FixMyCar discusses the differences between budget and premium tyres and what you can expect for your money.
When purchasingnew tyresfor your car, it can be tricky to know which ones to go for.
With everything on the market frombudgettomid-rangeandpremium brands, many drivers question whether they need to splash out on top-of-the-range tyres when those on the cheaper end of the scale could be just as effective.
This guide covers everything you need to know about budget tyres. Visit our tyres homepage and compare our full range of budget, mid-range and premium tyres.
Contents
Is it safe to buy budget tyres?
How long do budget tyres last?
Are budget tyres a false economy?
Are budget tyres better than part-worn?
Who should buy budget tyres?
Who should avoid buying budget tyres?
What are some well-known budget tyre brands I can purchase?
Is it safe to buy budget tyres?
When deciding whether to choose one type of tyre over another, the most important thing is whether the tyres you’re purchasing aresafe.
Many garages and mechanics are used to being asked about this, and the short answer is yes.
Whilebudget tyresmay not achieve the same high-performance level as more premium-end tyres, they will certainly get you from A to B without compromising on safety.
Budget tyresare more than sufficient to carry out your daily commute or school run with no problems. Remember, budget tyres are still manufactured to meet the same safety standards as the next more expensive alternative.
If safety is on your mind, it's also important to consider whether you are using the correct type of tyre for the season. Using summer tyres during winter can be dangerous. Read the following guides for more information:
Best winter tyres for your car
Best all-season tyres for your car
How long do budget tyres last?
While you can make a handy saving by purchasing budget tyres over premium, it’s essential to consider that they very likely won’t last as long. This is mainly due to the grade of rubber used being a lower and usually softer material quality than what’s used in premium tyres, causing them to wear down quickly.
On average,budget tyrescan last anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 miles. However, the exact time your tyres last will depend on several factors, from the road conditions to your overall driving style.
Are budget tyres a false economy?
Whether you believe budget tyres to be a false economy or not is entirely down to you as an individual.
While some garages may recommend a new set of budget tyres to get you from A to B, another may recommend spending more on a premium range to get you the best possible performance. This depends on what you want to use the car for and how many miles you see yourself driving.
For example, a driver who does very little mileage across the year and who only uses their car to visit family on the weekend could get good use out of a set of budget tyres. On the other end of the scale, a driver who needs to commute daily plus use their car for social activities may want to invest in tyres on the more premium end of the spectrum to get the most wear from them.
Are budget tyres better than part worn?
Generally, budget tyres tend to be better-performing tyres than part-worn.
While budget tyres are typically brand new, entry-level tyres manufactured with cost-effectiveness in mind, part-worn tyres are pre-owned tyres that have been removed from another vehicle and given a new life. Part-worn tyres tend to be sold at a lower price than new tyres, and while they are undoubtedly satisfactory in their functionality, there are risks associated with this type of tyre.
There’s no way of knowing exactly how much the part-worn tyre has been used besides visually inspecting it for yourself. However, part-worn tyres can sometimes have uneven wear, hidden damage or defects that could impact their safety and performance. If you purchase a part-worn tyre, inspect it carefully to ensure it meets safety standards before using it.
Read our guide explaining how to check your tyre tread depth yourself at home with a simple 20p coin.
Who should buy budget tyres?
Budget tyres are often suitable for individuals with specific needs or preferences. Purchasing budget tyres might be appropriate for the following:
Cost-conscious individuals: Budget tires are generally more affordable than premium or high-performance tyres.
Low-mileage drivers: If you don't drive long distances frequently and your usage is limited to local commuting or short trips, budget tires can provide adequate performance and durability.
Temporary or short-term solutions: If you plan to sell your vehicle soon or need to replace a damaged tire quickly, budget tires can be a temporary solution until you're ready to invest in higher-quality options.
Who should avoid buying budget tyres?
There are certain situations where it might be advisable to avoid purchasing budget tyres.
Some instances where it's recommended to consider higher-quality tyres include:
High-performance vehicles: If you drive a high-performance car that demands superior handling, braking, and cornering capabilities, it's wise to invest in premium tyres specifically designed for such vehicles.
Harsh weather conditions: If you frequently drive in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, it's crucial to have tyres with excellent traction and grip.
Long-distance driving: For drivers who frequently undertake long journeys or travel at high speeds for extended periods, investing in higher-quality tyres can be beneficial.
While budget tyres can be a cost-effective choice for everyday driving, it's essential to consider your specific driving needs and prioritise safety.
Budget tires may have a lower price point, but they also have have trade-offs in performance, longevity, and handling characteristics compared to premium tires. Investing in higher-quality tires may be more appropriate if you prioritise safety and high-performance capabilities or plan to drive in challenging conditions.
What are some well known budget tyre brands I can purchase?
Several well-known budget tyre brands on the market offer affordable options without compromising on quality. Some budget tyre brands stocked with our fitters here at FixMyCar includeAutogrip,RoadX, Fronway,Infinity,Mazzini,Power Trac,Torque, and many more.
Explore our full range of budget tyres here.
We also have several budget brand reviews:
RoadX tyres review
Blackarrow tyres review
Accelera tyres review
Looking for budget tyres for your car? At FixMyCar, we can help. Simply select the tyres you want, choose a fitter in your local area and enjoy your brand new tyres.
Buy budget tyres
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Ultimate car tyres guide
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How to check your tyres with the 20p tyre test
How much does it cost to repair a car tyre puncture?
Are mid-range car tyres any good?
Are premium car tyres worth it?
How to choose car tyres
Best Winter Tyres for Your Car
Best All-Season Tyres for Your Car
