In the current cost of living crisis, many of us are looking for ways to save money

mycar says while you may be tempted to try and save money on tyres, it may not be the safest option for you, your passengers, other road users, or your car.
The risk of buying cheap tyres
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, tyres are often overlooked in favour of more visible or seemingly critical components like the engine or brakes.
However, tyres are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, making their quality and condition crucial to your safety.
This is important, no matter what car you drive – petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric (EV).
If you are driving an EV, you’ll know that the vehicle creates more torque and is a heavier vehicle overall, so choosing the right tyre for your EV is just as important as choosing the right one for your 4WD or SUV.
It is also important to distinguish between what reputable tyre stores sell as affordable entry-level tyres versus second hand tyres or cheap tyres.
Second hand tyres can be dangerous as you don’t know the history. And cheap tyres are often manufactured using inferior materials and subpar technology – thankfully, these types of tyres are not sold by your reputable tyre stores such as mycar Tyre and Auto, it says.
mycar offers the following as several reasons why opting for cheap tyres may not be worth the risk.

1. Compromised safety
   Lower-quality materials and outdated technology are often used to produce cheap tyres.
   This can lead to reduced grip on the road, especially in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow.
   Poor traction increases the risk of loss of control and lengthens stopping distances, making accidents more likely.
   Quality tyres, on the other hand, are designed to provide optimal performance and safety through rigorous testing and advanced engineering.
2. Reduced durability
   Purchasing cheaper tyres is often a false economy. Cheap tyres often wear out faster than higher-quality tyres due to their inferior materials and construction.
   This means you’ll need to replace them more frequently, negating any initial cost savings.
   mycar says investing in durable, high-quality tyres can be more economical in the long run as they have a longer lifespan.
3. Lower fuel efficiency
   Tyres significantly impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Cheap tyres often have higher rolling resistance, which means your car’s engine has to work harder to move the vehicle.
   This translates to higher fuel consumption and increased costs at the pump. Quality tyres are engineered to minimise rolling resistance, improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint.

Compromised comfort and performance
Cheap tyres can negatively affect your driving experience with more road noise and a less comfortable ride due to poorer shock absorption.
Additionally, they can compromise your vehicle’s handling, making it less responsive and harder to control, especially at higher speeds or during emergency manoeuvres.

Saving money and staying safe
While it might be tempting to save money by purchasing cheap tyres, the potential risks and hidden costs far outweigh any short-term savings.
Investing in high-quality tyres is not just about better performance and longevity; it is a critical aspect of ensuring your safety on the road.
Your tyres are an investment in your vehicle’s performance and, more importantly, in your own safety and that of your passengers.
mycar says it is important that you purchase your tyres from a reputable tyre store which offers affordable, entry-level tyres, all the way to mid-range and premium tyres – meeting both your cars needs and your budget.
It says your local mycar Tyre and Auto technician can help you with affordable – not cheap – good quality tyres for your vehicle.

For more information, visit www.mycar.com.au