For many South African motorists, replacing tyres is an unplanned expense. It is therefore understandable that price often becomes the deciding factor when comparing available options.
However, choosing a tyre based only on its upfront cost may mean overlooking important considerations such as performance, longevity, vehicle suitability and after-sales support. Although tyres may appear similar, they are not necessarily designed or engineered to deliver the same experience.
Michelin addresses five common misconceptions to help motorists make more informed tyre buying decisions.
- All tyres of the same size are essentially the same
The information displayed on a tyre’s sidewall helps motorists identify its dimensions, construction, load capacity and speed rating. However, finding a tyre that fits the wheel is only one part of the decision.
Tyres of the same size can differ in their construction, rubber compounds, tread design and intended use. These differences may influence braking, handling, comfort, noise and longevity.
Motorists should ensure that replacement tyres meet the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and are suited to their vehicle, driving habits and typical road conditions.
- Premium tyres are only for luxury and performance vehicles
Premium tyres are often associated with sports cars, luxury vehicles and high-performance driving. However, tyre performance is equally relevant to motorists using their vehicles for everyday purposes.
Whether driving a hatchback, family sedan or SUV, motorists depend on their tyres to support the vehicle’s safety, comfort and handling. Choosing premium tyres is not necessarily about driving faster or owning an expensive vehicle. It is about selecting tyres engineered to deliver dependable performance for the way the vehicle is used.
- A tyre only needs to perform well when it is new
A tyre spends most of its usable life in a partially worn condition. Motorists should therefore consider how it has been designed to perform over time, rather than evaluating it only when it is brand new.
True tyre longevity is not simply about achieving more kilometres before replacement. It is about maintaining dependable levels of performance throughout the tyre’s usable life, within applicable legal and safety limits.
Designing a modern tyre requires extensive research, advanced materials and testing. Its different components must work together to balance factors such as braking, grip, handling, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency.
Michelin’s approach to innovation centres on long-lasting performance, with tyres designed to deliver high levels of performance from the first kilometre to the last.
- The least expensive tyre is always the most economical choice
The initial purchase price is important, particularly for cost-conscious motorists, but it does not provide a complete picture of a tyre’s value.
Consumers should also consider expected longevity, performance over time, suitability for their vehicle and the warranty or after-sales support accompanying the purchase.
Long-term value considers not only what a tyre costs when it is fitted, but how consistently it performs, how long it remains in service and how frequently it may need to be replaced.
Tyres that remain in service for longer, without compromising on safety or performance, can also contribute to more responsible consumption by reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated use of materials.
- Modern vehicle technology can compensate for tyre choice
Modern vehicles feature increasingly sophisticated technologies, including anti-lock braking, traction control and electronic stability control. Although these systems assist the driver, the vehicle still interacts with the road through four relatively small contact areas.
Tyres play an important role in translating the vehicle’s braking, steering and stability systems into physical performance on the road. Even advanced vehicle technology depends on appropriate tyres that are correctly fitted, maintained and inflated.
“Price will naturally remain an important consideration for motorists. However, a tyre purchase should not be viewed only as a short-term expense,” says Amaury Vadon, Managing Director of Michelin Sub-Saharan Africa and Vice President of Sales for Africa, India and the Middle East.
“Motorists should consider how a tyre has been engineered, whether it suits their vehicle and driving needs, how it is designed to perform as it wears, and what support is available after purchase. We want to equip motorists with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions.”
Before purchasing replacement tyres, motorists should consult a reputable dealer, confirm the correct specifications for their vehicle and ask about performance, longevity, warranty and after-sales support.
Ultimately, the right question is not only what a tyre costs on the day it is fitted, but what motorists can expect it to deliver throughout its usable life.
