Is there really a difference between $100 and $500 tires?

Question

Im going to upgrade my rims on my 2008 Honda Accord from the stock 17" to 19". I have to buy new tires. I live in San Antonio so only "summer" type driving all year. There are $29 tires all the way up to $900 tires. Is there really a difference or can I just get mid level ones for $100 a piece.

Answer 1

go to tirerack.com and review ratings.   @$100 ea.  u've got great tires to choose from...

TireRack has a good selections of rims too.

Answer 2

The more expensive tires might last a little longer, or made of lighter material. Those more would probably be more for show, or the name, or racing, but they wouldn't really last much longer.

I think you would be safe with the $100 tires, as long as your not racing or doing anything more than just driving, then these would be fine.

Answer 3

There's no such thing as a 19" tire for $29.  There probably isn't anything for $100 either.

Is there a difference between cheapies and high quality tires?

Abso-freakin lutely!  I drive a dozen different cars every day and I can always tell when I'm in one that has cheap hoops on it.  Remember that tires do more to determine how a car drives than any other single item.  If your going super low profile like you plan on doing quality matters even more.  

Answer 4

One major disadvantage to the 19" wheels using super low profile tires - virtually no pothole tolerance!  I have seen way too many wiped out tires and rims!

Answer 5

Sounds like you are upgrading your rims for style not performance. Your friends will know if you put the cheap tires on so if you want to impress them put the expensive ones on. The same would go if you are looking for performance. If you do not care one way or the other & only want to look better on a budget then go for the mid level ones.

Answer 6

If u want to waste your money go for the expensive on otherwise

Answer 7

i have always had bad experiences with  tires 18" or above. i spent 250 a piece on one set and the sidewalls cracked and blew befor the tread did. and a set for 150 a piece and they sucked also.   so get a good brand and keep it to the middle level.

Answer 8

I have used many tires in my time and to a point, you get what you pay for.  I have had good luck with cheaper brand name tires like Kumho or Dunlop.  Some that I tried were every bit as good as expensive Pirelli or Michelin.  I did once have to buy a generic brand set because of money and regretted it.  They were very soft, noisy, and did not do good at all in the rain.  I would check out Tirerack.com and they have reviews by customers for just about all the tires they sell.