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.

Road users may well have clicked their tongues disapprovingly when noticing the tell-tale black marks that tyres leave on tar after a wheel-spin, but there’s more to getting the most out of tyres than avoiding showy (and illegal) pull-aways. Chris Lett sums up the driving-style secrets to longer-lasting tyres, and car owners will be relieved to know that they don’t need to do anything awkward or time-consuming to optimise their tyres’ life.

  1. Go Easy on the Brake Pedal

A car doesn’t even need to come to the classic screaming halt seen in so many movie car chase scenes to wear out its tyres: going hard on the brakes is bad for any car and reduces tyre life. “Hard braking can trigger the ABS system unnecessarily, and each time there’s wear on that system its lifespan is shortened while tyres are subjected to greater demands,” Chris explains. “Regular hard braking is also bad for the drive shaft. Of course, when emergencies arise, drivers must step on the brakes as hard as they can, but a full-tilt driving style with lots of hard braking is to be avoided. Save it, and tyre rubber, for emergencies.”

  2. Go Even Easier When Towing

Even those with a moderate driving style may need to adjust a little for towing. “There’s a lot of weight behind a vehicle when it’s towing,” says Chris. “It stands to reason that it will make overall momentum greater which makes for greater force when bringing the combination of car and trailer or caravan to a stop. Tyres bear the brunt of that, so take it easy when towing and try to anticipate situations in which it will be necessary to slow down or stop so that the brakes can be applied gently.”

  3. Gentle in the Rough

Road surfaces make a difference, but every great adventure off the beaten track will involve at least some time spent driving on gravel or dirt roads. “When driving over corrugations, there is a temptation to go faster since the ride feels a little smoother, but the faster the vehicle goes, the greater the impact of surface debris on its tyres. There’s a big difference between hitting a stone in the road when taking it slowly compared to hitting it at speed. Once again, the tyres take the hammering.”

  4. Adjust the Seat Correctly

If drivers are seated in an awkward driving position, they are likely to drive in a choppy way. “Always adjust the seat so that the driver’s wrists can rest on the steering wheel when the arms are extended forward,” advises Chris. “They will have better control over the car, and that means a safer, more comfortable ride and less chance of driving errors that can reduce the lifespan of the tyres.”

  5. Turn the Wheel When the Car is Moving

Each time a driver turns the wheel of a stationary car, its tyres scrape across the road surface and lose a little more rubber. Sometimes, it’s absolutely necessary to do it when entering or leaving a tight parking space or pulling away into a sharp turn, but it’s better for the tyres to turn when the wheels are in motion. “It’s easy to develop bad driving habits over time, so watch out for this one,” says Chris. “It should be the exception and not the rule.”

  Ask Branigans About Tyre Wear Patterns

Chris suggests that motorists ask Branigans technicians about tyre wear patterns and whether they indicate anything of which they should be made aware. “Tyre wear might indicate some extra ways to save,” says Chris. “For example, if the tread is worn only at the central part of the tyre, the car owner may be over inflating them. Cracks and bulges on the sidewall could mean that a driver hit a pothole too hard – or it may be a sign of habitually driving with underinflated tyres. Branigans tyre technicians might be able to provide customers with some interesting insights that lead to extra savings.”

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. For guaranteed 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.

With that piece of advice duly noted, it’s time to look at the fun and useful things that can be made with old tyres. “Do be careful,” says Chris “especially with projects that require cutting of tyres – they’re pretty tough, and a slip could result in a nasty accident. Use a heavy-duty drywall knife or utility knife to slice the rubber, and when encountering steel reinforcing wires, use a hacksaw.”

Playground Equipment

Old tyres have long been a standby for making playground equipment. From tyre obstacle courses to swings and jungle gyms, all it takes is some ingenuity, a few bright paint colours, some wooden poles, and a few fasteners. “Remember to make some holes for water drainage,” says Chris “and use strong fasteners so that there are no accidents.”

Whether it’s tyre play equipment made to swing, scramble, jump, or climb, most people will have fond memories of old tyre playgrounds. There are some super-creative ideas out there, so it’s possible to have plenty of fun deciding what to make. 

Hose Caddy

While making a hose caddy might not be as amusing as planning a full adventure playground, it’s a handy project that will save people from tripping over hose pipes in the yard. “A lot of people use old wheel rims as hose caddies,” says Chris, “but a hose pipe can be wound up inside an old tyre too. Just cut off the tyre’s sidewalls and add an optional layer of paint to pretty it up.”

Tyre Walls and Staircases

It’s possible to use old tyres in the same way as the blocks from which retaining walls are made, building staircases or walls depending on personal needs. “It is probably unwise to use tyre retaining walls on the steepest sites,” says Chris, “but they’re very good for stabilising slightly gentler slopes. When building staircases, DIYers may need some wood or steel droppers to help keep the tyres in place despite erosion and traffic, but they can be quite effective and look good.”

Pretty or Practical Planters

Most people will know that one can grow a good crop of potatoes in tyres, piling them up and filling in with soil as the potato plants grow for a bigger harvest. Paint the tyres and mount them on a garden wall, and an unusual and attractive vertical garden can be created. The stacked tyres trick can be quite attractive when using painted tyres, or one can get even more creative and cut them into interesting shapes. 

Even Indoor Furniture: Get Imaginative

Depending on how much time homeowners have on their hands and how imaginative they are, there are tons of things to make from old tyres. “It’s incredible what people dream up,” says Chris. “There are quite attractive-looking chairs, coffee tables, and ottomans made of old tyres. People paint them, glue rope around them to make them look like woven baskets, and turn them into all kinds of furnishings for use both indoors and out.”

Repurposing Tyres is Fun and Green

Branigans Tyres disposes of old tyres using the most environmentally friendly methods possible, but Chris admits that repurposing old tyres offers the most room for fun and creativity. “If people have a bright idea for reusing old tyres, they should go ahead! It would be great if they would share their pictures with Branigans on social media and inspire the community. Being ‘green’ can be more fun than most people realised!”

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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“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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Those with enquiring minds may wonder what “best practice” consists of. Branigans Tyres’ owner, Chris Lett is happy to expand on the topic. “Whatever happens, old tyres shouldn’t be left lying around in heaps, burned, or sent to landfills,” says Chris. “Not too long ago, tyre disposal was a huge problem, particularly in the United States, where massive ‘tyre mountains’ were not uncommon. One of them caught fire in 1983. It consisted of an estimated 7 million tyres, and the resulting plume of smoke caused dangerous air pollution that affected three US states. Responsible tyre disposal is important, and Branigans has all the systems in place to achieve it.”

How to Handle Old Tyres

Chris doesn’t believe in leaving anything to chance, and that includes the disposal of tyres. Grading is the first step. Some tyres may be too worn-out for use in Australia, a country where retreading is no longer cost-effective. However, there are parts of the world where retreading is still done and where rough roads mean that no tyre, no matter how new, is going to last very long and using older tyres makes the best sense.

“Branigans sends container-loads of tyre casings to countries involved in recycling and to countries where ‘2nd grade’ tyres are welcomed,” explains Chris. There are other forms of recycling too.

“When the tyres are so old that they can’t possibly be reused, it’s possible to extract valuable elements from them. The tyres are chipped and oil, steel, and carbon black will be among the usable elements reclaimed. Tyre chips can be recycled in several ways. There’s a special type of asphalt made using chipped tyres, and there’s even a springier type of paving made with recycled tyres as a component. On top of that, various products including exercise mats and vehicle mudguards can be made with old tyre rubber.”

The End of the Tyre Disposal Problem Could be in Sight

Chris notes that new designs for non-pneumatic tyres that are fully recyclable and will never go flat are on the way. “Hankook recently tested the performance of its iteration of the idea with positive results, and Michelin is also busy with a similar concept.”

“It’s possible that, in the future, tyre disposal won’t be as complex as it is now, but it should be remembered that there are still a lot of rubber tyres out there, and it will probably be several decades before the situation changes. Meanwhile, it’s every person’s responsibility to ensure that old tyres are disposed of or reused in an environmentally-appropriate way, and Branigans can be relied on to apply the best solutions as part of its responsibility towards the community, the planet, and future generations.”

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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Protecting Wheels

Nowadays, tyres do much more than just protecting wheels, but the very first “tyres” were made for no other reason. Wooden wheels could easily get damaged or split while navigating rough roads, so they were strengthened by a strip of leather (and later iron) that helped them to last a little longer. 

This state of affairs continued for centuries until the self-taught chemist, Charles Goodyear, discovered and patented the vulcanisation process that makes rubber more durable. Contrary to urban legend, he didn’t go on to invent the pneumatic tyre, but solid rubber tyres were already a notable improvement and Goodyear’s invention made them possible.

Nine Million Bicycles

The number of bicycles involved in the 19th century cycling craze is a matter for conjecture, but no matter how many of them there were, the fad led to several important inventions and innovations. Clothes that allowed women more freedom of movement were one, and the pneumatic tyre was the second. 

A Scottish inventor had already patented a pneumatic tyre some decades previously, but it was impractical and the idea was abandoned and forgotten until John Dunlop, also a Scot, lit on the idea of pneumatic tyres as a means of making his son’s tricycle ride better. Observing that his pneumatic tyres rolled much better than the regular wheels, he saw their potential for bicycle racing, and the rest is history. 

Cars Get Pneumatic Tyres from Michelin

Up to this point, car wheels were basically just like carriage wheels. It would take two inventions to revolutionise them. First, the invention of wheel rims over which pneumatic tyres could be fitted, and second, the development of a tyre that could fit snugly onto them. 

The first breakthrough was once again bicycle-related. Cyclists loved pneumatic tyres, but mending punctures was hard work since the tyres were glued onto the rim. A bit of lateral thinking on the part of the Michelin brothers, Eduard and Andre, and a wheel rim that allowed tyres to be slipped on snugly without presenting too much difficulty to remove was the result. The year was 1891, the technology was now in place, and the world was ready for the pneumatic car tyres that have made the name “Michelin” famous to this day. 

Further Advances Follow Fast

With pneumatic tyres now being used on automobiles, though with limited success, advances in tyre technology gained momentum. The first tubeless tyres were patented, mountable rims made it possible for drivers to change wheels, and in 1908, American inventor and cofounder of the Goodyear Company Frank Seiberling introduced the concept of tyres with tread to improve traction. 

Meanwhile, Benjamin Goodrich, whose name lives on in the American tyre company BF Goodrich, discovered that adding carbon to rubber would make tyres last much longer, introducing his tougher tyres to the market in 1910. However, there were still durability issues, and yet another American inventor, Phillip Strauss, would be the man who finally solved the problem with his 1937 tyre design which consisted of a hardened rubber and fabric tyre with an inner tube. 

But Michelin wouldn’t remain in the background for long. In 1948, the company patented radial tyres which had fabric cords placed at 90 degrees to the direction of travel to strengthen them. The Makers of the Packard Marque decided to go a step further in 1954, fitting tubeless tyres to their car, and Pirelli introduced wider radial tyres in 1974. 

The 80s and Beyond

Run flat tyres, first invented by Michelin in the 30s, but not widely used, underwent further development in the late 70s and early 80s with Bridgestone tyres introducing sidewall reinforcement in the early 80s. But, despite sounding advanced to those of us who still need air for their tyres, innovation didn’t end there. 

The quest for motor racing advantages has been a big driver in the development of better tyres, and the advent of the ultra-high performance (UHP) tyre for better handling, braking, and cornering at speed was the inevitable result. 

But with environmental concerns on the rise, fuel efficiency, and the ways in which tyres could contribute to it provided a new focus. Next up may be a non-pneumatic tyre (NPT) which can’t go flat and will be fully recyclable. If this sounds far-fetched, think again! Hankook has already made its latest development, which features a honeycomb-like internal structure to support it, public.

“Branigans is looking forward to the new concept in tyres,” says Chris Lett. “The impact of tyres on the environment has always been of concern – and the added element of safety inherent in a tyre that can’t blow out could turn out to be a lifesaver.” Meanwhile, Branigans is keeping its clients safe on the road while caring for the environment by ensuring that tyres remain in service within the limits of safety and that end-of-life tyres are put to use in one way or another rather than being sent to landfills.

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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Australian Tyres Must Have the Following Markings

Traceability is important. Therefore, manufacturers are required to display their name in print on the sidewall of tyres. Beyond that, the specifications for use and tyre size ensure that replacements will match the specifications for any particular vehicle. A serial number indicates where and when the tyre was made and specific variants, for example, radial or tubeless tyres are also indicated. Over and above that, the country in which the tyres originated, the mould number and a specific factor code number are also printed on the tyre.

How to Read Tyre Specification Codes

The first part of the code is a single letter. For most people, that would be a “P” for “passenger vehicle.” “C” denotes a commercial vehicle and “LT” stands for light truck. 

The number following the first letter of the code indicates the width of the tyre measured in millimetres. A backslash separates this number from the following one which is termed “aspect ratio.” It indicates the percentage of width when compared to the height of the sidewall. 

98 percent of tyres will display the letter ‘R’ next in the code. It stands for radial ply, and it’s one of the biggest advances in tyre technology. Steel belts run radially across the tyre and they make tyres tougher while improving fuel efficiency.

The number after that indicates the diameter of the wheel rim, and it’s still given in inches, while the final number of the code we’re cracking shows the load index. It’s followed by the speed rating indicated by a letter T, H, or V which shows the speed that a tyre can safely be driven at. Suffice to say that this speed is higher than any speed that one can legally drive at! H and V tyres are regarded as “performance touring tyres” and handle the highest speeds. 

How to See Your Tyres’ Age

All that’s left now is the fine print right on the edge of the sidewall nearest the rim. It expresses the date of manufacture by showing the week number and the last two figures of the year of manufacture. So, if this code reads 1420, for example, it was made in the 14th week of 2020. If a vehicle owner doesn’t drive their car much, they should check this number. Most tyre makers say that tyres should be replaced by the time they’re 10 years old, regardless of how good the tread still is. 

Practical Info Worth Understanding

“The codes on tyres are worth understanding,” says Chris. “If you’re shopping around for new tyres, the tyre specification code helps you to get an exact quote on tyre pricing. And if you have old tyres, manufacture dates will give you an indication of whether they’re still safe to use.”

“When in doubt, give Branigans a call. It’s a business that prides itself on being there for its customers, so whether it’s a question about tyres and tyre health or getting a quote for new tyres, a technician will be on hand to help.”

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.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

According to Chris Lett, a man who has been in the business of tyres for nearly two decades, there are several points to consider when deciding whether to go for big brand names. “There’s a lot of science involved in designing good tyres. To a certain extent, that affects the price tag, but there are many who share the opinion that at least some of the price is based on reputation rather than practical benefits,” he says. 

“At the same time, choosing certain top brands does mean that you have the benefit of a great deal of research and top technological advances, and Branigans tyres is often able to offer nearly-new, safety checked high-end tyre brands for much less than consumers would expect.”

What the Best Brands Offer

“The first thing to remember,” says Chris, “is that even the cheapest tyres, usually imports from China, are compliant with safety and quality standards. If they weren’t, nobody would import them, and nobody would be allowed to sell them. If your tyres are worn and your budget is tight, it’s better to get cheap, compliant tyres than to hold out until you can afford an expensive brand. It’s a simple matter of safety.”

“The best brands gained their position by exceeding requirements, rather than simply meeting them. Most of them will last longer, offer enhanced traction and handling, reduced rolling resistance (which reduces fuel consumption), and less road noise. These are all attractive qualities but not necessarily ones that will grant noticeable benefits to all motorists.”

No Surprises on Top Brands List

The brand names that are consistently rated well in various reports will be well-known to most people. Michelin is consistently praised by people in the know as are Pirelli, Goodyear, and Bridgestone. Continental is often seen as being among the top tyre brands, and so are Cooper, Yokohama and Hankook. “Comparisons are difficult since so many tyre properties are context-related, and putting a price tag on those benefits is even more difficult,” says Chris. “However, Michelin is a personal favourite thanks to its innovative history, rugged construction, reliable traction, and a tendency to even tyre wear in challenging conditions.”

Getting Tyres for Less

Despite all this, the question of whether it’s worth splashing out on top tyre brands is one that can’t be answered as easily as the question of which brands have the best reputation and offer the best performance. “It depends a lot on how much you drive,” says Chris. “For a typical suburbanite who doesn’t clock a lot of kilometres, expensive brands won’t necessarily be a better option. On the other hand, the more you drive, the greater the chance you’ll have of benefitting from advanced tyre technology.”

Whatever the customers decide is best for them, Chris is confident that they’ll pay less when they choose Branigans Tyres in Southport – or the Burleigh Heads branch if that’s more convenient. “There are times when Branigans has affordably-priced, big-name, nearly-new tyres with good tread that have passed all safety checks,” he says. “From a broader perspective, Branigans Tyres has what most motorists need at budget-friendly prices. If you’re set on specific brands, get in touch and find out what’s on offer. Making sure that our customers get suitable tyres at very reasonable prices is what Branigans does, and that’s what matters most to the majority of motorists.”

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.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

“The price point is one of Branigans big advantages,” says Mr Lett. “Locals know that they can get money-saving deals from Branigans Tyres. But even without that advantage, I think the fact that Branigans is a family-owned local business has influence.” 

Mr Lett shares his reasons for agreeing that consumers prefer small, family businesses over national chains based on his personal experience. 

People Like to do Business with People

The level of personal engagement is one of the big reasons why Mr Lett feels that being a family-owned local business is a decided advantage.

“If people were to choose between doing business with a brand and doing business with folks they can expect to see right there on the workshop floor, it would be unsurprising if they chose the latter option,” says Mr Lett. “Brands are very impersonal. Maybe there’s a local franchisee, and of course, he or she employs people, but you still don’t get the feeling that there is a really personal relationship.”

People Trust Family-Owned Businesses

When running a family-owned business, business owners have a strong sense of loyalty to both the family they work with and the community they serve. They know that the way they do business reflects on their family’s name, reputation, and position in the community. In Chris’s opinion, that means they work harder to give customers top-quality service and he feels that the public is aware of this factor. 

“When you’re a franchisee, the franchise owners might receive a complaint and seek to address it with you – if they think it’s important enough. But it gets much more intense if Mum or Dad Lett is asking you why you let the family down,” he jokes. “It gives customers confidence. They know that they’ll be going straight to the top if they have any issues, not talking to somebody’s secretary who is secretly wishing they’d just go away.”

Family Businesses Try Harder 

In closing, Mr Lett asserts that as a family business, Branigans Tyres tries harder. “When you’re a smaller business, you know you’re up against the big guys. You have to offer something they can’t or won’t offer. You need a competitive edge that’s going to make choosing your business an obvious advantage for customers. And you need to keep it up – especially if you’re hoping that your business will be passed on to the next generation.”

Aside from Branigans Tyres, Mr Lett says that he also likes supporting local businesses most. “It’s about being part of a community. You don’t get that feeling with the big chains and corporations.”

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.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

“Poor wheel alignment makes a vehicle harder to handle, and poor handling can cause accidents,” he explains. 

Wheel alignment is simply a matter of ensuring that all the wheels work together because they’re all adjusted to the right angle in relation to the car. Apart from making driving pleasanter and safer, proper wheel alignment also helps to extend the lifespan of tyres. 

Symptoms of Poor Wheel Alignment

An alert driver can quickly pick up the symptoms that indicate the need for correction of wheel alignment. According to Mr Lett, people will notice uncomfortable vibration when driving. And, because the wheels direct the trajectory of the car, they may find that they keep having to adjust the steering, even when they’re travelling on a completely straight stretch of road. 

“If it’s very bad, they’ll feel like they’re fighting the vehicle all the time,” says Lett. “It keeps pulling to one side and it’s harder to keep the car from wandering off in its own direction.”

If a driver is still not sure, they can watch how the steering wheel behaves after cornering. The steering wheel should return to a central position after turning. 

If someone has been driving with poor wheel alignment for some time, they’ll see the evidence on the tyres. Uneven tyre wear is a strong indication that they’ve already passed the time when wheel alignment should have been seen to.

Average Frequency for Wheel Alignment

With smooth driving on tarred roads, a car’s wheels may only need alignment every two to three years. But, warns Chris, one may need to have it seen to more frequently. A single nasty bump, such as the kind a driver gets when they hit a pothole or curbstone, could be enough to knock the wheels out of kilter. “Naturally, the same applies if your vehicle has experienced some kind of impact or accident, and if you’re driving on rough roads, you may even need to attend to wheel alignment in less than a year from the last time it was done.”

Branigans is fully equipped to attend to all its clients’ wheel and tyre related needs, and Mr Lett recommends enquiring about wheel alignment whenever they replace or repair a tyre. “Branigans staff will often notice signs of incorrect wheel alignment and alert motorists to the need for an adjustment,” he says. “Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to ask.” 

Attending to Wheel Alignment is a Cost-Saver

Apart from the fact that better handling could mean the difference between avoiding an accident and actually having one, there are plenty of cost-savings related to having the wheel alignment tweaked when necessary. To begin with, the tyres and suspension will last longer – and the vehicle will be more fuel-efficient. “You could lose around 7 percent in fuel efficiency if your wheels aren’t properly aligned,” says Lett. 

All in all, it makes good sense to have a car’s wheel alignment checked, and the more often the car is driven, the further it’s driven, and the rougher driving conditions faced, the more frequently it should be done. 

“Branigans is here to take care of its clients,” says Chris. “The team will be happy to show you why they think you should go for a wheel alignment. It’s not an overly pricey or time-consuming exercise, and the benefits far outweigh the costs.”

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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Lett welcomes the recent developments in tyre recycling brought about by car and tyre manufacturers as well as recycling and environmental organisations.

“This could at last vastly reduce the problem, or even put an end to the huge number of tyres which are left on the side of the road, or find their way into landfills, where their bulk, resilience, and fire risk provide a safety threat, the toxins they leach into the soil, and there’s unnecessary waste of reusable and valuable materials,” Lett says.

The Many Varied Ways of Recycling Tyres

He says that as concern rose about the size of the problem, and the environmental hazards inherent in tyre waste disposal, various solutions have been suggested. They have ranged from gardening and home ideas to attempts to get rid of old tyres by burning them, as well as ongoing investigations into how the materials used in their manufacture could be changed, or recovered for re-use, and the resultant development of increasingly powerful chipping and shredding machines.

The creative homeowners and crafters who came up with designs for tyre re-usage, set a trend for a while by restructuring them as garden pots, swings, bases for patio tables and ottomans. However, these made only a tiny dent in the number of dumped tyres, according to Lett. Attempts to burn them were also unsuccessful because of the months it could take to put out the fires, and tyres’ tendency to smoulder for years.

The Two ways to Dispose of Used Tyres

Lett, who has been recycling tyres for the past 15 years at Branigans Tyres in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, has been doing it in his own way. Where possible he recovers nearly new tyres carrying well-known brands, and tests and grades them according to the amount of road life they still have ahead.

“When it comes to recycling tyres, there are really only two ways to go. The first is to send the used tyres to recycling companies where they are chipped and broken down, or shredded, for use as fillers in construction, railway and road development, where they improve the grip and lower the sound or as mulch.

“The second is sorting, testing and grading tyres to determine how much life is left in them and seeing how this can be utilised. Those which meet the standards required in Australia, can return to the road, but the only way to extend their life if they don’t meet those requirements, is to ship them to third world countries where they would meet the standards, and at the same time help those who cannot afford the cost of new tyres to return to the road with more safety,” he says.

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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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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Lett says drivers , while keeping the cost of the tyres (and fitting them) as well as the size of their budget in mind, should also find out as much as they can about the structure, operation and performance of the tyres on offer before making a choice, in order to ensure they are making the right one.

Not all Tyres are Created Equal

According to Lett, tyres vary and will have differing effects on fuel consumption; the level of road noise they make; how they perform in various weather and road conditions; what kind of load they are able to carry, and how safe they are on the road.

“Taking a look at how these factors can influence the cost of running the car, as well as the safety, lifespan and performance of the tyres, can ultimately lead to the right choice being an investment, rather than just an expenditure,” Lett says.

Checklist For Choosing Tyres

Fuel Efficiency: Lessening Fuel Consumption and Upping Eco-Friendliness can be a double winner for both wallet and soul. Choosing this approach can save running costs by reducing the fuel costs by anything from 3 to 10%, while at the same time contributing to saving the environment by reducing the vehicle’s emissions.

Finding out exactly how fuel-efficient tyres are, can be done by checking where they rank on the fuel efficiency level ratings listed from A to G. A is at the top of the class, and G is classified as being the least fuel efficient. The level of efficiency is determined by the tyres’ rolling resistance, or how much energy (and therefore fuel) is lost in the process of getting those tyres to roll smoothly and easily, and to keep them doing so consistently. The higher the resistance is, the more fuel is used, and the lower the tyre’s fuel efficiency will be, while low rolling resistance requires less fuel, and therefore leads to a higher rank in terms of fuel efficiency.

Wet Grip: For safety reasons, Lett recommends that drivers check another set of A-G ratings. This time the list reveals how well the tyres cope with dispersing water on wet roads which can negatively affect braking distance, and increase the risk of accidents in poor weather conditions, Lett says.

Keeping Quiet: Some tyres purr, while others seem to make a good deal of noise. Lett says those wanting to enjoy a quiet drive and avoid the stress created by loud road noise, should check the number of decibels particular tyres produce.

Brand Names are Important

Lett says brand names do play a major role in finding the right tyres for a vehicle as these have been carefully designed and produced to match the individual needs of both drivers and the vehicles they drive, and this is even more important when considering purchasing recycled tyres.

At Branigans, available tyres sport names like Avon, Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Firestone, Dunlop, and Goodyear, and have hardly been used. All are carefully checked for their functional life-span, and are graded for age and tread before being sold for a fraction of what the same tyres would cost new.

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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“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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To make sure they’re signing up for the right insurance policy, Lett says vehicle owners should be careful to read the small print in the policy documents carefully for exclusions, and following the agreement, owners should be sure to keep the car well maintained, and it’s insurer up to date in terms of its condition, or any repairs or changes that were made that were not connected to a claim. Otherwise, payouts may be withheld.

Why Tyres and Changes Can Squash the Payout

Lett says warn tyres are a big disqualifier. Not only are they dangerous but it will guarantee an unsuccessful claim, which is one of the reasons why it is so important to regularly check them and ensure they meet the legal tyre safety standards.

He said the insurers who refuse payout when tyres are badly worn, justify this by citing how these tyres can raise the risk of collision by lengthening braking distance, damaging other vital parts, and loosening the vehicle’s grip on the road which can make it more likely to crash, slide or roll, particularly in wet weather, all of which are a valid argument.

When it comes to changes made to cars, Lett says: “Most owners don’t realise that modifications to the vehicle such as a repaint job, can also cause a claim to be rejected, as the vehicle is not the same vehicle that the insurer originally agreed to cover.” Lett advises checking with the insurer before making any changes to the vehicle.

Sometimes Vehicle Owners Don’t Have a Choice

To make sure the insurance taken out is the right one, vehicle owners do have a number of possible choices. But not when it comes to Comprehensive Third Party (or Green Slip insurance). All Australian car owners are required to have this, no matter which state they live in. CTP protects the driver from financial liability by covering the third parties involved if there’s an accident which results in injury.

This includes passengers in the insured vehicle as well as other drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians (and any passengers they have), and all those travelling on public transport. Depending on the assessment of the claim, CTP may cover a number of costs such as general damages (pain and suffering), rehabilitation, care costs, loss of income, medical treatment, funeral costs, and even financial support for the surviving spouse, partner or dependents in the event of a fatal crash.

However, as CTP does not cover vehicle and property damage, which can run into thousands, come into their thousands, Chris Lett of Branigans Tyres in Queensland, suggests motorists investigate having additional insurance to ensure peace of mind in such a situation.

Choosing an Additional Insurance

“The best option is the one that fits the vehicle owner’s needs the best,” explains Lett. Comprehensive car insurance, which offers the most protection, covers any vehicle damage caused by collision, malicious actions, theft, or weather, but it is also the most costly in terms of premiums, and therefore might not be warranted if the vehicle is old.

This leaves Third Party Property Only, which, as its name suggests, covers only damage to the other vehicle or property, but not the policy owner’s. Fire and Theft Only policies cover the policy owner’s vehicle for fire damage and theft, but there is no cover included for damage caused in a collision.

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.

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