When it comes to changing your tyres, which you will have to do every so often, you may be overwhelmed by the differences inprice and quality.
Trying to choose the right tyres for your car can be a bit daunting. You should be able to get advice from a technician when you shop for tyres but it always helps to go in with some level of knowledge of what you want.
Broadly split, you have the choice between budget, mid-range and premium tyres.
As the names suggest, these are divided according to their quality and cost. They will suit different drivers and different levels of car usage.
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of tyre and who they would suit.
The first question to ask yourself when selecting the right set of tyres for you is this: What kind of tyres are you using now and do they work?
If you have stuck to a particular brand and type of tyres and found that they lasted as long as you needed them to and performed as well as you had hoped, then you may benefit from sticking to what you know and just buying tyres to match these.
However, if you find that the tyres that you are due to change have not worked well for you then this guide could be useful.
Premium tyres
As you might expect, these tyres carry the most hefty price tag but what you get back for that price is a set of tyres that can endure the most harsh conditions and the most demanding driving.
Who makes premium tyres?
You can buy premium tyres from such brands as Pirelli, Bridgestone and Continental.
What are the benefits of more expensive tyres?
To get the high quality that is expected of premium tyres, they undergo particularly rigorous testing. A lot of research also goes into creating the best compounds to make the tyres with, as well as designing the best tread.
These factors ensure that premium tyres can perform well in both wet and dry conditions and also the most demanding driving styles, such as rally driving for example.
Should I buy the most expensive tyres?
If you do a lot of long-distance driving, you enjoy track driving or you like to drive off road a lot then these more expensive tyres might be the best option for you.
Mid-range tyres
Mid-range tyres are a happy medium between budget and premium tyres.
What are the benefits of mid-range tyres?
They are more durable than budget tyres but they can't withstand as much and don't perform as well as premium tyres. On the other hand, they are cheaper than premium tyres.
Should I buy mid-range tyres?
They can be a good option if you drive fairly frequently but don't put too much demand on your vehicle.
Over time, whether you opt for budget, mid-range or premium, your tyres will be subject to wear and tear anyway. Therefore, if you aren't going to use your premium tyres to a particularly high extent then it is likely worthwhile you saving your money and spending on a set of mid-range tyres.
As long as they can ensure the right level of performance for you and they are reliable enough for the extent that you will use them, then mid-range tyres might be the best choice.
Budget tyres
Should I buy budget tyres?
If you need to change your tyres quickly, perhaps because the tread has worn down or you have suffered a puncture, but you are strapped for cash then budget tyres are good to tide you over.
They can also be a smart choice if you only drive when you really feel you need to or you have a second car that does not get driven very much.
Will buying budget tyres save me money?
For everyday use it can be a bit of a false economy to turn to budget tyres.
They are the least durable out of all your tyre options and will wear out faster than mid-range or premium tyres. Therefore, where you may initially think you are saving money by buying budget tyres, if they wear out quickly then you'll have to shell out for another set and this will end up costing you more in the long run.
FAQs
Budget Tyres vs Mid-Range Tyres vs Premium Tyres
Should I get budget or mid range tyres? ›
Budget tyres are cheaper than mid range tyres. They are usually made from lower quality materials and don't last as long. Mid range tyres are better value for money and will give you longer lasting performance. The main differences between budget and mid range tires are price and quality.
What is the difference between cheap and premium tires? ›
Premium tyres are designed to meet a certain high standard and will naturally offer a better performance than budget tyres. Premium tyres are often meticulously tested to ensure that they meet the highest industry standards for aquaplaning resistance, braking distance and steering precision.
Is it worth paying more for premium car tyres? ›
They perform better
Premium tyres do the same things as budget tyres - but much better. Everything is heightened, smoother, and more comfortable, from cornering and braking to traction and grip.
Are mid range tires any good? ›
Mid-Range tyres
They tend to be more durable than budget tyres, but they usually can't withstand as much and don't perform as well as premium tyres. They can be a good option if you drive fairly frequently but don't put too much demand on your vehicle.
Do budget tyres wear out quicker? ›
Budget tyres wear out faster
The simplest metric to look at with tyres is the issue of how quickly they wear out. Budget tyres are simply not as long lasting as their more expensive counterparts. There are some very clear reasons for this, including the aforementioned research and development.
How many miles do premium tyres last? ›
How many miles should tyres last? Your front tyres should last for around 20,000 miles before being changed and your rear tyres may last longer than this. For example, this means that they should be changed every four years if you average 5,000 miles per year.
Do premium tires make a difference? ›
Known for their exceptional wet braking performance, premium tires, such as those from Continental, are designed to maintain traction on slippery surfaces. Wet braking performance can be a critical factor in emergency situations.
What are the disadvantages of cheap tyres? ›
The Potential Drawbacks of Budget Tyres
Cheaper materials and less advanced technology can lead to tyres that don't perform as well in certain conditions, such as wet or icy roads. This can increase the risk of accidents and make it more difficult to control your vehicle. Another concern is durability.
Does buying expensive tires make a difference? ›
But not only will expensive tires improve your car's braking and handling, but they will also often have numerous other benefits over cheap tires. These can include reduced road-noise, improved ride quality, longer tread life, and even better gas mileage.
There are significant performance differences among tire brands and models, particularly in grip and tread life, based on Consumer Reports' extensive tire testing. “The best tires shine for impressive braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance.
How much should I pay for tyres? ›
Typically, the smaller the wheel, the less you'll pay. Because a smaller tyre contains fewer materials, it has a lower speed and load rating. Changing low-end tyres could cost between £45 – £70 per tyre while high-end tyres can cost between £220 – £1,200 per tyre.
How expensive should my tires be? ›
Inexpensive tires will generally be in the range of $50 - $150 each. Moderately priced tires will usually be in the range of $100 - $300 each. High-end tires (ultra-high performance or specialty off-road tires) can be $300 - $1000 each.
What's the difference between budget and premium tyres? ›
Premium tyres tend to have a longer lifespan than budget and mid-range tyres, making them a good investment for those who drive frequently and want the best possible performance from their tyres.
How can you tell if a tire is good quality? ›
Use the 25 cent trick! Insert a 25 cent piece into the tire's grooves with the nose of the caribou facing downward. If the caribou's nose isn't visible, it means the depth is superior to 6/32 of an inch. If you can see the nose, it means it's time to change your tires.
Are budget tyres OK for low mileage? ›
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.
How much should a mid-range tire cost? ›
On average, mid-range tyres can range from £50 to £100 per tyre, offering a more affordable option compared to premium tyres.
