“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.

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One of the best things about being kind to the environment is the fact that it can actually save you money. “When people talk about reducing emissions, for example,” says Chris, “they’re basically talking about improving fuel efficiency. And a more fuel-efficient car is going to get vehicle owners further for less.”

1.Branigan’s Specialty: Nearly New Tyres

It’s almost unbelievable that nearly-new tyres, even famous brand ones, are sometimes simply discarded. “A new car owner may decide to go for custom rims, or prefer a particular brand of tyres over the ones the car came with, and sometimes, brand-new cars might be involved in accident,” says Chris. “Whatever the reason, Branigans uncovered the reality that nearly-new tyres were being discarded.”

“While there have been some advances in environmentally-friendly tyre disposal, throwing away tyres that are practically new is simply a waste. Through motor industry contacts, Branigans Tyres Southport has acquired a number of sources that allows it to purchase tyres that are in good condition with tread depth still at 50 to 90 percent. Technicians inspect the tyres, and if they pass a thorough safety check, cost-savings are passed on to customers, along with a product that has environmental benefits.”

2. Maintaining the Car for Optimum Fuel Efficiency

Basic maintenance of a vehicle, be it regular servicing or wheel balancing and alignment not only help the car to run more smoothly and reliably, but optimise fuel efficiency. Less use of fuel equates to a greener ride plus money savings, so everybody benefits, including the planet itself. 

As an added benefit, being diligent with vehicle maintenance will extend the useful life of a car and help to get better resale prices if the owner opts for selling it to get a newer one. What’s more, with fewer components at risk of undue wear and tear, the overall cost of keeping a car on the road is reduced. 

3. Keep Tyres at the Right Pressure

Checking your tyre pressure at regular intervals and maintaining it to specification doesn’t just save on tyre wear – it also improves fuel efficiency. “It’s a simple thing to do,” says Mr Lett, and it’s also a green thing to do. You reduce waste from too-frequent tyre replacement, and you use less fuel. That means less pressure on a non-renewable resource as well as reduced emissions plus cost savings.” When drivers stop at the filling station, they should check the tyre pressure. It’s the right thing to do!

Caring for the Environment Means Caring for One’s Car – and it Saves Money

While vehicle owners might not be able to afford the latest in fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric cars, simply taking care of the vehicle they already own will make a positive difference to the environment. Since it also reduces vehicle maintenance and running costs, it’s also good for their pocket. 

At Branigans Tyres, clients can be sure of leaving the workshop with all the wheel and tyre-related maintenance they need completed in line with the highest industry standards. They get nearly-new tyres with wheel balancing included in the cost, and they get their wheel alignment sorted out for a smoother, greener ride.

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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From the Wheels Up

Start by inspecting the tyres. “Look at the tread depth across the entire width of the tyre,” says Chris. The treads should have a depth of at least 1.5mm. This means that the car is compliant with road safety legislation, it will have better stopping power, and a better chance of staying in control, even in slippery road conditions. Drivers should also check the sidewalls of tyres – any odd-looking bulges mean there is a risk of a blowout.

If there are signs of uneven tyre wear, the wheel balancing and alignment of the care are probably less than ideal. If the treads are still deep enough, Branigans Tyres can help by switching existing tyres around, rebalancing them, and checking the wheel alignment. 

Battery Check, Belts, and Hoses

Chris is an experienced mechanic, so he doesn’t stop at the wheels and tyres his business specialises in. “Simply look under the bonnet and check your battery connections. They should be firmly attached with no signs of corrosion. If there is corrosion, the battery needs checking and cleaning. If you’re confident that you can do it yourself, go ahead. Alternatively, get help from a mechanic.”

“The belts and hoses should also be inspected to ensure that they aren’t worn. They’ll be working hard for you on your long road trip, so either check them out yourself, or get a trustworthy mechanic to take a look.”

Check the Car’s Fluids and Filters

Check the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant levels. If the oil is starting to look dirty, consider having the car serviced before racking up hundreds of kilometres. That way, the driver can be assured that all the necessary filters have been attended to and that the car’s ready to go. 

Even if the car is not taken for a full service, at the least the air filter should be checked out. If it isn’t clean, not only will more fuel will be used on the trip, but engine problems could be encountered along the way.

Check the Brakes

Apart from attending to tyres, Branigans is also happy to assist with brakes. “Being sure that the brakes aren’t worn before a long road trip is very important. Squeaks, squeals, and grinding noises are among the signs that the brakes need urgent attention, but there are more subtle signs too. For example, if the car tends to pull to one side when you stop suddenly, there’s cause for concern. You may feel vibration on the brake pedal, or it may seem softer than usual. Brake lights that come on for no apparent reason could also point towards an urgent need to attend to the brakes,” says Chris.

Look at the Lights

As a final, very straightforward road safety check before undertaking a long journey, get a family member to walk round the car while testing the indicators, brakes, and headlights. Apart from being in good working order, the covers should also be intact. “Your car won’t break down because your indicator light covers are cracked or broken, but you won’t be as safe on the road, and you could be in line for a hefty fine,” warns Chris. 

Ready to Go: Branigans Wishes Drivers a Great Trip

With the pre-trip checklist complete, it’s a matter of packing the bags and enjoying the journey. “It’s up to you now,” says Chris. “Branigans Tyres wishes you a safe journey to your destination and wonderful welcome when you return home.”

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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Air Pressure

Keeping tyres well inflated will reduce friction and resistance when racing around. Should the tyre pressure of a car dip 10 PSI lower than the recommended pressure on the tyre, fuel economy can be reduced by up to 10%.

“Checking air pressure on tyres only takes a moment of your time, so top it up regularly,” advises Chris Lett, owner and tyre expert at Branigans Tyres. He also suggests the observation of what gauge a vehicle driver follows. “Sometimes service stations don’t always have accurate measures but do invest in an inexpensive pressure gauge and leave it in the glove box,” he says.

If that’s not high on the list of priorities, at least stop by any Branigans Tyres branch for a quick (and free) pressure check before hitting the road.

Air Conditioning

When a vehicle’s air conditioning is maxed out, distance per fuel consumption is reduced anywhere between 5 to 20%. The best way to minimise consumption is to wait a few minutes before dialling it up.

Another way to reduce the impact air conditioning has on fuel efficiency is to switch it off and drive with open windows in lower speed areas. Flick the air conditioning off a few minutes before arriving at a destination and save up on gas even during summer.

Driving style

Drivers should be conscious of a car that is constantly consuming fuel and should let the following help influence their driving. A few things to monitor are listed below.

• Avoid tailgating; for one, it annoys the person in front but it’s always going to make driving less consistent with braking and accelerating.
• Drivers should avoid racing off the mark. They must resist pushing the pedal to the floor to get going, rather just build up speed with steady acceleration.

Remove Excess Weight

We should strive to make vehicles more “streamlined”. This can be done effortlessly by removing excess stuff that’s not necessary. Think an out of season ski/kayak/bike rack that’s not being used for 95% of car travel.

Also, try reducing the weight in the vehicle by taking out heavy equipment gathering dust in the boot or whatever it may be.

Use Websites and Apps to Locate Cheap Fuel

Inevitably, one is bound to need a fill up at some point. So the last recommendation is to fill up at the service stations with the lowest fuel prices. Avoid driving around town looking at all the large display signs of each gas station, because it’s just not economical. Use apps such as Fuel Map Australia and Petrol Spy Australia to compare the best local prices.

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 Influence Behind Tyre Shopping

There are many things that influence a vehicle owner’s decision to buy new tyres or what they will look for. Quite often, a quick stop at the local tyre shop and a convenient selection of what is in stock or on special do the trick.

This is not always a bad thing, but to ensure a seamless (and safe) driving experience, there are things that definitely need to be considered before forking out on those black rubber hoops:

• Tyre safety and handling
• Road noise and comfort
• Tyre longevity and quality
• The driving terrain these tyres will be exposed to
• Price (obviously)
• Also, the type of driver a vehicle owner is

Key Requirements When Selecting Tyres

A vital aspect to consider when choosing new tyres is compatibility with the vehicle. The owner’s manual and documentation of a specific car will usually contain a list of compatible tyre types.

The key characteristics of the tyre on the vehicle can be found on its sidewall.

The same tyres will have to be placed on each wheel position too and are extremely important in maintaining performance and control.

The Meaning of the Codes on Tyres

On each tyre, there are a series of numbers and letters that may look like this: 195/55R/16/91H

Each of these digits/letters represents something different and provides vital information. When it comes to how to read tyre size, the first five digits of the code are the ones to concentrate on. The first three digits belong together and indicate the width of the tyre (in millimetres). In the example above, the tyre is 195mm wide. shares Chris.

The two digits following the first slash are what is known as the aspect ratio. Essentially this is the height of the tyre as a percentage of the width. “So, in the example, the tyre has an aspect ratio of 55, meaning the profile height is 55% of its total width (107.25mm),” shares Chris.

In closing, here are some Fast Facts to save for that next trip to the tyre shop:

• Check vehicle documentation for compatible tyre types.
• Tyre size is defined by width, diameter, and height-to-width aspect ratio.
• The load index indicates how much load a vehicle can support.
• The speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tyre is capable of.
• Fit the same model and make of tyre on all four-wheel positions.

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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Chris Lett, tyre expert, and owner of Branigans Budget Tyres, advises that tyre traction (among other factors) affects one’s ability to keep control when braking suddenly, and also impacts on the safety of doing so. So, in essence, the brakes of any vehicle bring turning wheels to a stop and apply the grip (and its traction) that brings the entire vehicle to a stop.

Not all tyres offer the same traction since they’re made for different environments and various weather and road conditions to ensure safety on roads.

“Tyres have a higher traction rating if they’ve got a good grip and don’t skid or slide. When it comes to choosing tyres with good wet traction, one needs to look at the tread patterns. These tread patterns that have deep grooves ensure that water is kept out from under the tyre avoiding hydroplaning due to improved wet traction ratings,” Lett says.

The type of tyres chosen for a vehicle is thus, greatly dependent on the environment and road conditions that the tyres will be subjected to. For example, dry traction is favoured in areas that don’t experience much rain whereas some vehicles may require tyres with traction suitable for wet and rainy weather or snow.

The Different Types of Tyres With Traction for Different Terrains

“Tyres are designed to withstand different weather and road conditions. It’s important to keep this in mind when selecting the right tyres for a vehicle,” Lett says.

For higher weather temperatures, summer tyres provide good grip in both wet and dry conditions. When temperatures decrease below 7 °C the tyres tend to experience loss of grip. This is when the tyres need to be changed to winter tyres that ensure an advanced grip as they’re more appropriate for wet or snowy weather conditions.

A combination of summer tyres and winter tyres are called all-season tyres and is the type of tyre that most vehicle owners opt for in moderate weather patterns and road conditions. In contrast to all-terrain selections, which provide excellent grip on different road conditions such as dirt roads or tar roads, to name a few. This is due to the tread patterns of all-terrain tyres being more robust in texture than those of all-season ones.

High-performance tyres are just that: They’re enhanced for high-speed passenger vehicles and deliver maximised grip. More recently, energy-saving options have also become more popular among drivers of passenger vehicles, especially since they can withstand dry, wet, and winter traction – and are kinder to the environment.

Keeping an Eye on Tyre Traction

Tyres play an important role in ensuring vehicle and road safety. For excellent tyre traction, the tyre tread needs to be observed to ensure that they’re not smoothed out. Smoothed out tyres can lead to accidents when they’re used in wet conditions and may also cause what is known as aquaplaning.

If the tread appears smooth it may be a good time to have those tyres checked out by an expert. At Branigans Tyres, nothing goes amiss. All second-hand tyres are carefully checked for their functional lifespan and are graded for age and tread before being sold to clients.

For assistance in finding the best tyres suited for any vehicle, Branigans Tyres is the way to go and as experts, they consider changes in weather and road conditions, as well as preferences based on personal driving styles.

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.