Drivers have been warned against buying a cheap pair of tyres – as they could end up costing them more than premium options.
With vehicle running costs soaring, drivers are on the hunt for penny-pinching tricks, and some are turning to bargain-basement tyres from China.
But Bridgestone’s top tech honcho, Emilio Tiberio, has sounded the alarm on the safety trade-offs of these budget-friendly options.
READ MORE: Drivers to get £5k fine from DVLA if they fail to report three common things
Be sure to check out more car advice on our dedicated page
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 mechanics reckon the gap between budget and posh tyres can hit your wallet with an extra £320 for some big-wheeled beasts.
(Image: (Image: Getty))
And car enthusiasts say splashing out on pricier tyres means investing in superior rubber that not only lasts longer but also clings to the road better, slashing the risk of aquaplaning and cutting down stopping distances.
Gary Powell, the Technical Manager for Bridgestone, has highlighted that top-notch tyre brands are pouring more resources into innovation to slash emissions and ramp up efficiency.
He said: “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.”
(Image: (Image: Getty))
All new tyres meant for cars and vans must come with an EU Tyre Label slapped on them.
These labels are akin to the energy ratings you’d find on your household gadgets, dishing out scores from A to G for how they cling to the road in the wet and their impact on your motor’s thirst for fuel.
Drivers can also suss out how noisy a tyre set is thanks to these labels, with many swanky premium models promising a quieter ride compared to the cheaper alternatives.