From Economy to Premium: What’s Your Tyre Type?

One of the most crucial choices haulage companies and freight forwarders will be familiar with is deciding which tyres are most suitable for their fleet. There are many factors to consider, such as cost, durability, fuel economy, design technology and, most importantly, safety. We know that a hefty proportion of your budget is dedicated to ensuring your vehicles are equipped with the appropriate tyres, so this handy guide will help you decide which type to invest in.

We want to save you time by giving you our ins and outs of economy, mid-range and premium tyres and the top tips about which is best for your fleet.

Premium:

These are, of course, more expensive than any other type but have plenty of advantages.

• They are designed using the latest technology, which enables manufacturers to produce a product of the highest quality with no built-in issues
• Quality casings allow for retreading, which saves you buying new tyres every time they show wear, and by re-using casing, haulage companies can be kind to the environment, too
• They offer the greatest performance and durability
• They are the most fuel-efficient, saving you money
• They are often designed in co-operation with the vehicle manufacturer, so they are the best possible fit

You should expect to pay more for premium but consider it a long-term investment. They will last, the reusable casing extends their life, they are fuel-efficient and safe, and altogether provide great performance.

Mid-range:

Mid-range is an excellent choice for those haulage companies not looking to fork out for premium prices but still expecting good quality and durability.

• The materials used are still sound but manufacturers do not invest as much into using the most advanced technology available
• Still invest heavily in design and testing
• Mid-range brands are often produced by premium manufacturers but at a cheaper price
• Lower cost but greater durability than economy

Manufacturers of the mid-range product appeal to a larger range of customers by offering a cheaper price, yet they are still usually excellent quality. If you are willing to compromise a little on the technological design, mid-range is a good choice for you.

Economy:

All haulage companiesand freight forwarders will be working to a budget, some smaller than others. Economy may be the option for you, however, be warned that the lower cost comes at a different kind of price – they will offer lower performance and will not last nearly as long as the premium products.

• Money saving in the immediate short-term
• Frequently require repair or replacement
• The same investment that is made into the other types for research and quality is lacking with an economy product
• Can become unsafe after even a few miles

The economy tyre may seem the easiest money-saving choice, but they are likely to need to be replaced far more frequently, and so are not the cheapest in the long-term.

So, when choosing how to kit out your fleet, consider the total cost of ownership of the tyres and the importance of durability, technology and safety so you can make the perfect purchase.

Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies or self-employed drivers with jobs in road transport and haulage work. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.