“There’s a perception that doing things the more environmentally-friendly way will be more costly and that will push prices up,” says Chris, “but that’s not always true. For example, using fewer resources to produce a product may be environmentally-friendly and cost-saving at once, and choosing new or nearly new things that would otherwise have been thrown away is almost always cheaper.”

Going Green with Tyres: Multiple Benefits

Just keeping car tyres in good condition and replacing them when necessary is already eco-friendly and can be a cost saving. “Good quality tyres improve fuel efficiency,” explains Chris, “and if the car is more fuel-efficient, it also produces fewer emissions while being cheaper to run.” 

However, Branigans takes the combination of saving customers money while benefiting the environment a step further. The business offers “nearly new” tyres that Chris and his team source and thoroughly check before resale. 

“Only the best ones will do for Branigans,” says Chris, “and the guarantee offered ensures that consumers can buy them with complete confidence. Needless to say, the tread of the tyres chosen for resale is in good condition, and the inspection eliminates tyres with any flaws. It’s a great way to save people money with tyres that are still good for thousands of kilometres. And since perfectly good tyres that would otherwise have been dumped now have a longer time in service, it’s environmentally friendly too.” 

Old Tyres Reused or Recycled

Environmentally-conscious motorists may find themselves wondering about the other end of the tyre life-cycle. After all, old tyres are removed and disposed of whenever tyres are replaced. But Chris has this end of things sewn up too. “There are many ways to recycle old tyres nowadays,” says Chris, “and Branigans is very particular about where waste tyres end up. They should never be burned or sent to landfills, for example.”

Despite advances in recycling, Chris admits that rubber car tyres still aren’t ideal from an environmental perspective: “Some of the big tyre manufacturing companies are working on improving lifespan and recyclability through using different designs and materials,” he says, and there are already indications that they may have found a better solution. How long it will take these advances to reach the general motoring public is a matter for speculation. Meanwhile, everybody needs tyres, and by conducting its business as it does, Branigans limits the environmental impact of its activities while providing safe, cost-effective, and above all, greener tyres to its customers. 

Eco-Friendly Can be Cheaper – and it’s Not Just Tyres

“There are certainly times when greener alternatives will be more costly,” says Chris, “but it won’t always be the case. Sometimes, the planet-friendly option will have a lower price tag, as it does at Branigans, but sometimes, comparing costs can mean looking at things like running costs or the expected useful lifespan of an item to weigh cost against benefits properly.”

“It’s great that people are willing to pay more for greener options, but if they follow the principles of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ being green will very often cost less. Branigans Tyres does all three, and the savings are passed on to its clients.”

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.

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.

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

1. Tyre Pressure Checks 

Although most people know that they need to ensure that their tyres aren’t underinflated, many people aren’t aware that changing temperatures can cause them to become overinflated. The air in tyres expands with heat, and overinflation causes unnecessary tyre wear, affects vehicle handling, and makes tyres more vulnerable to punctures. A sudden cold snap, on the other hand, could result in underinflated tyres, not because they’re losing air, but because the air inside them has contracted owing to the lower temperature.

Chris recommends checking tyre pressure when the tyres are close to ambient temperature using the car manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure as the target. That means checking the tyre pressure after the car has been standing for a while, or after a short drive to the nearest filling station, not when the car has already been on a long drive. 

As for how often tyre pressure should be checked, once a month would be the absolute minimum frequency while some diligent folk recommend a check every five days. “It doesn’t take long to check tyre pressure,” says Chris, “so you may as well do it while you’re filling up with petrol, and you should certainly check before setting out on long journeys.”

2. Wheel Balancing, Wheel Rotation, and Wheel Alignment

Correct wheel balancing and alignment help to make tyres last longer and gives the driver a smoother ride. Chris says that the signs of poor wheel alignment are usually picked up when people stop in at his workshop for a tyre change or for rotation of tyres. “You can see the uneven tread wear,” says Chris, “and that tells technicians that the wheel alignment isn’t good.”

“If you drive smoothly on tarred roads, wheel alignment can stay correct for years. But if you often drive on rough roads, hit a pothole hard, drive into or over a curb, or are involved in an impact, you will need to have your wheels aligned more frequently. You’ll notice that it’s time to attend to wheel alignment if your steering wheel doesn’t automatically return to a straight position after cornering, and you are experiencing handling problems or unusual vibration. The faster you have it corrected, the better it will be for your tyres – and for your overall driving experience.”

Wheel balancing is done whenever tyres are changed. That includes times when the car owner goes for tyre rotation: another simple routine that helps tyres to last longer. “To extend tyre life, have the tyres rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres,” advises Chris. But wheel balancing weights can also fall off – it’s not that common, but also not impossible. The symptoms are similar to those indicating bad wheel alignment, and the driver will know that it’s time to visit a local tyre dealer to have it checked out.

3. Bonus Tips for Extending Tyre Life

Parking the car in the shade isn’t always possible, but sun exposure does degrade tyres over time. It’s also not great for the interior upholstery and the car’s paint-job. Even the battery life can be reduced. All in all, parking in the shade is the best bet – at least when it’s possible to do so. 

Travelling light can make a difference. “If you have a lot of heavy stuff in your car boot, it’s going to add its mite to tyre wear,” says Chris. “It’s usually not a biggie, but some people let things pile up in there over time, so giving it a clean out from time to time is never a bad idea.”

Last, but not least, getting really good quality tyres for one’s car could mean that they last longer. “It can be expensive going for big-name brands,” says Chris, “but our nearly-new tyres include some famous brands, and are often better than cheap new tyres in terms of service life.”

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.

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.

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

When it comes to punctures, usually caused by sharp objects on the road, a vehicle can still be driven for a short distance with the puncture before the tyre completely deflates. However, a puncture can also result in a blowout, which happens when there is an immediate release of air in the tyre.

How to Know If a Tyre is Flat or Has a Slow Puncture

In most cases, a good sign to look out for while driving is if the car drifts or pulls in one direction. This is an indication that one of the tyres has a puncture. However, with run-flats, it may be harder to detect punctures as these types of tyres allow them to be used without air for a short distance. Hence the importance of checking one’s tyre pressure as frequently as possible.

In the case of tyre blowouts, which is honestly the most stressful for most drivers, the trick is to be cognizant of what happens before, during and after experiencing a tyre blowout. So, before the tyre blowout happens, the driver needs to be aware of the state in which the tyres were before the journey started.

For example, if the tyres were over/under-inflated. During a tyre blowout, it’s imperative to be aware of any potholes or any sort of impact that could have caused the tyre blowout. Finally, after the tyre blowout has happened the driver needs to find the nearest safe spot to park and do further assessments of the affected tyre, then call for help.

A few more signs that a tyre has a puncture include the shuddering of a vehicle’s wheels and heavy steering or difficulty in steering the vehicle.

Safety Tips in Case of a Tyre Puncture or Blowout

When faced with the terrors of a tyre puncture and blowout, applying these tips can help any driver bring a vehicle to a controlled stop, without panic and without risk of causing road accidents.

– Both hands must be kept on the steering wheel and any sudden movements or steering should be avoided.

– The driver needs to reach for the hazards button to alert other drivers of the situation.

– Acceleration should not be stopped abruptly. Instead, this should be done slowly to maintain control of the vehicle.

– Brakes should be applied slowly to bring the vehicle to a stop. The instinct of any driver is to slam the brakes. This is what causes the vehicles to swerve and even results in some cars flipping over, which is what we’re trying to avoid here.

– Park the car and contact emergency roadside assistance. Do not try to drive to a service station as this can put the driver as well as other motorists in danger.

Drivers can avoid punctures and blowouts to a certain extent. It’s important to make a habit out of monitoring a vehicle’s tyre pressure. This sounds like too much admin, but it is quite necessary.  Some helpful advice would be to include tyre checks in fuel stop to-do lists.

Every time we stop to refuel a vehicle, the tyre pressure needs to be checked. Wheel alignment also needs to be checked on a regular basis since this affects overall tyre wear.

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.