How Brand-New Tires Win Over Generic Tires
Tires and wheels are arguably the most important part of any vehicle. Think about it…your wheels and tires are what is in contact with the road 100% of the time. That means that they have to be able to withstand the elements and any type of surface that you drive your car on, whether that be hot pavement, gravel, or snowy/icy roads. No matter how reliable the rest of your car is, if the tires aren’t up the standard, then your driving experience is going to be compromised.
Cheap tires and wheels may seem like a good idea at the time to save money, but it’s a decision that may come back to haunt you in the long run. We get it… premium-grade car tires and wheels can rack up quite a tab. In fact, anyone who is shopping for a set of new wheels or tires can usually expect to spend well over $1000 when it’s all said and done. If they are customized in any way, that is going to add to the overall price.
So, what makes custom rims and tires so expensive? Are they really worth it? Let’s break this down.
Premium Tires
There is a reason that when you hear about premium tires you automatically think of the names Michelin, Bridgestone, Firestone and others in the same pedigree. It’s not a matter of luck that these brands have found longevity in a highly competitive industry. When discussing what separates a premium tire from a high-quality tire, most tire manufacturers are trying to meet the demand of what the market wants. Consider these questions the next time that you are shopping for premium tires.
“What is the expected lifespan of the tire?” Tires are expensive, so when you buy a set, you want to make sure that they are going to last as long as possible. Tire manufacturers have gotten pretty good at estimating how many miles a tire will last before the tread wears down and it needs to be replaced. Of course, many factors are going to affect the overall lifespan of how long your tires last, such as tire type, driving habits, and road conditions. A good rule of thumb on tires is that a brand-new set should last at least 50,000 miles.
“What are the right types of tires for my car?” Another big difference between a regular tire manufacturer and a premium tire manufacturer is the amount of selection that they offer. For instance, many of the big tire manufacturers offer several different tire types for customers who deal with different climates or road conditions. People who live in the Midwest often go with an all-season tire, which is designed to handle well during the summer, in wet conditions, and even during the winter when roads can get snowy or icy. For those living on the west coast, they usually opt for a summer tire, which is designed to handle well and dry and extremely hot conditions. A premium tire will not only fit your car, but it will be designed to suit your driving habits and the terrain that you are most often driving on.
“What should I expect with a tire warranty?” A used or generic set of tires is likely not going to come with a warranty from the manufacturer or retailer. This means that if one of the tires is defective or unexpectedly goes flat, then the cost of replacing it is on the driver. Probably one of the biggest differentiators between a generic tire and a premium tire is the warranty. With a premium set, the manufacturer will usually offer a warranty to protect the consumer in the event of any defects. It will either cover a certain time period from the date of your installation or a certain amount of mileage. Either way, this warranty protects the buyer and is highly recommended to be at the top of your checklist when shopping for new and premium tires.
“What about custom rims? Are they essential to the driving experience?” There’s no doubt about it, custom rims automatically elevate the overall look and feel of your car. They add personality and a certain design aesthetic that doesn’t come with the standard manufacturer model. But it’s not just all about looks. Customized wheels are generally made with higher quality metals that are designed to improve the driving experience. For instance, depending on the type of customized wheel that you get, you may increase your vehicle’s acceleration and overall maneuverability. Customized wheels are also less susceptible to bending or warping, which comes in handy if you hit an unexpected speed bump or pothole at a high speed.
Upgrade Your Vehicle with Premium-Grade Wheels and Tires Today
Custom wheels and tires are a fantastic way to improve your driving experience and the overall look of the car. When shopping for your wheel and tire upgrades, keep in mind your own specific driving habits and the type of terrain that you’ll most often be dealing with. Ask your sales associate or installation technician how any of these changes will affect the drivability of the car, especially in the case of installing customized wheels. Although it may be tempting to go with a cheaper generic option, remember that premium tires cost more because they use higher quality materials and include a warranty. They are well worth the investment in the long run.
There are plenty of wheel and tire packages available. The best way to get started is to narrow things down by your vehicle specific year, make, and model. From there, you should be able to narrow down your choices by how other customers have reviewed them and pricing.