Tyre Maintenance Simplified for The Not-So Car-Savvy Individual
Many vehicle owners are not prepared on what to do if an unexpected tyre problem occurs, such as a slow puncture or a tyre pressure. It is only once people are faced with these situations that they begin to scramble to try to figure out what needs to be done.
This article provides tyre maintenance tips from an iconic Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett. These tips will help vehicle owners prevent or prepare for any tyre problems.
These are easy to remember, even for the not so car-savvy individual.
Tyre tread
“It is fundamental to remember that drivers should not drive a vehicle with tyres that have tread worn out,” says Lett. The tread of the tyre refers to its circumference that enables the tyre to have a grip on the roads. Tyre treads have many important uses and benefits, such as “low rolling resistance, grip in wet conditions allowing motorists direction stability, so they should not be neglected to check,” says Lett.
Tyre tread wear also affects the vehicle’s braking distance as tyres that are worn out lack grip on the roads and have less traction. This increases the chances of causing an accident especially if the car needs to be brought to an immediate stop.
Motorists purchasing a tyre should keep in mind that the legal tread depth limit in Australia is 1.5mm across the circumference of the tyre. The tread depth limit ensures the safety of motorists. Walk-in clients are more than welcome to visit Branigans Tyres to “ensure that you are driving roadworthy tyres,” says Lett.
Tyre pressure
Improper inflation causes tyre treads to wear rapidly and unevenly.
“The team at Branigans Tyres are happy to assist in recommending the correct tyre pressure to all customers and they ensure all tyres are inflated properly on each visit,” Lett said. An over or under-inflated tyre influences the traction, fuel economy, comfort and control of the vehicle.
In case of an emergency, “it is important that all motorists are equipped with a spare tyre that has the right tyre pressure and treads depth,” says Lett.
Having a spare tyre in good condition is crucial if a vehicle is not fitted with run-flat tyres. A run-flat tyre is designed to resist deflation or puncture and allows the vehicle to continue driving.
Wheel balancing and alignment
A vehicle that has correctly balanced and aligned wheels will be able to stay in the right driving lane. “The key is to adjust the angles of the tyres,” says Lett. It is imperative to adjust a vehicle’s wheel alignment as it affects the vehicles steering and suspension.
Lett proposes common signs that a vehicle requires wheel alignment and balancing, this includes if the steering wheel vibrates, the vehicle drifts or pulls to one side, and the steering wheel doesn’t remain centred.
Wheel balancing and alignment provides a smooth driving experience as well as reduces tyre wear, which ensures the safety and longevity of motorists and tyres.
Tyre repair and replacement
Replacing tyres is a hassle-free process with Branigans Tyres. Not only will the right tyres be sourced to fit the particular vehicle, but the tyres be fitted by a tyre specialist. Tyre specialists advise that it’s always better to replace 2 or 4 tyres to ease handling of the vehicle.
If a total tyre replacement is not required, a repair is done according to strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the vehicle on the roads.
These basic tips of tyre maintenance can save one’s life. “Free tyre checks are offered by Branigans Tyres,” says Lett, which leaves no reason to neglect the care of one’s tyres.
Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.
To guarantee customer satisfaction when it comes to tyre servicing and vehicle maintenance, customers are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 situated at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.
