Premium Vs. Budget Tyres

CAR MAINTENANCE CAN BE EXPENSIVE, BUT AS AUSSIES GET BACK ON THE ROAD FOR THEIR NEXT ADVENTURE, THEY MUST ASK – WHAT PRICE CAN YOU PUT ON ROAD SAFETY?

An easy way to keep safe on the road is purchasing quality tyres from reputable brands. MITCHELL GOLLEDGE, Managing Director at Continental Tyres, the leaders in tyre safety, shares his tips on things to consider next time you purchase new tyres.

WET WEATHER

As we head further into winter, it’s important that when purchasing new tyres to consider how well they react in wet braking conditions. Tests at Continental’s Contidrom Test Center in Germany have shown that on wet roads, most cars require a stopping distance of an additional 12 metres when travelling from 100km/h compared to dry conditions. When cars are fitted with budget tyres, stopping distances can increase even more – up to an additional 18 metres! It’s important to purchase tyres that can perform strongly in all braking conditions – look for a deep tread and quality rubber, as spending a little more can mean a big difference when it comes to your safety. Just like braking, it’s important to look at your tyre’s handling ability in wet weather. Driving in wet conditions can be unsafe if your car is fitted with budget tyres, exposing you to risks like aquaplaning. Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the car’s tyres and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction that prevents the car from responding to steering wheel inputs. On the contrary, premium tyres increase traction, control and gripping ability in wet conditions. The deep tread grooves allow for water to easily pass through the tyres, safeguarding against aquaplaning.

COMFORT

Whether you’re driving eight hours or just down to the shops, you want your car to be comfortable. Premium tyres are designed to feature a tread design that allows air to flow through the tyre, which reduces noise and vibrations for a smoother and quieter ride. Budget tyres manufactures may not research the affect tread can have on comfort. Many budget tyres can create white noise that can transfer into the car’s cabin, making a long car journey unbearable!

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

When purchasing new tyres, safety is a main consideration. Premium tyre manufactures, unlike budget brands, test their tyres extensively before they hit the market to ensure maximum safety and performance. At Continental Tyres, professional test drivers perform over 67,000 tests before each tyre innovation moves into production. By the time the tyre technology is approved, it would have circled the world 500 times! This commitment to research, efficiency, and most importantly safety, mean premium brands actually deliver superior value compared to budget alternatives.

LONGEVITY

While budget tyres may be a bit easier on the bank account, in the long run it can be a costly exercise. The composition of the rubber found in less expensive tyres is of a lower quality, meaning they will deteriorate quicker compared to premium alternatives. As the tread face begins to weaken, this can expose drivers to safety risks like aquaplaning and long braking distances. Premium tyre brands, like Continental, are a more premium choice that offer superior performance, safety, mileage, and durability. Meaning less time worrying about tyres, and more time enjoying your car … and that favourite holiday destination.