Press

Most recently, tyre news has centred on recycling [...] rather than quality! This is to be expected, after all. Even if it hasn't always been the case [...] tyres are now considered dependable products. Our test did not reveal any major flaws. This is not surprising, given that the models tested were top of the line, the "pavement's finest" (to use a specialist's expression) with a price to match: up to 160£ per item (Semperit).

The internet makes it work!
Tyre prices are out of hand. A little research in Île-de-France reveals that for the exact same tyre, the price difference can be as high as 80£ (Semperit) from one point of sale to another! The lesson in all this? If the consumer is not in a hurry, he has every reason to visit as many automotive centres, garages, and supermarkets as possible before decking out his car with new tyres.

It is within this context that tyre sales websites began to develop on the internet. By going to www.pneus-online.fr [...], the motorist is spoilt for choice and presented with terrific prices. We found one of our top picks there, a Michelin for 80£ vs. 100£ where tyres are usually sold. The prices are indeed tempting [...] In general, automotive professionals balk at mounting products that did not come from their own stocks!

In any case, the cost of mounting has to be added to the cost of the tyres. For this service, there are significant price differences between major fitting centres, as shown by our survey in Orvault (44) outside of Nantes. Standard service (dismount/mount, balancing, valve) costs 8£ per wheel (standard) at Feu Vert and Euromaster but goes up to 14£ at the Cirtoën garage. Peugeot and Renault prices are for two wheels, 22£ and 20£ respectively. Now we're ready to hit the road!

Excerpt from "QUE CHOISIR" #414 - April 2004