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Your Guide To Buying The Best Car Tyres

Changing car tyres is something we all have to do at some point but with so many brands on the market, finding the right tyre can be quite challenging. Not everyone is a tyre specialist and people are easily overwhelmed by the differences in quality and price.

Whilst you can ask advice from a technician when shopping for car tyres, it’s always good to have some idea of what you are looking for. There is essentially a three-way split with the choice of budget or economy tyres, mid-range tyres and premium tyres.

These categories go according to tyre cost and quality which will suit different drivers and different levels of car usage. Elite Garages have compiled a short guide to help you make the right decision when looking for quality car tyres.

Premium Tyres

Premium tyres are of the highest quality but they also cost more than economy tyres or mid-range tyres. Considering the higher price tag, you may be wondering if it’s worth investing in premium car tyres. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer as your decision depends on how often you use your vehicle, the distance you travel and your budget.

If you travel frequently and cover long distances, your best option would be premium tyres as they offer several benefits. Better quality tyres, if maintained properly, can offer a more efficient drive which means better fuel economy. This can save costs on fuel whilst reducing general car maintenance issues.

Reserve Your Premium Car Tyres At Elite Garages

The big names in the industry produce premium tyres such as Michelin, Pirelli, Goodyear, Bridgestone and Continental. These companies invest heavily in the research and development of tyres and tyre tread putting them through some rigorous testing. This helps ensure that the car tyres perform well in wet and dry conditions even with the most demanding driving styles.

Here are some of the premium tyre brands we stock at Elite Garages:

Finding the right tyre for you has never been easier thanks to our expert technicians. They ask all the necessary questions to recommend the right tyre for your budget, the type of vehicle and your driving style. Reserve your tyres online now!

Mid-Range Tyres

These car tyres are known as the balanced option between economy and premium tyres. Whilst cheaper than premium tyres and more durable than economy car tyres, they can’t handle as much punishment and don’t perform as well as premium tyres.

If you don’t drive all the time and not put too much demand on your vehicle, mid-range tyres should do the trick. However, keep assessing your driving needs as things can change quickly so always make sure the tyres you buy provide the level of performance for the extent of use.

Here are the mid-range car tyres you find at Elite Garages:

Economy Tyres

As the name suggests, budget or economy car tyres are a cheaper alternative to mid-range and premium brands. Economy tyres aren’t necessarily bad but it depends on how much punishment they will be exposed to. If you don’t travel often and only short distances or you have a second car that mostly sits in the garage, these tyres should suffice.

The price makes them ideal if you’re on a tight budget and need to change your tyres quickly due to worn tread or a puncture. If saving money is at the top of your list, avoid buying part-worn tyres at all costs we would always recommend buying economy tyres instead. The economy car tyres you can fit at Elite Garages include Sailwin/Antares.

When To Replace Car Tyres

Unfortunately, there is no set mileage or time stamp on how long tyres should last as it depends on several factors. This includes road conditions, hitting potholes/kerbs, excessive speeding and braking, wheel spins and driving in extreme conditions among others.

However, if you take good care of your tyres in terms of tread wear, wheel alignment and air pressure, you can substantially extend their lifespan. If your car tyres are worn or damaged in any way, it can affect braking, acceleration, traction, handling, steering and comfort. Not even the most expensive cars will grip the road without the right tyres so it’s important to check your tyres regularly.

The Importance Of Checking And Maintaining Car Tyres

Over time, whether you opt for economy, mid-range or premium, your tyres will be subject to wear and tear. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your tyres by doing the following:

  • Inspect the overall condition of your tyres, including the spare, checking for bulges, damage or punctures
  • Check your tyre tread regularly for excessive wear and make sure it’s above the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm (although many experts recommend keeping it above 3mm)
  • Make sure your tyre pressure is always set according to the manufacturer’s recommendation
  • Get your alignment and balancing checked at least once every six months and after fitting new tyres or hitting the pavement
  • If possible, replace all your tyres at the same time or rearrange your tyres so the two newest ones are at the front

Final Thoughts

Premium car tyres provide better value for money as they last longer and wear at a slower rate. Bridgestone is a prime example of a tyre that gives total satisfaction when it comes to noise, comfort, ride, handling and steering response. Have a look at this video from the leading tyre maker.

Considering all tyres wear, if you aren’t going to use premium tyres to a particularly high extent then mid-range tyres are likely worthwhile to save some money. But, if you are strapped for cash and think you found a bargain with part-worn tyres, think again and rather opt for economy tyres.

Why Choose Car Tyres At Elite Garages?

At Elite Garages, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service and reliable car tyres at affordable prices. Whether you are looking for car tyre puncture repair, FREE tyre safety checks, mid-range, premium brands or cheap car tyres, we have you covered.

With over 1 million tyres in stock across the entire group, we offer excellent availability and variety. What’s more, you can order your tyres online and arrange for same-day fitting or next day tyres if we have to source them from our warehouse.

Get in touch with a team of tyre experts near you for advice or to answer any questions you may have. This includes “where to change car tyres”, “what size car tyres you should buy” and “where to find the best car tyres near me”. To find the nearest Elite tyre fitment centre, visit our website.