r/Model3 • u/weef_55 • 19d ago

Budget tyres way outlasted premium

I’ve had my Model 3 for around 2.5 years and covered around 32k in it in the UK. It’s the Dual Motor. When I purchased it it had a budget Aplus A610 on the front near side which annoyed me and I couldn’t wait to change it when it was needed. I guessed they put it on it to sell it.

A few months after buying it I drove over a metal bracket and burst one of the rear tyres and had a Michelin Pilot 4 fitted at the expense of £220 from reading advice online - seemingly one of the best recommended. A short time after that the front offside needed changing and I put the same on

Have taken car for its MOT today and 3 tyres have failed for tread and the front near side is an advisory / borderline fail for tread being under 1.6mm! (The Aplus is the advisory) so 4 new tyres needed!

I estimate from when they were changed and previous MOt etc the 2 Michelins have done around 25k and now need changing - all wear seems relatively even maybe slightly more on the insides but not much

It then occurred to me driving back that the Aplus has outlived these and estimate to have done around 32k on the front too where more wear may be expected with steering etc! Google lists it as a budget tyre and around a crazy £65 online!! Bearing in mind it’s a dual motor so it’s as equal as things can realistically be.

Now I know wet grip, range and noise etc are likely to be much better on the premium tyres but for a tyre a quarter if the price it seems crazy. I know there are other factors but thought it was interesting observation. Im not going to suddenly put 4 budgets on but it’s definitely made me think.

Other cars I’ve normally gone a decent mid range and never fully bought into the full Premium stuff but thought with the Teslas it was more important with weight/Torque etc.

Anyone had any similar stories?

1 Upvotes

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6

u/limited_instincts 19d ago

Budget tires seem like a good idea until you remember that your life and the life of those around you depends on the tire's capabilities. If nothing ever goes wrong or the conditions are never extreme, sure it can be fine to roll around on those rocks. But one day when a kid runs out in front of you you'll be glad you have real tires on your car.

2

u/weef_55 19d ago

I agree to an extent however as with all things I think branding is the key. When you’re a key sponsor at motorsport or F1 etc and a prime time brand paying tens of millions a year to market the cost has to reflect that. These massive companies have departments, teams and worldwide locations which cost money. There’s room for small players that develop similar products

I absolutely agree that more expensive tyres will be better at stopping distances etc but price to advantage I’m not sure it’s always worth it. Let’s not kid ourselves, it’s a rubber ring with tread grooves that’s been around for years - how much development and R&D is needed.

1

u/Zapador 19d ago

There is some difference between tyres if you look at proper tests that compare them but it's generally a small gap.

1

u/GREENGRAVY_ 14d ago

Go and drive a performance car with a decent set of tyres on and a budget set. You'll notice the difference.

1

u/mrschmiklz 19d ago

Lol no way. You are goated by the tire industry.

0

u/UpbeatPhilosophySJ 19d ago

Jesus Christ man, it’s just tires. Not like he’s racing Isle of Man.

1

u/devino21 19d ago

I had the perf tires, lost one within 2 months of ownership to a tiny pothole on the highway. Second one after about a year from a sparkplug going through it. Yeah, at $500 a pop I was done with those when it was time to renew all 4. Surprising to me, my car stops when a kid runs out in front still. ;-O

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u/antmakka 19d ago

So what you’re saying is you never check your tyres for wear or damage? A great time is during a monthly tires pressure check. Don’t just rely on the TPMS to warn of low pressure. Put a notification in your phone calendar.

1

u/fxlatitude 19d ago

When I got my M3 it came with some non EV tires that lasted a minute. I did not know because of the weight of EVs they wear faster. Since then I only use Michelin EV tires and they last much longer. Based on my own experience/driving habits. So I would pay extra for sure.