Budget tires are a great option if you don’t want to fork out for the flashier option: they’re still safe and perform well, but they’ll cut costs and be significantly cheaper than high-end tires.
All tires must meet the same safety standards, so even an inexpensive set will need to meet the same requirements as more expensive brands.
You may find that budget options don’t perform as well as premium tires in test weather conditions like heavy rain, where they’ve been proven to have longer stopping distances, so you might consider a mid-range priced option. if your budget allows.
It’s worth noting that some cars work better with a tire with higher grip, and you should research the safest option for your particular model before taking the plunge. Never sacrifice your safety for a good deal!
While all tires must meet the same safety standards, premium tires aim to exceed industry expectations.
These manufacturers spend a lot of time and money researching the best possible way to make their tires, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
You’ll notice a labeling system on your own and new tires when you compare and shop. This is the EU regulatory scale that rates tires on three key points:
Noise: The noise level on the road is classified from 1 sound wave to 3 sound waves, with one being the quietest.
Fuel efficiency: Rated from A (best) to G (worst), tires are graded based on their impact on fuel consumption.
wet performance– Rated A (best to G (worst)) for how well the tire reacts and decelerates in wet braking conditions.
Budget tires are likely to be on the lower end of this scale, but will still be safe and perform well on the roads.
Premium tires are likely to last longer than their budget counterparts due to their painstaking design and manufacturing process. How you drive will affect this and how you maintain your car, but cheap tires will generally need to be replaced quicker.
While buying a cheaper tire up front will save you money at the time of purchase, it could be more expensive if you need to replace it sooner.
Premium tires will last longer and cover more miles, so it is recommended that you opt for these if you really want to go the distance.
However, sometimes we just don’t have the extra money to buy the flashiest models on the market. Cheap tires are always better than worn tires that are dangerous and on their last legs.
You could try to find a set of partially used premium tires at a good price, or perhaps investigate the costs of a mid-tier set.
You’ll need to consider whether investing in premium tires could save you money in the long run, or weigh other options that fit your price.
Partially worn tires are tires that have already been used, usually taken from used or canceled cars. You can buy these tires at cheaper prices to fit your own car, but they may not be the best option when you consider safety and quality.
While there are guidelines that partially used tire sellers must follow to ensure that they are selling a safe product, that does not mean that these guidelines are always met.
Tires must be in good condition with no visible cuts in the tread or sidewall bulges, and will need at least 2mm of tread across the width and circumference of the tire. They should also be clearly marked as ‘partially worn’.
Partially worn tires are the cheapest option, but may not be as safe. You’ll need to consider whether it’s worth the risk to save some money and thoroughly inspect the tires before putting them on your car. It cannot always be guaranteed that they have been thoroughly reviewed and meet the best possible security standards.
When in doubt, it’s best to buy from a reputable seller that you feel you can trust. Driving on poor quality tires can be really dangerous and is not something you should risk.
Fuel efficient tires are designed to use less fuel and keep tread longer, so they can improve your fuel economy and help you save money.
These tires are made with a special compound to minimize heat resistance and create lower levels of fuel consumption. They are also a more aerodynamic option and their extra stiffness helps them roll more efficiently.
To find the tires with the best fuel economy, you’ll need to look for a good tire efficiency rating when shopping. As we said earlier, grade A is the gold standard for the most efficient tires, so that’s what you need to look out for if you want the most fuel efficient tires.
There are other tips you can follow to drive efficiently and save fuel, and also maximize your mileage range in hybrid and electric cars. Traveling light, using gear changes and keeping the engine warm is a good starting point.
Winter tires are designed to give your car better stopping distance in colder conditions and provide better grip in inclement weather. They have a deeper tread that is better at handling snow, rain and ice, and offer a higher rubber content that prevents them from becoming brittle and splitting in extreme temperatures.
In the UK winter tires are not required by law so you do not need to fit them on your car. However, if you live in a particularly cold, wet, or snowy area, you might consider installing winter tires as an added safety measure.
While it may seem expensive and unnecessary, your summer tires will last longer and that could save you money in the long run.
There are a few things you can do yourself to make your tires last longer, whether you’ve opted for an economy set, a mid-range set, a premium set, or even an extra winter set.
You should keep an eye on your tire pressure to make sure it lines up with the guidelines in your car’s manual, as the wrong pressure can cause your tires to wear more or wear unevenly.
The tread depth of your tires is also important – the deepest grooves in your tires should never be below the UK legal requirement of 1.6mm. This should be measured at the center three-quarters of the tire width, all the way around.
Having tires that don’t meet UK regulations can mean a hefty £2,500 fine and three points on your license – not ideal when you’re trying to cut costs!
While tires can be expensive, using our tips can help you save money in the long run.
Buy your partially worn tires or opt for the economical option – Consider if cheaper tires are the most cost effective option or buy a partially used set.
Choose fuel efficient tires – Tires with a high fuel efficiency rating can help you save money on fuel.
Shopping around – you may be able to find a better deal or even a discount elsewhere. Take a look and get some quotes.
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