For car enthusiasts, the choice of tires happens to be a crucial decision to experience breezy driving. Often, drivers find themselves in a dilemma, unable to decide whether they should choose OEM tires over retail ones.
Besides, tire replacements become inevitable after you get a new car. Even if you settle for a used car, it’s worth knowing whether it comes with OEM tires or aftermarket ones.
Well, your passion and perception of driving largely determine whether you would vouch for OEM tires. Casual drivers often overlook the choice of tires and settle for the retail ones.
Even though OEM tires come with a higher price tag and their lifespan is relatively short, hardcore car enthusiasts find their money’s worth with these dedicated accessories.
In this article, we have briefed you about the strategic benefits of OEM and retail tires. Read on to understand why forking out a higher value for OEM tires makes sense.
OEM tires vs. Retail tires: Which one should you pick?
Every automobile manufacturer develops a dedicated set of tires for their specific cars. They design these tires to fit the particular model and thereby optimize performance. Original Equipment (OE/OEM) tires are dedicated accessories tires.
Upon consistent use of the car, these tires wear out after a certain time. Car owners can replace them with the branded OEM tire or a generic tire from the market that suits your vehicle.
To help you decide which tire to go for, let’s compare the benefits of each category.
Benefits of OEM tires
- Manufacturers customize OEM tires for specific models that enhance the car’s traction, handling, speed, and endurance. Car enthusiasts wouldn’t like to compromise with their quality of rides. No wonder, why they hunt for OEM tires.
- In OEM tires, the customized tread design ensures fuel mileage optimization. Regardless of the car profile, the manufacturer prioritizes the particulars and unique features of the vehicle while designing the tires. Car owners can benefit from better fuel economy with these vehicles.
- Reputed car makers leave no stone unturned while testing the competence of OEM tires. Before they ship these tires, they stringently test them for their performance and durability for the particular model. Besides, the manufacturers test the tire performance under different driving conditions, like gravel, dry roads, rain, pavement, and snow.
- If you purchase a specific car with the manufacturer’s USP in mind, it pays to shell out higher for OEM tires. Remember, some manufacturers vary OEM tire design based on the trim level. The tire design might vary when you purchase a diesel version, sport, standard, or hybrid car.
Benefits of Retail tires
- As a car owner, you might want to get your money’s worth with maximum mileage. Tires go a long way in drastically changing the fuel-saving capability, reducing road noise, optimizing comfort, and ensuring better handling. If you prioritize aspects other than the USP of the manufacturer, retail tires would be the better choice. The reason is, that OE tires might deliver what the manufacturers promise, but now what you want.
- Retail tires come at comparatively lower costs than OEM tires. Considering your budget, you might decide to settle with these tires.
- The availability of tires also determines whether you can go for OEM tires or retail tires. Replacement tires are readily available with local dealers and garages. You can get these tires changed almost everywhere.
- Sometimes, car owners prioritize mileage over performance. While some OEM tires last around 30,000 miles, replacement tires might promise a longer lifeline.
Now, whether you should settle with retail tires or fork out a higher amount for OEM tires pivots on your driving aspirations. Dedicated owners and automobile enthusiasts would prioritize the car’s performance and definitely go for OEM tires. After all, it makes sense to invest higher in dedicated accessories than generic ones.
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Are OEM tires inferior?
No, OEM tires are not inferior in comparison to retail tires. However, the manufacturers make these tires out of soft rubber to enhance the car’s performance and deliver a smoother driving experience.
This results in the faster wearing of these tires compared to the aftermarket ones. Nevertheless, OEM tires compensate for the loss of lifespan by warranting a quiet and smoother drive along with great handling.
To get the authentic vibe of the model, go for OEM tires. Many manufacturers recommend low tire pressure in OEM tires to ensure a smoother ride.
This also leads to faster wearing of the tread. Moreover, the presence of tread makes the drive clunky and louder. This explains why OEM tires come with fewer treads. After all, gratification lies not in saving money but in paying more to experience better driving.
How long are OEM tires good for?
Branded OEM tires are good for the first 50,000 miles when you drive on properly paved roads. However, some manufacturers design these tires for 20,000 to 30,000 miles. When you purchase these tires, watch out for the tread life warranty.
However, aggressive drivers shouldn’t expect the optimal best from OEM tires. Frequent braking or riding on rough terrains can significantly degrade the tire quality. This would result in shorter lifespans for your OEM tires.
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How do I know if my tires are OEM?
Most of the branded car makers incorporate special symbols on the tires, indicating that you have purchased an approved accessory. You can look closely at the sidewalls of your car’s tires for assurance.
For instance, BMW tires have a star sign, while brands like Audi and Mercedes Benz have the alphabets AO and MO embedded on the tire’s sidewalls.
Likewise, Porsche tires carry N0, N1, N2, or similar signs, while General Motors have the alphabets ‘TPC’ on the tires. Manufacturers like Tesla have come with the ‘T0’ or ‘T1’ signs.
Do OEM tires wear out faster?
Yes, OEM tires wear out faster than retail tires since they have less tread and softer rubber. Besides, the manufacturers recommend low tire pressure, which also takes a toll on the lifeline of these tires. Nevertheless, car enthusiasts wouldn’t mind paying extra for dedicated tires for a better driving experience.
Why should we recommend using OEM tires?
We recommend purchasing OEM tires so that you get to feel the ‘essence’ of the car. When you decide to settle for a particular model or brand, why not make your best effort to realize what the manufacturers have on their offerings?
High mileage and cost-effectiveness should not be your sole priorities. Purchasing a branded car comes with an inherent aristocratic vibe. We recommend using OEM tires to make you realize the subtler aspects of the brand’s engineering.
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Conclusion
Now you know why hardcore car enthusiasts barely go for OEM tires when they need a replacement. If the budget doesn’t happen to be a concern for you, and you are willing to cherish a smoother ride, opting for OEM tires would be prudent indeed.
Comparing the driving experience and car’s performance, OEM tires by far outperform retail tires. Simply reach out to your dealer for these branded tires when it’s time for a replacement.
