Are whitewall tires more expensive?
Whitewall tires are more expensive due to their specialized manufacturing process, which involves custom molds, specific materials, and labor-intensive assembly. The low production volume and high rejection rates for visual imperfections also contribute to their higher cost. When the first automobile was invented, it’s tyres were made from natural rubber. Chemicals were then added to make them tougher and more durable. A white substance, zinc oxide, was added to increase traction and it also gave the tyre a white appearance.However, the white rubber did not offer sufficient endurance, so carbon black was added to the rubber to greatly increase tread life. Later, entirely black tires became available, the still extant white sidewalls being covered with a somewhat thin, black colored layer of rubber.They Weren’t Low Profile Enough As time went on, drivers realized they preferred the look of tires that were more low profile. The side walls of tires were a fairly generous color of white, and manufacturers used white letters to visually break up a large sidewall, giving it a more athletic look.
Can you buy white wall tyres?
There are now only limited numbers of manufacturers selling white wall tyres. They also exist for bikes, where their light-reflecting properties mean they are used primarily for improved visibility. white wall tyres used to be less valuable than their black counterparts; now, it’s the other way round. Though new cars aren’t making use of whitewall tire designs, your classic vehicle doesn’t need to go without them. Many popular automobiles from the bygone era of america’s automotive heyday have been retained, restored and even reproduced, and these cars just wouldn’t look right with tires that don’t match the period.Historically, whitewall tires were always viewed as an upgrade from blackwall tires, so they were naturally more expensive than the standard. Name brands also play a role in the pricing discrepancies.Current whitewall tire pricing typically ranges from $150 to $180 per tire, with premium manufacturers like Coker and Diamond Back commanding $280-$435 depending on size and whitewall width.