Wheels certainly do go round – but ‘tyre rotation’ means switching up the position of tyres. It helps them to last longer, and it keeps the vehicle’s occupants safer because the tyres have better traction.

“A vehicle’s tyres should be rotated every 10,000km or so, and for those who drive a fair amount, that will probably coincide with their vehicle’s oil change and service,” says Chris Lett, owner of Branigans Tyres and a qualified auto engineer with decades of experience. “While the tyres are getting moved around, they can be thoroughly inspected for wear and damage and replaced if necessary and it’s also a good opportunity to get wheel balancing done.”

Why Tyre Rotation Works

Tyres don’t wear out evenly. In front-wheel-drive cars, the front tyres will bear the brunt of the torque and friction whenever the driver accelerates, brakes, or turns. As a result, they wear much faster than the rear tyres. If the front tyres are rotated to the rear of the car, the fresher rear tyres will go to the front, allowing for more even tyre wear and less frequent replacement. Apart from helping tyres to last the distance, even tread wear translates to better traction and better handling for a safer drive.

More Than One Way to Do It

There are different types of tyre rotation, and the one to choose depends on a lot of factors. The type of tyre wear to be expected from a front-wheel drive has already been discussed, but even a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive needs tyre rotation.

The type and size of tyres is important. Some tyres are “directional” and some cars have different size tyres on the front and rear axles. There’s also the question of the spare tyre – if it’s a full-size tyre that can be included in the rotation. By looking at these factors, tyre professionals know which type of rotation to apply. Here’s a quick summary.

Non-Directional, Same Size

When all tyres are non-directional and of the same size, a rearward cross, forward cross, or X-pattern can be adopted.

Rearward cross rotation is good for four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles. The front tyres go to the rear axle and their sides are switched. The rear tyres go to the front axle and are kept on the same side. Forward cross rotation works the other way round as is usually best for front-wheel drive cars. X pattern rotation means that all tyres switch both axles and sides and is often used on light trucks with front-wheel drive.

Directional Tyres and High-Performance Tyres

So far, non-directional, same-size tyres have been covered, and it’s easy to understand how their rotation should be done. Directional tyres, and tyres that aren’t the same size on both axles are even easier since there are fewer options.

With directional tyres, sides cannot be switched, but it’s possible to switch axles, so this type of tyre rotation is termed front-to-back rotation. When a vehicle has different tyre sizes on the front and rear axles, tyres can be switched to opposite sides but should not be transferred from one axle to another.

Don’t Forget the Wheel Balancing

Wheel balancing is usually done along with tyre rotation, but it isn’t always a must. If motorists decide to do their own tyre rotation, they should look out for signs that their wheels need rebalancing. If they notice vibration on the steering wheel after tyre rotation, it’s a sure sign that the wheels need balancing.

Alternatively, drivers are welcome to leave the whole job to Branigans – it takes minutes and will save a lot of struggling with spanners plus the worry that wheel balancing might be out afterwards. “Many drivers don’t rotate their tyres at all,” says Chris. “They could save a substantial amount of money over time if they did.”  

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, vehicle owners 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.

Tyre tread may seem like a fairly basic concept: roughen up the surface of the rubber and it gets a better grip. But a great deal of innovation and scientific thought has gone into developing the tyre treads that are seen today. “It’s a surprisingly interesting topic,” says Chris Lett, Gold Coast tyre specialist and a man whose love for cars spans a lifetime of auto-engineering know-how.

“In 1905, when the first tyre treads appeared, they were just there to protect the tyre carcass by keeping it out of contact with the road. But over the years, the potential for tyre tread to do much more than that has been explored quite thoroughly, and it won’t be surprising if the future brings even more improvements.”

Modern Tyre Tread Types Explained

Chris explains that though there are many variations on the theme, modern tyre treads can be broadly categorised into three types: symmetrical treads, asymmetrical treads, and directional treads. “Each of them has its own benefits,” says Chris.

Symmetrical treads are the same across the entire width of the tyre. They drive smoothly, offer excellent directional stability, and have low rolling resistance.

Asymmetrical treads use a different pattern on the inside and outside of the tyre. The inner part of the tread is designed to displace water and provides improved protection against aquaplaning. The outer part is designed for traction and also for lower road noise. “They look a little odd,” says Chris, “but they’re a popular choice for high-performance cars.”

Directional treads are designed for one direction of travel. They’re easy to spot because of their V-shaped grooves which not only displace water to reduce the chance of aquaplaning in wet conditions, but also provide extra traction in the dry.

How to Choose

There are no real right or wrong answers when it comes to choosing a tread pattern. Chris recommends symmetrical treads for the budget-conscious: “It’s possible to extend tyre lifespan by rotating the tyres more effectively,” says Chris “because anything goes, and the tread ensures fuel savings and a nice, smooth ride.”

Directional tyres are the best for driving in mud and on wet roads. However, Chris points out that unless motorists tend to drive rather fast in wet conditions or frequently drive on very slippery and muddy roads, they’ll be perfectly safe with non-directional tyre treads. “The same is true of asymmetrical treads. If people are worried about aquaplaning or sliding out in the wet, they do provide better traction and cornering, but with careful driving in adverse road conditions, symmetrical treads will have more than adequate road-holding.”

When choosing tyre treads, matching them across axles is important. “Different tread patterns can be used between front and rear, but not on the same axle,” Chris notes. “It makes sense. Different tread patterns are designed to do different things, and they definitely weren’t designed to work in unison with other tread patterns.”

Enough Tread is More Important than Which Tread

“The most important thing about tread,” says Chris, is making sure that there is enough of it! Worn tyres can double stopping distances, and drivers are far more likely to lose control of the vehicle.” Accident statistics from around the world include some thought-provoking facts about tyres and road safety.

In Ireland, worn tyres are implicated in over 70 percent of road accidents that were caused by a mechanical failure. The AA cites an overall figure of 9 percent of accidents in the wet being caused by insufficient tread while 2 percent of dry weather accidents in the AA’s study involved cars with worn tyres. “So, before people get to work on deciding which tread their next set of tyres will have, they should take a look at their current tyres,” says Chris. “Enough tread is definitely more important than the type of tread. But even with the best tyres in the world, drive carefully in the wet. Slow down and arrive safely even if that means being a little late.”

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. Vehicle owners 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.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News, YDMA Group

“There are a lot of benefits in using nearly new tyres,” says Chris. “Because Branigans is able to source them at lower prices, it’s possible to pass the savings on to customers. The result is that they often get better tyres than they could otherwise have been able to afford. There’s also the environmental aspect. Branigans recycles old tyres that are no longer useable, but recycling something that still has a long useful life ahead of it isn’t environmentally sound. Using it, on the other hand, means a greener, less emissions-intensive product.”

Safety First

Many people may wonder if used tyres are safe. “If someone just bought brand new tyres and drove the car round the block, its tyres have been used,” Chris points out. “They’re nearly new, but not new. But that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe and that the driver should get new tyres every time he or she takes their car for a short drive.”

“Branigans inspects all the used tyres it receives very carefully. The tread should be good enough to give plenty of worry-free kilometres, and technicians carefully check for any signs of defects or damage. On very rare occasions, they might miss a pinhole-sized puncture. It will manifest as a slow leak, and the driver will pick up the problem within the week. If that happens, Branigans replaces the tyre at no cost. From a safety perspective, a puncture that small won’t easily turn into a blowout. The customer still gets to save on tyres, and there’s no safety-related trade-off.”

Only the Best for Branigans Customers

With so many used tyres from around Australia ending up in Branigans hands, Chris can afford to cherry pick only the best ones for his customers. 

“Branigans can grade tyres in such a way that only those with hardly any wear go to its outlets. Tyres that don’t make the Branigans top grade go for recycling or are exported to countries where the roads are so rough that a tyre with enough tread for short-term road safety is all that’s needed. If drivers know that their tyres will only last a couple of months owing to bad road conditions, there’s just no point in buying a brand new tyre or one with enough tread to last a year or more. Once again, Branigans Tyres’ end-users, this time in far-away countries, benefit from lower prices without sacrificing road safety.”

Economy Meets Service

Back home in Australia, Chris’s customers are experiencing cost savings coupled with his team’s dedication to excellent service. “No business should have absentee managers. At Branigans, getting out on the workshop floor, doing whatever’s necessary to keep waiting times to a minimum, and ensuring that customers get service that’s both efficient and friendly is all in a days’ work,” says Chris.

The company also trains its staff to exceed expectations. “Whether it’s spotting worn brake pads, a loose exhaust pipe, or signs of misaligned wheels, Branigans’ staff performs a visual inspection while cars are up on the lift. It’s little extras like this that add value, keep customers coming back and builds the relationship that gives them the confidence to recommend Branigans to friends and family. Low prices are just the cherry on the top.”

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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With that said, let’s look at some of the advantages of nitrogen usage in tyres.

It Stabilises Tyres for A Prolonged Time

Compressed air tends to seep out much faster from the tyres than nitrogen and it normally requires sooner re-inflation. “Using nitrogen in car or bike tyres, one may not have to check for the pressure for the next 30 days as the gas doesn’t move out the tyre so quickly,” says Chris Lett, tyre expert and owner of Branigans Tyres.

He also adds that “tyres stay in shape for about a month. In the case of regular air, if a vehicle is moving every day, one needs to measure the pressure after 8-10 days.”

It’s A Current Way to Take Care of A Car

Nitrogen is much drier than compressed air and that assists with the regulation of tyre pressure and temperatures during long drives and summer heat. It also causes less rubber damage and corrosion of the metal rims that clench the tyres.

Chris also stated that compressed air has more water and oxygen which usually results in a quick reaction with the fluctuating temperatures within the tyres. This can lead to those dreaded tyre blowouts.

Money Well Spent

Nitrogen may not be free at air pumps or service stations, but it’s vital to consider the nominal amount of Rs 4-45 for a four-wheeler and Rs 10 for 2-wheeler vehicles – It lasts longer and supports the longevity of tyres.

“Expect fewer opportunities of wear and tear when using nitrogen,” says Chris. “The pressure doesn’t have to be measured as often as one would with compressed air.” This means that there is money to be saved on tyre maintenance, which is always welcome.

Mixing Nitrogen and Compressed Air

It can happen that a tyre has been filled up with nitrogen but has low pressure. The good thing here is that one can always top it up with compressed gas if there are no nitrogen pumps in the vicinity and proves no harm to the tyre.

For those who already have nitrogen filled in their car tyres, but realise that the pressure is low, they can always top it up with compressed gas if they are not able to find a nitrogen pump.

It is The Choice of the Vehicle Owner

Nitrogen does prove to have more technological advantages over air, but those advantages can always differ when considering that people use their cars in various ways. However, to wrap this up, opt for nitrogen if a vehicle falls in one or more of the categories below:

• If a vehicle owner has one or more cars that are primarily used at the racetrack.
• If a vehicle is used very sparingly and sits unused for an extended time.
• If someone owns collectible cars that are seldom driven any great distances.
• If one has to put a car in storage for a significant period of time.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast | Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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Tyre noise can also be the result of underlying matters, such as abnormal tyre wear or even a broken belt. Branigans Budget Tyres expert and owner, Chris Lett suggests the five following pointers to solve the problem.

Check (And If Needed) Alter Door Seals

Door seals are the bulky, rubber gaskets that frame the car door. Should the door seals not be tightly installed, the vehicle door may not shut properly and the gap between the seal and the door may cause noise that comes from the road and not the tyres.

Checking the fitment of the seals will allow for the door to shut properly since the rattling of the vehicle sometimes causes them to loosen over time.

Regular Tyre Checks

No expertise required here. It’s easy to hop in a car and drive off, but routine inspections do go a long way. Instead of replacing tyres on the fly, apply a visual inspection of the tyres. Grab those rubber gloves and feel the wheel. Chris also says that “a good spin of the wheel helps to see how it rotates. I usually start with the rear ones.”

“To take things to the next level, I would switch up tyres, by bringing the back ones to the front and vice versa, but treads must be even,” Chris adds.

Soundproof Car Cabin Floor

The cabin floors of a vehicle and the interior of the car itself can be significantly affected by the tyre gears where the transmission of tyre noise happens. The best way forward is to soundproof the cabin floor of the vehicle. Thick rugs with a rubber base that allows for sound absorption helps a lot to fade out tyre noise.

Soundproof Car Doors

If there is no issue with the doors of the car and the cabin floor has been soundproofed, there is more that can be done to shut out tyre noise.

There is quite a process to this, but the best material to use to mute most of the ambient noise would be the Noico 80 mil Sound Deadening Mat. This is an excellent material that eliminates noise and rattles. For heat & cool insulation, closed-cell foam liner material that is designed specifically for thermal insulation of the vehicle may work better.

Make Sure Tyres are Fully Inflated

Underinflated tyres can make more noise because they have a much larger contact range with the surface of the road. Making sure that tyres are fully inflated with the correct air pressure-volume is one of the easiest ways to reduce the tyre noise of a car. Better yet, properly inflated tyres do great things for gas mileage.

Each tyre’s pressure ought to be checked every month, and the best route to take would be when the tyres are still cold after being parked for a few hours or more.

Noisy tyres can be the result of many things, but thankfully, there are various solutions available to mitigate the problems at home. If not, there is always Branigans Tyres.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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The driving force behind Australia’s Branigans Tyres for 15 years and provider of slightly used, high quality tyres, Lett says that where things stand at this point, it looks like tyres (and brakes) will continue to carry a big share of the blame for pollution even after the non-gas guzzlers are on the roads in large numbers and accurate statistics can be determined.

Exhaust Emissions May Not be the Problem

Lett says many factors have to be taken into account when comparing the environmental impacts of electric cars with those of fossil fuel vehicles (and particularly diesel-powered ones) that have to date been considered responsible for polluting the air of urban areas, even in spite of regulations in parts of the world limiting the amount of emissions allowed. A major plus for EVs has therefore been that they don’t rely on that fuel, and they don’t have exhausts.

However, research has shown that fossil fuel and exhausts might not even been the worst contributor of pollution even when non-electric cars ruled the road. Quoting data from Emissions Analytics, Lett says it seems that pollution caused by brake, tyre and road wear, insufficient tyre pressure, and rough roads, could be producing 1,000 times more pollution than exhausts ever have. And this is not helped by the increasing trend towards heavier vehicles like SUVs.

According to Lett, other factors have been added to the controversy when it comes to the eco-friendliness of battery-driven cars. These include a manufacturing process claimed to emit around 35% more emissions than those released during the production of the standard car; the damage to the road surface caused by EVs’ heavier weight; and continuing to use rubber tyres which will pollute the air as well as the sea and other waterways some claim will involve even more of the toxic fine particles that are associated with them.

Changes to Tyres Should Be On the Roll

He said developments are already underway as tyre manufacturers adopt a different approach to the manufacturing of both the EVs, and the tyres they use, for the sake of the environment, as well as to address the nearly 200 variables involved in the changeover.

Among these are the need for greater durability in order to extend the life of the tyres; suitable materials and methods of construction; and the design of the side-walls and treads.

EV Tyres Will Have to Last Longer

According to Lett, at present using standard tyres on electric vehicles would be unwise, unless the vehicle’s owner is prepared to accept that they won’t last as long on an EV as they would on a fuel-driven car.

EVs are considerably heavier because of the added weight of the batteries which power them between recharges. This, and the instant torque that gets the car moving quickly, puts extra strain on the tyres. And larger numbers or increased sizes of the batteries used will make the situation worse, as will the presence of two engines, one electric and one combustion, that are found in some hybrid vehicles.

“If used on the wheels of electric cars or hybrids, standard tyres are therefore more likely to have a shorter working life than they would when used on their non-electric counterparts,” Lett says.

For further information and assistance in choosing the right replacement tyres, visit or call Chris and his team for Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres Service Centre at Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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No Spare but Some Savings

Lett says that with the introduction of stricter CO2 standards, manufacturers have been challenged with reducing vehicle emissions, and have been forced to come up with some innovative changes. Reducing the weight of the vehicles by disposing of spare tyres (and their follow-ups), as well as the tools supplied to fit them, was just one of them.

Ridding the car of all of these does reduce CO2 emissions as well as fuel consumption, but by very small amounts, Lett said. It also opens up space in the car, which would have been taken up by the spare and the tools. And all that replaces it is a repair kit, and a lack of security in the driver.

Looking at the Different Types of Spare Tyres

“ It’s legal and quite possible but not necessarily cheap for an owner to buy a spare wheel or tyre to bring back that sense of safety and security should he or she find themselves sitting on the side of the road. But it’s important that any spare tyre bought independently is the right one for the car,” he said. “The buyer must take this perfect match into account when buying a spare for a new vehicle, as the added cost involved or difficulty in finding a suitable spare might even influence their choice of which vehicle they want to buy.”

Space-saver spare wheel: A space-saver spare wheel is an emergency spare wheel and tyre which is lighter and smaller than a full-size spare, but can be used until the damaged tyre is repaired. “It’s safe and effective if driven no faster than 50mph (80 km/h) for a maximum distance of about 50 miles. But it’s important to keep in mind that the safety and performance of the vehicle will be compromised, so the wheel should be replaced as soon as possible,” says Lett.

Run-flat tyres: These tyres have a reinforced sidewall that allows for continuing to drive on the damaged tyre for up to 50 miles provided that’s done at reduced speed. Lett says these

are a popular choice because of the convenience of not having to stop to replace the damaged tyre. However, he does caution that they are limited to only being able to handle minor tyre damage, and have a shorter life span of around 6000 miles.

Tyre repair kit: Most vehicles now come with a tyre repair kit as the only resource for when a drive is curtailed by tyre problems. This consists of a bottle of sealant and an electric compressor, which according to Lett is not ideal. He says the sealant does not work on larger leaks, and the adhesive makes it difficult to repair the tyre fully, but it will cover most minor punctures.

Speaking to an expert about spare tyres will ensure the right advice, and contacting Chris Lett, owner of Branigans Tyres, is the ideal way to get it for those who live in Queensland. Branigans Tyres offers top quality, hardly-used second hand tyres at less than half the price of new ones, and he’s been doing so for more than 15 years.

For further information and assistance in choosing the right replacement tyres, visit or call Chris and his team for Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres Service Centre at Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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“All new vehicles are fitted with optimal performance original equipment (OE) tyres, also known as standard tyres. These are designed specifically for the vehicle type and have been optimized for general use, making them a reliable choice, but they may not be the best tyre for the car owner’s needs,” explains Lett.

What Car Owners Need to Consider

“Drivers need to consider their driving habits, the speed they drive at, the conditions of the roads they travel on, seasonal changes and heir vehicle requirements when choosing their tyres,” says Lett.

“A good place for car owners to start is to check the existing tyres on their car. On the sidewall are numbers and letters which give the tyre’s width, profile, diameter, load index and speed rating. If the tyres are not the original ones that came with the vehicle, the owner will be able to find this information on the inside of the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual, which will also give a list of compatible tyres. It is essential to have the correct tyres for your vehicle, as an incorrect size will add stress to the vehicle, and the tyre could even come off while driving.”

Understanding the Numbers and Letters on the Sidewall

Being able to understand the tyre label will help car owners choose the correct tyre. The first three digits on it identify the tyre’s width. According to Lett, the wider the tyre is, the better the grip, which makes it ideal for wet roads. A narrower tyre will make less noise, but not have as good a grip.

Related to tyre width is the tyre profile, the next number on the tyre label. A high profile, above 50, offers a more comfortable drive, and long lasting tyres, whereas a low profile is considered better looking, and has better steering performance, but is more vulnerable to damage.

The numbers after the letter R are for the tyre size, and the following two numbers stand for the load rating (how much weight the tyres can bear). The last letter is for the speed rating, which affects grip and stopping power. A higher speed rating will offer better performance, but the life of the tyre will not be as long.

“With the wide variety and different types of tyres available on the market today, it can be a daunting task knowing what to choose,” says Lett. “If someone is not sure about the ideal tyre for their needs, they should speak to an expert who will be able to point them in the right direction. And they don’t need to be brand new. As long as they use a reputable outlet, good quality recycled tyres can be a safe and cost effective choice.”

For further information, 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.

“Your car will tell the driver if there is something wrong by starting to shake, bump or make noises, or by simply not performing as it usually does. Over time, all car parts deteriorate, and so do tyres, and very often a problem with one can cause trouble with the other. By learning to interpret what your car’s telling the driver, and acting swiftly, a car owner will save a lot of money, avoid further damage, and, potentially, could save a life,” Lett said.

Visible Damage

Tyre damage is often visible in the form of bald patches, worn tread, cracks and lumps. To realise they are there, it is imperative to do monthly checkups, and ensure the tyres are clean from mud and any road debris stuck in the tread. Simply cleaning them with water and soap will remove any chemicals and dirt, and give he owner a clear view of what’s going on.

Signs of Deeper Damage

Damage to tyres is not always caused by age. It can also be the result of underlying problems within the vehicle itself, or by any incidents on the road. And while there are no fixed rules regarding this because drivers and their vehicles all differ, there are some general pointers which are consistent with mechanical faults.

Driving over potholes, curbs, and even speed humps, can result in various problems affecting the stability, steering control, suspension, and alignment of the car. This, in turn, can damage tyres or speed up their degradation, and in an equal exchange of damage, worn or compromised tyres may impact on the very same systems because they are not rolling evenly because of damage, or too worn to keep the car stable.

The Mechanicals Most Often Involved

Tie Rod Ends

If damaged, the ends on the tie rod which connects the car’s wheels with its steering system (as well as those suspension components which form part of it) can result in tyres deteriorating badly, and their road life being shortened considerably . But, worse still, they may cause the front wheels to wobble, put them out of alignment, and negatively affect the steering, all of which can result in an accident.

“If your tyres have persistent problems like uneven wear on the inside or outside of the tyre; this is happening to more than one tyre; or you are having to check and adjust your wheel alignment regularly; there is a good chance your tie rods are causing the problem,” says Chris Lett from Branigans Budget Tyres in Queensland. “A worn tyre rod will also give less support to the wheel, causing the tyres to sag.”

Control Arm and Stabilizer Bar

A serious situation arises if there are problems with the control arms which hold the front wheels on the road; or the stabilizer bar (sway bar) which links these arms to suspension components on the wheels. This system is responsible for stability and preventing cars from tipping and rolling. If either are bent or badly worn by age, it may lead to accidents or, at the least, make the car unsafe for use on the road.

A sign there could be a problem with that vital stabilizer bar is if your car makes a knocking noise when driving over bumps. If the control arm is damaged, your car’s steering wheel could be off center, and the car’s suspension noticeably bouncy. Damage to the tyre can be severe, denting the rim, or forcing the liner to separate and a bubble to develop on the surface, which may result in a blow out.

Other factors causing premature and irregular tyre wear could be suspension, steering or chassis problems. Worn shock absorbers can cause the tyres to lose their grip on the road, making them bounce and creating uneven tread wear which, in turn, can cause the steering wheel to shudder when hitting bumps. It will also cause the car to pull to one side when braking.

When the time for replacing tyres that are damaged by mechanical problems, or are damaging them, good quality recycled tyres from a reputable outlet are a safe, and far less costly, option. Chris Lett, with 15 years experience as owner of Branigans Tyres in Queensland, offers top quality, hardly-used second hand tyres at less than half the price of new ones.

Branigans Budget Tyres specializes in secondhand tyres and stocks brand new tyres at competitive prices. For further information, visit or call Chris and his team for Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres Service Centre at Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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Since 2013 most tyre manufacturers have placed RFID chips in their tyres to help keep track of stock. The focus now is on how to use this platform commercially by offering consumers critical information on tyre issues such as tyre pressure, tread depth and areas of stress.

“On-board computers transmitting real-time data will radically enhance the safety and efficiency of the vehicle,” says Lett. “It will also do away with the need for physical tyre examinations by communicating all vital information directly itself. When it comes to owners of large fleets, this will become very cost effective.”

What the Future Holds

After 15 years keeping the wheels turning with Branigans Tyres, Lett has learned to keep abreast of developments in tyre manufacture. Looking into the current plans of the big names in the industry, he has found their major focus to be on technology like sensors, 3-D printing, and Artificial Intelligence. Scanning the leading manufacturers he found all have their own changes in mind , all of which could radically change tyres as we know them.

He said Michelin and GM have collaborated to produce an airless and flat-proof tyre by 2024, naming it Uptis (Unique Puncture-proof Tire System). And they are not alone, nor is the concept of letting the tyre itself take the burden of punctures. Continental, Hankook, Pirelli and Michelin have already produced a tyre that can self seal a puncture by releasing a fluid around the leak.

3-D Printing Makes its Entry

With the entry of 3D-printing into the vehicle industry, Lett said it was to be expected use of it would spread to tyres sooner or later. Michelin has gone for the “sooner” option and is currently working on its Visionary Concept, a 3-D printed tyre made from organic and recyclable materials which will have printable retreads, and the ability to deliver information to the driver through on-board sensors.

Continental is meanwhile focusing on a self-inflating tyre known as Conti C.A.R.E (Connected, Autonomous, Reliable, Electrified), with built-in sensors to continually gather and send critical information about the tyres to the company’s live center, where an operator will remotely manage the tyre condition. And at the same time Goodyear is talking about reCharge concept and personalized tyres aimed at electric vehicles. These are planned to be totally biodegradable and able to self-regenerate and self-charge as well as reload or change their tread thanks to A.I assistance and a capsule filled with a tailor made liquid compound based on individual needs.

Bridgestone, which, according to Lett, has been using Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing since 2016 in the form of Smart Strain Sensor Technology to ensure uniformity and increase production output, has developed methods whereby the driver can be alerted by a sensor to any problems with other vehicles on the road, as well as monitor its own tyres, even at low speeds.

Branigans Budget Tyres specializes in secondhand tyres and stocks brand new tyres at competitive prices. For further information, visit or call Chris and his team for Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres Service Centre at Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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Drivers of vehicles of all kinds see it as a major expense they can do without. Then there’s the thought of finding a dealer who’s helpful, sells safe tyres and is good value.

While all of this is understandable, here on the Gold Coast you have great options right at your fingertips.

As dealers and fitters of budget tyres for many years, we at Branigans Budget Tyres have great value budget tyre options.

Expert Advice

The best way to get safe, good value tyres is to talk to independent dealers. It might be possible for you to be perfectly roadworthy with used tyres. With a good, local dealer you can trust, you’ll get the right advice. Sometimes rotation is an even cheaper option than buying any kind of replacements.

By talking to an experienced, independent dealer, you can explore all of your options.

Modern tyres are made to last for a long time. This is true whether they cover hundreds of miles a week or are immobile in your driveway or garage. The point is, today’s tyres can be great value no matter how old they are.

As used tyres have between 50% and 90% tread, you’re guaranteed road safety whether you choose new or second hand.

A reputable independent dealer will give you the right advice, which will save you money. As well as this, they can guarantee that your replacements will be completely safe. When you buy replacement tyres, you get free alignment, suspension and brake checks.

All of these increase the life of your tyres, giving even better value for money.

Local Help

As trusted independent suppliers of budget tyres on the Gold Coast, we know the value of having good help on your doorstep. With larger dealerships, you may have to book appointments or check what services they offer. While some of these may be free, they might also have strings attached.

With a reliable, local dealer, you get exactly what you pay for. Whether you drive a family car, 4WD or light truck, you need to have someone to rely on.

Choose someone local, and you shouldn’t have to make an appointment to get your tyres checked.

As we all lead busy lives, having flexible local help is vital.

This could mean you take action sooner rather than later. Not only is this a good idea safety wise, it could very well save you money.

Find Out More

If you’re in the area, check out Branigans Budget Tyres.

We’re on the Southport Nerang Road to the west of the city; or call us on (07) 5591 8633. Our website is at: Branigans Budget Tyres