The answer to why tires are so expensive has to do with rising material costs, the ongoing research required to plan and release new tires, and current global economic issues. By understanding “why tires are so expensive,” you’ll be better prepared to buy products that fit your needs and budget. In this article, we’ll look at why tires cost so much and explore the different factors that vary between tires and how they affect the price.
Why Are Tires So Expensive?
If you’ve been wondering “why are tires so expensive”, you’re not alone. Tires are a necessary part of every vehicle, as well as many other types of vehicles, and their prices have been increasing in recent years.
Research
There is a lot of research into planning a new type of tire. The company needs to test its performance under various conditions, what kind of vehicle it will be used for, brake and hydroplaning tests, and more. All these studies require time and money.
Well-known tire manufacturers such as Michelin and Goodyear have large testing facilities dedicated to testing tires, which must undergo many tests before the final tires produced are approved. That’s why premium tires have great performance, but it also adds to the reason why tires are so expensive.
Manufacturing
Once the tire passes the test, it needs to be assembled. Making tires is a complex, multi-step process that involves a lot of large machinery. This manufacturing makes tires expensive to produce and therefore expensive to purchase.
Different manufacturers will have different steps and processes, which is why performance varies so much between tires.
Material
The material from which tires are made is also an important factor in making tires expensive. Tires are made of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and steel wire. The cost of these materials fluctuates widely, which in turn affects tire prices.
For example, in 2010, the cost of natural rubber rose due to heavy rains in Thailand, one of the world’s largest producers of natural rubber. This has also led to an increase in the cost of tires.
Premium tires are made with additional layers of material and structural steel, thus giving the tire greater strength and stiffness as well as higher performance. These tires will also be more expensive.
Size
The size of the tire is another factor that determines its price. Car tires are large and require a lot of material to manufacture. This means they will be more expensive than the small tires used on the bike. Larger vehicles and pickup trucks require larger tires, so the price will be higher.
Tractor tires are some of the largest and most expensive. They can be as tall as 16 feet, weigh over 5,000 pounds, and can cost over $10,000!
Performance
When asking why tires are so expensive, the last factor to consider is performance. Certain tires perform better than others in certain conditions. For example, there are high-performance tires that give drivers more grip and control at high speeds.
There are also tires designed to perform better in wet or snow conditions. These tires often have deeper treads and different compounds that make them more effective in these conditions.
As you can imagine, these tires will be more expensive than standard tires due to the factors above. These include research, manufacturing, and unique and special compounds in tires that help tires perform in these conditions
So there are many factors that make tires so expensive. The size, materials, properties, and research to manufacture tires all add to the cost. Keep all of these factors in mind the next time you plan to buy tires to help you make the best decision.
How To Save Money When Buying Tires
- Compare Prices
When shopping for new tires, you should always compare prices at all major tire sites and your local tire store. There will be a wide variety of brands and tires to choose from, each with its pros and cons.
- Special Promotion
Another way to find lots of tires is to look for special deals that might be running. If you want to buy a set of 4 tires online or at your local store, there are usually promotions or discounts. If you’re looking for a new set of tires, this is an easy way to save money.
- Tires with long tread life
A great way to save money, in the long run, is to pick tires with a long tread life. These tires are usually all-weather tires that can last 100,000 miles or 7 to 8 years if properly maintained.
The tires can be expensive to start with but can go even higher if you find you don’t need to replace them as often.
- Buy warranty tires
For peace of mind when buying tires, there are many tires that offer limited mileage warranties. This means that if something goes wrong, the manufacturer will deduct a certain amount from the price of the new product.
This will be calculated based on how long you have used the tires and how worn the tires are. This works especially well if you spend a lot of money on tires and feel comfortable there.
- Partially worn tires
If you’re looking for a more economical option, partially worn tires might be the way to go. These are used tires that have been used before, but have been inspected for any damage and still have plenty of tread life.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a cheap set of tires, but be sure to do your research before buying as there are people being sold counterfeit used tires.
- Smooth driving
One of the best ways to make your tires last longer and save money is to drive smoothly. This means avoiding sharp accelerations, sharp turns, avoiding potholes, slowing down, and other road hazards that can cause tire damage.
In addition, smooth driving also contributes to fuel efficiency, which is an added bonus.
Conclusion
Tires are expensive because they are durable and have better mileage on the road.
Custom tires are the most expensive type of tires.
You can save money by buying used tires or holding seasonal tires and replacing them throughout the year.
When shopping for tires, consider the reasons above to help you find the best price.
