Are New Tyres Really Worth It? We Put the Michelin Primacy 5s to the Test on a Suzuki Vitara

Let’s face it—replacing tyres can feel like a costly inconvenience. Between the time spent at the tyre shop and the price tag (a full set can start from $500 and up), it’s easy to keep putting it off. But at Tynan Motors, we’re often asked: Are new tyres actually worth it? To find out, we put the Michelin Primacy 5 tyres to the test on a 2020 Suzuki Vitara.

💸 The Cost of Tyres vs. the Cost of Waiting

It’s tempting to delay tyre replacement, especially when the tread hasn’t dipped below the legal minimum of 1.5mm. But here’s the catch: performance, fuel economy, and safety all start to degrade well before tyres are completely worn out.

Our Vitara's original Continental EcoContact 6 tyres still had around 2–3mm of tread left and were within legal limits. However, the driving experience had declined significantly—there was more road noise, less grip, and noticeably worse comfort over bumps and cracks in the road.

⏳ How Long Should Tyres Last?

On average, tyres should last around five years or 50,000km, though this can vary depending on road conditions and driving habits. In our case, the tyres had clocked over 65,000km and were showing signs of wear beyond just the tread, including increased noise, reduced braking confidence, and understeer.

You can check your tyre's age by finding the date stamp on the sidewall. For example, a code like 0220 means the tyre was manufactured in the second week of 2020.

🛠️ Swapping to Michelin Primacy 5 Tyres

We opted for a full set of Michelin Primacy 5s, fitted by Tyreplus. Each tyre cost $235, with fitting charges ranging from $30–$50 per wheel.

These tyres are designed specifically for comfort, longevity, and reduced environmental impact, making them ideal for passenger cars and crossovers like the Suzuki Vitara. While not a performance tyre, the Primacy 5 is engineered to offer better grip in wet conditions and quieter rides—two areas where our old tyres were falling short.

🔍 Performance Comparison: Old vs. New

Acceleration (0–100km/h)

• Before (Continental): 11.34 seconds
• After (Michelin): 11.27 seconds
• Slight improvement, but consistent with better traction.

Braking (100–0km/h)

• Before: 40.69 metres
• After: 38.25 metres
• A 2.44m improvement—critical in emergency braking situations.

Cabin Noise

• Before: 75dB
• After: 70dB
• Noticeably quieter cabin, improving overall comfort.

Fuel Economy

• Before: 6.6L/100km
• After: 5.8L/100km (early results)
• Early signs of savings at the pump.

🌧️ Real-World Driving Improvements

The difference in grip and ride quality was instantly noticeable. Corners that once made the Vitara understeer now feel secure and composed. Noise and vibration levels have dropped, making freeway drives more pleasant. Even over harsh road imperfections, the Michelin Primacy 5s soften the impact noticeably.

🚨 Why 2.44 Metres Matters

While 2.44m may not seem like much on paper, in an emergency stop that extra distance can be the difference between a near-miss and a collision. Whether it’s a car, cyclist, or pedestrian, every metre counts.

🧰 Final Thoughts: Are New Tyres Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. At Tynan Motors, we often say: Tyres are your only contact with the road—and it’s true. Investing in a quality set like the Michelin Primacy 5 can boost performance, improve safety, save fuel, and extend the comfort of your drive.

Yes, they’re a significant upfront expense. But when you consider the long-term savings on fuel, potential accident avoidance, and the improved driving experience, new tyres more than pay for themselves.

🚗 Need Tyres or a Vehicle Check-Up? Visit Tynan Motors Today

Whether you're driving a Suzuki Vitara or another make or model, the team at Tynan Motors is here to help you find the right tyre solution. We offer a wide range of brands including Michelin, Kumho, Bridgestone, Maxxis, and Pirelli, all available with expert fitting and alignment.

Book your tyre inspection or replacement today with Tynan Motors, and drive away knowing your car is safer, quieter, and more efficient.

Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.

Credit: Drive.com.au