6 days ago
Warning to drivers over fitting cheap tyres to car
Lower-priced tyres for the car might seem like an attractive option to save money, but experts warn it's a false economy and can have safety implications too
A leading tyre manufacturer has warned motorists about fitting budget tyres to their vehicles. Experts at Bridgestone say that the tyres, often made in China, can end up costing drivers more money.
Vehicle owners are understandably looking to save cash on the upkeep of their cars where they can amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, and buying low-cost tyres might be one way to keep costs down. However, Emilio Tiberio, Chief Technical Officer for Bridgestone West, said the Chinese tyres can come at the cost of safety.
And he said many unsuspecting motorists are unaware of this crucial fact when having them fitted.
He said: "With price, there is always a debate. The price and cost of Chinese tyres do not match. If we look at performance, we see when it comes to critical aspects like stopping, you're in trouble.
"They're attractive from a cost perspective, but most consumers are simply unaware of their quality," reports the Express.
Kwik-Fit said the difference between budget and premium tyres can be up to £320 per set for some larger wheels.
However, many motoring experts have warned that the more expensive tyres feature a higher grade of rubber, which can help them to last significantly longer without running out of tread.
In addition, this higher quality rubber can also give tyres additional grip on the road, preventing skidding on wet or icy surfaces and reducing the distance required to stop a vehicle.
Gary Powell, Technical Manager for Bridgestone, noted that premium tyre brands will often invest more into innovating to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
He added: "Bridgestone's tyre technology has evolved considerably over the last couple of years alone.
"When we talk about budget tyres representing a false economy, we have so much more to elaborate on than ever before.
"For example, our Turanza 6 offers best-in-class wet performance, superior mileage and improved fuel and energy efficiency.
"The benefits are clear and with the automotive industry undergoing such a huge change, motorists are more keen than ever to learn more."
To showcase their performance in a variety of conditions, all new tyres designed to be used by cars and vans are required to have an EU Tyre Label.
Similar to energy ratings on electrical appliances, these labels give tyre models a score from A to G based on how they grip on a wet road and affect a vehicles fuel economy.
Motorists can also use these labels to see how loud a set of tyres is, with many premium models being much quieter than the budget brands.
Drivers have been urged to check the tread on their tyres to see if they need replacing using a 20 pence piece. This simple trick can help motorists avoid a fine of up to £10,000.
You should place a 20p coin in the groove of the tyre; if you can't see the outer ring of the coin, it means the tyres meet the 1.6 mm requirement and you are safe to drive.
If you can see the outer ring, then the tyres will need replacing before making any journeys.
The fines for driving on worn tyres that are below the legal tread depth is up to £2,500 per tyre.
