Treading the line between budget and premium

When it comes to the age old question of tyres, chance are that two utterances would usually be murmured; a) all tyres are the same and b) why should I spend R1 000 per tyre when I can buy a cheaper one for less?

As crucial as it is to keep the mechanical components of a vehicle in rude health, tyres arguably play a more prominent role as they serve as the sole contact patch between the vehicle and road, in addition to supporting the actual weight and providing traction.

It therefore remains a huge worry that this most critical element is still widely ignored by a great number of South Africans who tend to shy away as a result of the mentioned costs, or who are simply oblivious to the actual condition until it is too late.

Part of the South African automotive landscape since 1947, day one of our experience centred around the factory tour, which provided a fascinating insight into the process of tyre construction where the wheel starts out as a single piece of rubber, before being mixed with 20 kg of raw materials and then shaped into what is known as the green tyre.

This is followed by further shaping, moulding and eventual application of the various tread patterns, before it is placed in a searing hot press-cum-oven where it takes the shape of a tyre we know it. The final process involves the removal of any excess rubber at which point, the tyre, whether under the Continental, General Tire, Barum or Matador brands, is ready to be bought and fitted.

It was however the second day that would be the most alarming as the difference between premium and budget was put to the test using the Aldo Scribante racetrack and a brace of BMW 320i’s and Ford Fiesta EcoBoosts.

With four of the six vehicles starring being equipped with the premium tyre, the first test involved a wetted section of Scribante’s main straight with the 320is having the anchors applied from 100 km/h. As un-dramatic as the process was, the result was rather shocking as the stopping distance between the premium and budget tyre measured four metres.

The next test, a slalom at 80 km/h using the Fiestas, was just as eye-opening as the premium tyres gripped immediately with each turning of wheel, while the budget lost traction in the wet and caused to Fiesta to be less manageable and prone to understeer.

For the final bout, a two-lap sprint around Scribante was invoked using the BMWs on both sets of tyres and with all electronic aids turned off. Heading out in the premium shod 320i first, the level of grip was instant and despite being familiar with the circuit’s layout, the feel and control was such that I was encouraged to push a bit harder.

At the infamous Scribante hairpin that had been wetted, the call from the instructor beside me came to accelerate when in mid-entry, yet such was the level of traction and grip that we finished the lap with no issue. The opposite was however true of the budget tyre.

Heading out, the difference was immediate as the Beemer felt nervous through the corners and the turn-out nowhere as sharp. At the hairpin though, it all came unstuck as the call to hit the accelerator saw the tyres loose traction and despite my best efforts to save the situation, the 320i rotated on both laps as the tyres had lost their gripping ability on the wet surface.

In spite of the admittedly fun filled sensation of spinning out as we did, the seriousness was that the tests were conducted in a controlled environment without everyday hazards such as pedestrians, other vehicles or in some cases, animals.

It was in fact a very sobering experience and highlighted the dangers of cheap rubber compared to premium brands. While light on the pocket, they are by no means safe and simply inferior compared to brands whose high prices are justified when you take into account the actual design and engineering that has gone into making them. Therefore, the first question that needs asking is, can you put a price on you and your family’s safety?

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.