What is Tyre?
A tyre (or tire) is a circular and ring-like part of a vehicle that comes in contact with the ground. Tyres are fitted on rims and filled with compressed air. Since their invention, natural rubber has been the most widely used material in the manufacturing of tyres.
However, modern tyres also employ materials like synthetic rubber, fabric, steel wires, carbon black, and some more compounds. As a result, tyres find a place in a wide range of locomotives, from bicycles to aeroplanes.
Cheap Tyre Brands In South Africa
1. Bridgestone
Bridgestone is a Japanese tyre maker and the largest tyre manufacturer in the world. The company covers all the bases, from high-performance race tyres all the way down to the most economical, light-duty tyres, and everything in between.
Bridgestone has a rich history at the highest level of motorsport around the world including being a provider to Formula One (F1) from 1997 to 2010 and for the minor categories such as F2 and F3 since the 1980s for a number of seasons.
2. Michelin
This tyre manufacturer from France is another global player in the industry, providing tyres to more than 170 countries. Michelin was incorporated in 1889 with their initial efforts being centred around creating a pneumatic bicycle tyre that did not need to be glued to the rim.
The company has been an innovator in the industry and was behind the design and development of the radial tyre. The company has had a heavy involvement in motorsport and is currently the sole tyre provider for the MotoGP.
3. Goodyear
Goodyear is an American company and that country’s top-selling tyre brand. Established 1898, Goodyear began by manufacturing bicycle and carriage tyres.
Less than 100 years later, they were making tyres used on the moon by NASA. Goodyear has had heavy involvement as a tyre supplier in F1 and still retains the mantle of most successful F1 tyre supplier, despite last being involved in 1998.
4. Pirelli
If you’re an Aussie who braves the late nights and early mornings to tune into the F1, you’ll be very familiar with the Italian company Pirelli.
Their tyres are the staple in team garages and have been since 2011 when F1 decided to introduce a control tyre for every team. Pirelli is currently locked in to be the tyre provider for F1 until the end of the 2023 season.
5. Apollo tyres
Apollo Tyres is the first brand in our list without an extensive motorsport history and, having been founded in 1972, is relatively young compared to other big tyre players. That hasn’t stopped them from becoming one of the biggest tyre manufacturers in India or from gaining some serious traction around the world where today they export to over 100 countries.
Despite this, 70% of their revenue is generated within their home market, where their affordable yet quality tyres are a hit. 25% comes from Europe where Apollo owns the Vredestein tyre company.
How much do tyres cost in South Africa?
Expect to pay around R1 100 per tyre for unknown brands, while name brands like Bridgestone and Michelin will set you back around R2 200 per tyre.
How long do tyres last in South Africa?
Once your tyres have been on your car for five years, Dunlop recommends having them inspected properly at least once a year.
Age deteriorates your tyres regardless of whether or not you drive on them, and it is recommended to get them replaced at the very least every ten years, even if they don’t look worn.
How long do cheap tyres last?
20,000 to 40,000 miles
On average, budget tyres tend to last anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 miles. However, it’s important to note that this is just a rough estimate, and your tyres may wear down more quickly or last longer depending on the factors mentioned above.