For most of us, cars represent much more than just a mode of transport. They are an extension of who we are — a reflection of status, personal style, and identity. Just as the clothes we wear communicate a message about our cultural tribe, and the latest smartphone signals how in tune we are with technological trends, the car we drive speaks volumes about us. We care deeply about speed, performance, aesthetics, cabin tech, and road-handling prowess. But what about the basics — the often-overlooked parts of the car that make all these high-tech features possible?

Rolling Revelations

When it comes to tyres, the ‘boring black circles’ that keep us glued to the road, most drivers remain blissfully indifferent. The tyres rarely capture the imagination the way the chrome exhaust pipe or sleek headlights do. Yet, tyres are arguably the most vital component in any vehicle. They provide the connection to the road and are responsible for steering, braking, acceleration, and safety. Without a proper set of tyres, even the most sophisticated car will struggle to deliver its promised performance.

This reality is often ignored, and the consequences are severe. Research from TyreSafe revealed that one in five drivers has never checked their tyres. Over the last three years, more than 15,000 drivers in the UK have faced legal consequences for tyre-related offences, with one in four tyres being found in an illegal condition. This contributes to an alarming number of road deaths and serious injuries, costing the UK economy hundreds of millions each year.

Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of tyre-related incidents, tyres remain something of a forgotten element of vehicle ownership. They are a necessity—a replacement chore, usually performed every few years to keep the car roadworthy. But what happens when these vital black circles aren’t up to the task? Are we sacrificing safety for convenience, cost, or sheer ignorance?

The Greatest Teacher

I learned the hard way how crucial tyres are to performance and safety. Back in the 1990s, as a young man driving a rusted maroon Triumph Spitfire IV, I could barely afford to keep my car running, relying on my own skills for maintenance. However, after failing the MoT for worn and cracked tyres, I reluctantly bought a set of low-budget tyres recommended by a friendly, local tyre dealer. They looked decent and felt fine, and I drove off confidently. That confidence would quickly be shattered.

A few months later, I was driving through the suburbs of London, following a friend in his shiny new TVR Tuscan. We were cruising at a leisurely pace, not exceeding 30mph, when we both braked for a pedestrian crossing. As I pressed the brake pedal, I felt a sudden and unnerving loss of grip. My tyres, it seemed, were skating across the wet road like a pair of ice skates. My heart pounded as I braced for impact with my friend’s car. It was a close call. I narrowly avoided crashing into the rear of his sleek sports car, saved only by sheer luck.

 

Treading the Truth on Our Roads

That experience was a wake-up call. From that moment on, I refused to compromise on tyres. It was clear to me that tyres play an indispensable role in vehicle performance—not just in terms of road-holding and braking but also in terms of overall safety and confidence behind the wheel.

Fast-forward to today, and the issue of tyre safety is even more pressing. According to TyreSafe, the number of serious crashes caused by defective tyres has surged by 29% in recent years. In 2023 alone, tyre failures caused 190 fatalities and serious injuries—a shocking 30% increase from the previous year. Michael Bourne, Operations Director of TyreSafe, has warned that complacency is no longer an option.

Tyre failures have surpassed mobile phone distraction as the leading cause of serious crashes. “We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to tyre safety,” states Bourne. “The increase in KSI casualties is deeply troubling and demonstrates that current efforts in both supporting road users to check their tyres and reporting measures are not sufficient to reflect the scale of the issue.”

TyreSafe’s research shows that nearly one in five vehicles on UK roads has at least one significantly underinflated tyre, and 8% of vehicles are driving on tyres with illegal tread depth. Even more concerning is the increase in wet-weather crashes involving defective tyres, which have risen by 35% year-on-year.

These statistics underscore a simple truth: while tyres are often dismissed as mundane or unremarkable, they are the linchpin of road safety. A cheap tyre might save you a few pounds upfront, but it could cost you much more in the event of a crash.

Behind the Wheel

To understand just how much of a difference tyres can make, I decided to conduct a personal, albeit unscientific, experiment. I purchased two sets of tyres for my car: a budget-friendly set of Royal Black Explorer tyres for around £350 and a premium set of Vredestein Ultrac Pro tyres for around £600.

The Royal Black Explorers certainly seemed competent at first. They offered good grip in dry conditions and were quiet and comfortable during regular, unhurried driving. But as I pushed the limits — whether in high-speed corners or during emergency braking — their weaknesses became apparent. They started to lose composure, especially in wet and colder conditions, making me uneasy. For everyday driving, they were adequate, but I wouldn’t trust them in an emergency situation.

In contrast, the Vredestein Ultrac Pros were an entirely different experience. From the moment I installed them, I could feel the difference in steering precision and road feedback. On the motorway, they were quieter, and the ride was noticeably smoother. The real transformation occurred when I pushed them harder — cornering, braking, and accelerating in wet conditions. The grip was far superior to the budget tyres, and emergency stopping was much more assured. The tyres even eliminated a slight wobble in my steering, a problem that had persisted despite my car’s wheels being balanced and aligned.

The difference between the two sets of tyres was night and day, and the premium tyres gave me something money can’t always buy: confidence.

 

Outside the Compound

To gain a deeper understanding of what makes a tyre truly effective, I spoke with Michael Bourne, Operations Director at TyreSafe. According to Bourne: “A good tyre is one that meets or exceeds legal requirements while providing optimal performance in terms of safety, durability, and efficiency. Key factors include tread depth, tread pattern, and the materials used in construction.” However, this leaves a lot of leeway, with the regulations representing the bare minimum that is acceptable for safety, variations in the quality and expense of materials, quality of manufacture and the money spent on research and development. All of this affects a tyre’s performance and cost.

“While all tyres share a common purpose, significant differences exist between brands and models in terms of materials, construction, and technology. Premium brands often invest heavily in research and development, resulting in advanced tyre technologies that can offer superior performance in various driving conditions.” This is what you are paying for.

Tyre technology has come a long way, with significant advancements in materials and design. Premium tyres often benefit from these innovations, offering improved safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Conversely, low-cost tyres generally rely on older technology and materials, which can compromise performance, particularly in adverse weather conditions. While budget tyres may suffice for light, city driving, they fall short when you need them most — in an emergency, on wet or icy roads, or during high-speed manoeuvres.

Premium Performance

While it’s easy to dismiss the cost of premium tyres as an unnecessary luxury, the truth is that they are an investment in your safety. Premium tyres often outperform budget tyres in all areas — from grip and braking to ride quality and durability. Independent tests consistently show that premium tyres outperform budget options in both dry and wet conditions. For example, an emergency stop at 70mph in the wet can see a premium tyre stop the car 12 metres sooner than a cheap counterpart — potentially preventing a serious accident.

When you consider the cost of a car, tyres are a small fraction of the overall expense. Yet, they are the only part of the vehicle that touches the road. Investing in high-quality tyres is, in many ways, like buying insurance. The odds of needing them to perform at their highest level may be low, but if an emergency arises, the difference between a premium and a budget tyre could be the difference between life and death.

 

The Value of Tyres

The next time you check your car, take a moment to consider the tyres. They are, quite literally, the only thing keeping you connected to the road. Don’t let cost-saving shortcuts undermine your safety. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting out, investing in quality tyres is one of the most important decisions you can make for your vehicle.

In the end, cutting costs on tyres is a gamble. The black circles may look simple, but they carry the weight of your safety, performance, and peace of mind. As I learned all those years ago in my Triumph Spitfire, the right tyres can make all the difference — both on the road and in your life.