are produced by well-known tyre manufacturer names and tend to carry a larger price tag. The cost reflects the long, trustworthy history of the company, the meticulous research and testing which goes into each tyre, as well as the superior materials used to construct the tyre.

So, are premium tyres worth it? They tend to deliver a premium performance and are designed to wear slowly, resulting in a longer tyre life. Due to competition between manufacturers, these tyres are constantly being updated and improved when it comes to safety on the road.

Advantages of Premium Tyres

• Superior performance - Engineered to deliver high performance across various driving conditions.
• Enhanced safety - Designed with advanced materials and technology, providing superior grip and road handling.
• Longevity and durability - Due to the use of high-quality rubber compounds, premium tyres typically have a longer tread life.
• Fuel efficiency - Premium tyres are designed to reduce rolling resistance, which can lead to improved fuel economy.
• Comfort and noise reduction - Premium tyres often feature an advanced design that reduces road noise and improves driver comfort.
• Better handling and traction - The rubber compounds and tread patterns manufactured on premium tyres are optimised for better road handling.
• Brand reputation and reliability - Premium tyre brands have a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability, therefore purchasing premium tyres brings peace of mind to the driver.
• Advanced technology - The latest advancements in tyre technology are often incorporated into premium tyres. This can include features like run-flat capabilities, which allow you to drive for a limited distance with a puncture.

Budget vs Premium Tyres - Which Should I Choose?

When choosing budget or premium tyres, it is important to first think about what you expect from a tyre and how it will suit your driving style and vehicle. Each tyre is designed with different specifications in mind.

If you are still struggling to make a decision between budget and premium tyres, it may benefit you to take a look at the EU Tyre Label. This will provide information, such as how fuel efficient your prospective tyres are, which can help you to make the right choice to meet your specific driving requirements.

It is important to remember that road safety and tyre life will be improved for both budget and premium tyres if you look after them properly. Still debating between budget vs premium tyres? Take a look at our helpful advice from PTA Garage Services for some tips on tyre maintenance. Alternatively, find tyres to buy online today from a variety of manufacturers.