Bugatti is known for producing some of the most exclusive and expensive supercars in the world. But with high performance comes high price tags, and that applies not just to the cars themselves, but also components like tires.
Bugatti Tire Prices
So how much do tires cost for Bugattis? Brace yourself – we’re talking in the range of $10,000 to $20,000 per tire for some models. And no, we didn’t accidentally add an extra zero there. The materials and engineering that go into tires for multi-million dollar hypercars don’t come cheap.
Let’s take a closer look at how much tires cost across the Bugatti lineup:
| Bugatti Model | Tire Size | Tire Price (Per Tire) |
|---|---|---|
| Chiron | 285/30 ZR20 (Front) 355/25 ZR21 (Rear) |
$17,000 (Front) $21,000 (Rear) |
| Veyron | 265/690 R540 (Front) 365/710 R540 (Rear) |
$10,000 to $15,000 |
| Divo | 285/30 R20 (Front) 355/25 R21 (Rear) |
$17,000 (Front) $21,000 (Rear) |
| Centodieci | 285/30 R20 (Front) 355/25 R21 (Rear) |
$17,000 (Front) $21,000 (Rear) |
A few things stand out looking at those numbers:
- The tires are very low profile and often different sizes for front and rear.
- Rear tires come at a significantly higher cost than fronts.
- Newer models like the Chiron and Divo command the highest prices.
- Even on an older model like the Veyron you’ll pay five figures per tire.
Why Are Bugatti Tires So Expensive?
So what makes Bugatti tires so staggeringly expensive? There are a few key reasons:
Extreme Speeds
Bugatti vehicles are engineered to reach insane speeds (we’re talking 250+ mph in some cases), which means the tires must be able to withstand the extreme forces. They use specialized materials like Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls and advanced rubber compounds to maintain integrity.
Custom Development
Bugatti tires aren’t just slapped on but are custom-designed for each model. Tire companies like Michelin work closely with Bugatti to build wheels and tires that can handle the car’s torque while withstanding impacts at high speed.
Low Volume Production
These are some of the most exclusive cars in the world, with very limited production runs. For example, only 500 Chirons will ever be made. The low production volume limits the economies of scale tire manufacturers can achieve, pushing up development and material costs.
Exotic Materials
As mentioned, Bugatti tires incorporate exotic materials like Kevlar, advanced rubber compounds, and reinforced sidewalls. These materials are extremely expensive in the volumes needed for Bugatti’s low production.
Replacement Cost
Since tires are a wear item, the replacement costs stack up quickly. Owners are looking at 6 figure tire replacement bills every few years to keep their cars equipped with fresh rubber.
Development Costs
Tire manufacturers undertake expensive R&D and testing to create tires that can perform on Bugattis without bursting at high speeds. They need to recoup these development costs in the final tire prices.
Added Costs of Replacing Bugatti Tires
The sticker price of the tires themselves is just one part of the expense. Owners also face sizable bills for having the tires installed and balanced:
- Installation prices can be $5,000 per wheel or higher.
- Tires must be balanced perfectly, which alone can cost around $1,000 per tire.
- Most owners will have tires changed at the dealership, which charges over $100 per hour for labor.
- Bugatti’s wheels use proprietary bolts that cost hundreds of dollars to replace if damaged.
- Many owners opt to replace wheels when they replace tires, adding around $10,000 per wheel.
Add in taxes and the final tally for a complete set of new Bugatti tires and wheels easily crosses the $100,000 mark.
How Long Do Bugatti Tires Last?
With proper care and avoidance of extreme speeds, Bugatti tires can last around 15,000 miles before needing replacement. However, hard driving with fast acceleration and high speeds will wear them out much quicker. Locking up the brakes also damages the tires.
Frequent track use is especially demanding. The tires will heat up and wear rapidly when driven consistently at speed. Expect as little as a couple thousand miles of tread life if you regularly push your Bugatti to its limits on closed courses.
Improper inflation is another culprit for premature tire wear. Bugatti recommends checking pressures at least every couple weeks and before any aggressive driving. Underinflation causes excess heat buildup and uneven wear.
Lastly, Bugatti tires age and degrade over time, even if tread depth remains. The rubber compounds harden while sitting and exposure to UV rays causes further deterioration. For maximum safety and performance, it’s advisable to replace the tires every few years regardless of wear.
Cost Saving Tips
While there’s no getting around the sky-high prices, there are some tips owners can use to minimize tire costs without compromising safety and performance:
- Check tread depth regularly and replace tires before they are fully worn. Letting them wear down to the cords severely reduces grip.
- Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to distribute wear evenly across the tires.
- Keep tires properly inflated to avoid uneven wear from low pressures.
- Inspect wheels and have any damage repaired to avoid ruining new tires.
- Purchase tires well before current set is fully worn to avoid emergency replacements.
- Consider less aggressive tires if car is rarely tracked and driven lightly on the street.
- Check pricing between dealers and tire retailers to find the best deals.
While these tips can help, there’s no way around the basic fact that tires will be a huge expense. It’s just one of the many costs that come with owning some of the world’s ultimate driving machines.
Conclusion
In the end, Bugatti buyers know what they’re signing up for. The staggering tire prices up to $20,000 per tire come as no surprise, but rather are seen as a necessary part of experiencing these automotive icons. Much like the maintenance on a private jet, the tire replacement bills simply get paid without much thought when money is no object. For the select few who get to experience a Chiron flat out at 260+ mph or power out of a corner in the sheer grip of a Divo, the tire tab is a small price to pay.
