Car tire classes - what you need to know before changing tires?

Almost every major tire manufacturer offers tires of various classes - most often these are premium, mid-range and budget tires. Thanks to this, customers can find offers tailored to their needs and possibilities - not only in terms of season or application, but also the richness of the wallet. Each of the listed tire classes has its own advantages and disadvantages, and not every user necessarily needs to reach for the most expensive premium offers. 

Tire classes - premium 

This name always refers to the best tires in the brand's offer. It is these models that attract the attention of each manufacturer and undergo various comparisons and quality tests. Premium tires provide an opportunity to show the most advanced solutions, which is why many of them are modified and improved year after year. These will definitely be the safest, most durable models with the lowest rolling resistance and will certainly satisfy the needs of both demanding customers and motorsport enthusiasts. Unfortunately, you will have to pay the most for their quality.

Mid-Range Tires – A Smart Compromise

Offers from mid-range manufacturers are very often the smartest solution for drivers who need proven tires every day without spending a fortune. They are made from good quality rubber compounds and proven technologies - although not always the most modern, but their price is much lower than premium tires. They provide a good level of comfort and safety, as well as average rolling resistance, so they can reliably serve drivers for years. If you don't drive professionally, don't have an exceptionally powerful car, or compete in motoring competitions, chances are they will suit you.

Budget tires are also not a bad option.

Despite huge changes in the preferences of Polish drivers, they are still the most frequently chosen tires in our country. When developing tires of this type, one of the most important components is the final price of the product on the market, which translates into cost savings at almost every stage. This does not necessarily mean that such tires will be bad or dangerous, but in this case, it is in vain to expect cutting-edge tread patterns, a complex rubber compound, or quiet operation when driving on roads. For people who mostly move around the city, on good quality cleared roads, this is still a good option, and any difference will be almost imperceptible - except for the price. 

Tire classes and tires from China

In recent years, tires from China have experienced a real boom in interest. These are by far the cheapest offers on the market, among which it is not always possible to see the division into the three classes of tires mentioned above. Most often, they compete in the market price, so Chinese manufacturers do not always dare to offer mid-range and premium models. However, choosing tires from China can still pay off - as long as you treat them like any other budget tyre, ie. use them mainly in the city and do not expect similar properties as from more expensive products. However, if you have a powerful car and like to ride trails, they are not necessarily the best solution. 

Tire classes - choose the right one and don't overpay!

Choosing a tire is not always an easy task - on the one hand, after the brakes, it is the element that most affects the safety of the car on the road - and the only one that has direct contact with the road surface. Without exception, safety is the last thing worth saving on. On the other hand, just as not everyone needs a flagship smartphone that manufacturers are happy to flaunt, so not everyone has to reach for the most expensive premium tires. The vast majority of people will be happy with mid-price offerings, and many will successfully use even the cheapest models - especially if they only move around the city at legal speeds. 

Better new lower grade tires than higher grade used tires

If you can't save enough money to buy your dream new premium tires, then you're better off buying the ones that are within your wallet's reach rather than waiting too long (and driving around with your old tires). Regardless of the class, they wear out, and tires with a worn tread or with numerous damages are definitely worse than new ones, but of a lower class. So if you have to make that choice, they will opt for new budget tires that will always have deep tread and be in great condition, rather than buying used ones or postponing the replacement decision indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do tire ratings mean?

Tires differ in their price and quality. There is a division of tires into three classes - economy, medium and premium. The economy class includes the cheapest tires on the market - their price is usually reflected in quality and parameters. Therefore, these tires are recommended for drivers of small city cars that cover short distances. As for the middle class, it is assumed that it offers the best value for money. Premium tires are the most expensive but provide the most balanced performance in every way.

Should You Buy Premium Tires?

Premium tires are the most expensive tires on the market. Their production is characterized by the most advanced and innovative solutions. Tests confirm that these tires receive the highest marks for the best performance in all conditions. So if you are a driver who travels long distances in your car and you have high demands on tires, invest in premium tires.

Who makes economy tires?

Budget tire manufacturers include the following companies: Apollo, Barum, Dayton, Dębica, Kingstar, Kormoran, Mabor.