Should you choose budget tyres for an older vehicle?
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Choosing the right tyres is essential for any vehicle, but when it comes to an older car, balancing cost and safety becomes even more important. Whether you're extending the life of a trusty runabout or maintaining a second family vehicle, opting for budget tyres and an old car can be a sensible decision. But how do you ensure you're not compromising on safety or performance?
Understanding the role of tyres in vehicle safety
Tyres are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. Their condition and quality directly affect grip, braking, fuel efficiency, and handling. In older vehicles, which may not have modern safety systems such as electronic stability control or adaptive braking, the right tyres become even more crucial. That's why even cheap tyres for an older vehicle must meet basic safety and performance standards.
The case for budget tyres and an old car
Budget tyres have come a long way in recent years. Advances in manufacturing and quality control mean that many budget-friendly options now offer excellent performance for everyday driving, especially for vehicles that cover fewer miles or are used mainly for short urban trips.
Brands including Falken and Sumitomo produce affordable tyres that still adhere to strict EU regulations, providing reliable wet grip and fuel efficiency ratings. For example, Falken's Ziex ZE310 Ecorun balances cost with dependable traction and durability, making it a solid choice for drivers looking to cut costs without compromising safety.
It's important to choose a tyre suited to your vehicle and driving style. A garage technician at Protyre can advise whether budget tyres are suitable for your older vehicle, factoring in usage, condition, and annual mileage. Other factors to consider are the climate and road conditions in your area. If your older vehicle is mostly driven in mild weather and on well-maintained roads, budget tyres are likely to perform well. However, if you regularly face heavy rain, snow or poorly surfaced roads, investing in higher-performing tyres might be a safer option - regardless of your car's age.
Regular maintenance remains key to tyre safety. No matter which tyres you choose, keeping them correctly inflated, checking for wear, and ensuring proper alignment will extend their lifespan and performance. Protyre offers free tyre checks to help you stay on top of these essentials and keep your older vehicle running safely
Manufacturer background: Falken and Sumitomo
Falken is a brand under Sumitomo Rubber Industries, one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world. Established in Japan and now with a global presence, Sumitomo brings over 100 years of engineering expertise to the market. Falken tyres are known for combining performance and affordability, making them a popular choice for drivers of older vehicles who want dependable quality on a budget.
By offering tyres that perform well in everyday driving conditions and investing in ongoing innovation, Falken demonstrates that budget doesn't have to mean basic.
The Protyre approach to budget tyres
As the local garage you can trust, Protyre stocks a wide range of both premium and budget tyres, including brands such as Pirelli, Falken, and Bridgestone. Our technicians offer expert advice tailored to your vehicle's age, condition and typical usage, ensuring
you get the best value for money. You can explore our full range of tyres here on our website.
We understand that maintaining an older car means making smart financial choices. That's why our garages provide honest assessments, tyre safety checks, and affordable fitting, helping you find cheap tyres for a safe older vehicle without compromise.
Whether you're in for new tyres, a safety check, or a full MOT, Protyre delivers trusted expertise, value, and care at every step.
Visit our garage page to find your local garage and speak to one of our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can - but it's best to fit the same type of tyre on each axle for safety and performance. Our technicians can recommend the most balanced option.
Yes, budget tyres are safe for motorway use if correctly inflated and maintained. However, premium tyres may offer better wet grip and wear resistance on longer journeys.
Even if you don't drive many miles, tyres degrade over time. It's usually recommended to replace them every 5 - 6 years, even if the tread appears sufficient.