Are Expensive Tires Worth It?

‍Are Expensive Tires Worth It?

Tires are important to the performance and safety of a vehicle. They help in traction, braking, and accelerating. However, premium tires can cost a lot of money and many drivers ask the same question, are they worth it?

Ultimately, it comes down to a few important factors to determine whether or not a premium expensive tire is worth it for you.

Expensive tires provide many features that will help you drive for longer. They are made up of more durable materials and they last longer.

They also have superior traction and wear resistance which will greatly improve your driving experience. There are also millions of satisfied customers that can attest to this.

Expensive tires provide you with a lot of benefits over cheaper ones. They are less likely to develop punctures and they also offer better fuel efficiency. If you value longevity and performance, expensive tires are worth the investment.

What Determines Tire Prices?

There is a large variety of tires available in the market. These different brands and models come in various sizes, features, and tread patterns. This results in varying tire prices for each model type.

You will notice a drop off in tire prices when you shop for different sizes, with larger tires costing much more. The same applies when you shop by brand with name brands like Michelin or Bridgestone being much more expensive.

Tire Size

The price of a tire will change based on the actual size of the tire and by a significant amount. For example, smaller tires for sedans with rim diameters between 13” to 15” will be much cheaper than similar tires for SUVs sizes between 17” to 20”.

Typically a larger tire requires more materials and production time, but they can also support more weight, durability, and load capacity on the road that makes them worth the investment. The type of vehicle you drive will determine exactly what tire size you should be shopping for.

Tire Brand

The brand of the tire is another important factor that plays a major role in determining how a specific product gets priced. Brands like Pirelli, Michelin, and Bridgestone command high prices across a majority of their tires compared to lesser-known brands like Kumho and Toyo.

However, this is not always the most influential factor because many brands try to make cheaper tires as well as premium options to accommodate a wider range of the market for potential customers.  

Tire Quality

Another key feature to consider is the tire quality when evaluating price. This is probably the most influential factor in how much an individual tire costs based on the quality of materials used and the overall internal structure of the tire.

Tire quality will provide a smoother riding experience, better performance, and more longevity on the road that is unmatched by cheap tires. If you value quality, expensive tires might be worth the price tag for you.

Advantages Of Expensive Tires

The advantages of expensive tires are that they last longer and look better than cheaper grades. This means that we can save money on tire replacements and enjoy a more comfortable ride.

Plus, expensive tires offer better grip and higher safety features than cheaper tires do. Between improved comfort on the road and enhanced traction, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to determining if expensive tires are worth it.

Braking Distance

There is a significant difference in the braking distance of expensive tires compared to cheap tires. This means that expensive tires are a good investment for a driver who wants quick and accurate stops, especially on slippery roads and less accurate terrain.

With a shorter braking distance, your vehicle can avoid accidents easier and drivers can feel safer behind the wheel. These premium high-performance tires are made to provide the most accuracy possible when braking and the same applies to accelerating.

Road Comfort

Road comfort is different for everyone, but certain things affect it. One of those factors is the surface of the road that we ride on. The more expensive tire brands offer better road performance and less cabin noise.

This is because cheaper car tires use less advanced rubber compounds, while more expensive ones are extra-thick with vibration suppressant features. This contributes to the reduction of cabin noise which makes driving more enjoyable for drivers.

Wet & Winter Traction

The winter and wet road traction are better on expensive tires because it offers a wider contact patch with extra sipes and grooves. This design makes it easier to provide hydroplaning resistance on the road.

The rubber compounds used also can remain more flexible on an expensive tire to maintain high performance in freezing temperatures. It is difficult for a low-cost tire to match the same design that withstands such harsh conditions.

Tread Life & Durability

The most notable upgrade with an expensive tire is the tread life and durability it can provide when compared to cheaper tires. In all categories, the rubber compounds provide more support on the road with a thicker sidewall to withstand damages or punctures.

The tread design is also more optimized to handle more miles on a premium tire. This includes the way tread blocks are aligned, shoulder width, and many more features that a cheap tire cannot provide.

Should I Buy Expensive Tires?

Expensive tires are not always the best option. Depending on your driving needs, some cheap tires may be better. You should consider how you drive, what type of car you have, and the price of the car before purchasing expensive tires.

However, expensive tires are the most reliable option. They provide more consistency for mileage, longer tread life, and less wear and tear on the tire for everyday usage.

Before deciding, you should consider your driving style and your budget. If you can afford the tires, it will be a saver in the long-term because they will require fewer repairs or replacements and you will also improve the performance of your vehicle.

The decision is never an easy one, but everybody should opt for the more expensive tire as long as it is a reliable choice that provides improved tread life, traction, and road comfort for you.