The tyre market in UAE and many other parts around the world is now full of brands coming from different countries. Generally, the distinction is made between premium brands (Pirelli, Continental, Bridgestone etc.) and Chinese tyre brands which have a lower price offering.
A few years ago, the only alternative to premium brands from reputable manufacturers were used or retreaded tyres. Today, there is a large offering and the tyre market is literally stormed by affordable models of Asian brands.
So…The big question is – is it worth paying the extra for a premium, and what is the difference between Chinese and premium tyres?
In order to show you the real difference, we are reviewing the premium and Chinese (Asian) tyre markets below.
An Overview Of Chinese Tyres (Asian Manufacturers)
When we say “Chinese tyres” we actually refer to the Asian tyres manufactured by lesser-known brands. A distinction should be drawn here between the units produced in China by multinationals and tyres from Chinese manufacturers.
Because of the low production costs, the majority of the “premium brands” are outsourcing their manufacturing in China and other Asian regions. However, this does not mean that their tyres are Chinese – instead, the materials are all premium but only manufactured in Asia.
When it comes to the topic of Chinese tyres, it is true that they are made with less advanced technologies and poorer rubber compounds. They also may have worse performance and are not overall as safe as the ones by premium brands.
A thing to note is that all of the units admitted for sale undergo appropriate tests related to their strength and performance. The international standard for tyre quality is ISO 10191:2010 – all brands possessing it are regulated and the test applies to all passenger vehicles.
That said, it can always be handy to check if the Chinese tyres you are considering have this standard, which includes a strength test for assessing the capability of the tyre structure with respect to its braking energy in the tread area. Also, the resistance of the tyre is examined to bead unseating.
And while the Chinese tyre market has plenty of affordable tyre models which are generally safe and reliable, they usually:
- Lack technology (research and development)
- Have fewer tyre compounds
- Cannot compete with the reputation and experience of premium brands
Premium Brand Tyres: More Than A High Price Tag
While some Chinese tyres are good and others aren’t the premium tyre segment does not compromise on quality.
Despite the increasing trend of outsourcing the tyre manufacturing to China and other Asian regions, the materials that leading tyre brands are using stay the same – and are evidently better than their Asian rivals.
When it comes to features such as straight line aquaplaning, wet handling and overall safety on the road, the bonus points always go to premium tyre brands such as Continental, Michelin, Pirelli, and others.
Ultimately, You Get What You Pay For
The bottom line of this debate is that just like many other things, you get what you pay for.
It is no doubt that Chinese tyres are more affordable and mimic some of the better features of their premium counterparts. However, a huge amount of engineering, research and development goes into producing a tyre. This is the segment where premium brands excel – and is often the one factor that makes a difference.
In other words, premium tyre brands are more than just rubber doughnuts and a random pattern. They invest in technology, use different materials and tailor their tyres based on the needs of the consumers, as well as specific vehicles.
By choosing premium tyres, you can opt-in for the best tyres for your specific vehicle, your driving habits, the weather conditions in your region and many other factors. And if you are looking for the best premium tyres in the UAE, you are on the right page.
TyresOnline: Find The Best Prices On Premium Tyre Models In The UAE
At TyresOnline, we pride ourselves on our huge collection of tyres from leading manufacturers. We have various makes and models of brands like Pirelli, Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook and others.
All of the tyres that we sell in our online tyre marketplace are tested, fulfill the criteria for the latest standards and have all the features you need to be safe on the road and know that you made the right choice.
Visit our online tyre store and choose the best model for your needs!
