Tyres
Most people who opt for budget tyres do so because of
price; and understandably so, when they can cost up to half
the price of a premium set. To the ‘layman’, a tyre is just a
necessary component – as long as it fits and holds the vehicle
on the road, that’s the end of the story. But the reality is
much more complex. Premium brand manufacturers spend
hundreds of millions of pounds each year on tyre research
and development, so it’s worth bearing this in mind when
looking at the options. Budget and premium tyres really do
have vastly different properties.
Which? recently tested a car braking from 50mph down to
12mph in wet conditions. In the most extreme case, the bestperforming tyre for braking distance took only 34.0 metres to
brake. In identical, controlled conditions, exactly the same
test car wearing the worst-performing budget tyre took 49.6
metres to brake from and to the same speeds. That's a
disparity of 15.6m, or approximately 3.7 cars lengths. A
distance that could represent the difference between life and
death in an emergency situation.
To highlight the issue, at their principal proving ground near
Hanover, Continental Tyres tested two identical Ford Focus
vehicles wearing the same size tyres, with the
same tread depth and the same tyre
pressures. One vehicle was fitted with a
premium brand, and the other a budget tyre.
The first test comprised of the premium tyre
on the handling circuit. During emergence
braking the car peaked at 0.82g, and peaked
at a similar 0.77G laterally in the corners. The budget tyre
came in at 0.61G under braking and 0.55G laterally. In other
words, 30% less than the premium tyre.
Are budget tyres worth the saving? It’s not just the lack of
raw grip; it's how the vehicle reacts at the limit, and the
control you have once passed the limit. A well-developed
premium tyre has been tested in all situations, where a
budget tyre may be an unknown quantity.
It’s not just about safety. Which? also found that the cheaper
tyres would last only two years at 12,000 miles a year,
whereas a set of more expensive tyres could last 60,000
miles - enough for five years' service. So over five years and
60,000 miles, all you pay for the initially more expensive
tyres is the original purchase cost (in this case £320),
whereas the cost of replacing the cheaper tyres would be
£500 - a massive £180 difference.
So in summary, no matter how prestigious your vehicle is,
the level of grip you have on the road is determined only by
the quality of your tyres. When shopping for new tyres, buy
the very best that you can afford. Think of them as insurance
and don’t skimp. There’s simply too much at stake.
No matter how prestigious your
vehicle is, the level of grip you
have on the road is determined
only by the quality of your tyres.
Mark Cartwright CMILT is the Head of Vans and LCV’s
at Freight Transport Association
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