'I'm a tyre expert - drivers should avoid buying these tyres despite their low cost'
As drivers look for more ways to cut motoring costs, one tyre manufacturer has warned that budget brands may not be the bargain many motorists imagine.
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The tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has warned drivers to think twice before fitting budget tyres that are made in China to their vehicle, stating they can end up costing motorists more in the long run.
As the cost of running a vehicle continues to rise, many drivers are looking for ways they can save money whilst behind the wheel, with some buying low-cost tyres, often coming from Chinese brands.
However, Emilio Tiberio, Chief Technical Officer for Bridgestone West, noted that the low cost of Chinese tyres often comes at the cost of safety.
He explained: "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."
According to the mechanic chain Kwik-Fit, the difference between budget and premium tyres can be up to £320 per set for some larger wheels.
However, many motoring experts have warned that the more expensive tyres feature a higher grade of rubber, which can help them to last significantly longer without running out of tread.
In addition, higher quality rubber can also give tyres additional grip on the road, preventing skidding on wet or icy surfaces and reducing the distance required to stop a vehicle.
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Gary Powell, Technical Manager for Bridgestone, noted that premium tyre brands will often invest more into innovating to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
He added: "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."
To showcase their performance in a variety of conditions, all new tyres designed to be used by cars and vans are required to have an EU Tyre Label.
Similar to energy ratings on electrical appliances, these labels give tyre models a score from A to G based on how they grip on a wet road and affect a vehicles fuel economy.
Motorists can also use these labels to see how loud a set of tyres is, with many premium models being much quieter than more budget brands.