Budget VS Premium Tyres
Buying tyres is a necessary part of vehicle ownership, with them both being a wear item, as well as a critical component when it comes to handling and safety.
Tyres come in all kinds of different sizes and tread patterns, but did you know that the material and components that tyres are made from have just as much influence on tyre durability, performance, noise, and other factors as what brand you choose?
When it comes time to purchase new tyres, you might find several suitable options at various price points, but how do you decide which tyre is right for you?
Tyre Choices
Firstly, let's make it clear. Even the budget options available at Tyrepower Busselton meet all Australian regulations and we’ll never sell a grey import or unregulated tyre that doesn’t meet ADRs that could put you at risk, or leave you uninsured in the event of an accident.
The budget-friendly tyres available at Tyrepower Busselton will still always meet your expectations regarding safety, noise, durability, and wet weather performance, so what’s the point in spending more money?
The price difference between tyres often comes down to the size of the tyre as well as the materials used. Tyres are made with a variety of materials and it’s the properties, concentrations and construction techniques that largely determine the quality of the final tyre.
What sort of vehicle you drive, how you drive it and your budget will heavily influence what your best choice for tyres will be. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of tyres that have different price points and get you aimed in the right direction.
Budget Vs Premium
Generally, budget tyres are great tyres for commuters, people who drive long distances and vehicles with low to medium performance.
Premium tyres are often priced higher because the higher performance requirements placed on them require additional testing, higher-end raw materials and exotic additives that allow for higher levels of performance with higher safety margins. To be clear, by ‘performance’ we don’t necessarily mean on a racetrack. Depending on the tyre design and pattern, a premium tyre might be quieter, longer lasting, perform better offroad, be more resistant to punctures and damage, or yes, improve your lap times.
Budget Tyres
Budget tyres are a great option if you’re just needing something to get you from A to B. Typically with budget tyres, they’re less versatile, meaning they perform well in one area while making trade-offs in others.
Budget tyres are designed for drivers who care about cost foremost, or have a singular goal when it comes to purchasing new tyres.
With budget tyres, a lot of the design and materials choice is inspired by premium offerings. You might find a tread pattern on a sporty budget tyre that looks a lot like a tyre that costs double, but the materials are where the rubber meets the road, so to speak, resulting in a tyre that doesn’t perform as well when pushed to the edge.
Off-road tyres such as all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres follow a similar pattern. While a budget tyre can perform well off-road, there might be tradeoffs in the form of excessive tyre noise, a shorter tyre lifespan and succumbing to cutting and chipping over rocks easier than other tyres.
Budget-friendly tyres aren’t bad tyres. We’ll never fit a sub-standard tyre to a customer's vehicle. There are even some instances where a budget tyre is your best option:
- If you’re on a tight budget, an entry-level tyre will be safer than worn-out tyres
- They’re available everywhere, budget tyres are easily accessible and often easy to find
- For commuting or inner city driving, the higher performance capabilities of premium tyres might never be used, so a budget-friendly tyre will suit your needs
PREMIUM TYRES
When it comes to higher-performing tyres, you get what you pay for.
‘Premium’ tyres are made from higher quality materials and use advanced technology and exotic materials to create a tyre that performs better across a wider range of scenarios. For example, it’s possible to find a budget sports tyre that performs well in the rain, at the drawback of being so loud, while you can find a premium tyre that performs well, lasts a long time, and is nice and quiet, thanks to the design and materials.
Higher-end tyres often feature advanced tread patterns that disperse water better, are quieter on the road, last for longer periods of time or a combination of any of these benefits!
The higher price point of premium tyres allows manufacturers to use high-end exotic materials such as silica, kevlar and other materials to create a more durable tyre that can resist punctures and damage more effectively than a budget tyre.
Overall, many premium tyres last much longer than budget tyres, to the point where the cost savings from a cheaper tyre are outweighed by the fact you’ll have to replace them sooner.
As opposed to cheap tyres, the benefits of premium tyres include:
- Higher levels of grip, shorter braking distances and increased stability
- Added durability, including puncture and tear resistance
- Some premium tyres are available in run-flat options, allowing you to drive to safety with a damaged tyre
- More comfortable and quiet in many cases
Your Local Tyre Experts
Tyrepower isn’t just Australia’s largest independent tyre retailer, our stores are locally owned and operated by enthusiasts who will take care of your vehicle just like it was their own.
If you have any questions or need assistance in choosing the tyre for your car, our team at Tyrepower Busselton is here to help.
You can reach us by phone at (08) 9752 4333, or visit our store at 2 Harris Road, Busselton. Our knowledgeable staff can provide you with expert advice and guidance.