Many vehicle owners are not prepared on what to do if an unexpected tyre problem occurs, such as a slow puncture or a tyre pressure. It is only once people are faced with these situations that they begin to scramble to try to figure out what needs to be done.

This article provides tyre maintenance tips from an iconic Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett. These tips will help vehicle owners prevent or prepare for any tyre problems.

These are easy to remember, even for the not so car-savvy individual.

 Tyre tread  

“It is fundamental to remember that drivers should not drive a vehicle with tyres that have tread worn out,” says Lett. The tread of the tyre refers to its circumference that enables the tyre to have a grip on the roads. Tyre treads have many important uses and benefits, such as “low rolling resistance, grip in wet conditions allowing motorists direction stability, so they should not be neglected to check,” says Lett.

Tyre tread wear also affects the vehicle’s braking distance as tyres that are worn out lack grip on the roads and have less traction. This increases the chances of causing an accident especially if the car needs to be brought to an immediate stop.

Motorists purchasing a tyre should keep in mind that the legal tread depth limit in Australia is 1.5mm across the circumference of the tyre. The tread depth limit ensures the safety of motorists. Walk-in clients are more than welcome to visit Branigans Tyres to “ensure that you are driving roadworthy tyres,” says Lett.

 Tyre pressure  

Improper inflation causes tyre treads to wear rapidly and unevenly.

“The team at Branigans Tyres are happy to assist in recommending the correct tyre pressure to all customers and they ensure all tyres are inflated properly on each visit,” Lett said. An over or under inflated tyre influences the traction, fuel economy, comfort and control of the vehicle.

In case of an emergency, “it is important that all motorists are equipped with a spare tyre that has the right tyre pressure and tread depth,” says Lett.

Having a spare tyre in good condition is crucial if a vehicle is not fitted with run-flat tyres. A run-flat tyre is designed to resist deflation or puncture and allows the vehicle to continue driving.

 Wheel balancing and alignment 

A vehicle that has correctly balanced and aligned wheels will be able to stay in the right driving lane.  “The key is to adjust the angles of the tyres,” says Lett. It is imperative to adjust a vehicle’s wheel alignment as it affects the vehicles steering and suspension.

Lett proposes common signs that a vehicle requires wheel alignment and balancing, this includes if the steering wheel vibrate, the vehicle drifts or pulls to one side, and the steering wheel doesn’t remain centred.

Wheel balancing and alignment provides a smooth driving experience as well as reduces tyre wear, which ensures the safety and longevity of motorists and tyres.  

 Tyre repair and replacement 

Replacing tyres is a hassle-free process with Branigans Tyres. Not only will the right tyres be sourced to fit the particular vehicle, but the tyres be fitted by tyre specialist. Tyre specialists advise that it’s always better to replace 2 or 4 tyres to ease handling of the vehicle.

If a total tyre replacement is not required, a repair is done according to strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the vehicle on the roads.

These basic tips of tyre maintenance can save one’s life. “Free tyre checks are offered by Branigans Tyres,” says Lett, which leaves no reason to neglect the care of one’s tyres.

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, 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.

A multiple service business strategy is always beneficial to growing a company. In maintaining a relationship with loyal customers, it is important for businesses to consider strategies that would improve customer services. This includes cost-effective and convenient services for customers. A one-stop shop offers this and more.

Branigans Tyres offers a one-stop-shop, of all tyre services requirements, to all vehicle owners. The services include the recommendation of tyres for a vehicle, puncture repairs, wheel alignment and balancing, tyre rotation and tyre pressure checks.

 Team cohesiveness 

A one-stop-shop business requires a hands-on team to ensure that all vehicles are attended to, swiftly and with ease. The team at Branigans Tyres are trained and experienced allowing them to work quickly and efficiently. “It is exceptionally important that a team works together in a cohesive and attentive manner to ensure that the job gets done the right way, the first time”, says the owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett.

 A no-frills tyre service centre 

“Our reputation lies in the hands of quality tyre brands and services, in ensuring that all customers are safe on the road,” says Lett. Branigans tyres provide cost-effective quality tyre solutions. This ensures that all customers are satisfied with the safety and longevity of tyres.

“We value our customers,” says Lett. “We offer tyre promotions every month as well as a tyre subscription option,” this allows customers to have an annual supply of tyres with tyre maintenance included, for a small fee paid weekly.

This subscription is available to passengers, “light truck and SUV/4X4 vehicle owners,” says Lett.

To optimise customer convenience, “we welcome walk-in clients,” says Lett. No bookings are required beforehand, therefore, vehicle owners are welcome to drive right into Branigans Tyres workshop, for a free tyre check and advice from tyre specialists on how to avoid unnecessary tyre wear.

 Expert tyre-fitters who know what they’re doing 

To ensure the safety of vehicle owners on the road, tyre specialists work hard in pioneering innovative tyre solutions to help solve all client requirements. It takes a trained tyre specialist to know which tyres are best suited for any vehicle. “No matter the vehicle type, our tyre specialists are fully capable of providing the best solutions and advice,” Lett said.

Regular tyre services and maintenance are required as signs of formidable issues may be identified, before any incidences on the road caused by tyre errors. Many motorists also make the error of servicing their vehicles themselves. However, this can only be done with the correct computer equipment and software. To ensure that the job is done correctly to keep motorists safe on the roads, motorists are advised to service their vehicles by motor specialists and experts at Branigans Tyres.

“When a vehicle is brought in there is no doubt that it will leave in a better condition than when it arrived,” says Lett. After getting a full tyre service from Branigans Tyres, “vehicle owners can be assured that their tyres will perform optimally and that their vehicle is safe to drive,” Lett concluded. This forms part of the promise of guaranteed customer satisfaction.  

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 guaranteed 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.

Tyres can be expensive, therefore it is important to maintain the condition of the tyres to ensure their longevity. Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides interesting tips to maintain and sustain one’s tyres.

Environmentally conscious

Branigans Tyres is an extraordinary tyre service centre as “[they] supply recycled tyres,” says Lett. Recycled tyres offer the same performance and value as a new manufactured and purchased tyre, but at a much more affordable price.

All tyres have to meet the safety requirements to ensure that motorists and their families are safe on the road. “Customers are guaranteed to leave the Branigans Tyres workshops secured and satisfied,” says Lett.

Staff goes the extra mile

It is crucial that tyre servicing centres, like Branigans Tyres, ensures and prioritises the safety of all customer vehicles, and offers sound advice to any customer queries. “The trained and experienced tyre specialists ensures that all customers leave the workshop knowing that they are in safe and reliable hands,” says Lett.

Lett believes, “great customer service means hands-on management and exceeding expectations, that’s why some clients are third-generation supporters of Branigans.” Branigans Tyres thrives on exceeding customer expectations. Such expectations are upheld by the investment in the growth and development of employees to strengthen customer service.

“The staff is at the heart of this family business, and share the same values and passion with customers,” says Lett. “The exceptional customer service is owed to the staff who often propose innovative ideas to customer queries, and have solutions to any problem,” Lett further adds.

Tyre maintenance services

“Branigans Tyre maintenance services ensures that customers receive the best performance and value for money out of their tyres,” says Lett.

In the age of technological development and convenience it is important for businesses to keep up with the development of advanced technology. Tyre specialists at Branigans Tyres are kept up-to-date with the latest tyre technology to ensure that the workshop is fitted with advanced equipment. This guarantees that all customer needs are consistently and exceedingly met.

There are “no limitations to what we are capable of. We solve and fix any problem,” says Lett. Instilling a problem solving attitude improves the growth of the business.

Tyre puncture repairs and free assessment

Branigans Tyres undertakes tyre puncture repairs that demand immediate attention. “We offer free assessments of tyres,” says Lett. If a slow puncture, for instance, is located in the tread area, the damage is relatively quick to fix.

Lett says that there are a few factors that influence the tyre mileage, such as tyre width and over inflation, and tread compound. “Wheel alignment and proper inflation is a quick and important fix,” says Lett.

Branigans Tyres has the solution for you.

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 guaranteed 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.

Car owners often want to know how they can make their cars more economical. The answer lies in the tyres. Motorists remain unaware of the importance of ensuring that tyres remain in good condition, this assists greatly with fuel economy.

Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides insight to help vehicle owners travel further for less with their tyres. The key is to decrease fuel consumption by reducing tyre friction.

When the tyre makes contact and rotates on the road or gravel, it deforms the tyre and affects its performance over a certain period. This in turn, “influences the traction, cornering, acceleration and braking system of the vehicle”, says Lett.

Lett provides a few tips for motorists to consider to get as much mileage from their vehicle.

 Maintain tyre conditions 

Saving fuel consumption starts with the correct maintenance of the tyres. There are different tyre dimensions such as the design, material and construction contribute to issues of noise, traction, wear resistance and its appearance.

Simple measurements should be considered, such as fitting the correct tyre to the vehicle.

A vehicle’s performance is greatly affected by the size of the tyre that is fitted on a vehicle. Branigans Tyres assists in fitting the correct tyre for your vehicle to ensure a positive effect on a vehicle’s performance.

Vehicle owners who consider changing the size of the tyre, should also consider the weight of their vehicle.  Lett informs that the incorrect tyre size can affect the gear ratio and can put the engine under unnecessary strain.

Regular tyre checks

Many vehicle owners do not know that the tyre inflation, tread wear and wheel alignment impact fuel consumption. Regular tyre pressure checks are essential to decrease fuel consumption. Maintaining a proper inflation of the tyre is important for the safety of the vehicle as well as fuel consumption. “Under-inflated tyres can affect the rolling resistance by 10%”, says Lett.

A vehicle’s fuel efficiency is primarily affected by the tyres rolling resistance. Lett explains that the rolling resistance refers to the measure of force that the axle of the vehicle takes when travelling. Many motorists do not realise the extent to which “the rotation and weight of the vehicle affects the shape of the tyre”, says Lett.

An irregular tyre tread increases the tyre’s rolling resistance, and the incorrect wheel alignment causes drag, both of which affect fuel consumption.

Lett advices that tyres should often be rotated to reduce tyre tread.

The pressure of the vehicle puts weight on the tyre causing it to heat up rapidly and wear out the tyre. “If the tyre is worn out, it impairs the handling of the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to lose grip on the road” says Lett. This causes strain to the engine as more power is required to move the vehicle forward. An overworked engine would increase your fuel consumption quite significantly.

Energy efficient tyres, that are heat-resistant, minimises rolling resistance. This not only benefits the driver, but the environment as well. Lett says, “a lower rolling resistance allows the driver to achieve more mileage from the vehicle”. Motorists should consider eco-friendly energy saving tyres as less harmful emissions are released into the atmosphere.

Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 situated at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.

A Recreational Vehicle (RV) is a motor vehicle designed with living conditions and features for long-distance travel.

Long-distance travel puts a lot of stress on the tyres. An Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides RV safety tips that can reduce the chances of unexpected tyre issues on the long road.

Distribute load evenly

In order to manage the weight of the vehicle, all tyres should be the same size and the capacity of the load should not exceed the load trailer weight. To maintain the pressure of the tyre it is important to distribute the load in the RV evenly. It is essential to balance the load on the vehicle so that it is distributed evenly on the axles and each tyre. If the load is unevenly distributed, it may cause a tyre to burst.

Inspect tyres

“Before one leaves for the long road, it is important to conduct an inspection of the RV from a specialist, whether the tyre requires inflation, rotation or repairs,” says Lett. This quick errand or detour to your local Branigans Tyres workshop is beneficial to the safety of long-distance travellers. For instance, a tyre blowout can be avoided by simply taking the necessary precautions.  

Most of these tyre warning signals are overlooked by drivers during a self-inspection, hence the importance of having an expert, such as a tyre specialist. A tyre specialist will advise on whether RV tyres are safe to travel with or if there are any adjustments, replacements or changes needed to be made.

RV tyres need to be checked for signs of uneven tyre wear, as this could signal an axle problem, and if this is not fixed, “it could lead to overheating in the tyres – just like any other tyre,” says Lett. The use of a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can assist in alerting RV drivers of any tyre pressure problems, including the overheated tyres or if there are any signs that the tyre may be overheating.

RV drivers must keep in mind that RV tyres need to be rotated just as is done with any motor vehicle. This will ensure that the tyres wear evenly and also help extend the lifespan of the tyres.

At Branigans Tyres, “tyre rotations are done with ease and precision to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers,” says Lett.

Cover tyres

When tyres are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, the tyres dry out. Tyre specialists advise that RV “drivers should cover their tyres to avoid damage from UV-light,” says Lett. A good investment is getting RV tyre covers that will not only protect tyres from the heat of the sun but also provide protection in cold weather conditions. RV tyre covers will also help prevent premature cracking of the tyres.

Tyre specialists at Branigans Tyres, are available for all RV drivers who are ready to take on their next adventure. Drivers are urged to consult with tyre specialists for advice on how to get the maximum life out of their RV tyres.

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.

Many people use public transport for various reasons whether it is to commute to school or work. Public transport drivers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers.

As a public transport driver, it is important to keep in mind the importance of tyre safety as tyres are always in contact with the road. If the tyres are in a bad condition, it may contribute to road accidents, causing serious injury to passengers and other road users.  

Iconic Australian tyre recycler and founder of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides his perspective on this subject.

Understanding the different types of tyre damage

Tyres can become damaged in different ways and without anyone even noticing until it’s too late. The types of tyre damage include: regular and irregular tyre wear, punctures, cuts and impact tyre damage.

Regular tyre wear happens overtime due to the overuse of tyres. “Although there is no exact period as to how long tyres should last, there are ways that one can extend the lifespan of the tyres,” says Lett. Rotating tyres regularly to even out the tyre wear is one way to slow down regular tyre wear. It also reduces the effects of irregular tyre wear. Lett explains, “irregular tyre wear on weaker tyres, can lead to tyre ‘blow-outs'”.

Tyre punctures are caused by nails, stones and other debris found on the road, that embeds in the tyre when driven over. Driving into potholes also puts pressure on the tyres, especially if the vehicle was travelling at a high speed.

To prevent further tyre punctures, drivers are advised to “remain focused and cautioned on the road, to prevent driving over obstructed and protruding objects,” says Lett. This reduces the chances of getting any punctures and also increases the life span of the tyres.

Tyre cuts are caused by sharp objects on the road and can be avoided by steering clear of driving on rough surfaces. After noticing a tyre cut, it is advised that the tyre be checked and repaired by a tyre specialist as driving with tyre cuts is a road safety risk.

Impact tyre damage

Impact tyre damage can be spotted by the appearance of bulges on the tyre. This is caused by driving at excessive speeds over potholes, speed bumps and curbs. Lett explains, “the bulges on the tyre can lead to further damage of the tyre. Drivers need to take the necessary precautions to avoid causing these.”

Frequent tyre checks may seem like a waste of time, but they are necessary and important to ensure the peace of mind of the driver and passengers when commuting to various destinations.

Branigans Tyres prioritises the safety of all customers to keep them and their families safe on the road. “Our experienced tyre specialists are quick to spot any tyre problem, and they’re even better at solving it,” says Lett.

Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs. Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 situated at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.

Mums are capable of handling any situation that they are faced with. However, it is important to anticipate and be prepared for unforeseen situations, such as changing a tyre on the side of the road. Knowing basic tyre safety tips is beneficial in any circumstance.

It is without a doubt that when it comes to anything related to safety, mums are knowledgeable, especially when it comes to their child’s safety on the roads. Mums are quick to grasp most vehicle and tyre concepts, whether it is rim replacements, tyre pressure or changing a tyre.

 Keeping “Mum’s Taxi” in Good Working Condition 

Mums often spend their time shuttling their kids from one school activity to another. Therefore, it is common that mums to be occupied and forget to regulate their tyre condition. To avoid unexpected tyre blowouts that are not only inconvenient but also dangerous, tyre safety measures need to be taken and carried out as often as possible.  

Ensuring the safety of all passengers while in transit is of utmost importance to mums. Whilst changing the vehicle’s oil, mums should squeeze in a quick tyre inspection. And here’s why:

 Mum’s Taxi’s Tyre Inflation 

Tyres tend to deflate gradually within that time, even in short distance travel. This affects the overall traction on the road. Since the tyres deflate slowly, mums may only start to notice a problem when it is too late. This is why “frequent tyre inflation checks are important and getting tyres pumped as often as possible is necessary,” says tyre recycler and founder of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett.

 Spotting Sidewall Damage 

A quick inspection of the tyre’s sidewalls can be done just before the next errand. It’s only four tyres, so scanning for bulges or scratches on the sides shouldn’t take up much time.

A vehicle left in the sun for excessive hours in high temperatures affects the tyres. Tyres tend to bear the brunt of excessive exposure to heat and ultraviolet light which can result in the rubber degrading. It is always best to park your vehicle in the shade or undercover roofs.

 Tyre Tread Depth Tests 

Another important aspect of tyre maintenance is doing a tyre tread check. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm in Australia. Although mums tend to drive responsibly on the roads, unforeseen incidences may occur that require emergency braking. To bring a car to an immediate stop is much harder with tyres are worn out.

A quick and easy test can be done using a 10-cent coin, by “placing the coin in the groove of the tyre,” says Lett, Mums can check if the coin appears hidden or visible. “If the coin is hidden, then the tread depth is above the legal minimum,” says Lett.

Alternatively, a stop at Branigans Tyres can be made en route to mums next school run. These tyre checks can be done in a few minutes and mums will be notified if a new set of tyres is required.

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.

Motorists tend to focus more on mechanical vehicle checks when they’re about to set off on a road trip. They often forget to check that their tyres are in good condition, even though the performance of any vehicle is heavily reliant on the condition of the vehicle’s tyres.

During Tyre Safety Month, Branigans Tyres seek to remind all vehicle owners of the importance of practicing good tyre maintenance habits. Tyres are the only contact a vehicle has with the road. “Overlooking their condition may prove to be dangerous, not only to the motorist, but also to the passengers in the vehicle,” says owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett.

This article examines tyre maintenance practices that every vehicle owner needs to carry out, in order to meet Australia’s road safety standards and ensure a safer journey.

Properly inflated tyres – tyres that are neither over inflated or under inflated

While one may be on a road trip, fuel efficiency is still a big deal for any motorist. But what motorists don’t realise is, that driving a vehicle with under-inflated tyres results in the vehicle wasting fuel. It also “contributes to the shortening of the tyre’s lifespan because the tyres wear unevenly,” explains Lett.

Over-inflated tyres not only contribute to tyre wear, but it also affects the vehicle’s ability to brake or steer properly.

Referring to the owner’s manual for the correct tyre pressure is good practice as tyre pressure guidelines provided anywhere else on the vehicle may only provide maximum tyre pressure and not the recommended tyre pressure.

Tyre rotation every 10 000km or less

Tyres wear-out differently depending on the different road conditions they’re exposed to and the weight balance of a vehicle. This is why “rotating them is so important,” says Lett, since this allows the tyres to get exposed to similar variations.

Every tyre change or rotation should be followed by a tyre balancing service

Having one’s tyres balanced, can make the difference between a safe driving experience and an unsafe one. Lett says, “unbalanced tyres speed up tyre tread wear and this is why tyre balancing is so important”. Tyre balancing is a process that involves the equalisation of the weight of the tyre and wheel assembly, to ensure that the wheel spins smoothly at high speeds.

Getting a tyre specialist to double-check a vehicle’s tyres

Sometimes, the excitement of a road trip can cause anyone to overlook tyre problems that may arise.

It may also seem overwhelming to keep tyres well-maintained before, during and after a road trip. But, that’s why we have tyre specialists at Branigans Tyres; dedicated to ensuring the safety of all motorists on all Australian roads.

By getting regular tyre checks done at Branigans Tyres, Burleigh Heads, the stress of tyre maintenance is taken away from the vehicle owner. Their mind is put at ease of all road safety concerns they may have previously had and their tyres will start to contribute a great deal to the vehicle’s improved driving performance; fuel efficiency as well as increase the overall lifespan of the vehicle’s tyres.

Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 situated at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.

Repairing a minor puncture is quick and cheap, but many drivers wonder if it would be better to replace the tyre altogether. On the other side of the coin, it’s possible for a tyre dealer to tell customers that they need a new tyre even when they really don’t – or they might be making the recommendation for the driver’s safety. As a motorist, knowing when tyres can and should be repaired and when they need replacement is a handy bit of information, and Chris Lett of Branigans Tyres is happy to share the benefit of his not-inconsiderable experience.

When a Replacement is a Must

It’s possible to repair most punctures, but some either can’t be effectively plugged or might endanger the driver if a repair is attempted. In most instances, a visual inspection will tell drivers and tyre fitters what they need to know.

“A hole in a tyre can easily be mended if it is small enough,” says Chris. “It’s feasible to repair punctures with a size of up to 6mm, but if they’re any larger, a replacement will be in order.”

The location of a puncture is also important. If it’s towards the edge of the tyre or on the sidewall, the tyre needs to be replaced. “There’s a high risk of complete tyre failure if the tyre is punctured in certain spots,” says Chris. “The sides of a tyre flex more, and even if a puncture were plugged or patched, the repair would work its way out. Over and above that, the puncture reduces the structural integrity of the tyre, making it potentially dangerous to attempt driving with it.”

When to get a Puncture Repair

Slow leaks are by far the most common type of puncture, and it might be tempting to put off getting a repair. But Chris warns that doing so is akin to playing with fire: those who do so might not get burned, but there’s a far greater chance of it happening.

“A slow leak can get bigger with wear, and the weak spot makes the tyre more prone to a full-scale blowout. Even if it doesn’t blow out, a small leak means that the motorist is doing much of his or her driving on a tyre that is not at its proper inflation pressure. This will affect handling, and in an emergency, drivers need every bit of handling performance they can get in order to avoid an accident.”

How to Spot a Puncture

Sometimes, punctured tyres make their presence known in no uncertain terms. But at others, car owners may need to be alert to know that they have one. “Always walk around the vehicle and check the tyres before driving,” says Chris. “If any of them is starting to sag, there is probably a slow puncture. Alternatively, a change in the way the car handles on the road might be noticed as the first symptom of a puncture or a motorist may hear a clicking noise because an object lodged in the tyre is repeatedly hitting the tarmac.”

Although it’s easy enough to check tyre pressure at a local filling station, Chris recommends investing in a tyre pressure gauge. “A tyre needs to be badly underinflated before there is a visible change in its shape,” says Chris, “and since underinflated tyres add to risks on the road, keeping tabs on tyre pressure is the smart thing to do. It’s for the sake of safety, and safety should always come first.”

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.

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

“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.

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

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.

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

“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.

Early Cars: A Rough, Slow, but Exciting Journey

Early cars certainly weren’t comfortable. Shock absorbers were only invented at the start of the twentieth century, and pneumatic tyres, though patented in 1845, only became practical in 1888. “It’s probably fortunate that most early cars didn’t go particularly fast,” says Chris. “The combination of poor roads, hard wheels, and no suspension would have made for a bone-shaking ride. Nevertheless, it must have been hugely exciting to experience the advent of self-propelled vehicles.”

The history of cars is peppered with weird and wonderful snippets of information. For instance, electric cars were early contenders, but they quickly faded from the scene owing to their short battery life and the sheer size and weight of the batteries. After that, the debate between steam and electric power became, quite literally, heated with each camp saying that the other’s preferred type of engine was likely to explode. 

In truth, the chance of either engine exploding was quite low, but the thought must have added a bit of fear-factor for passengers and drivers. The internal combustion engine eventually won out, if only because it could be started and driven right away, instead of needing the half hour it took for boilers to be heated and gain enough pressure to power the vehicle. 

The Wheels Keep Turning: a More Comfortable Ride

Necessity is the mother of invention, and with self-propelled vehicles taking to the roads and going progressively faster, the development of wheels, tyres, and suspension for a more comfortable ride would keep pace with the new technology. 

Charles Goodyear was the first to discover vulcanised rubber, which made the material better able to withstand exposure to the elements, and soon after, Robert Thomson patented a leather-covered tyre containing a bundle of “inner tubes.” It never went into production, and it would be over 40 years before John Dunlop invented the basics of the pneumatic bicycle tyres we know today. 

Tyre technology still needed a further step in its development before it would be suitable for use on automobiles. Andre and Edouard Michelin became the inventors of the world’s first pneumatic car tyres thanks to their development of a detachable tyre in 1891 and the company formed by the brothers invented the first radial tyres in 1946. “Radial tyres were a huge leap forward,” explains Chris. “They made a big difference to the handling and fuel efficiency of cars. Bias tyres still exist, but radials are by far the most popular.”

Cars of the Present and Future

It’s a huge jump from the debate between steam power and internal combustion to today’s move towards electric and hybrid cars. Most people don’t even realise that electric cars were around before there were internal combustion engines. However, there is now technology to make electric cars practical, and that technology has only recently become available.

Motorists have changed too. From simply being delighted by the ‘miracle’ of a vehicle that could power itself along to expecting fuel efficiency, comfort, and high-tech features, car owners expect more of their vehicles than ever before. 

As in the past, tyres are changing too. “Run flat tyres that can hold up for a while despite being punctured are a relatively new development.” says Chris. “Now, tyre makers are looking at eliminating flat tyres altogether, making tyres with longer-lasting tread, and reducing the environmental impact of tyres.”

At Branigans, Chris is doing his bit. Although he isn’t working on the latest tyre designs, he’s making sure that end-of-life tyres don’t end up in landfills and that perfectly good tyres don’t get discarded. “It’s not what the latest advances are targeting,” says Chris, “but being kind to the environment is something that can be done now while we wait for the new materials, designs, and ideas that will be keeping folks on the road in decades to come.”

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.

Tyres don’t come cheap and knowing a few things about these babies will go a long way. That way, one can expect maximum performance and longevity from the tyres on a car.

• Fact #1 – The inscriptions on the sidewall of a tyre indicates the maximum pressure value. In a car, one should refer to the inner side of the door where the recommended tyre pressure value is mentioned. In this case, the recommended tyre pressure for the front and rear is 35 and 32 PSI respectively.

• Fact #2 – Chris also wanted to crack the myth about valve caps by saying that “valve caps do not prevent the tyre from losing air but are present to keep dust, water and mud from entering the valve and cause air loss.”

• Fact #3 – With low tyre pressure, the tread or grooves gets shut, or the gaps between the groove or tread become less and do not deliver optimum water discharge. As a result, the car could lock up and skid even more.

• Fact #4 – The tyre heats up when PSI is reduced which causes the tyre wall to flex or bend. It is imperative to maintain the company-recommended PSI even during the summer months.

• Fact #5 – During winter, one should look at increasing tyre pressure by 2 PSI for every three to four-degree drop in temperature. This is because the pressure of the tyre decreases by 1 PSI for every such drop in temperature and can shorten the life of the tyre and can lead to serious safety hazards.

• Fact #6 – Tyre patterns aren’t just there for aesthetic purposes. While a tyre’s tread pattern plays a key part in appearance, “its major role is actually to discharge water on wet surfaces, ” adds Chris.

• Fact #7 – The exterior surfaces of the sidewall and tread of the tyre can give only a hint about the tyre compound as there are many other layers beneath the exterior surface that gives the tyre its hard or soft compound characteristics.

• Fact #8 – Winter tyres are not just required on snow or icy roads. A vehicle driving in a location where the temperature is below 10 degrees, it is suggested to opt for winter tyres as these tyres have a more optimal tread pattern in addition to special rubber that prevents them from getting stiff due to the cold.

• Fact #9 – Air pressure should be checked weekly as tyres lose pressure naturally.
• Fact #10 – Slick tyres provide better grip and handling only in dry conditions because of a larger contact patch with the road surface. That is why one sees Formula 1 and MotoGP machines making use of tyres with no tread pattern. It is not advisable to install these tyres on regular cars as the vehicle may lose traction very easily on a wet surface.

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 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.

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

The intrinsic development of new tyre technology will ultimately redefine how vehicles are driven and it will illustrate how pressure monitoring systems, for instance, have helped maximise the use of tyres. As the digital sphere of the planet expands, eco-friendly tyre options are produced. On the flip side, electricity is something that seems to be finding its way into tyre production as well.

Chris Lett, tyre expert, and owner of Branigans Budget Tyres suggest “tyres have been material and mechanical for so long, but the electrical dimension is now where it’s at and will change the way cars perform.”

Smart Tyres

These types of tyres were projected to make a big wave in the automotive industry, but for a long time, nothing came of it. That is until the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show blew everyone’s caps off with presentations of Smart Tyre concepts by manufacturers like Sumitomo Rubber Industries. They presented tyres with a sensing core, active thread and performance-sustaining technology that assists in the alteration of tyre pressure.

Adjustable wheel concepts have now seeped into the market and allow the driver to control the amount of rubber contacting the surface and varies the car tyre pressure based on road conditions.

Electrical Tyres

Electrical tyres are undoubtedly the future. There is potential for these tyres to reign supreme in the automotive industry with optimised convenience and safety in driving while its restorative technology will lower the costs of tyre management.

3D Printed Tyres

While this concept is not too far removed from smart tyres, 3D printed tyres will redefine how vehicles are designed, produced and maintained. Biodegradable material use in production can make the 3D printed tyre evolution reach greater heights and would mean that tyres can be 3D printed from a variety of recycled materials.

This conceptual tyre technology will be one step closer to ultimate vehicle performance at a fraction of the cost basic management and repairs cost now.

Run-Flat Tyres

Don’t be fooled by the name. This is a contemporary tyre technology development which, simply put, means a vehicle is capable of running with punctured tyres. Run-flat options are a way to increase car durability and ensure better road safety, but it is also said to assist with minimisation of fuel consumption.

Most conventional tyres puncture easily, they aren’t made with the environment in mind and most importantly, it doesn’t always ensure one’s safety. The way forward is with durable, eco-friendly tyres that are designed to keep not only the car in mind but also the person driving it.

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

Exhaust Emissions May Not be the Problem

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

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

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

Changes to Tyres Should Be On the Roll

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

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

EV Tyres Will Have to Last Longer

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

“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.

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

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.

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

Choosing the Right Tyres

Summer tyres, also known as standard tyres, perform at their optimum in higher Temperatures and offer excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. But as soon as temperatures go below 7°C these tyres ten to harden, causing a loss of grip.

Winter tyres, on the other hand, have optimized tread for wet, icy and snowy surfaces and are ideal to use when temperatures drop below 7°C. With deeper channels and numerous tiny slits cut into the tread, water and slush are easily dispersed, and advanced grip is maintained. High-silica compounds in the tyre guarantee their ability to maintain their flexibility in the coldest of climates, says Lett, ensuring traction on the road no matter the conditions.

All-season tyres use a combination of winter and summer technology. They don’t harden as much in cold conditions, and have a groove pattern design which prevents the vehicle from aquaplaning on wet surfaces. Lett advises that these are only adequate where the climate is moderate throughout the year and the driver is probably not going to end up facing extreme road conditions.

All terrain tyres have an even rougher tread pattern than all-season tyres, making them a good choice for the driver who travels on both tar and dirt roads regularly, suggests Lett. They are able to handle light weight off-road driving while still maintaining comfort and grip on tar.

High performance tyres are standard passenger tyres that have been optimized for high speed, enhanced grip, quick response, shorter stopping abilities ,and can handle wet roads. High performance vehicles perform best with this tyre, but Lett advises they are not as fuel efficient and their tread may wear more rapidly.

Energy saving tyres have been designed with less rolling resistance, which lowers fuel consumption and decreases CO2 emissions. Tyres can account for up to 30% of the vehicles fuel consumption making this tyre a popular choice, says Lett, and they do not lose their ability to handle dry, wet and winter traction.

Run-flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls that allow the tyre to be driven up to 50 miles after a puncture, giving the driver the chance to get to a convenient location for repairs.

“This is great for peace of mind, says Lett, but the downside of run-flat tyres are that they need replacement sooner than conventional tyres, shortening their life by around 6, 000 miles and they cannot be repaired, only replaced,” Lett says.

When it comes to replacing tyres it can become complex. Speaking to an expert will ensure you get the right advice. Contact Chris Lett, owner of Branigans Tyres in Queensland, for any questions. Branigans Tyres offers top quality, hardly-used second hand tyres at less than half the price of new ones.

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.

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

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

What Car Owners Need to Consider

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

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

Understanding the Numbers and Letters on the Sidewall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visible Damage

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

Signs of Deeper Damage

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

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

The Mechanicals Most Often Involved

Tie Rod Ends

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

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

Control Arm and Stabilizer Bar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Future Holds

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

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

3-D Printing Makes its Entry

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

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

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

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

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

End of Life Tyre Dumping Has Caused Chaos

As it stands, Lett says an estimated 1.5 billion used vehicle tyres are discarded globally every year. Around 50 million of them are in Australia. These have created havoc and hazards at landfills as a result of the threat some of their components pose to the environment, their size, and their resilience. This chaos has lead to many countries and US states slapping a ban on their being disposed of at landfills and led to calls for recycling instead.

Lett views himself as a recycler. But unlike other recyclers currently seeking ways to re-use the rubber in the production of new tyres, burn them to derive fuel for use chiefly in cement manufacture, and to determine its suitability as an alternative material for roads, Chris Lett has for the past 15 years chosen his own brand of recycling. This takes the form of reselling slightly-used premium tyres for far less than their original cost.

Call to Cut Back on Unnecessary Dumping

“Dumping tyres which are still perfectly good for further use is adding to the waste disposal problem, and is contrary to general efforts to counteract the environmental impact of waste,” Lett said. “Tyres do eventually degrade in a landfill after a period of 50 to 80 years. But during that period their bulk, resilience and the fire risk they create, make them strong threats.”

He said trying to deal with the situation by making it illegal to dump tyres at landfills, is not an ideal solution. Instead it has created a scenario in which tyres are now simply being dumped on the side of the road or in remote areas. This lessened the tyre disposal load on controlled landfills by shifting it elsewhere to areas which are not controlled by waste management.

Why Throw Away Good Tyres?

Chris Lett, who has been in the tyre industry for about 15 years, said buying recycled used tyres did have its problems, as was the case with any second-hand deal. But provided the buyer uses only established outlets like Branigans which have solid reputations and which test and grade tyres carefully, these tyres should be serviceable for a few years.

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

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

We’re all about value for money. But our insistence on customer service excellence also guarantees we will recommend the best tyres available for your vehicle and your budget.

Since the first pneumatic tyres in the 1800s, countless companies, from all over the world, have entered the tyre industry. A few of these tyre manufacturers have continued to embrace technology and evolved into the brands we know today.

Now, when you take delivery of your new vehicle, it will sport tyres that have been carefully selected by the vehicle manufacturer.

Your vehicle is expected to perform as advertised when fitted with these tyres. The review you read about your vehicle’s road handling and fuel efficiency was most likely written after the reviewer drove on the same brand tyres.

When it’s time to replace your worn tyres, you might choose to follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation and buy the same tyres again. However, what’s to stop you swapping to another brand of tyre?

The choices, these days, are mind boggling. For every premium tyre manufacturer, there could be 10 manufacturers offering perfectly good budget to medium range tyres.

You can relax. Saving money on a tyre will not mean buying a product that would fail to measure up to your driving demands.

But are the cheapest tyres Gold Coast drivers can find actually worth it? The staff at Branigans Budget Tyres are the experts when it comes to finding which are the best buys.

Our family-owned business, in operation now for more than 15 years, is founded on building a network of suppliers who can deliver the best tyres for the best prices.

Better to be safe than sorry. When your money is really tight, we can get you sorted with quality secondhand tyres with tread depths ranging from 50% to 90%. Next time around, you might be better placed to spring for our competitively priced new tyres.

Whatever you’re needing, we ensure that your replacement tyre or tyres will suit your vehicle, with the appropriate tread requirement, speed rating, load rating and ply rating.

Where Will I Find The Cheapest Tyres On The Gold Coast?

By now you should be in no doubt that Branigans Budget Tyres will get you the best bang for your buck in tyres. It’s certainly one of the main reasons customers keep coming back to us.

We have 3 branches. On the Gold Coast, Southport and Burleigh Heads are open 6 days a week. Our branch in Tweed Heads/Murwillumbah is open 5 days a week.

Each branch has its own supply of high quality used, nearly new and new tyres. Stock changes daily. If we don’t have the right product in stock, we’ll try to source it for you or show you a suitable alternative.

Get in touch now:

• Southport: 07 5591 8633 or simply use the Southport contact form on this page
• Burleigh Heads: 07 5535 2660 or simply use the Burleigh Heads contact form on this page
• Tweed Heads/Murwillumbah: 0450 729 061 or simply use the Tweed Heads contact form on this page

You might also find this article about Second-hand Tyres interesting: Second hand vs New Tyres Which Should You Buy?