PETALING JAYA: If it’s time to get a new set of tyres for your car, there is reason to cheer.

Prices have come down by quite a bit, with some expensive imported models also now within “reach”.

There is no definite reason given for this, but many tyre shop owners cited falling rubber prices and the coming GST tax for it.

Tyre-shop owner Chin Wai Hong said prices have fallen by between 10% and 15% since September last year.

“I’ve been in the industry for 30 years and have never experienced such a big drop in tyre prices,” he said when met at his shop in Sea Park here yesterday.

Chin said he did not dare hold on to his tyre stock for long due to the decline in prices.

“I don’t want to be buying at a higher price and selling it low. That is why I replenish my stock only when necessary,” he said.

An assistant at the Hin Leong Tyre Shop in Klang said competition was getting more intense among tyre manufacturers.

“From now till Chinese New Year, tyre prices are going to come down. I advise those wanting to get a new set of tyres to take advantage of lower prices now,” she added.

Lim Soo Guan, who owns a tyre shop in USJ, said tyre prices would see a further drop with the implementation of GST.

“Many are speculating that import duty for tyres will drop further starting April 1. That is why manufacturers are trying to push off their stocks now,” he said, adding that he was forced to sell part of his tyre stock at a loss due to the price drop.

Lim said some of the more expensive imported tyres that cost RM500 were now priced at about RM420.

A manager of a retail tyre shop in SS2 also said prices of several tyre brands had dropped, saying the range in drop depended on the size and year of production.

Motorist Jason Ong said he was surprised to find out about the price drop when he went to get his tyres replaced at Hin Leong.

“Tyre prices are generally much cheaper in Klang. I was doubly pleased when I got my Japan-made Toyo C1S tyres for a much lower price,” he added.