Best and worst tyres ranked: Experts reveal the real risk of buying cheap rubber

Every driver knows replacing a car tyre is rarely cheap. And getting all four changed at once can take a significant chunk out of your bank balance.With households still feeling the cost-of-living squeeze, alongside rising fuel and parts prices, hard-pressed motorists can easily be tempted to save money by opting for budget tyres from brands that lack the reputation of established premium manufacturers.But skimping on tyres could end up costing far more in the long run and even increase the risk of a crash, experts warn.An extensive tyre study found that bargain-priced tyres take considerably longer to stop a car in both wet and dry conditions. What's more, insurance premiums could rise following a collision caused by cheap rubber.What Car? tested a range of brands, with the least expensive set costing just under £300 fitted to a Volvo XC60 SUV, while the most expensive exceeded £600.Each tyre was awarded a rating out of five stars based on factors including stopping power and performance at speed.But with more than 200 tyre brands currently available, knowing which ones are worth your money can be a challenge.What Car?'s list covers 11 well-known tyre manufacturers to reveal which are worth every penny spent. Here are the results, from best to worst. To find the best and worst tyres What Car? used the Volvo XC60 and tested how well they'd bring the SUV to a stop in both wet and dry conditionsThe best and worst tyres showed huge differences in grip levels, dramatically affecting stopping distances.To ensure every aspect of tyre performance was assessed properly in this year's Summer Tyre Test, What Car? used the popular Volvo XC60 family SUV and tested a variety of tyres to see how effectively they stopped the vehicle in both wet and dry conditions. The assessment also examined how they coped with fast cornering in different weather conditions.In some eye-opening examples, the difference in stopping distances was almost the length of a bin lorry.The assessment also considered rolling resistance and how it affects fuel consumption, as well as the amount of road noise generated inside the cabin.What Car? also notes that while motorists could save as much as £336 by buying the worst tyres on test, they could end up paying £500 more in insurance premiums if their car is involved in an accident.In other words, drivers could find themselves £164 worse off overall despite spending less upfront.BEST TO WORST TYRES 1. Bridgestone Potenza Sport EvoRating:Price: £154 eachThe only five-star tyre on test, the Bridgestone delivered outstanding grip, predictable handling and the strongest all-round performance.It was a top performer in the dry braking rankings and was among the very best in wet conditions and aquaplaning tests.2. Continental PremiumContact 7Rating:Price: £160 eachThe Continental ran the winner incredibly close, excelling in wet conditions and delivering the shortest wet braking distance.It also impressed for comfort, fuel efficiency and resistance to aquaplaning.3. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 EnergyRating:Price: £156 eachThe Michelin was strongest in the dry but also turned in an excellent wet braking performance.It topped the rankings for rolling resistance, making it one of the most fuel-efficient tyres tested.4. Falken Azenis FK250Rating:Price: £151 eachThe Falken was easy to control and delivered the shortest dry braking distance of any tyre on test.Its weakness came in wet braking performance, where it fell behind the leading contenders.5. Yokohama Advan Sport V107Rating:Price: £140 eachThe Yokohama struggled for grip in wet conditions and recorded the longest stopping distances overall.However, it performed strongly in aquaplaning tests and inspired more confidence on dry roads.6. Triangle Effex SUV TS601Rating:Price: £102 eachThe budget-priced Triangle impressed with its wet-weather handling and competitive dry braking performance.It also proved exceptionally quiet, though poor rolling resistance dented its overall score.7. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6Rating:Price: £172 eachThe Goodyear posted excellent lap times and strong braking results but lacked the composure of the top-ranked tyres.Testers found it less confidence-inspiring when pushed to the limit of grip.8. Pirelli ScorpionRating:Price: £157 eachThe Pirelli offered strong braking performance but required more driver effort to control on both wet and dry circuits.It also ranked highly for fuel efficiency, although refinement was only average.9. Dunlop Blue Response TGRating:Price: £141 eachThe Dunlop struggled for driver confidence, with vague steering and inconsistent grip levels.Its saving graces were low cabin noise and respectable fuel-efficiency credentials.10. Cooper SummerRating:Price: £124 eachThe Cooper – a US tyre maker – was among the weakest performers, with well below-average braking distances in both wet and dry conditions.It fared slightly better for aquaplaning resistance and noise levels but could not escape a two-star rating.11. Goodride ZuperEco Z-107Rating:Price: £70 eachThe Chinese Goodride finished last by a considerable margin, performing poorly in grip, braking and aquaplaning assessments.Its stopping distances were alarmingly longer than the best tyres, prompting What Car? to describe it as lagging 'woefully' behind rivals. The full results of the What Car? Summer Tyre Test rank the best and worst tyres CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST