Tyres - How important are they to you
Discussion
Frankthered said:
I bought some Bridgestones and swapped the Stunners onto the back as the Michelins were starting to perish
I thought you were always meant to have your best tyres on the rear, regardless of FWD/RWD/AWD.No budget tyres for me, especially on the bike. Although I haven't been impressed with all premium brands - I've had much better experience with Bridgestone and Continental on the car than Pirelli. Never had Michelin on a car but I've been impressed with them on the bike.
Countdown said:
Zarco said:
Countdown said:
Just had a quick google for tyres for my car and the prices are as follows;
Bridgestone. £128
Hankook £135
Goodyear £137
Continental £163
Pirelli £253
Where is the dividing line between premium/budget? Is the Pirelli worth twice the price of the Bridgestone?
Think you need to define which type/model of tyre from each manufacturer. Bridgestone. £128
Hankook £135
Goodyear £137
Continental £163
Pirelli £253
Where is the dividing line between premium/budget? Is the Pirelli worth twice the price of the Bridgestone?
Seems a bit of strange question without that definition to me.
Whatever Pirelli that is will be pulling in from another supplier who probably doesn't have them so doesn't want to actually sell them.
Currently Michelin is usually the highest priced tyre in almost any category, Pirelli and Conti are then close to each other, then Bridgestone and Goodyear can swap around.
Given Goodyear are currently matching Michelin in terms of wear and test results, I think they're one of the best rounded tyres available.
Currently Michelin is usually the highest priced tyre in almost any category, Pirelli and Conti are then close to each other, then Bridgestone and Goodyear can swap around.
Given Goodyear are currently matching Michelin in terms of wear and test results, I think they're one of the best rounded tyres available.
for me, it depends on the car.
my Civic Type Rs always wore premium. My S2000 always wore Uniroyal Rainsports (2 at the time, rainsports 3 werent out then) but since running sheds, they get budgets. My little 106 isnt a speed machine and won't be pushing the limits of even a budget tyres grip, to they are fine.
my Civic Type Rs always wore premium. My S2000 always wore Uniroyal Rainsports (2 at the time, rainsports 3 werent out then) but since running sheds, they get budgets. My little 106 isnt a speed machine and won't be pushing the limits of even a budget tyres grip, to they are fine.
sticks090460 said:
1. Premium
2. My life is worth more than the saving of buying cheap tyres. To me, at least.
3. Don’t care.
Yup! This. 2. My life is worth more than the saving of buying cheap tyres. To me, at least.
3. Don’t care.
What I never get is people buying ‘performance’ vehicles and then putting on the cheapest tyres and brakes. Whilst I understand people have a budget to stick to, if you can’t keep it as safe and road worthy as possible you should sell it and buy something you can afford.
the naivety of some folk is surprising.
do those tyre reviews test YOUR car? NO - I didn't read the long one one of those linked to above but the first one doesn't even mention which car it is ffs...
those tyre reviews are a marketing tool and sponsored by branded manufacturers to help maintain their ability to maintain prices. they hire outfits to 'test tyres' and chuck a few unknown brands in which are obviously given a s
t review and then hope that others will refer to the reviews as evidence that expensive brands are worth the extra cost.
the marketing tactic is designed so that it gains traction when a car enthusiast's forum has an 'are expensive tyres worth it' thread and we see e.g. "that's your only contact with the road - buy the best [=most expensive]" posts and the unwitting are used to promulgate the marketing message by linking to the sponsored reviews. ironically, its those who revert to the strongest language "have you had your head in the sand" etc who are their best messengers...
there are more than 100 brands of tyres available in the uk and even if the tyre reviews were genuine and the 2 cheap brands in the review were indeed crap, how does that show that ALL cheaper brands are are poor?
I'm not advocating cheap I'm seeking evidence that expensive brands are always better.
Manufacturers want a 'one-spec-of-tyre-for-all' solution and choose the tyre which they deem most suitable for the average prospective buyer across all markets but that tyre would typically be useless if the car was used solely in winter in a ski resort and less than ideal in Dubai.
In both cases there will be cheaper brands which perform better under those specific conditions than those fitted by the manufacturer.
Many have posted their preference for their car for their usage which in many cases differs from the manufacturers choice and that information is very helpful. However, it doesn't tell us that well known brands are ALL 'better' than ALL, or even ANY cheaper brands unless that person has also tried other brands.
As I said earlier, if anyone has any reliable evidence regarding cheaper brands please post it up
do those tyre reviews test YOUR car? NO - I didn't read the long one one of those linked to above but the first one doesn't even mention which car it is ffs...
those tyre reviews are a marketing tool and sponsored by branded manufacturers to help maintain their ability to maintain prices. they hire outfits to 'test tyres' and chuck a few unknown brands in which are obviously given a s
t review and then hope that others will refer to the reviews as evidence that expensive brands are worth the extra cost.the marketing tactic is designed so that it gains traction when a car enthusiast's forum has an 'are expensive tyres worth it' thread and we see e.g. "that's your only contact with the road - buy the best [=most expensive]" posts and the unwitting are used to promulgate the marketing message by linking to the sponsored reviews. ironically, its those who revert to the strongest language "have you had your head in the sand" etc who are their best messengers...
there are more than 100 brands of tyres available in the uk and even if the tyre reviews were genuine and the 2 cheap brands in the review were indeed crap, how does that show that ALL cheaper brands are are poor?
I'm not advocating cheap I'm seeking evidence that expensive brands are always better.
Manufacturers want a 'one-spec-of-tyre-for-all' solution and choose the tyre which they deem most suitable for the average prospective buyer across all markets but that tyre would typically be useless if the car was used solely in winter in a ski resort and less than ideal in Dubai.
In both cases there will be cheaper brands which perform better under those specific conditions than those fitted by the manufacturer.
Many have posted their preference for their car for their usage which in many cases differs from the manufacturers choice and that information is very helpful. However, it doesn't tell us that well known brands are ALL 'better' than ALL, or even ANY cheaper brands unless that person has also tried other brands.
As I said earlier, if anyone has any reliable evidence regarding cheaper brands please post it up
Zarco said:
What do you mean by reliable evidence?
well, if tyre reviews are sponsored and the review doesn't even mention which car they're supposedly testing, that is UNreliable. I don't know where reliable evidence would come from or even if it exists and that factor makes it easier for mainstream manufactures to adopt the marketing strategy described.Tye Green said:
Zarco said:
What do you mean by reliable evidence?
well, if tyre reviews are sponsored and the review doesn't even mention which car they're supposedly testing, that is UNreliable. I don't know where reliable evidence would come from or even if it exists and that factor makes it easier for mainstream manufactures to adopt the marketing strategy described.https://youtu.be/p0NN-Po4a1U
I detect no manufacturer bias.
Tye Green said:
the problem is that apart from the "I skidded on cheap chinese tyres and I've never skidded before therefore all cheap tyres are ste" type anecdotes, no-one seems to have any evidence that expensive brands are any 'better' than cheaper brands (or please publish it if you have!)
it comes down to what makes you feel happiest whilst you're driving...
I developed tyres. The company sold many brands. The best tyres were the most expensive.te" type anecdotes, no-one seems to have any evidence that expensive brands are any 'better' than cheaper brands (or please publish it if you have!)it comes down to what makes you feel happiest whilst you're driving...
mmm-five said:
But are you going to drive it like you've got Michelin Sport Cups on, or are you going to drive it like you've got ditchfinders on?
I have a track day booked later in the year, so they will be tested beyond the limits of adhesion. Road testing will be a bit more careful. Tyre Reviews would be a far more scientific way of comparing them.Zarco said:
No manufacturer bias?"Goodyear have once again lent me their testing track in the south of France" . It was clear from that point which brand was going to win? - surely?
Didn't see any adverts so ask yourself who paid for all the tyres? Who paid for the trip to France and the guy's time and who paid for the professional video production?
And where were the cheaper brands?.
Is it any more reliable than the tyre reviews linked in this thread earlier?
As a former Zipcar member, I’ve driven different Golf’s on different tyres. I could ALWAYS tell the difference between Golf’s on OE tyres and older Golf’s that had replacement budget tyres. One budget tyre made such a loud droning noise in the motorway, I intially thought something was broken. Got out, saw one budget tyre on that corner! I actually called it in and that car was inspected and found to be fine. It was that tyre!
To be perfectly honest, I couldn’t tell much difference between OE tyres. They were from different manufacturers. Continental, Hankook etc.
I believe the tyre reviews because they match my experience.
I’m not picky about what goes on my Golf as long as they have done well on a selection of reviews, I’ll go for the cheapest option. It is ALWAYS a premium manufacturer that does well in these tests so that is what goes on my Golf.
Luckily, the Golf is often a default tyre testing choice, as is the tyre size I run, so I know I’m getting an exact comparison.
To be perfectly honest, I couldn’t tell much difference between OE tyres. They were from different manufacturers. Continental, Hankook etc.
I believe the tyre reviews because they match my experience.
I’m not picky about what goes on my Golf as long as they have done well on a selection of reviews, I’ll go for the cheapest option. It is ALWAYS a premium manufacturer that does well in these tests so that is what goes on my Golf.
Luckily, the Golf is often a default tyre testing choice, as is the tyre size I run, so I know I’m getting an exact comparison.
Edited by wyson on Friday 11th June 22:24
EarlOfHazard said:
Got Sumitomos on my Citroen C4, apparently they're Falkens but older models of Falkens.
They seem to get good reviews and seem perfectly fine tbh.
They seem to get good reviews and seem perfectly fine tbh.
“Apparently”. How many times has that been quoted on tyre threads?
Xyzs No Grips are apparently made by Michelin in Shanghai .,so they must be OK.
My main car is a BMW 435i with lots of electronic aids to keep it on the road. I would not put budget tyres on it because of my experience with the vehicle I do most miles in; a Transit Connect 1.8tdci with about 80 Bhp.
To explain, I’ve had the Connect longer than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned (circa 9 years now) and have had a variety of tyres in that time. It has no abs or traction control so relies entirely on the tyres for stopping and getting off the mark. Cheap tyres have on both occasions I’ve used them locked up remarkably easily and spin equally easily when trying to nip out of junctions. Better tyres don’t. I currently have Pirelli’s which are fine. Goodyear’s we’re good.
It’s remarkable how driving such a basic car (van) exposes tyres much more than when used on more sophisticated cars (like pretty much everything available in 2021).
To explain, I’ve had the Connect longer than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned (circa 9 years now) and have had a variety of tyres in that time. It has no abs or traction control so relies entirely on the tyres for stopping and getting off the mark. Cheap tyres have on both occasions I’ve used them locked up remarkably easily and spin equally easily when trying to nip out of junctions. Better tyres don’t. I currently have Pirelli’s which are fine. Goodyear’s we’re good.
It’s remarkable how driving such a basic car (van) exposes tyres much more than when used on more sophisticated cars (like pretty much everything available in 2021).
To me it’s very important to have a nice fresh front left, as the corners are predominantly right-handers. The front right tyre pressure wants to be about a pound higher for the same reason. Rears are less critical. It’s sometimes best for the balance if they’re a bit shagged and heat cycled as it helps the car rotate. I measure the pressures hot and adjust them cold.
JKS1234 said:
1. Do you always buy premium or do you prefer budget ?
I do now! Have premium cars that require it. Not always the case, but always purchased the best I could afford.JKS1234 said:
2. What is your reasoning for this?
The contact patch to the road is small at best, so it absolutely pays to have the best quality that you can to maximize this and make the best of what you have.JKS1234 said:
3. do you believe the premium tyres last longer and save more in MPG
Nope. But they absolutely do provide better grip, traction and usually are significantly better in adverse weather conditions. Those rock hard cheap brand, last a lifetime tires might seem a bargain, but on the day that you need really need that grip, it better be there!That said though, if you are running a $500 shed, do you really need to drop $2000 worth of tires on it? Does it become a risk to have them? As in, could your car be targeted because it has expensive tires on it? Wheels can be pretty simple to steal and it can be obvious. Additionally, if you have to run your car on a budget, as in its your daily, then there is a balance that you should strike. If all you do is commute to work and rarely break 40MPH, do you really need those high performance super grippy ones? Or does a more reasonable brand one work just as well?
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