4 Common Tyre Myths

Tyres are a vital part of your automobile, which help to keep it on the road and heading in the correct direction. Modern tyres are safer and have a longer life than the tyres of yesteryear. However, some myths surrounding the car tyre still persist. Below we look at some common car tyre myths which could be putting you in danger.

Myth: If you can see the tread, the tyre is safe to drive on

The tread on a tyre is designed to ensure maximum contact between your car and the road by dispersing water. Australian law requires that there is at least 1.5mm of tread on a tyre for it to be deemed road worthy. If you drive on tyres with less tread than this, there is a chance you will lose control of the car in wet conditions and suffer an accident.

Myth: If you replace two tyres, the new ones should be placed on the front wheels.

Your front and rear tyres perform different functions. The tyres which are on the drive wheels will tend to wear down faster than the non-drive tyres. However,it doesn't matter if your car is a rear, front or four-wheel drive, you should fit new tyres to the rear wheels. The rear wheels require tyres with good tread in order to maintain your car's traction, stability, steering, braking.

Myth: You only need to check the pressure if the tyre looks flat

With use, the air pressure in your tyres will gradually decrease. Often this loss of tyre pressure is invisible to the naked eye, so you should check your tyre pressure on a regular basis. When checking the pressure, make sure the tyre is cold and use a professional pressure gauge at a petrol or service station. The manufacturer of the car should list the minimum required tyre pressure in the vehicle handbook. By inflating your tyres to the recommended pressure, you can be certain that they will offer high levels of safety, fuel efficiency and handling.

Myth: Any under-inflated tyres will provide better traction

While it is true that under-inflated tyres have a larger contact area with the road, under-inflation can also cause additional stress on the casing of the tyre. This can reduce the performance and lifespan of the tyre and lead to increased fuel consumption.

If you are concerned about the condition of your tyres, you should book your car in for a service.

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