Are Cheap Chinese Tyres Safe? Nankang, Sailun and Linglong Against the Claims
“Cheap Chinese tyres” is one of the most searched — and most misunderstood — topics in Australian tyre buying. The fear is that a $90 tyre must be dangerous. The reality is more nuanced. Let’s put three commonly cited budget brands — Sailun and Linglong (both mainland Chinese) and Nankang (actually Taiwanese, but usually lumped in) — against the claims.
Are budget Chinese tyres legal in Australia?
Yes. Any tyre sold for road use in Australia must comply with the relevant Australian Design Rule, which adopts international standards for construction, load, speed and endurance. A tyre that doesn’t meet those standards can’t legally be sold or fitted here. So the first myth to retire is that budget brands are “illegal” or unregulated — they aren’t. Passing the ADR means a tyre meets a minimum safety baseline. The important word is minimum: it does not mean the tyre performs as well as a premium one, only that it clears the legal bar. For the wider rules, see how tyre brand tiers work.
Where do cheap tyres actually fall short?
Independent testing consistently shows the gap between budget and premium tyres is small in the dry and large in the wet. As a guide from published test data: premium tyres might stop from 80 km/h on a wet road in around 41–42 m, where a budget tyre needs closer to 48 m — a difference of roughly 6 m, or well over a car length. Put another way, when the premium tyre has stopped, the budget tyre can still be moving at nearly 30 km/h. Aquaplaning resistance and wet handling show similar gaps, and budget tyres typically wear out sooner. In the dry, the difference shrinks to a metre or two. That’s the honest picture: not “dangerous”, but a smaller safety margin exactly when you need it most — in the rain. See premium vs budget tyres for the full breakdown.
How do Sailun, Linglong and Nankang stack up?
| Brand | Origin | Where it’s used in Australia | Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailun | China | Passenger, SUV and popular 4WD all-terrains (e.g. Terramax range) | The strongest of the three; decent value 4WD following |
| Linglong | China | Budget passenger and light truck; some OE in Chinese-built cars | Cheap, improving, but a true budget tyre |
| Nankang | Taiwan | Budget passenger, plus a keen following for cheap track/drift tyres | Long-established value brand; not mainland Chinese |
Reputations are generalisations and specific models vary widely within each brand. Check reviews for the exact model and size you’re considering.
When is a budget tyre a smart buy — and when isn’t it?
A budget tyre can make good sense for a low-kilometre second car, a car that’s about to be sold, or a driver who simply can’t stretch to premium and would otherwise run dangerously worn tyres. In those cases a legal, new budget tyre beats a bald premium one every time. It makes less sense if you cover big distances (where premium tread life narrows the cost-per-kilometre gap), drive in heavy rain often, or run a heavy vehicle near its limits — where wet braking and load capacity matter most. The one rule that never bends: never fit a tyre below your placard’s load index or speed rating, whatever it costs. Check the load index chart and speed rating chart before you buy, and compare true value using our best-value brand guide and best tyres under $150 a corner.
Frequently asked questions
Will budget tyres pass a roadworthy inspection? Yes, provided they’re the correct size and rating for the vehicle, have legal tread depth (at least 1.5 mm) and no damage. Brand is not a roadworthy criterion. See the tread depth rule.
Is Nankang a Chinese tyre? No — Nankang is Taiwanese. It’s often grouped with Chinese budget brands but is a separate, long-established company.
Are Sailun tyres any good for a 4WD? Sailun’s all-terrain range has a genuine value following in Australia. They’re a reasonable budget option, but for hard remote touring, premium all-terrains still lead on durability — see best tyres for outback corrugations.
Do cheap tyres wear out faster? Generally yes. Test data typically shows premium tyres lasting several thousand kilometres longer, which narrows the apparent price saving over the tyre’s life.
Are budget tyres dangerous in the wet? Not dangerous if legal and in good condition, but they do have longer wet braking distances than premium tyres. Keep plenty of tread and drop your speed in the rain.
Related: are house-brand tyres worth buying? · Michelin vs Kumho · best budget tyres for a hatchback. External: Tyre Stewardship Australia, Tyre Reviews.
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