Bridgestone, which manufacturers tyres, stress a lot of drivers are unaware of the difference in quality between budget tyres and more premium ones, which are often more expensive
Budget tyres pose huge risks to drivers, a motoring expert has today warned.
While premium tyres can cost up to £320 more than budget ones, the car industry has stressed the difference in quality is huge. Emilio Tiberio, chief technical officer for a tyre firm, says tests have shown cars with alternative tyres are safer than those with budget ones.
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.”
The expert explained tyres with “made in China” etched on are typically of lower quality – albeit cheaper in price. Mr Tiberio works for Bridgestone, which has 181 production facilities across the world, though none in the UK.
He continued: “They’re attractive from a cost perspective, but most consumers are simply unaware of their quality.” According to the mechanic chain Kwik-Fit, the difference between budget and premium tyres can be up to £320 per set for some larger wheels.
It is understood the more expensive tyres use a higher grade of rubber, which can help them to last significantly longer without running out of tread. In addition, 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, Express.co.uk reports.
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.”
