Choosing the right tyres for your car can make the difference between coming home on the back of a recovery truck, or coming home under your own steam.
Here I'll be discussing some of your options if you're on a budget, but still want value for money.
There are many 'sport' tyres out there at low prices and with an aggressive looking tread, but poor build quality and cheaper compound.
Like most other things - you get what you pay for. If you've never heard of the brand or they sound chinese... dont bother. Many budget tyres from the far east are made for as little as 50p each - needless to say they're not going to be quality rubber.
The following information is of my own experience, and not the result of extensive road tests etc.
*Please note that the tyres mentioned will be mostly available for aftermarket wheels for smaller cars (typically 16"-18" with a section width of 185-215).
Falken ZE912 - Falken are manufactured as a sub brand by Goodyear-Dunlop. The ZE912 is a fairly cheap tyre and offers good grip in the wet thanks to the ingenious tread & sticky compound. Being a sticky/soft compound means that they'll wear quickly, so dont expect them to last long if you drive them hard round the corners or you are partial to burnouts or donuts.
Toyo Proxes - Toyo are based in Japan, and have a good racing heritage, so expect plenty of grip from these in both the wet and dry. All that high tech rubber comes in at a slightly higher price though, but as above - you get what you pay for.
Michelin Pilot Sport - Many people say that Michelin are the best tyres in the world. Michelin must think so too, as these are the most expensive listed here, but as well as outstanding grip in all conditions, they'll last you longer too. This is all thanks to Michelin's own compound, which gives a sticky feel whilst being hard wearing.
Continental Sport Contact - Conti being German in design, you can expect good performance in dry conditions as well as a fairly good life from the tyre. A good all-rounder but not as good as some in the wet, so at a reasonable price too.
