When you start shopping for car tyres, you’ll quickly find that they’re broken down in mysterious ways. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to sort out what each category or class means for the tyre in question.
Take premium tyres and economy tyres, for example. The differences between these tyre classes are primarily in the name, but there are many other elements that separate them from one another.
With that in mind, what are the benefits of these tyre classes, and how can you know which will best suit your car?
Economy tyres: the pros and cons
If you’re looking to save money on your car maintenance, economy tyres may seem like the best fit for your budget. Don’t jump into a purchase too quickly, though.
When you start shopping for a new set of tyres, you’ll want to make sure they have the load capacity and speed capacity for your car. Compatibility is essential. You’ll also want to make sure that your new tyres are able to match your car in power and driving style.
Economy tyres are especially affordable. That said, they don’t match well with vehicles that bring a lot of presence to the road. On a similar note, economy tyres don’t facilitate very dynamic driving. This makes them great on trainer cars but not so great on cars owned by more experienced drivers.
When, then, are economy tyres the best fit for you? If you’re driving through the city on a daily basis and looking for a ride with low rolling resistance, then these tyres will treat you well. Consider shopping for your next set of economy tyres through manufacturers like:
Premium tyres: the pros and cons
On the other end of the tyre spectrum, you’ll find premium tyres. These tyres are designed to provide you with a smooth and steady driving experience – with a price tag to match. If you’re looking for tyres to support a powerful engine or to facilitate a more aggressive driving style, then these are the tyres you’ll want to work with.
Some of the best premium tyres on the market come from manufacturers like:
Premium tyres undergo rigorous research and development. After they’ve been produced, manufacturers will double and triple test them to ensure that they’ll allow cars of all makes to remain safe while on the road. You’ll frequently find unique tread patterns on premium tyres, for example, as manufacturers will have taken the opportunity to experiment with their options.
That said, premium tyres aren’t perfect. As mentioned, premium tyres are far from inexpensive. You’re going to need to break out the pocketbook for a set of higher-end tyres made by the industry’s manufacturers.
That said, you do get a lot of benefit for the cost. Drivers who enjoy long drives, off-roading, or the safety that comes with unique tread will often overlook a hefty price tag in favour of a premium tyre’s benefits.
How to choose a tyre class
Even with the benefits and drawbacks made clear, it can still be difficult to know which type of tyre will suit you best. You’ll be able to find summer tyres, winter tyres, and all season tyres in both the economy call and premium class. So how do you go about determining which of the aforementioned tyre types is the best for you?
The answer often comes down to mileage. If you spend a significant amount of time on the road, you’re going to save money and stress with a set of premium tyres. Comparatively, if you do more city driving than you do highway driving, and your mileage is relatively low, then economy tyres will serve you well.
Are more expensive tyres worth buying?
So sure, premium tyres will carry you over long miles. But the price tag on many manufacturers’ best tyres can be fairly intimidating. Isn’t it easier to buy several sets of economy tyres instead of committing to a premium set?
The answer will depend almost entirely on you. If you want to invest in a pair of long-lasting tyres, premium tyres will outlast economy tyres with ease. So too will they make it easier for you to take long road trips and explore the limits of your car.
However, if you don’t think you’re going to be driving much, or if you want to save money in the moment, then economy tyres may suit you better. When shopping, then, consider your circumstances and preferences before committing to a purchase.
Many of the largest tyre manufacturers in the automotive industry produce both economy tyres and premium tyres. Dig into their catalogues to see if you can find the best set of tyres for your car.