The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) periodically publishes analyzes on car tires. In recent months we have published different information from this organization about one of the most important components that equip all vehicles. It must not be forgotten that the tires are the only point of contact between the car and the asphalt and that, therefore, they are a key element in road safety. For this reason it is necessary to monitor pressure, wear and tread depth on a regular basis.
The latest comparative study on OCU tires refers to the 205/55 R16V category. It is a very common size in compact cars and sedans and its nomenclature responds to the following characteristics: 205 cm wide, 55 cm high and 16 inches in diameter. The V corresponds to the speed index (maximum speed that a tire can support for 10 minutes without being threatened), which in this case is equal to 240 km/h.
The report notes the enormous differences in duration between tires in the same category. Among the 49 wheels analysed, the highest quality tires accredit a duration of 65,700 kilometers of useful life, while the worst valued only reach 24,000 kilometers. This means that with a more durable tire you can travel up to 42,700 km more safely.
The OCU recommends that users take this information into account when purchasing tires for their car. Considering that the average cost of some tires exceeds 100 euros per unit, if we have to replace it three times more frequently than the other, the initial savings vanish. The organization emphasizes that this observation is important because what we should never do is drive with a worn tire.
Likewise, it confirms that the quality of the tires affects the consumption of the vehicle and the noise it makes.
Another lesser-known aspect, but which influences the final cost of a tire, is rolling efficiency. This aspect depends both on the material with which the tire is made and on its pattern. Taking into account the price of the wheels, fuel consumption and duration, the OCU establishes that the difference in cost between the best tires and the worst reaches 500 euros every 50,000 kilometers. The economic amount refers to the four tires.
The analysis also takes into account the safety of the tyres, especially when driving on wet ground. Although practically all the tires analyzed overcome the resistance to aquaplaning, one in six presents handling problems. Braking distance is another factor where big differences are detected. Some models need up to 12 meters more than others to stop the car at a speed of 80 km/h on wet ground.
After analyzing the price and total cost throughout its useful life, as well as rolling efficiency and wet tests, the OCU establishes that the best tires are the following:
Continental Premium Contact (from 92 euros), for its excellent handling and stability in the wet.
Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2 (from 81 euros), due to its duration (65,700 km), its price and its low environmental impact.
