YTC offers OE vs. aftermarket 'tyre tips'

ERJ staff report (TB)

Fullerton, California Stick with the OE tyre? Or go with an aftermarket alternative? That's the focus of the latest Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) "Tyre Tips" video, available on YouTube.

The video-which features Fred Koplin, director of marketing communications, explaining the benefits of OE vs. aftermarket tyres-is the ninth consumer education-focused video the Yokohama has released since 2010.

"OE tyres are designed to work best with the vehicle so the tyres, vehicle suspension and brakes are simultaneously optimised to perform together," Mr. Koplin says in the video.

He notes that "OE tyres are also designed with a specific performance in mind. This could be high-performance handling, for example, to complement a sports car. Other vehicles might have been originally built with a focus on fuel efficiency, such as in the case of hybrids. Buying OE as a replacement tyre means the consumer can stay true to what the OE manufacturer had in mind when they built the vehicle."

Aftermarket tyres, Mr. Koplin said, offer the consumers a variety in performance, size and brand selection.

"Consumers who want more stability and better handling at high speeds could use an ultra-high-performance tyre like the (Yokohama) Advan Sport," he said. "However, those who occasionally drive off-road might want the optimal traction provided by a (Yokohama) Geolandar tyre. That's the benefit of aftermarket tyres-consumers have an expanded choice."

"There is no single answer for what type of tyre a consumer must buy. This video was made to help consumers learn that choosing the right tyre means choosing what's right for them," he added.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Video from Yokohama US