SUV Tyres: A Hidden Cost?
Modern, good looking, and easy to drive, the SUV is what some would call a perfect car. Not to mention SUVs come in a variety of price ranges and brands, consumers are spoiled for choice. Combine this with similar power trains with sedans, one expects similar maintenance costs. That is true save for one exception: the tyre.
SUV Tyres are Costly
SUV tyres need to be better and tougher than sedan tyres for one simple reason: SUVs are heavier. As more weight means more pressure on a tyre, and if an SUV used sedan tyres, they would not last very long.
Hence, to ensure SUV tyres are able to do it’s job, it has several differences from the ubiquitous sedan tyres.
Size and Structure
SUV tyres are typically larger because they have wheel rims with larger diameters and wider cross-sections.
In terms of structure, SUV tyres also have to be tougher to take on rough roads/surfaces. As such, SUV tyres have thicker and stronger sidewalls with additional internal reinforcement.
Composition
SUVs are expected to be driven like sedans: comfortable, silent, and safe. These requirements mean SUV tyres need special rubber compounds to provide good traction and sound absorption.
That is why if you want to change your SUV tyres, expect a 40-100% higher costs just on the tyre. So, what does the cost actually look like?
Scarcity
Finally, scarcity drives up prices. Unlike the ubiquitous sedan tyres, there are fewer SUV tyres and all of them are likely to be from large companies like Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, and others. Therefore, prices are driven up by this.
Sedan Tyre Prices
| Model | Tyre Sizes | Price Range (RM)/Tyre |
| Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV | 185/55R15 | 170-230 |
| Honda Accord 1.5L TC-P | 235/45R18 | 360-440 |
| Mercedes-Benz C200 | 225/45R18 | 380-640 |
SUV Tyre Prices
| Model | Tyre Sizes | Price Range (RM)/Tyre |
| Perodua Ativa | 205/60R17 | 440-480 |
| Honda CR-V 1.5L TC-P | 235/60R18 | 540-610 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC200 | 255/45R20 | 880-1280 |
If you compare the above prices within the same car brand, the prices can easily double. As such, first time buyers of SUVs may be shocked by the prices when they change their tyres for the first time as they wear out.
In sum, one must be mindful of the price tag that comes with an SUV, and not just on the whole car. Not to mention to remember to take care of your tyres, or you might have to change a flat on your own.
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