For the majority of Australians, owning a vehicle is considered a necessity rather than a luxury. The vast size and expansive nature of the country make it challenging to rely solely on public transportation or other means of getting around. Therefore, having a personal vehicle is often essential for individuals to navigate and access various destinations throughout Australia.
As we spend so much time on the roads, having the right car tyres and truck tyre servicing from a professional is an essential element of road safety.
At DoubleD Tyreright, we understand this and specialise in truck, van and ute tyre outfitting and maintenance. And, trust us, we have heard every tyre myth under the sun.
Tyre myths are rife and cause a lot of misinformation about safety and maintenance. So, we've put together the six most common tyre myths we've heard to provide some clarity:
Myth 1:
“"Overinlating a tyre will cause it to burst."
Overinflating a tyre will not cause it to burst -- you can believe us! Try as you may, but only poor fitting or a manufacturing defect will cause a tyre to burst.
Although overinflating won't cause your tyre to burst, we still recommend against doing so. Why? Well, an overinflated tyre can cause premature and uneven wear. An overinflated tyre is also more likely to blow out on rough surfaces such as potholes or bumpy roads.
Myth 2:
"Tyre rotation is unneeded!"
Many people believe that tyre rotation is a ploy by the tyre industry to take your hard-earned money. If you've ever believed this, we won't take it personally - but believe us when we say that this myth is completely untrue!
As tyre professionals, we know just how essential tyre rotation is to preserving the lifespan of your tyres. So, overall, tyre rotation can save you money in the long-run. Tyre rotation can also help keep your tyres in working order which is another way to help keep you safe on the roads.
Tyre rotation allows your tyres to wear evenly. Without rotation, your tyres will wear unevenly, making them unsafe and needing replacement earlier than they should.
How often your tyres require rotating depends on the conditions in which you most commonly drive. If you frequent bumpy or winding roads, or steep inclines and declines, then you may need rotating more regularly. Click here to read an article on how you can spot the signs of when your tyres need servicing.
Myth 3:
"Keeping old tyres for the back wheels and only replacing the front tyres saves money."
This myth is particularly dangerous as tyre traction is a must when it comes to vehicle safety. Yes, newer front tyres can help your vehicle's traction as the front wheels are connected to the steering axle, but that doesn't mean you can forget about your rear tyres!
Rear wheels are connected to a vehicle's braking system, so all of your tyres need to have proper traction.
Many people believe this myth, and it can cause accidents on the roads. Worn tyres have no place on your vehicle, whether on the front or rear wheels as they can impact how well you handle your vehicle.
Tip: Always replace tyres when the treads are worn. And remember, replacing your tyres when needed can help you avoid an accident on the roads.
Myth 4:
"I take my car to a mechanic, so I don't need to get my tyres checked!"
As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your vehicle, and that includes making sure that your tyres are in working order. Never assume that your mechanic will check your tyres.
Even if your mechanic does check your tyres, your tyres may show signs of wear in between your visits, so knowing how to spot the signs that your tyres need servicing can be a beneficial habit to form.
Making a regular habit of inspecting your tyres for things like tyre pressure and tread wear is beneficial to your vehicle's safety and your back pocket. Properly looked after tyres last longer, saving you money over time.
Myth 5:
"Used tyres are perfectly fine for my second vehicle!"
To save money, some may keep used tyres for their secondary vehicle. We recommend against doing so. If your tyres needed replacement, then they are most likely unsuitable for use on another vehicle.
However, while we don't recommend using used tyres, saving them for a spare tyre can be okay (given that the tyre isn't overly worn or damaged and as long as it's only used for a very short amount of time to get through a short distance).
We understand that cutting costs is a significant factor for many drivers, but used tyres may cost you your safety, and what's worth that?
Myth 6:
"Tyres last for ages until they get badly damaged!"
Many believe that unless their tyre is ripped or showing signs of bad damage, then they are fine and should last for a very long time. This is also a common belief when storing tyres. However, unfortunately, it's just not true.
Worn tyres, which may not be obvious to those unfamiliar with the importance of tyre tread, can render your car unsafe and un-roadworthy. To help you know when your tyres need professional attention or replacing, read our article:
How Double D Tyres can help businesses manage their tyres
If your business has a fleet of vehicles, then you may be familiar with the decisions that come with tyre management. Creating a thorough tyre management plan can help business owners cut down on costs when it comes to new tyres and servicing as they will be prolonging the longevity of their tyres.
Also, remember that tyres can damage even when in storage due to many factors such as pests and temperature. We advise getting your stored tyres checked for usability before fitting them to your vehicles.
Need help? We consult with businesses with fleets of all sizes to determine a suitable tyre management plan. Contact us today!
Have you heard of other tyre myths? Not sure if they're true or not? Whenever in doubt, it's always best to consult a professional/
Here at Double D Tyres, we are experts in all things tyres and are happy to answer your questions and provide you with our services - just call today to make an appointment or drop into one of our locations.
And remember, safety always comes first, so when in doubt, ask a professional.