Are off brand tyres okay to put on your car?
When purchasing a brand new car, it will come with what are known as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tyres. These are essentially the tyres that are fitted to the cars in the factory. Tyre makers work together with vehicle manufacturers and do deals to supply these tyres and sometimes, they are designed specifically for a certain make/model. There are lots of well-established relationships between tyre manufacturers and car producers who will try and choose tyres that balance performance, safety, longevity, handling, and fuel efficiency. They may prioritise one of these attributes, for example, models marketed as "eco-friendly" may prioritise fuel efficiency.
What does this mean for replacing tyres?
When tyres need replacing, one of the simplest and most convenient things to do is to opt for 'like for like' tyres. This essentially means replacing them with the exact same make/model. Clearly, there may be a newer version available at this point but, even if this is the case, it should be largely the same tyre just with additional improvements/extras.
Why opt for a different brand?
There are many reasons why people may choose to replace their tyres with a brand that is different to the OEM, the most obvious being budget, performance, or a combination of both. Or perhaps the brand has ceased to exist/been taken over. It may also be that the way they use their car has changed or that they decide to opt for all-season tyres instead of having one set for winter and one set for summer.
Is it legal/safe/recommended?
As it is sometimes unavoidable due to availability or cost, it is perfectly legal to fit your car with tyres that are not the same brand as the OEM. However, in our experience, if you choose to do so, it is essential that you choose a tyre with the same key specifications and attributes as the OEM model it is replacing. It is also recommended that all four tyres should be the same brand as each other.
Tyre care hints and tips
When it comes to looking after your tyres, our top tips are to: check tyre pressure regularly, routinely check for damage, ensure there is sufficient tread depth remaining, don't overload the vehicle, keep wheels aligned/balanced, and maintain generally sensible driving habits.
The tyre specialists
All Protyre garages stock a variety of tyres and are also able to order in virtually any make or model of tyre that is requested, thanks to our excellent relationships with all major suppliers and manufacturers. The choice available includes premium brand tyres from the likes of Pirelli, Goodyear, Michelin, and Continental; mid range brand products from manufacturers including Avon, Falken, Firestone, and Hankook, and economy or budget tyres from brands including Budget, Autogrip, Ovation and Enduro-Runway. Many of these are offered in summer, winter, and all-season versions.
Not just tyres
In addition to tyre replacement, many Protyre garages also offer MOTs, services, and a variety of free vehicle checks. Booking any of these is quick and easy. You can use the search function on the Protyre website to find the nearest garage to you and then either checkout and book using the online system or give them a call and do it over the phone.
