Premium Car Tyres, Is It Really Money Well Spent?

Regardless of what you drive, from Porsche to Ford, how do more expensive car tyres really benefit you if you’re simply driving to work each day and dropping the kids at school?

Purchasing a brand-new set of car tyres for Porsche or any make of vehicle can be a significant expense, and there is often a temptation to go for budget alternatives or to ignore the issue – with potentially disastrous repercussions if your tread is dangerously worn.

However, car owners may be unsure whether the price uplift associated with well-known brands, such as Michelin and Goodyear, is really worthwhile or a good exercise in premium branding and promotion.

In the UK alone, there are 300+ different brands available from garages, mechanics, tyre specialists and experts in specific parts replacements and components, with further complexities associated with the choice between summer, winter and all-season tyres.

Design911, a market-leading supplier of next day Porsche parts, explains all you need to know to make informed decisions about how much you spend on your tyres and whether premium is the right choice.

The Advantages of Investing in Superior Car Tyres

The rigours of the road are not to be taken lightly, and many drivers underestimate the science and precision that goes into developing an advanced, ultra-high-performance tyre, which has been designed and tested exhaustively to provide enhanced safety, traction, and driving experiences.

Some of the top tyre brands even deploy chemists to create unique rubber compounds, combined with research into optimal tread pattern designs and binding solutions, investing billions into track testing and real-world simulations to discover those tyres that will operate flawlessly in the most challenging environments.

If you are choosing tyres at this level, we recommend going for a tyre marked as original equipment and with the manufacturer's approval since this denotes exceptional quality.

But what do expensive tyres really mean to you if you’re simply driving to work each day and dropping the kids at school? Premium tyres work better, last longer, and reduce myriad safety risks.

Yes, a superb tyre costs more, but the savings you will make in vehicle maintenance, fuel consumption, and the extended time before you will need future replacements offsets the additional price, with features that can extend the lifespan of a tyre by a good margin while mitigating the risk of skidding, collisions or losing your grip on the road surface.

Alternatives to Branded Tyres for Budget-Conscious Drivers

Of course, costs are a consideration, and if you do not have the budget to pay for a full set of branded tyres, all is not lost. The priority is spending what you can afford, in the interests of road safety, rather than focusing on the branding.

You may also not necessarily need a complete set of new tyres and may be able to upgrade one worn or damaged tyre while retaining existing tyres which still have plenty of life left in them – compatibility and sizing notwithstanding.

Premium tyres come in a wide variety of performance specifications and tread types and, therefore, also vary in pricing, so asking for guidance from your mechanic, garage or parts provider can be useful to verify the best options for your driving habits, typical mileage and the roads you drive on most frequently.

It is always important to choose respected brands because some very low-budget tyres, even when brand new, have performance that is comparable to a remould, which means they will deliver a fraction of the longevity you would expect from a high-quality competitor.

The ideal is to select the same tyre brand and model your car was fitted with as new, where possible, but independent garages and replacement parts suppliers can offer advice specific to your vehicle.

Comparing the Top UK Tyre Brands

If you’ve been into a tyre replacement workshop or garage of late, you’ll probably be familiar with some of the best-known brand names – but how do they stack up, and what can you expect to spend?

Pirelli Tyres

This Italian manufacturer is famous as the supplier of choice for F1 drivers, providing tyres for car makers such as McLaren, Ferrari and Aston Martin, with a long pedigree and reputation. An average Pirelli tyre costs around £80, and drivers can select from a variety of summer, winter and all-season tyres.

Bridgestone Tyres

Another brand you may be familiar with is Bridgestone, which produces tyres such as run-flats, electric car tyres, wet-weather and winter tyres. As the biggest producer worldwide, Bridgestone tyres are considered a great option for all weather conditions and are sold in most places, with an average cost of £78 per tyre.

Goodyear Tyres

Our third option is Goodyear, an American tyre manufacturer that styles itself as a cutting-edge innovator in all things tyre-related. The average tyre from Goodyear with enhanced grip performance will set you back roughly £76. In return, you get some of the top tyres for handling in both dry and wet weather, with a range of summer, winter and all-season models.

Continental Tyres

This brand is huge in Europe, providing the tyres for almost 30% of vehicles, and is endorsed by several car manufacturers. Continental makes tyres designed for EVs and hybrids, alongside a large array of winter and summer tyres, although with only one tyre designed for all-season driving. Most tyres from Continental are rated highly for handling and grip and will set you back approximately £84.

Michelin Tyres

Michelin is a global brand based in France, which is also responsible for other tyre brands, including Kleber and BF Goodrich. These premium tyres have a smaller range to select from, with a few summer and winter models and one all-season design, but they score consistently well in terms of availability and grip. A new Michelin tyre will cost from £95.

Choosing a Branded Tyre

Whether you choose a well-established tyre brand or a more budget option, the key is always to make informed decisions rather than investing in low-quality products on the assumption that branded tyres won't add value to your driving experience or the longevity of your tyres.

The best tyre brands provide excellent performance, road safety and handling, but ultimately, the decision depends on how often you drive, for how long, and what you're comfortable spending on your tyres – but the best tyres that fit within your budget will undoubtedly be an investment well made.

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About Design911

Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and re-build as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The company’s impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply ‘every part for every Porsche’.

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Source Company: https://www.design911.co.uk