My tyre warning light is on – should I go to a tyre shop?

What to do if you notice debris stuck in your tyre

A couple of weeks ago, we had a motorist come to our tyre shop in Darra because his tyre warning light was lit on the dashboard of his vehicle. He was sure nothing was wrong, but thought it best to get it checked out. He’d been driving for 30 minutes with the tyre light glowing. He was lucky he came to us and didn’t continue driving.

What he thought was a faulty warning light turned out to be a potential blowout. He had a piece of plastic wedged between the tread blocks, and it had worked its way into the tyre. Completely flat with the tread, it made no sound on the road. The driver couldn’t feel it as his wheels spun. That little piece of plastic – which looked like a fragment from a front or rear bumper – could have been the cause of the driver’s death.

Debris on the road is a big problem for tyres

A short while ago, I read that road debris is responsible for more than half of the UK’s tyre punctures. The finding came from a survey conducted by Highways England and Bridgestone. Specifically, the survey asked about blowouts at speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour.

We’ve discussed blowouts before, with five ways to avoid blowouts:

• Avoid over-inflating your tyres
• Check your tyres’ pressure at least once per month
• Rotate your tyres effectively
• Never buy fake tyres
• Work on your driving technique to help your tyres last longer

But a piece of plastic or glass or a nail in the road? How do you allow for this? It’s a terrifying thought. And it is not only England’s roads that are affected. We’re seeing more debris embedded in tyres in Brisbane today than we used to. A lot more.

What happens when you get debris in your tyre?

You may spot a pothole of brick in the road and take measures to avoid it. But a small piece of plastic or glass or a nail can easily go unnoticed. You will rarely feel it as you drive over it. Which means you could be driving with a potentially fatal flaw in your tyre. Fortunately, most debris damage leads to a slow puncture at worst. Some punctures are more rapid. Some lead to a blowout, especially if you are travelling at speed.

A weekly check of your tyres is usually enough to alert you to any debris and to deal with it. If you have debris embedded between the tread blocks, it is best to take your vehicle to a tyre shop and let them deal with it. The tyre may already be punctured. Removing a nail will simply let the air out faster.

Can all punctures be repaired?

Whether a puncture can be repaired depends on how big the puncture is and where it is on the tyre. Most punctures – like those caused by a nail – are repairable. If a puncture is bigger than around ½ centimetre, then it is likely that the tyre will need to be replaced.

If the damage caused by the debris is to the sidewall of the tyre, it is least likely to be repairable: the rubber there is thinner and less rigid. Damage to the sidewall that is near the tread is most likely to lead to a new tyre being required.

Can you repair a puncture on the road?

If you suffer a puncture while driving, a plug kit is usually able to make a temporary repair. This will seal the hole from the outside, and help it hold air long enough to allow you to get to a tyre shop or garage for a permanent repair.

Beware! The chemicals that plug kits use can damage a tyre over time, and so it is very important that you take the tyre to a tyre shop and explain what has happened and what plug kit you used. The technician will then be able to clean the tyre properly and make the repair effectively (if it is possible to do so).

How are tyres punctures repaired by professionals?

A permanent repair can only be made by patching from the inside. The tyre is removed from the rim, inspected, and cleaned to remove imperfections. It is then ground down so that there is a suitable area to stick the patch.

The patch inserts a rubber plug into the hole. The patch on the inside helps to keep the plug in its place and the air in the tyre. The patch is attached to the tyre using a special rubber cement, and then sealed with a special coating. The technician then cleans the repair on the outside of the tyre. When the repair is dry, the tyre is replaced, re-inflated and checked.

A word of warning about repaired tyres: the speed rating will be affected. The tyre will last a long time, but you should take care of driving at high speed.

Don’t take a chance on your tyre holding out

Those warning lights on your dashboard can fail. But is it worth taking the chance? If your tyre warning light starts glowing suddenly, our advice is to get to a stop and call out a tyre repair service. If you notice a nail or other debris in your tyre during your weekly tyre checks, get your vehicle to the tyre shop straight away.

Don’t risk a blowout. The consequences don’t bear thinking about.

If your tyre warning light comes on or if you find debris in your tyres, contact us at Darra Tyres. Be safe, not sorry.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

10 questions that Queensland drivers frequently ask about their tyres

All you need to know about your tyres – or is it?

We get asked many questions about tyres. These are the 10 most common, with the answers you need.

1.    My tyre placard mentions particular tyres and rims. Can I fit different to this?

Yes, you can; but the tyre/rim combination and width/diameter must meet certain requirements. The amount that the width and diameter may change by depends upon the type of vehicle. There are different rules for 4WDs, passenger vehicles, etc. You can learn more by reading the Minor Modifications publication (PDF, 414 KB).

2.    Can I increase my vehicle’s ride height?

There are various ways that you could increase the ride height of your vehicle. These include by increasing your vehicle’s tyre dimension, lifting its suspension, or by using body blocks. The amount you can raise it depends on which methods or combination of methods you use to do so. The most that you can raise your ride height by for each single method is:

• 50mm by increasing the tyre dimension
• 75mm if raising by lifting the suspension
• 50mm by using body blocks

However, if you are using a combination of these methods, the most your vehicle can be raised is 150mm.

Just to complicate things a little more, these limits are not applicable to all vehicles. They are a good guideline, but for the exact raise you can make to your vehicle you should examine the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (PDF, 1.93 MB).

3.    Can I use low-profile tyres with a wider diameter on my vehicle?

This is possible to do, but you must make sure that the overall diameter, load rating and speed rating comply with legal requirements. Often, low-profile tyres will be fitted to larger diameter rims; this maintains the overall diameter to requirements. Once more, you should refer to the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (PDF, 1.93 MB).

4.    What is the maximum tyre diameter increases and decreases I can make to my 4WD?

With some 4WD vehicles, you may increase tyre diameter by up to 50mm and decrease it by up to 26mm, from the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended diameter. These are:

• 4WD passenger vehicles specifically designed for off-road use
• 4WD goods vehicles and their 2WD equivalents, if the chassis and running gear are essentially the same as the 4WD versions

However, all-wheel drive vehicles (AWDs) are not included in these. The Minor Modifications publication (PDF, 414 KB) provides the information you need.

5.    Can I lower the speed rating of my tyres?

You may want to lower the speed rating of your tyres, and this is possible, providing the tyres meet certain minimums. These are:

• 140km/h for off-road passenger vehicles
• 180km/h for other cars or car derivatives carrying up to nine adult passengers in seated positions
• 120 km/h for other motor vehicles

There is an exception to all these rules: if your vehicle has a lower top speed than the above, then the tyre may not have a speed rating above the vehicle’s top speed.

6.    Can I fit different brand tyres to the same axle?

Yes, though it is preferable to fit the same brand. However, what you cannot do is fit tyres with different construction (e.g. cross-ply, steel radials, textile radials, etc.).

We also recommend that tread patterns should be the same on tyres fitted on the same axle, though there is no legal requirement to do so.

7.    How often should I change my tyres?

Tyres last far longer today than they used to. However, when they need changing depends on many factors, such as:

• The type of road surface on which they are driven
• The wear and tear suffered
• The kilometres covered by the tyre
• Irrespective of any of the above, the age of the tyre

Most tyres will last between 60,000 and 80,000 kilometres. However, manufacturers recommend that tyres should be changed every five years at a minimum, due to age degradation of the rubber.

8.    How often should I check my tyres?

We recommend that you carry out four tyre safety checks at least once per month, and more often if you drive every day. If you are making a long journey, you should also carry these checks out. These four essential checks are:

• Tyre pressure
• Condition of the tyre wall
• Tread depth
• All the above on the spare

9.    Should I change all four tyres are the same time?

If you rotate your tyres, the wear and tear on them should be equal. If this is the case, you will probably need to change all four tyres at the same time. However, if not all four tyres need to be changed it is always best to change the tyres on the same axle simultaneously. This will ensure that handling and grip is uniform on the same axle, which will improve your safety on the road.

10. What is the danger of driving on worn tyres?

If you drive on worn tyres, you could be given a hefty fine. However, this should not be your main concern. Worn tyres provide less grip and traction. Your handling will be worse, and your braking distances will be longer. Worn tyres are a big contributor to road accidents and fatalities in Australia.

Do you have a question about your tyres? Are you unsure whether they are legal or if they should be changed? For the answers to all your tyre questions, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Tractor tyres: are you getting the best out of yours?

Tips to make your tractor tyres perform better and last longer

As a farmer, do you pay the same level of attention to your tractor tyre pressures as you do your oil and lubricant levels, or do you trust your luck? Underinflation can damage your tyres and your tractor. A couple of minutes spent checking and correcting your tyre pressures before you go into the field could save you a hatful of dollars.

How does running incorrectly inflated tractor tyres affect your costs?

It’s hard enough making money as a farmer, but habitually forgetting to check your tractor tyre pressures is just like throwing money away. Neglecting to pump up your tyres will lead to pumping up your costs. You’ll use more fuel, and the damage that could be caused to your tyres’ sidewalls will shorten their useful life.

Tractor tyres are designed to keep a certain shape. If you incorrectly inflate your tyres, the tyre will become misshaped (either overinflated or underinflated):

• Underinflation leads to several issues, including cracking of the sidewall, bead cracking, and torn lugs
• Overinflation results in a smaller footprint, a less stable ride, increased soil compaction, and more rapid wear

With new tractor tyres costing thousands of dollars, a regular two-minute pressure check is a cheap insurance policy.

Why do farmers neglect their tyre pressures?

Some experts think that a failure to run a tractor with the correct tyre pressure is due to laziness. I think it’s more complicated than this.

There are a lot of factors you need to consider when maintaining the correct air pressure in a working tractor’s tyres. You need to consider:

• The weight of attachments
• The tractor’s split weights
• Loads on the drawbar
• The task being done
• Tractor speed

A simple miscalculation can mean the tyres are not inflated correctly, and lead to the damage outlined above. For example, let’s say that your tractor tyre’s recommended capacity is 4,000kg at a specific air pressure. If you run the tyre at, say, 10psi or 20psi under that recommended pressure fully loaded, you will affect the performance of the tyre and the tractor. A flatter tyre has a smaller load capacity.

Do you check your tyre pressures correctly?

A common mistake that can lead to incorrect inflation is checking tractor tyre pressures when the tyre has been warmed up, after it has been working. Warm tyres will show a higher inflation pressure. When you come to work the tractor from cold, the tyres will likely be underinflated. You should always check your tyre pressures before you start your tractor working.

The curse of the front end loader

Front end loaders are common today. They are also responsible for a lot of the tyre wear we see.

Front end loaders put a lot of pressure on the front axle. If the tyre is not correctly inflated and adjusted for the load, it can quickly be damaged and fail.

The mistake of not inflating for the job at hand

Another common mistake is forgetting to alter tyre pressures according to the job the tractor is doing; for example, when you are running a dual configuration when seeding, and then forget to adjust the tyre pressures when running a single configuration during fertilising.

The mistake of adding water as ballast

Some farmers add water to tubed tyres to act as ballast, but doing so to tubeless tyres is likely to cause you some serious issues.

In a tubeless tyre, the water comes into direct contact with the rim. The resulting rust weakens the fabric of the wheel. In addition, using water as ballast on radial tyres reduces their effectiveness because you reduce the flexible nature of the tyre – and traction reduces.

How to get longer life from your tractor tyres

The best tyre tips I can give you to get the best performance from your tractor tyres and your tractor are:

• Make it routine to check your tyre pressures before you start working with your tractor
• Inflate the tyres to the correct pressure for the load to be carried and the job to be done
• Keep the tyres clean
• Wash off caked mud, oil, diesel and petrol
• Never ballast tubeless tractor tyres with water

Finally, if you can’t be sure of what pressures you should be running your tractor tyres at for different applications and with different loads, contact Darra Tyres. We’ll be pleased to share our tyre knowledge and expertise with you.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Should you puncture-proof your forklift tyres?

Advantages and disadvantages of foam filled forklift tyres

A constant problem for forklift operators is their tyres going flat, either because of puncture or air leakage. When forklift tyres go flat, you suffer stability and handling issues. If a tyre needs changing, you lose productive time. Choosing the best tyres for your forklift is essential to keep maintenance and running costs low and productivity high.

In this article, you’ll learn the benefits of foam-filling your forklift tyres to puncture-proof them.

Why foam filled forklift tyres?

There are several different types of forklift tyre, though the most common are pneumatic and solid tyres:

• Pneumatic (air-filled) tyres provide better cushioning on rough ground and are made from a wear-resistant rubber compound. However, they are not puncture-proof, and over time the air pressure will fall as air escapes the tyre (a curse on all pneumatic tyres). Extreme temperatures also affect a tyre’s air pressure.
• Solid tyres are puncture-proof, but do not offer the same smooth ride provided by pneumatics. Because of this, operators may suffer more back pain. Solid tyres are very commonly fitted to forklifts that operate on smooth surfaces in warehouses and factories, where there is less risk of damage to load or operator.

Foam-filling your forklift tyres may retain some of the qualities of pneumatic tyres while gaining the lower maintenance costs of solid tyres.

What is foam filling?

Instead of air, your tyres are filled with fluids that make them solid. A tyre specialist will fill to the recommended pressure, and this pressure will remain constant, without the need to check air and maintain air pressure.

What are the benefits of foam-filled forklift tyres?

There are several benefits that a forklift operator might experience by foam filled tyres. You should maintain the performance of a pneumatic tyre while gaining the resilience of a solid tyre. Therefore, you could find that your vehicle suffers less axle stress, and the increased ballast will improve stability. The shock absorption should be better than experienced with solid tyres, and traction will be like that of pneumatic tyres.

The biggest benefit, though, is that they don’t lose tyre pressure or go flat.

Foam filled tyres can reduce your running costs

Foam fill your forklift tyres and you wave goodbye to costly punctures. With better shock absorption than solid tyres, there is less stress on operators and the forklift. This should reduce illness and injury as well as forklift maintenance costs.

If your forklift tyres are constantly bursting, the losses caused by disruption to work can be large. Perhaps running to thousands of dollars each year, when all costs are considered. Foam-filling your tyres could eliminate much of this cost.

What are the disadvantages of foam filled forklift tyres?

Where so many advantages are obtainable, there are always some disadvantages. While foam filled forklift tyres may prove a better option for many sites, they won’t be the best choice for all.

For example, foam filled tyres are as much as three times heavier than pneumatic tyres. Therefore, they are harder to push and don’t provide quite the same bounce of pneumatic tyres.

Another disadvantage is the initial cost of foam-filling forklift tyres. The filling solution is far more expensive than air. Also, when you do need to replace a foam filled tyre, it may be necessary to replace the entire wheel.

In summary

For a business that relies on its forklifts, tyre costs should be a prime consideration. Puncture-proofing your forklift tyres could reduce your maintenance and running costs, especially if you currently suffer from a lot of punctures, flat tyres, or other maintenance issues associated with tyres.

However, the choice of forklift tyre depends on many factors, such as your current tyre history, application and environment in which your forklift operates. Our tyre specialists in our Darra Tyres shop can help you choose the best tyre for the job, whether it is pneumatic, solid, or foam filled.

Foam filled tyres may not require frequent maintenance, but their total cost of ownership can be higher due to replacement or refilling after it has been worn down.

Don’t let your loads, drivers and bottom line suffer from poor forklift tyre choice. Come and speak to us in our Brisbane forklift tyre shop. We’ll help you to get the most out of your forklift tyres from day one.

If you’ve got any questions or queries, call our team on 3333 5510 now. We’re here to help.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road, (and warehouse)

Kevin Wood

How should Brisbane drivers choose their next set of new tyres?

3 things to consider when buying new tyres

Recently a friend of mine described to me how his son had spent three days researching what laptop he should buy. It was important for him to choose the one that would allow him to work online and stream films. Speed and memory were important, as was screen size and resolution, and a keyboard that was a perfect fit for his fingers and his budget.

Yes, we all put a lot of effort into making sure that we select the right laptop, sofa, television or car. Yet when it comes to tyres, most people simply take their car to a tyre shop and get their tyres changed.

Think about this for a moment. People spend days researching and comparing laptops before they make a buying decision, but they make a snap, on-the-spot decision when they buy new tyres – a component that determines comfort and safety every mile they drive. That seems a mad way to go about things, doesn’t it?

This article will help you choose your next set of new tyres with ease.

What to consider when you buy new tyres

Savvy drivers buy premium tyres in Brisbane, but always work within a budget. They know that cheaper brand tyres can end up costing more in the long term: they are made with lower-quality rubber compounds. This is likely to affect performance, increasing breaking distances and reducing safety, and decreasing tyre life.

When you are working within a budget, the secret to buying new tyres is to consider three elements: tread, construction, and rubber compound.

About new tyre treads

Tyre tread does a number of jobs. It provides grip and traction on the road, helps to expel water so you avoid aquaplaning, and aids drive comfort.

The first thing to consider when deciding on tread is the type of driving you do:

• For driving on roads, a highway design tread is perfect
• If you drive off-road, perhaps taking trips into the outback at weekends, an all-terrain tyre will cover you for driving on dirt, sand and woodland tracks
• For those who are regular off-road junkies, a deeper, more open tread will provide a better drive experience over longer off-road trips
• If you expect your off-road trip to take you through a lot of water and mud, and over rocky outcrops, mud tyres will provide the perfect combination of traction and balance

When considering tread, remember that the deeper the tread, the better the grip. Therefore, if all other elements are equal, it is probably best to go for the tyres with deeper tread to provide the best performance within your budget range.

When you buy new tyres, you should always tell the tyre technician what type of driving you do most, and explain your driving style. This will help them give you the best recommendation.

Tyre construction

New tyre construction has come a long way. The carcass is responsible for most of a tyre’s performance. Tyres are built in layers. The bead and bead filler provide stability and flexibility needed during manoeuvres. Steel belts provide rigidity that stops the tyre from changing shape. Other layers, which may include nylon, help to create a smoother and more comfortable drive.

When buying new tyres, ask about the tyre construction and what features the tyre has that will give you the driving experience you desire.

Rubber compound

Tyres are made from compounds of rubber and other materials, and the mix really can make a big difference to performance and tyre life. Cheaper tyres are made from cheaper and less stable compounds. They can quickly become brittle – especially in the sun here in Brisbane – and they weather poorly. You may find that instead of a useful life of five years, you may need to change a tyre made with an inferior compound after just three years. In a 10-year period, you could need three sets of new tyres rather than two.

Tyre manufacturers spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on research and development. Much of this is spent on improving tyre compounds so that they more readily resist cutting, tearing and chipping. This means that for those drivers who rack up a high mileage, the tyre is less likely to suffer damage that could lead to a tyre blowout.

Still not sure which are the best new tyres in Brisbane?

Research is essential to buy the best, whatever it is that you are buying. Even then, you are likely to seek the advice of an expert. For that expert advice when buying new tyres in Brisbane, drop into our tyre shop in Darra. Or simply get in touch online – we’ll be happy to call you back and help you.

(See more tyre buying tips in our article “What new tyres should you buy in Brisbane?”)

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

What are the tyre brands that Brisbane drivers should be driving?

Tips to choose your tyre and match to the best brand

If you look after your tyres well, they should last longer (see our spring and summer tyre maintenance tips for Queensland drivers). More importantly, you’ll be maximising how effective your tyres are. Keep them correctly inflated, watch for signs of damage, and keep an eye on tread depth, and you’ll enhance fuel consumption, comfort and safety.

However, no matter what distances you drive and how you drive, eventually you’ll need a new set of tyres. Manufacturers recommend no longer than around five years between tyre changes. In this article, you’ll learn how to pick the type of tyre you need and what brands are considered the best for Brisbane’s drivers.

What type of tyre do you need?

Before looking at brands, you should consider which type of tyre you need for your vehicle. Broadly, there are a few types of tyre available. These include:

·      SUV tyres

For SUVs, drivers should opt for a tyre that offers improved handling, braking and stability. If travelling off-road, a more rigid tyre will offer better control. Michelin scores highest with Australian motorists surveyed by Canstar Blue, for performance in wet and dry weather conditions, stopping ability, and value for money, among many other qualities.

·      Small car tyres

Drivers of small cars are most interested in tyres that last longer and provide good value for money. This doesn’t mean cheap tyres, but rather tyres that are reasonably priced with good performance – top brands such as Goodyear and Michelin, are most favoured.

·      Ultra-high performance tyres

High-performance cars need high-performance tyres, to give the best handling, steering and braking performance in a variety of weather and road conditions.

·      Sports tyres

Sports tyres are more expensive than most other tyres. For many years, the lead brand in this area has been Pirelli. However, according to Canstar Blue, Pirelli has lost its top spot this year, though this may be because sports tyres are not best suited to family vehicles.

·      Low-noise tyres

Many of the top brands have developed tyres that are designed to reduce road noise in the cabin. Top of the group are Pirelli, Michelin and Goodyear.

What are the best tyre brands?

In its 2018 tyre survey, Canstar Blue assessed several factors with each allotted a star rating from one to five. These factors are:

• Overall satisfaction
• Value for money
• Tyre life
• Stopping ability
• Dry weather handling
• Wet weather handling
• Noise

Here is how the major brands rate:

Australia’s drivers appear to prefer Michelin – and these opinions should mean a lot: they come from people who use these tyres and who have bought them in the last two years. However, when choosing the best tyre for you, you should consider not only your vehicle, but also your driving style, where you drive, and your budget.

For the best brands, a fantastic personal service, and the help you deserve when you need new tyres in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

How to avoid the life-threatening mistake of buying fake tyres

Tips on how to spot a fake tyre and only buy genuine

If you make the mistake of buying fake tyres, you will be putting lives at risk: yours, your passengers, and other road users. Counterfeit wheels buckle and break more easily – recent tests have shown that they can disintegrate at just 50kmh when a pothole is driven over.

Fake tyres are equally as dangerous. Think about it: when you buy a fake tyre, you are buying an unauthorised version of an original. It may have been made with stolen or copied moulds or substandard rubber compounds, and will not have undergone the rigorous safety testing that genuine manufacturers make.

A fake tyre is a little like a fake Versace handbag – it looks great for all of five minutes, then will fall apart at the seams when put under any stress. Fake tyres cost more in the long run, will increase your fuel consumption, and will give you a less than satisfactory and more dangerous driving experience.

Here are 7 ways to spot a fake tyre.

1.     Misspellings on the tyre and/or packaging

This is a big giveaway that the tyre is a fake. If it is Firelli instead of Pirelli, or Bidgestone instead of Bridgestone, it’s a fake. You might get away with a pair of ‘Rayburns’ as sunglasses, but fitting ‘Mishelin’ tyres on your truck is a whole different ball game. Watch for misspelled names and fake logos.

2.     No marking on the tyre sidewall

The markings on the tyre’s sidewall details all the information you need to know about a tyre – its size, pressures, date of manufacture, etc. Even if you don’t look at these marks, if they aren’t there you shouldn’t buy the tyre.

3.     The tyre is sold without paperwork or packaging

If you buy tyres from a reputable dealer, you’ll get paperwork with them – a warranty, for example. If there is no paperwork available, this is another warning sign that the tyres you are buying could be fakes.

4.     The colour is ‘off’

Tyres are black (mostly). If the tyre you are buying is any colour other than black, then you need to tread with caution.

5.     The tyres don’t stand up to the ‘kick test’

Ever heard the saying, ‘kick the tyres’ when buying a used car? There’s a reason for this. They shouldn’t damage from a few light taps with the toe of your boot. If they do, just imagine what damage accidently kerbing your vehicle will do to the tyre on the road. Flimsy tyres are made with substandard rubber compounds. Don’t go there.

6.     They are available in a strange location

Shady deals are done in the shadows. The same is true of fake tyres. A bona fide dealer, selling good products, won’t need to meet you in a car park to exchange a set of tyres for a pocketful of cash.

7.     The seller won’t tell you they are genuine

Finally, if the seller avoids giving a straight answer when you ask if the tyres they are selling are the genuine item, it’s a big red flag that you are about to be conned into buying counterfeit tyres.

How to avoid buying fake tyres

So, now you know how to spot fake tyres, let’s run through a few rules to make sure you never get caught out:

• Always examine the tyre – for misspellings, missing information, colour, and with the kick test
• Check the tread depth, and compare to the brand’s details on its website
• Compare tread pattern with the tyre’s tread pattern on the brand’s website

Finally, only ever buy tyres from a recognised and reputable dealer. This rule holds true for online purchases, too (read our article “Avoid these mistakes when buying tyres online” for more tips).

Here at Darra Tyres, we’ve been in the tyre business for more than 40 years. We supply tyres from the best brands, at all budget levels, and guarantee our service and tyre quality. For all your tyre needs in Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

Changing tyres in Brisbane – here’s what to do with your used tyres

Ideas to recycle used tyres to keep kids amused and help the environment

I was asked what happens to all the old tyres that we remove from vehicles here in Brisbane. The truth is that most are recycled. However, some are upcycled and turned into new products. There are also plenty of projects that kids can get involved with using old tyres. Some old tyres even make their way back to the road, but in a way that you might not realise.

Old tyre projects to keep your kids amused

If you are changing your tyres here in Brisbane, why not ask our technicians if you can take the old tyres away? There are plenty of projects that your kids can get involved with using old tyres.

Repurposing an old tyre is a perfect opportunity to encourage your kids’ creative side to come out. It’s also a great way to do a bit of parent/child bonding. Here are just a few ways in which you can use old tyres to give your kids hours of fun.

Create a playground in your backyard

The only limit to how much of playground can be created in your backyard using old tyres is your imagination. Create an obstacle course, swings, climbers, seesaws… Let your kids get involved, helping with ideas, designs, and then the making of their own backyard playground.

Be prepared to spend a weekend putting it together, and be prepared for your children’s friends to spend most of their time in your garden. When it comes to birthday parties, you can forget about hiring entertainers or expensive bouncy castles – you’ve got a whole world of adventure for all the kids to enjoy.

Build a kids’ gym

A playground will provide plenty of exercise, but some kids may prefer an outside gym. Build one using used tyres painted in bright colours, and stacked in different shapes for climbing.

Create a climbing wall with used tyres

This is one of my favourites, partly because it’s so versatile a project to do. You can use whole tyres or parts of tyres, place them between a frame or on a solid wall, and create a range of walls for kids of different sizes: a six-foot wall is great for kids under the age of six, while 12 feet  is a maximum height for kids up to 12 years old. Make sure you place some rubber mats on the ground to cushion any falls.

Give them a swinging time

Perhaps the simplest way to use a used tyre, all you need is a rope, a tyre and a tree. Put it up, and watch the kids get into the swing of being away from their iPads and mobile phones. Make this the last of your tyre projects, though, or else you will end up doing all the work building the playground while the kids are on and off the swing.

Adult projects for used tyres

Of course, used tyres can also have their worth for more adult uses. If you want a few ideas – from tyre lamps to tyre subwoofers, coffee tables, and planters, boredpanda has an absolute hatful.

Recycling used tyres on Australian roads

Tyres usually last between three and five years, depending upon mileage. With more than 19 million vehicles on Australia’s roads, this means upwards of 20 million tyres could be recycled every year. That’s an environmental challenge that is hard to ignore, which is why it’s great that Australia is catching up with other countries in the use of used tyres to create roads.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) is promoting the use of ‘rubber crumb’ to build Australian roads. This is mixed into the asphalt, providing longer-lasting roads with better drainage and greater traction.

With luck and good planning, most of Australia’s used tyres will be used to build roads needed to satisfy growing populations. This should help to reduce road maintenance costs, too. On the downside, if you want to create those kids’ projects with used tyres, you may have to get cracking – road builders may monopolise used tyres soon.

For the best tyre service in Brisbane, and advice on tyres and how to make them last longer, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

What is the best tyre pressure for your 4WD?

4WD tyre pressures for all terrains

If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you’ll know that here at Darra tyres we consider tyre maintenance and driver safety to be important issues. You’ll also know that we write a lot about the importance of tyre pressure. Much of the damage caused to tyres is because they are driven on at the incorrect pressure. As well as being one of the major causes of uneven tread wear, over- or underinflated tyres also reduce fuel consumption. That’s a double-cost whammy that is easily avoided by a quick tyre check before you set off on your journey.

In this article, you’ll learn about tyre pressure in your 4WD tyres, and what the correct pressure to inflate to is.

4WD tyre pressure is a unique beast

The pressure you inflate to when driving a 4WD vehicle depends on the terrain you will be driving on, as well as the vehicle and load. Different driving conditions require different tyre pressures for the most effective drive experience. You’ll need to inflate and deflate according to need.

On normal roads and highways, you should inflate to your vehicle’s recommended pressures. But there are times when you’ll need to reduce tyre pressure.

When to reduce 4WD tyre pressure

When you are driving off-road, reducing your tyre pressure is not only desirable, it is essential. A lower pressure makes your tyre spread, providing more tyre traction on surfaces such as sand and mud. Without that traction, you won’t move, and could get buried in sand. So, deflate to create a wider surface area in contact with the ground, gain more traction, and move more easily.

You should also use a lower tyre pressure when driving over rocky surfaces, though the reason is different. 4WD tyres with a higher air pressure are more susceptible to punctures from sharp rocks and stones. Taking some of that air out provides more give to the tyre, allowing it to drive over rocks with less chance of suffering a puncture.

The faster you drive, the higher your tyre pressure should be

As a general rule, the faster your drive the higher you should have your tyre pressure. Off-roading over tough terrain, where you are more likely to encounter mud, sand and sharp rocky areas, requires slower drives and lower tyre pressures. Much is down to experience.

The best choice a 4WD enthusiast can make is to select the best-quality tyres in his or her budget range, then deflate and inflate according to terrain, driving conditions and driving style. Remember to alter your tyre pressures on your travels, and you should never get stuck in the mud or punctured on the rocks.

For the best tyre service in Brisbane, and advice on tyres and how to make them last longer, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood