Not all tyre salesmen deserve the poor reputation society has placed on them, says Australian tyre expert and recycler Chris Lett. He says many salespeople in the tyre industry are just going about and doing their best selling tyres which are low profit items in a market where wages are often based on commission. But, while it may be understandable that some of them might want to add more to the sale, he said it’s important that customers are aware that this does happen, and are equally well informed in terms of what they need, so as to avoid being talked into buying add-ons or the wrong tyres.
“Asking questions and doing some research is the best way to lessen the chances of walking into a tyre outlet intent on only replacing one or two tyres, but leaving having replaced all four tyres (and the spare tyre, if there is one),” Lett said.
Knowing When to Repair or Replace Tyres
However, he said it’s important that customers don’t reject all advice and recommendations, thinking they may be aimed at bigger sales. As an example, he says that most punctures repaired with a plug can last up to 10 years if properly done, but this isn’t always an option and the tyre or tyres may have to be replaced.
“If a puncture is larger than 6mm, is on the wall or shoulder of the tyre, or if there are bulges, cracks or discoloration on the sidewall, repairing will not be possible. And If the tread is worn below the legal tread limit of 1.5mm or the tyres are 10 years or older, even if they still look fine, the rubber will have deteriorated, and the structure will have become compromised”.
Avoiding extras
“Often pressure is put on the customer to do a brake replacement, oil change or service at the same time as a tyre repair or replacement. This may not be necessary, and it is best to follow the service schedule provided by the manufacturer in the owners’ manual,” says Lett.
“When it comes to wheel alignment, some dealers offer complimentary alignment, mounting and fitting, but most don’t. It is not necessary for an alignment to be done if all four tyres are replaced. However, if only one or two are replaced, it certainly is necessary for the older tyres to be balanced with the new ones.”
If in need of a tyre replacement or repair, speak to tyre expert Chris Lett, owner of Branigans Tyres in Queensland. They offer hardly-used, top quality recycled tyres at less than half the cost of new ones.
Visit or call Chris and his team for Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres at the Service Centres at either Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.
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