Cheap vs Expensive Tyres: What’s Right for Your Car and Budget?

13/06/2025

With lots of brands to choose from at a variety of price points buying new tyres for your car can be an expensive and confusing exercise.  While your budget may only stretch to the cheaper product lines, should the overall cost be your only consideration or are there more critical factors at play such as safety considerations and stopping power? Let’s go over the pros and cons of both budget and premium options.

 

Are cheap tyres a smart choice and who are they suited to?

Budget tyre options can be a practical choice, provided that they align with your specific driving habits and comply with Australian Road Safety Standards. They are generally best suited to drivers that don’t cover long distances or use their vehicle as a secondary transport option. Budget tyres are ideal for drivers that do most of their driving on paved roads, especially when daily use is light

 

The Benefits of Premium Tyres

There are many factors that determine the cost of tyres such as brand reputation, materials used in the manufacturing process and real-world performance testing.

Premium tyre options offer a multitude of benefits including long Gevity, noise reduction and increased comfort, value for money over the long term, safety benefits and fuel efficiency.

 

Performance and Safety: A Key Comparison

The higher price point of a premium tyre is likely the result of advanced technologies and materials being used in the manufacture process coupled with performance testing. A premium tyre provides confidence and peace of mind in your purchase that thorough testing has been performed in wet weather, on highways, during emergency braking situations and in extreme Aussie conditions.

 

Durability and Long-Term Value

A premium tyre product or brand will likely have a longer life span when compared with a budget version this means that the costs may be lower over time.  High end tyres may also provide a quieter and more comfortable driving experience and greater fuel efficiency. It’s also important to consider that a premium tyre product may also include a product warranty potentially not available on cheaper options. 

 

Do you need help selecting tyres for your car?

Clearly tyre selection is a complex task and careful consideration is required.  It’s important to compare your options and to choose the tyre that best fits your individual needs.

Speak to one of our tyre experts today for personalised advice on tyre fitting, repairs or wheel alignment in Lilydale. Whether you’re after value or performance, we’ll help you make the safest, smartest choice for your drive.