Tyre knowledge gives the vehicle owner an edge on making smarter choices for maintaining vehicle efficiency and safety. Price is also a strong factor in making choices, but are cheap tyres really safe?
Quality
There are minimum standards required to legally sell tyres. The standards are a result of quite a few tests carried out. Though already legally available in the market, a brake test comparing several brands show cheap tyres in Brisbane stop 5 meters further than premium tyres in dry conditions, and shockingly 14 meters further in the winter season. This distance difference is very crucial, since it may also be a difference between being in a car wreck and avoiding a collision. Low-cost tyres with low quality tend to wear out faster and puncture easily. Apart from skimming on price, always put quality on top of the factors as well. High-quality tyres last longer, performs better, drives less noise and provides a more comfortable ride for passengers.
Safety
It doesn’t matter if you are into speed or not, however in some instances, it could be a difference of life and death. It is best to change tyres before they completely wear out. The tread is what is in contact with the ground ini typical conditions. The vehicles performance and safety is reduced as the treads wear. The minimum depth tread of legal standards is 1.6mm. Safety is crucial, and let’s face it, cheaper often really means not better. A well maintained, risk free and roadworthy vehicle is not only safe for you and your passengers, but for other road users as well.
Savings
Tyres are an investment. They may look all the same, but there is a huge difference in performance. Buying cheap tyres in Brisbane means not getting the best quality for the cost that will be incurred. Some may be more expensive up-front but could actually save more bucks because it does not wear out right away so the need to replace is less often. Good quality tyres may improve fuel consumption so money spent for petrol will be less. More savings in the long run. But practically, depending on the situation and timing, money saved on tyres can be put towards more essential things or emergency.
Part worn tyres
Part worn tyres are cheaper than cheap new tyres, because they are basically second hand that was already fitted and used in another vehicle. It may sound like a good deal, specially if the tyre does not look worn out. But then again, most tyres look the same so don’t be fooled. A good deal, but not worth the risk. It is hard to tell if the tyres have been previously repaired, so it is hard to determine previous punctures or breaks which could be very hazardous to the passengers. Though there are also safety regulations in selling part worn tyres legally, whether it is in its best condition is still not guaranteed.
If the situation really calls for no other choice but to go with part worn tyres, the guidelines below is advisable:
- Check for an E-Mark on the tyre. E-Mark means the tyre met minimum International standards.
- Check the tread depth, it should be atleast 1.6mm. Anything less is illegal to be driven on public road.
- Check for the manufacture date. A 10 year old tyre is not advisable for use, even if it wasn’t use or was kept as a spare.
