“Branigans specialises in tyres,” says owner, Chris Lett. “There’s much more to tyres than most people know. The website strives to share interesting and useful information that will help consumers to get the most out of their motoring experience, and particularly their tyres.”

Understanding Tyres is the First Step Towards Understanding One’s Car

To some, understanding the inner-workings of engines or the new technologies that turn ordinary cars into “smart” cars may seem like the most important things to know, but Chris says that understanding one’s car begins with the wheels themselves. 

“Your wheels and tyres have a major role to play in everything from fuel economy to the comfort of your ride,” says Chris “and although they might look simple, a lot of high-level technology goes into producing them. Even tyre treads are fascinating. There’s way more to tread design than just a few grooves and squiggly lines. Then there’s the whole construction of tyres – including the parts you don’t see. You probably don’t need to know everything about tyres, but if you want to understand your car, wheels and tyres are a good place to start. The Branigans website tells you what you need to know and more.”

A Resource for the Motoring Community

Branigan Tyres has taken its new website to the next level as a resource for the motoring community, says Chris. It could be just a matter of telling people what Brangans does and how to find the stores, but the family business decided to create a resource base that offers interesting and informative reads for its customers. 

“Maybe you’re getting ready for a long trip and want to get a checklist for preparing your car. Or perhaps you’re wondering whether it’s worth following the trend towards nitrogen in tyres instead of using compressed air. Whatever you want to know about your wheels, Branigans has the information. You could ask a Branigans technician, or you can visit the website – you may even find answers to some questions that never occurred to you because you never really thought about your tyres before.”

Basics and Beyond

There are a few basics that absolutely everyone needs to know about their wheels and tyres – like how much tread they should have or how to recognise wheel balancing and alignment issues. Tyre rotation, a basic maintenance task that helps to extend tyre life, is among these basics, though the importance of having it done is often overlooked. But apart from telling folks about tyres, Branigans hopes to contribute towards a better overall motoring experience for its Southport and Burleigh Heads clients.

“Branigans works for its community, and sharing information is part of that,” says Chris. “Readers will soon see even more knowledge base resources appearing on the website. It’s a work in progress. Informed consumers are empowered consumers, and providing that information is part of what Branigans does.”

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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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.

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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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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.

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He says that by rotating tyres, uneven and excessive tread wear is balanced out, and the lifespan of the tyre is preserved, saving car owners from the costly experience of prematurely replacing tyres that are badly worn on one side.

However, Lett says that rotating tyres is not always as simple as it sounds. There are a number of factors to consider, with the main one being that not all tyres can be rotated, so when thinking of attempting to rotate tyres at home, it’s well worth doing some research beforehand.

Types of Tyres that can be Rotated

Lett explains, “If the tyres are directional tyres, meaning the tread pattern is designed to work in only one direction, they can only be rotated between the front and back, but not swapped sideways across the car from left to right (or right to left), as this would mean the tread would be pointing in the wrong direction.

Non-directional tyres which are all the same size can be switched between front and back, from left to right, and even diagonally. In performance cars, which usually use staggered tyre sizes, with larger tyres at the back can only be rotated with a matching size, and therefore the switch can only be made from side to side.

Wheel size is also an important factor, according to Chris Lett. He says some vehicles have the same size tyres, but some have wheels with slightly different offsets, which again means they are not the same as those on the opposing end of the car. Lett says they can therefore only be rotated from side to side, and, once again, that is only if the tyres are not directional. The differences may not be noticeable to the eye, so checking the owner’s manual for the specs on wheel sizes is advisable.

How to Rotate Tyres

Lett advises that all tyres should be marked as they come off the wheel to avoid confusion later on. The process can be complicated and it is easy to lose track of which tyre came off which wheel.

“The simplest rotation is rotating the front and back tyres. This is done by placing a jack at the front and back wheels, and using the multiple jack points available on the vehicle as described in the owner’s manual.

Ensure the jacks are stable before removing the wheels by blocking the wheels that are still on the ground in order to prevent movement. If all four tyres are to be rotated, four jacks will be needed,” Lett says.

There are two rotation methods that can be applied, one of them more dangerous for those who are inexperienced. This involves raising the car on all four jacks and changing the tyres round with the vehicle off the ground. A more time consuming but less risky option is to raise and lower the car a few times to complete each rotation separately.

Rotating tyres can be complex. Speak to an expert to get the right advice. Visit or call Chris and his team for Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres at Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

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