Premium Car Tyres - Are They Actually Worth It?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 1 year ago
5 min read
- Tyres
- Review
FixMyCar discusses the pros and cons of premium car tyres.
People buy premium tyres for many reasons, from their high-performance qualities to extra durability and safety. It isn’t just about the familiarity of buying from a big-name brand - it’s also about the many benefits that come from years of tyre-making expertise since companies like Continental have been in the industry for over a century.
Of course, there are pros and cons to every type of tyre, including those in the budget and mid-range segments. Visit our tyres homepage to compare our full range of budget, mid-range and premium tyres.
This guide answers all your questions about premium car tyres and whether they’re worth it.
Contents:
How long do premium tyres last?
Who should avoid buying premium tyres?
What are the benefits of premium car tyres?
There are lots of different benefits to buying premium tyres.
1. They last longer
Premium tyres are made from higher-quality materials that have been rigorously researched and tested. As a result, they are more durable, giving you more miles for your money. Even though they cost more initially, they also have to be replaced less often, which makes them less expensive over time than they seem.
2. They perform better
This benefit appeals to people for whom driving is a passion. Premium tyres do the same things as budget tyres - but much better. Everything is heightened, smoother, and more comfortable, from cornering and braking to traction and grip.
3. They have better fuel economy.
Life in Britain is only getting more expensive, so many of us are closely monitoring our fuel gauge and how quickly the tank empties. Tyres can significantly impact this, either improving or hindering your car’s fuel economy.
Premium tyres do the former due to their superior rolling resistance, allowing you to drive further on each tank - another way they make up for their initially high price tag.
4. They are safer
Since premium tyres are manufactured using higher-quality materials and more innovative design features, they are better at gripping the road, resulting in shorter stopping distances. They also have better aquaplaning resistance - important on our often-wet roads - and enhanced steering precision, keeping you safe no matter the weather.
5. They are more comfortable.
Premium tyres are more responsive and stable, giving you a comfortable drive, and they are usually quieter, too.
How long do premium tyres last?
Most budget tyres last between 20,000 to 40,000 miles, though they are often at the lower end of this range. Premium tyres, on the other hand, sit closer to the top end of the spectrum, sometimes exceeding it.
It’s all about how quickly the tread wears down - tyres constructed from cheaper materials will wear more rapidly, though the rate of wear is also impacted by your driving style and the condition of the roads you usually drive on.
Budget vs premium tyres
| Benefit | Budget | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Safe | ☑️ | ☑️ |
| Cheap | ☑️ | ✖️ |
| Highly durable | ✖️ | ☑️ |
| Best fuel economy | ✖️ | ☑️ |
| Most comfortable | ✖️ | ☑️ |
Budget tyres are safe and reasonably comfortable, which means they are a good choice for the school run or everyday low-level driving. But premium tyres have something extra, excelling in almost every category.
Read this guide for more information on budget car tyres and whether they’re any good.
Are premium tyres worth it?
It’s nearly impossible to answer this question because it depends on your preferences.
When deciding whether premium tyres are worth it, weigh the pros and cons for your situation. For example, even if you have enough money for premium, when you’re only driving two miles up and down the same road every day, it might not be worth it.
On the other hand, buying premium might be a bit of a stretch for your budget, but if you cover hundreds of miles a month on long journeys, it could be worth it for the long-term fuel savings and not having to replace your tyres as often.
Who should buy premium tyres?
Anyone who wants a set of premium tyres and has the money to buy them should do so. But there are a few instances where it becomes more critical - if you drive a high-performance vehicle that puts more strain on your tyres, for example.
Premium tyres may be the right choice if you:
don’t mind a higher up-front cost.
enjoy driving.
have a high-performance car.
want maximum safety from your tyres.
cover a lot of miles.
are buying winter tyres.
want to save money on fuel.
want to purchase tyres less often.
Who should avoid buying premium tyres?
There are a few instances in which it may not be worth it to buy premium tyres, such as:
You mainly drive short distances.
You mainly drive at moderate speeds.
You mainly drive in urban areas.
You don’t have to avoid buying premium tyres - it certainly won’t harm you or your car - but you probably won’t have much use for the high-end features you’d be paying for. Budget or mid-range tyres may be a better option.
What are some premium tyre brands I can purchase?
There are several well-known premium brands, including Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Continental and Michelin, all of which we stock at FixMyCar.
For more information on these premium brands, check out these review guides:
Explore our full range of premium tyres here.
Are there any cheap premium tyres?
By their nature, premium tyres aren’t cheap. They are made with higher quality materials using more innovative design features, resulting in better performance and a heftier price tag.
There are some price variations - Bridgestone is usually a bit cheaper than Goodyear, for example - but if you’re set on finding more affordable tyres, it might be worth exploring the mid-range segment, which consists of brands like Avon and Firestone.
This guide discusses the pros and cons of mid-range tyres.
Buy premium tyres
Are you looking for new tyres for your car? At FixMyCar, we have something for every budget. Select the tyres you want, choose a fitter in your local area and enjoy your new tyres.
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