Tyre FAQs

Can I mix different brands of tyres on my car?
The good news is yes you can mix different brands and tread patterns on your car as long as they match the same size specification of your existing tyres found on the sidewall. As much as this is possible we don’t recommend it.

What is the difference between budget, Mid-range and Premium Tyres?
In the world of tyres just like the real world it’s still accurate to say that you get what you pay for. It’s true to say that with any tyre you are investing in millions in research but its especially true with premium brands. As a result of this you do get a better performing, more advanced and longer lasting tyre.

However it is worth mentioning that many mid range tyres are actually developed and made in the same plants that the premium ranges are, using the same technology and even the same rubber. The major difference will be the name you may not quite be so familiar with. These tyres are priced below the premium branded tyres but above the budget range and offer exceptional value for money. Some of the brands you may have heard of are Hankook, Toyo, Falken and Yokohama.

As for budget tyres they will not offer the same level of high performance as premium brands but they are still good quality and at affordable prices are well suited to low mileage urban drivers or motorists on a budget. At Darra Tyres we stock a large selection of all ranges and will recommend the tyre which best suits your needs.

Why should I buy my new tyres from Darra Tyres?
We are 100% independent and are not tied to any specific manufacturer so you will always get the best advice and the most suitable new tyre. We have decades of experience with every type of tyre and type of vehicle. Unlike many of the large chains that only specialise in passenger car tyres, over 80% of our account customers are non-passenger tyres. We also have a range of second hand tyres for every vehicle.

How do I know my tyres are illegal and need to be changed?
Australian law states that your tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the centre three quarters of the tyre.

To make things easier most tyres these days have a minimum of four tread bar indicators in between the treads at 1.6mm at intervals around the tyre. If you can see that these little bars are level with the tread then your tyres are illegal and need changed.

You can read about the ADR 23 (Labelling of tyres) and ADR 42 (Guard covers the tyre) which are the Australian Design Rules.

Why should I check my tyre pressures?
Checking your tyre pressures it vital on a regular basis. Under inflated tyres will cost you money as they wear a lot quicker and use more fuel. Secondly, underinflated tyres will cause your vehicle to be unstable and braking will take longer.

Overinflated tyres will mean that your comfort will be compromised and your braking and suspension can be compromised.

Officially you should check your car tyres once every two weeks and only when cold as the heat will increase the pressure. With truck and many other industrial tyres there may be legal requirements to test them daily so please see your internal guidelines or speak with the team and we’ll be able to tell you how often you must test. Many people suggest checking the vehicle manual for the correct pressures but we prefer to look on the tyre.

Where do I have my tyres fitted?
Your tyres will be fitted at our workshop in Station Ave, Darra or if you are using our mobile service, either at your site or a designated area (which may be the side of the road, if you are unfortunate to break down). We only carry a certain stock of tyres so you’ll need to call and rebook depending on the tyres you require.

Where is my workshop?
We only have the one workshop in Station Ave, Darra. It’s just around the corner from the Darra Train Station. So you’ll need to come to us unless you have arranged for one of our service vehicles to come out to you.

What happens when I arrive at the workshop?
Simply come into the office and introduce yourself, we’ll no doubt offer you a coffee (or tea, Annette might even have a herbal tea to spare). The team will then go about working on your vehicle. We have parking at the front so please park wherever the team direct you.

Do I get a receipt once my tyres have been fitted?
You will receive a receipt and invoice immediately, our computer system allows us to immediately provide it to you. We can also email a copy through to your accounts department as well.

How quickly can you fit my tyres?
The time it takes to fit your tyres will depend on the size and complexity of the tyres. Our team can change a car tyre in under 3 minutes (6 minutes with a balance), although normally we prefer not to race when it’s safety at stake so a car tyre in 10 minutes is normal, trucks, bobcats, and agricultural and mining can take half a day. We once had a mining tyre that took a good 3 hours to change, it was 7 foot high, to be fair.

Will I get sent lots of spam emails?
No, we Do NOT give your details to any third parties, in fact we don’t believe in selling your information and strictly forbid it. We love to educate you about the best ways to look after and manage your tyres so we’ll send you a regular educational newsletter to keep in touch and the team will of course be here to answer any questions you may have.