A brief snippet here from UK magazine Autocar, who recently ran a tyre test with a difference. Usually, when magazines run tyre comparos they get a few examples from across the price range and try to establish the best tyre on the market. This time, though, Autocar used an established tyre from Continental and tested it against cheaper tyres made in China and Taiwan.
One in five sets of tyres sold in the UK now are sourced from these markets and the test would see how the less expensive tyres compared. The press release presented is a bit light on detail (might have to buy the mag for the full story I guess), but the conclusion is no real surprise.
The results given were for an 80km/h–zero wet weather braking test. A Volkswagen Golf was used, fitted with OEM fitment 205/55R16 sized tyres. As one might expect the Continental performed best, stopping in the shortest distance. Amazingly, however, the worst performing tyre in this test, from Linglong, was still travelling at 44km/h at the same point the Continentals had brought the test car to a halt. Ouch!
Of course, no test can be consclusive for each individual buyer, but when it is nigh on impossible for consumers to test tyres before buying, comparisons like this can prove quite valuable. Remember, tyres are the only things between you and the road. If you’re considering a cheap set of tyres next time, you might want to consider your other options.