In recent years, it has been observed that car consumers have become much more vigilant when it comes to safety. When it comes to safety, factors like airbags, ABS, EBD, build quality, and other features come to mind. Is the safety limited to just these criteria, or is there more? Yes, there is, and it is a vehicle's 'tyres.' Because tyres are the only points of contact with the road surface, a lot depends on their upkeep and the fact that they must be replaced after a specific amount of time.
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, whether it's a car or an SUV, the replacement schedule might range from 40,000 to 70,000 km. But the million-dollar question is: what options do you have when it comes to replacing your automobile tyres? In India, there are 14 tyre brands available in the small car, hatchback, sedan, and SUV segments, as well as commercial vehicle tyres. Hatchbacks and compact sedans, which have a lower tread depth, require more frequent replacements than SUVs, which have a higher tread depth.
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So, let's have a look at some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a tyre for your vehicle.
If you're on a budget and want a tyre that's easy on your wallet, Indian tyre companies are a better option than foreign brands, which are more expensive. Some of the well-known desi tyre brands are MRF, Apollo, and JK Tyre. Furthermore, if you need anything that is less expensive than an Indian brand, a Chinese brand is always available. Though the price difference between Indian and Chinese tyres isn't significant, it's a few hundred rupees here and there. Maxxis, a Chinese-made tyre brand, may be a viable option in this case.
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Selection of Performance
If you're a long-distance runner searching for the best performance, a unidirectional tread pattern will reduce road noise while providing the best surface grip.
Goodyear Duraplus, Bridgestone Turanza, and Michelin Energy XM2 are examples of high-performance tyres. These tyres cost between INR 4,600 and INR 5,200 per tyre. These performance tyres have a softer rubber compound for improved grip and reduced road noise.
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If you want your automobile to be as comfortable as possible, avoid low-profile tyres because the thin rubber may cause a stiffer ride. In this case, seeking tyre sizes that are compatible with the vehicle's OEM standards may be the best option. A softer compound tyre will provide you with more road grip and a more comfortable ride, but they may not last as long. Softer sidewalls give the car greater elasticity and comfort.
If you're searching for a tyre that will last a long time and get you a lot of miles, but comfort, performance, and pricing aren't top priorities, extended life tyres are the way to go. Keep in mind that while these tyres are made of a tougher compound, you may not be able to get a fantastic ride quality overall, but you will have a longer lifespan.
