Kiwis more likely to spend on gadgets than good tyres

A new survey shows that more than half of car tyre purchasers would be prepared to pay a levy to assist in the environmentally friendly disposal of tyres - but also shows that one in five would rather spend their cash on a nice set of shoes or gadget than a quality set of tyres.

With almost four million car tyres reaching the end of their lives every year, safe and sustainable disposal of tyres affects all New Zealanders, says Derek Bonnar, General Manager, Canstar New Zealand.

"New Zealand has one of the highest rates of car ownership per capita and lots of cars, translates to even more tyres. It's pleasing to note that car owners appear to support paying a little extra to safely dispose of tyres."

The nationwide online Canstar Blue survey also found that while a majority acknowledged that safety was more important than price when it came to buying tyres, nearly one in five would pay more for a great pair of shoes or a high tech gadget than a great set of tyres.

"Aucklanders, Gen Ys and Gen Xs were most willing to spend more money on gadgets and shoes than tyres," says Bonnar, "and those from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, were less inclined."

Nearly 60 per cent of tyre purchasers did their research, and shopped around for the best price. Around 45 per cent deferred to the expertise of the sales representative and purchased whatever tyre was recommended. Wellingtonians and men were least likely to purchase based on tyre retailer staff recommendations in contrast to women and those from the Bay of Plenty.

"A large proportion of customers place reliance on tyre retailers' staff when buying tyres. Having a tyre that is fit for purpose is an important safety factor."

Nearly all in the survey reported they were well prepared in the case of a flat tyre with 95 per cent carrying a spare tyre and the tools to change a tyre (if necessary).

The survey asked customers to rate their brand across a range of measures:
1. Value for money
2. Range of tyre brands
3. Point of sale service
4. After sales service
5. Speed of fitting tyres
6. Quality of tyres
7. Convenience of location
8. Overall satisfaction