Should I fit budget tyres? - Eden Tyres & Servicing (2024)

Sometimes, when you need replacement tyres the concern at the forefront of your mind is cost. You know your vehicle needs new tyres but you just can’t warrant, or afford, the price tag that comes with buying premium quality brands.

What you use the vehicle for and how long you intend to keep it will also have a factor on how much you want to spend on your tyres.
Thankfully, budget tyre brands manufacture tyres in a wide range of sizes to fit the vast majority of vehicles. They even make tyres with run-flat technology, so if you own a BMW or Mini there are alternative options to help keep tyre replacement costs down. Whilst these lower priced tyres may not offer everything high quality performance tyres deliver, they will ensure you’ll be safe and legal on the road.

Here, we’re going to look at the pro’s & con’s of buying budget tyres and what to expect when you choose to fit a cheaper tyre.

• New budget tyres have the same tread depth of 7-8mm as premium tyres
• They must meet the tyre safety standards to be sold in the UK
• They each have an EU tyre label with tyre performance ratings
• They are much safer than buying part worn tyres

So why are budget tyres cheaper than mid-range & premium quality tyres? It’s understandable to ask this question, after all they all look very similar!

Premium tyres cost more because premium tyre manufacturers invest more heavily in:

• Tyre technology & design
• The compound (the rubber blend the tyre is made from)
• Tyre testing & development

• They’re cheaper than branded tyres
• They have the same mm of tread as other new tyres
• They’re made in sizes & specifications to suit the majority of vehicles
• They meet the British safety standards necessary to sell them in the UK
• Much safer & better value than buying a part-worn tyre

• Don’t have a recognisable brand name
• May not last as long as premium tyres
• Tend to have a higher road noise level
• Often have a lower fuel economy rating
• Can be more difficult to match up to when replacing

As with most things in life, if you opt to spend less you will have to make a few compromises. Whilst budget tyres are a popular & suitable option for many drivers, there’s a few things you should be aware of before parting with your hard earned cash.

Knowing the facts about budget tyres will help you make an informed decision based on your vehicle, driving style & mileage.

• Longevity. Budget tyres tend to wear more quickly than premium quality tyres.
• Grip. Budget tyres generally don’t provide as much grip as high quality tyres. Especially in wet conditions, they won’t stick to the road quite as well as a premium quality tyre.
• Handling. Premium quality tyres are more expensive due to the investment that goes into their design & materials. They do tend to provide better handling & a better driving experience than budget tyres.
• Noise. Budget tyre compounds usually produce more external noise than higher quality tyres. Many drivers wouldn’t notice this but it may bother owners of very quiet vehicles such as Jaguars.
• Replacement. One of the main drawbacks of choosing budget tyres is that it can be difficult to purchase exactly the same tyre repeatedly. This is because budget tyres are often imported from countries such as China. It’s not always possible for us to guarantee stock in every size (as they’re ordered in mixed size containers). Branded tyres have warehouses in the UK – which makes matching up to a specific tread pattern much easier.

• Builders/tradesmen who work on sites and often get punctures
• Drivers on a budget who are looking for the cheapest option
• Drivers who only do very low mileage on minor roads
• Companies who own a fleet of vehicles will often have a policy to only fit budget tyres
• Vehicle owners selling the car on

• Owners of high performance vehicles
• Electric Vehicles
• Drivers with an aggressive driving style who enjoy getting the most from their vehicle performance.
• Drivers who do high mileage on fast roads such as motorways
• Vehicle owners looking to get a long lasting, quality tyre might be more suited to a mid-range or premium tyre.

We’ve been supplying & fitting tyres to vehicles for over 40 years now and have years of experience when it comes to supplying the best budget tyres. The budget tyre brands we stock are ones we trust to give reliable performance at the best value prices.

Our budget tyre brands include Radar, Accelera & Tracmax. We fit hundreds of these tyres every single week and they’re a popular choice with customers as they represent great quality at value prices.

For customers wanting the next step up from a budget tyre, Zeta tyres offer fantastic value and a higher quality tyre.

• High quality budget tyre
• Available in wide range of sizes
• Radar Renegade available for 4×4 off road/on road
• £2 donated to breast cancer research for every tyre sold

• Ultra High Performance low cost tyre
• Tread designed for excellent performance, handling and stability.
• Accelera PHI R designed for reduced noise and improved steering
• Good EU wet grip ratings

• A leading Chinese tyre manufacturer
• 80% of consumers would buy again
• Increasing reputation as a budget tyre
• Many sizes rated B for wet grip

• Leading Chinese tyre manufacturer Est. 1976
• Sells over 10 million tyres every year in more than 130 countries
• Wide range of sizes available
• Good reputation as a budget tyre across the world