Category Archives for "Eco-Friendly Tyres"

Summer Tyres

How Often Should I Rotate My Tyres in Brisbane?

Rotating your tyres regularly is one of the most important tyre maintenance tasks for Brisbane drivers. But with our mostly sunny climate, how often should you actually rotate them? This complete guide explains everything you need to know about getting the maximum life and performance from your tyres through rotation.

What is Tyre Rotation and Why Does it Matter?

Tyre rotation means moving your tyres to a different wheel position on your vehicle. Most cars have tyres mounted in pairs - two at the front and two at the rear. When you rotate them, you are swapping the front tyres to the back, and the rear tyres to the front. Some vehicles also have left and right side tyres that can be rotated from side-to-side.

The aim of rotating tyres is to evenly distribute wear. Front and rear tyres wear at different rates due to differences in weight distribution and steering forces. By changing their positions, all the tyres wear more uniformly and last longer before needing replacement. Think of it like shuffling cards in a deck - rotating helps wear down the tread on all your tyres instead of just one pair.

Consistent tyre rotation provides big benefits for your car's handling, fuel economy and safety:

  • Maximises tyre life - Rotation allows you to get every extra kilometre possible out of your tyre tread.
  • Improves performance - Evenly worn tyres provide optimal grip, traction and braking.
  • ** Saves fuel** - Correct inflation and minimal tyre wear reduces rolling resistance.
  • Enhances safety - Reduced risk of blowouts or loss of control from unevenly worn tyres.

So don't skip your tyre rotations if you want your tyres to last and your car to handle like it should.

Recommended Tyre Rotation Frequency in Brisbane

In hot Brisbane conditions, tyre wear happens faster compared to cooler climates. The high temperatures here accelerate tread wear. That means more frequent tyre rotation is recommended to maximize tyre life.

Most car manufacturers specify rotating tyres every 5,000 - 10,000kms. For Brisbane drivers, it's a good idea to rotate at least every 5,000kms or 6 months. If your driving includes plenty of highway miles or your tyres show uneven wear, rotate more often - as frequently as every 3,000kms.

The easiest way to check if your tyres are due for rotation is with a tread depth gauge. Check the depth across each tyre's tread width. If the outer edges are significantly more worn than the middle, it's definitely time to rotate them. An uneven wear pattern like this signals that tyre rotation is overdue.

Tyre Rotation Patterns

There are several different rotation patterns you can follow when you swap your front and rear tyres. Some common options are:

  • Forward cross - Move the front tyres directly back to the opposite rear wheels. Move the rear tyres directly up to the opposite front wheels. This is one of the most effective patterns.
  • X-pattern - Move the front-left tyre to the rear-right wheel. Move the front-right tyre to the rear-left wheel. Move the rear tyres in a crisscross pattern to the front.
  • Back-to-front - A simple straight swap of the front tyres to the rear and vice versa. Not ideal long-term as the tyres end up in their original position after two rotations.
  • Side-to-side - Swap the left side tyres to the right side wheels and the right side tyres to the left side. Only suitable if the tyres are non-directional.
  • Modified x-pattern - Diagonal swap front-left to rear-right and front-right to rear left. Then straight swap the rears to front and vice versa. Adds a straight swap to even out inner/outer edge wear.

Your vehicle owner's manual will specify the recommended rotation pattern. Some vehicles require different patterns depending on the drivetrain or suspension design.

Many four wheel drives and all-wheel drive cars have additional rotation considerations depending on being shifted between 2WD and AWD modes. Consult your dealer or mechanic for the right pattern.

DIY Tyre Rotation at Home

Rotating your own tyres is a straightforward DIY job. With some basic tools and the right precautions, you can rotate your tyres at home in about 30 minutes:

  • Park your car on level ground and set the parking brake firmly.
  • Loosen the wheel nuts - break their torque seal before jacking the car up. Don't remove them fully yet.
  • Safely jack up the car and secure it on sturdy jack stands. Never rely just on the jack.
  • Fully loosen and remove the wheel nuts, then take off the tyre/wheel assembly.
  • Move the tyre to the new rotation position, following the recommended pattern. Chalk the tyres or take photos if needed to remember position.
  • Install the wheel and initially tighten the wheel nuts by hand in a star pattern until firm.
  • Lower the car fully and tighten the nuts to the final torque spec in the star pattern with a torque wrench.
  • Check and adjust all tyre pressures to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended PSI level.
  • Give the wheel hubs a clean before fitting the next tyre.
  • Repeat the process to rotate the remaining tyres.

Take care not to overtighten the wheel nuts or damage the wheel bolts. If you don't have the proper tools or experience, consult a professional tyre shop for safety. But with care and mechanical common sense, DIY tyre rotation can save you some weekend cash.

When to Get Professional Tyre Rotation

While DIY rotation is suitable for most drivers, there are times to use a professional tyre service instead:

  • If you don't have the right tools or feel unsure of the process.
  • For vehicles with complex suspension systems or drivetrains like 4WD.
  • If you need tyre balancing or alignment done as well.
  • For tyre inspections and wear checks by a qualified technician.
  • For trucks, vans, caravans or heavy vehicle tyre service.
  • For vehicles with low profile, run flat or specialty tyres.

Professional tyre technicians have the skills, tools and experience to safely service all tyre types. They can check for suspension issues affecting wear, detect damage or issues not apparent through DIY rotation, and ensure optimal tyre setup. Plus they can answer any questions specific to your vehicle or tyres.

Benefits of Regular Tyre Rotation

Here's a quick recap of the key benefits of rotating your tyres according to the recommended schedule:

  • Maximizes tyre tread life - Evens out wear across all tyres for full value.
  • Improves wet braking - Worn tyres lose braking ability fastest in wet conditions.
  • Enhances handling and control - Eliminates pulled steering from uneven tyre grip.
  • Reduces road noise - Worn treads increase noise from vibration and impacts.
  • Saves fuel costs - Correct inflation and minimal tyre wear cuts rolling resistance.
  • Prevents blowouts - Removes bald tyres prone to catastrophic failure.
  • Peace of mind - Following proper maintenance intervals reduces breakdowns.
  • Saves money - Extends tyre life to delay expensive replacements.

So keep those tyres rotating for safety, performance and value. Your car and wallet will thank you.

Partner with Brisbane's Tyre Rotation Experts

For professional tyre rotations, inspections and alignments in Brisbane, talk to the experts at Darra Tyres on 07 33753366. Their qualified technicians will get your tyres rotated and car performing at its best.

Keeping your car safely on the road is their top priority. Trust Darra Tyres for all your tyre maintenance needs, whether DIY or pro servicing. They offer expert guidance to help you maximise value from your tyres.

Rotate early and rotate often to keep your tyres in top shape!

tyres australia

The Illusion of Brisbanes Cheapest Tyres solved

Are you looking for the best deals on tyres in Brisbane? If so, then you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options available. Not only can you find great prices on quality tyres, but you can also get expert advice on what type of tyre is best suited for your vehicle. It's important not to just shop for price but consider the best tyre for your needs.

Let's take a look at the benefits of buying Brisbanes cheapest tyres, how to find the best deals, and tips for getting the most out of your purchase. So, let's get started!

What are the Benefits of Buying Brisbanes Cheapest Tyres?

The most obvious benefit of buying Brisbanes cheapest tyres is the cost savings but only if you choose the right tyre for your unique driving conditions. Focusing exclusively on price means that many dealers can sell you the cheapest of the cheap and compromise on the tyre life and also even the safety. With the right knowledge and research, you can get the best deals on quality tyres that will last a long time. Additionally, cheaper tyres can help to reduce fuel costs, which can be a significant saving.

Another benefit of buying Brisbanes cheapest tyres is that you can get a higher quality product without having to pay a premium price. Whilst many of the cheaper tyres available in Brisbane are made from high-grade materials and come with a manufacturer's warranty. This means that you should be able to rely that you're getting a quality product at a great price but not always. So you need to speak with professionals. 

Finally, buying Brisbanes cheapest tyres can help to reduce the environmental impact of your vehicle. Cheaper tyres are often made from recycled materials, and this can help to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill. 

Finding the Best Deals on Tyres in Brisbane

The first step to finding the best deals on tyres in Brisbane is to do your research. There are a number of online tyre retailers that offer discounted prices on tyres. In fact some retailers offer unique purpose build tyres that noone other retailer can offer, this allows them to say they are the cheapest but that doesn't mean the right one for your needs. Often they are lower quality, will wear out sooner and overall will cost you more than having bought a different tyre. 

It's also important to compare prices between different tyre brands. Different brands will often have different prices, and you may be able to find a better deal by shopping around. Additionally, you should check the reviews of each brand to make sure that the tyres you're buying are of good quality.

At Darra we are one of the few independents left who can offer the broad range of tyres, being tied to one manufacturer restricts the range and doesn't allow for a true sense of the best and cheapest tyre in Brisbane for you. Darra has ultimate chose and with over 40 years experience in tyres we can work with you for the best tyre for your needs. 

Brisbanes Cheapest Tyre

Types of Tyres Available in Brisbane

When it comes to buying tyres in Brisbane, there are a number of different types available. The most common types are all-season tyres, winter tyres, and summer tyres. It's worth noting that in Australia we don't really need dedicated winter tyres. All-season tyres are designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, making them ideal for those who drive in both hot and cold weather. Winter tyres are designed for icy and snowy conditions, and are best suited for those who live in colder climates (not really Brisbane :). Summer tyres are designed for hot weather, and are ideal for those who live in warmer climates.

Additionally, there are also a number of specialised tyres available in Brisbane. These include off-road tyres, performance tyres, and eco-friendly tyres. Off-road tyres are designed for rough terrain, and are ideal for those who do a lot of off-roading. Performance tyres are designed for maximum grip and handling, and are best suited for those who want the most out of their vehicle. Eco-friendly tyres are designed to reduce rolling resistance, and are ideal for those who want to reduce their fuel consumption and emissions.

How to Choose the Right Tyre for Your Vehicle

Choosing the right tyre for your vehicle can be a difficult task, but it's important to get it right. The first step is to make sure that you choose a tyre that is the right size for your vehicle. You can find the right size by referring to your vehicle's owner's manual, or by checking the tyres currently fitted to your vehicle.


Best Practices for Purchasing Tyres in Brisbane

When it comes to purchasing tyres in Brisbane, there are a few best practices that you should follow. The first is to make sure that you buy from a reputable retailer. This is important, as you want to make sure that the tyres you buy are of good quality and come with a manufacturer's warranty. To be fair, in Australia this shouldn't be a problem as consumer legislation protects you so keep your receipts and don't buy tyres over 5 years old. 

Additionally, you should also make sure that you check the tyre pressure regularly. Tyres that are not inflated to the correct pressure can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in wear and tear. Additionally, you should have your tyres rotated regularly to ensure that they wear evenly and last longer.

How to Get the Best Value for Money When Buying Tyres

When it comes to getting the best value for your money when buying tyres, there are a few tips that you should follow. The first is to buy in bulk. Many online retailers offer discounts when you buy multiple tyres, so whilst this appears to be a great way to save money often the discount is build into the price, so are you really getting a great deal. The truth is in this day and age, it's all a marketing ploy and not a real discount.  Be sure to compare the actual model, tread of the tyre and see if it really is the same as they claim. 

Finally, you could also consider buying second-hand tyres. While these tyres may not be in the best condition, they can still be a great way to save money. Just make sure that you inspect the tyres thoroughly before buying them, and make sure that they are still in good condition. However, you may be restricted as you ideally need to buy in pairs with similar wear, this is often hard and it may be better to look at replacing all 4 at the same time with new tyres. Then take the time to ensure they are regularly pumped up to the ideal pressure (thats another blog 🙂


Call the team for the cheapest tyres in Brisbane

Buying Brisbanes cheapest tyres can be a great way to save money and reduce the environmental impact of your vehicle. There are a number of factors to consider when buying tyres, such as the type of tyre, the size of the tyre, and the quality of the tyre.  

At Darra Tyres we do the shopping around for you to get the best deals. Rather than headlining discounts to attract you each week we offer the best prices we can every day and work of finding the right tyre that will last the longest and provide the best use for your needs. It's more consultation that sales. The industry has become far too focussed on discount and cheap and forgotten that it's actually the right tyre that really matters. 

If you're looking for Brisbanes cheapest tyres, then the team at Darra Tyres can help. They offer a wide selection of quality tyres at competitive prices, as well as expert advice on which tyres are best suited for your vehicle. So, don't hesitate to call the team at Darra Tyres on 0733753366 today!

is-it-cheaper-to-buy-tyres-online

Discover the Best Tyre Places Near You – Now!

When it comes to tyres, it's important to find a reliable and trustworthy place to get them. Whether you're looking for car tyres, motorcycle tyres, or other types of tyres, you want to make sure you're getting the highest quality at the best price. But how do you know which places offer the best products and services? That's why we're here to help you discover the best tyre places near you!

Introduction

No matter what type of vehicle you have, it's important to have the right type of tyres. The right tyres can make all the difference when it comes to safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. But finding the best tyre places near you can be a challenge. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best.

Fortunately, we're here to help. In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of finding a reliable tyre place, what to consider when choosing a tyre place, the best tyre places near you, tips for choosing the best tyre place, the benefits of using a reliable tyre place, the best online tyre places, the advantages of online tyre places, and things to keep in mind when searching for tyre places online.

The importance of finding a reliable tyre place

Having reliable tyres is essential for the safety of you and your passengers. Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that connects you to the road, so it's important to make sure you have the right ones. If you don't, you could be putting yourself at risk for an accident.

In addition, having the right tyres can improve your vehicle's performance. The right tyres can provide better traction and handling, which can help you get better fuel economy. And if you're looking for tyres for a specific type of vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having the right tyres can make a huge difference in how it handles.

Finally, having the right tyres can help you save money in the long run. Quality tyres can last longer and can help you get the most out of your vehicle.

What to consider when choosing a tyre place

When it comes to choosing a tyre place, there are a few things to consider. First, you should check the reputation of the place. Look for customer reviews to see what people are saying about the place. You should also check to see if the place offers warranties on their tyres.

It's also important to make sure the place has the right tyres for your vehicle. Different vehicles require different types of tyres, so you want to make sure the place you're considering has the right ones for you. Finally, you should look for a place that offers competitive prices. You don't want to overpay for your tyres, so make sure you compare prices with other places.

The best tyre places near you

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to find the best tyre places near you. One of the best places to start is by asking for recommendations from friends and family. Chances are, someone you know has had a good experience with a tyre place and can give you a good recommendation.

You can also search online for reviews of local tyre places. Sites like Yelp and Google can give you an idea of what customers think of a place. You can also check out forums and social media groups to get an idea of what people are saying about local tyre places.

Finally, you can visit the place in person to get a better feel for the place. Check out the selection of tyres they have and talk to the staff to get a better idea of their customer service.

Tips for choosing the best tyre place

When it comes to choosing a tyre place, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First, make sure the place has a good reputation. You want to make sure the place you choose is reliable and trustworthy.

Next, make sure the place has the right tyres for your vehicle. Different vehicles require different types of tyres, so you want to make sure the place you choose has the right ones for you.

Finally, make sure the place offers competitive prices. You don't want to overpay for your tyres, so make sure you compare prices with other places.

The benefits of using a reliable tyre place

Using a reliable tyre place has a lot of benefits. First, you'll be able to get the right type of tyres for your vehicle. Quality tyres can provide better traction and handling, which can help you get better fuel economy.

In addition, you'll be able to trust that the tyres you get are of the highest quality. Quality tyres can last longer, which means you won't have to keep buying new ones.

Finally, you can trust that the staff at the tyre place will be knowledgeable and helpful. They can answer any questions you have and provide advice on the best type of tyres for your vehicle.

The best online tyre places

In addition to local tyre places, there are a number of online tyre places you can check out. Online tyre places typically offer a wide selection of tyres at competitive prices. You can also read customer reviews to see what people are saying about the place.

One of the best online tyre places is Darra Typing Tyres. They offer a wide selection of tires for different types of vehicles at competitive prices. Plus, they offer a wide range of services, from wheel balancing to tyre rotation.

The advantages of online tyre places

Online tyre places offer a number of advantages. First, they typically offer a wide selection of tyres at competitive prices. You can often find better deals online than you can at local tyre places.

In addition, online tyre places often offer free shipping, so you don't have to worry about transporting the tyres to your home. Plus, you can often get the tyres installed for free if you choose to have them shipped to a local tyre place.

Finally, online tyre places often offer warranties on their tyres. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're getting a quality product.

Things to keep in mind when searching for tyre places online

When it comes to searching for tyre places online, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the place has a good reputation. You want to make sure the place you choose is reliable and trustworthy.

Next, make sure the place offers competitive prices. You don't want to overpay for your tyres, so make sure you compare prices with other places.

Finally, make sure the place offers free shipping and installation. You don't want to have to pay extra for shipping and installation, so make sure you find a place that offers these services for free.

Conclusion

When it comes to tyres, it's important to find a reliable and trustworthy place to get them. Finding the best tyre places near you can be a challenge, but with the right tips and information, you can find the perfect place for you.

If you're looking for the best tyre places near you, call the team at Darra Tyres on 0733753366 today! They offer a wide selection of tyres at competitive prices and offer a wide range of services, from wheel balancing to tyre rotation. Plus, they offer free shipping and installation, so you can get the tyres you need without having to worry about transportation or installation.

Finding the right tyres for your vehicle is essential for the safety of you and your passengers. With the right tyres, you can get the most out of your vehicle and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. So don't wait any longer - find the best tyre places near you today!

can-tyres-really-be-environmentally-friendly

Can tyres really be environmentally friendly?

What you should consider before buying sustainable tyres in Queensland

One tyre trend that I’ve noticed growing in the last few years is with concern about the environment. More people buying tyres are asking ‘green’ questions, and major tyre manufacturers are producing more sustainable tyres.

In this article, you’ll learn how sustainable tyres differ from ‘ordinary’ tyres, and what you should consider before investing in a set of these new environmentally friendly tyres.

What do people want from ‘green’ tyres?

As the world goes green, there’s increasing awareness of the impact that tyres have on the environment. The biggest and most talked about impact is fuel consumption. Tyre manufacturers have spent fortunes on research and development to decrease fuel consumption. Modern tyres now grip the road better, offer a safer and more comfortable drive, and offer less road resistance. All these factors mean you drive further between refuelling stops.

Next on the list is concern about the raw materials used in the manufacture of tyres. Again, tyre manufacturers have worked hard in this area. Because of improvements in design and manufacturing processes over the years, tyres last way longer today. A good set of tyres – driven on correctly and rotated properly – should last up to 100,000 kilometres. This longevity means less rubber consumption per vehicle on the road. Manufacturers have also worked hard to innovate production processes to reduce or even eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in tyre manufacture.

A third environmental impact that drivers are concerned about is road noise. While it’s important to listen to what your tyre noise is telling you, it is also considered to be a nuisance, especially in built-up areas. A tyre with a low rolling resistance will produce less noise.

Could ‘sustainable’ tyres make an environmental difference?

Sustainable tyres use materials from different sources. Much of the material used to manufacture them is recycled, and the binding process has been tweaked accordingly. They should provide the same driving experience, but in a more environmentally friendly way.

The goal is greener tyres, greener materials, and greener manufacturing processes, without a reduction in safety, fuel consumption, and tyre life. Big manufacturers like Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Michelin are leaders in the field.

What you should consider before buying sustainable tyres

There’s no doubt in my mind that sustainable tyres are the future. But are they the present? Here are two things you should consider before replacing your current tyres with sustainable tyres.

Cost of tyres

Sustainable tyre manufacturer is still in its infancy, and this means that they are more expensive than their mass-manufactured counterparts.

Tyre safety

Infancy is also a factor when considering your safety. Existing tyres and manufacturing processes have decades of history behind them. The new sustainable tyres don’t have this benefit. Recycled materials may be great in colder climates, where they have been extensively tested, but can the same be said when driving on them in the middle of a baking hot Queensland summer?

Of course, manufacturers will overcome these concerns in time. Eventually, sustainable tyres will offer a safer and more comfortable drive.

Recycling of tyres is catching up with recycling of other waste

Here in Australia, we recycle almost 60% of our waste. Tyre disposal has lagged these efforts. This is changing.

The days of seeing huge tyre mountains and landfill sites stuffed with old tyres may be coming to an end. More tyres can be regrooved and retreaded today. And instead of a landfill, when tyres are past their useful life they are equally likely to be turned into ‘earth fill’, for the construction industry and infrastructure projects such as building dams.

Old tyres can even be recycled into oil and fuel, as Australian start-up GDT is proving.

One day, you may be driving on sustainable wheels, with your engine lubricated and powered by recycled rubber.

Darra Tyres – keeping you informed of your future on the road. To find out about our comprehensive tyre services, contact Darra Tyres.

Keeping you safe on the road,

Kevin Wood

What can you do with your old tyres in Brisbane?

Innovative ways to recycle tyres in Brisbane and save the environment

When a tyre is no longer roadworthy, disposing of it can be a problem. There are very few eco-friendly ways of getting rid of old tyres, and yet there are several ways in which old tyres can be used in an eco-friendly way. Only 16% of the 48 million tyres discarded in Australia every year are recycled. The rest is used in a landfill or stored in dangerous and often illegal tyre dumps (like the tyre dump discovered in North Queensland). Eventually, they pollute our soil, rivers, and water supply, or catch fire and pollute the air we breathe.

In this article, you’ll learn how we can all be greener when it comes to old tyres in Brisbane.

tyres recycled

Tyres are a valuable resource – we shouldn’t waste them

Though it isn’t fit for use as a tyre any longer, an old tyre is still a valuable resource. Each discarded tyre contains around:

  • 5kg of steel
  • 5kg of textiles
  • 7kg of rubber

It means that here in Australia alone, every year we are throwing away around:

  • 60 million kg of steel
  • 20 million kg of textiles
  • 280 million kg of rubber

Stockpiles of old tyres are a health hazard, creating breeding grounds for rats and mosquitoes. Landfill sites get clogged up with old tyres – imagine as many as 40 million tyres buried underground every year here in Australia.

It is a colossal waste of what could still be a useful resource.

recycled tyres

How can old tyres be recycled?

The 40 million or so old tyres we waste every year could be put to some really good, environmentally-friendly uses. For example, old tyres can be turned into:

Rubber roads. If this sounds outlandish, in the United States they have been using rubber roads since the 1960s. There are now around 20,000 miles of such roads in America. They are quieter to drive on, which is another benefit when you consider that the World Health Organisation reckons that one in every 50 heart attacks in Europe is caused by exposure to loud traffic.

Energy. Old tyres can be used by power stations. Tyres are first shredded and then burned to help create electricity. They can also be burned in cement-making kilns, reducing the amount of carbon fuel needed.

Can you use your old tyres for other things?

Yes, you can! How about creating a centrepiece of tyre planters in your garden? Or perhaps setting them up as a mini assault course for the kids – swings, step-throughs, crawl-throughs, and so on? Here are a few other ingenious uses for old tyres that I’ve heard of:

  • Dog bed
  • Tyre lamps
  • Planters
  • Tyre tables
  • Tyre speakers or subwoofers
  • Half-tyre hammocks (for the kids)
  • Garden steps
  • Sandboxes
  • Umbrella stand

We’ve teamed up with Sarah Textor of Clive Street to discard of old tyres more intelligently. She creates the most amazing fashion accessories from inner tube tyres, and we’re happy and proud to help  Sarah and Brisbane’s environment simultaneously.

Tyres Recycled

What else can you do to reduce wastage from old tyres?

There are a few other things you can do to help reduce tyre waste, and every little helps. For example:

  • Buy good quality tyres that last longer.
  • Take care of your tyres to prolong their useful life – employ a regular tyre maintenance program.
  • Consider buying retreads to support the recycling of tyres.

If we all added just 10% to tyre life, we’d annually cut more than 4 million old tyres from Australia’s old tyre mountain.

For tips on how to recycle your old tyres and the best tyre service in West Brisbane, contact Darra Tyres today. You never know, you might also find that fashionable handbag you’ve been searching for.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevih Wood

A great way to dispose old tyres in Brisbane!

Brisbane Tyres turned to chic bags and accessories

Worry no more about your old run down tyres. Inner tube tyres can now be recycled and turned into fashionable accessories for your everyday use!

We at Darra Tyres have always been an advocate of tyre or rubber recycling. Annette and I have been approached by Sarah Textor of Clive Street and were amazed by her passion for producing sustainable bags and accessories. We immediately jumped on board to help her with her cause.

Sarah Textor owner of Clive Street was so sweet to write us a note saying;

“As the owner of sustainable bag and accessories label that uses textiles such as inner tube tyres, advertising billboard skins and seatbelt webbing. The most important element to creating my range is the local business community that keeps the used textiles for me to collect and use. After searching for a tyre business that could keep the inner tube tyres from their workshop I came across Darra Tyres. From the very beginning, Kevin and Annette have been so supportive of my sustainable business. Keeping the inner tubes and storing them for me until I can get the items from their shop and collect them. Kevin is always interested in my projects and designs and is really committed to supporting me in any way. I am very grateful for Darra Tyres for taking an interest in other small business who believe in sustainability and recycling

The "CuB" Duffel Bag   Large Wallet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tassel

It’s amazing how innovative we can be with seemingly useless items. Help save the earth by reinventing waste in creative ways!

Cheers,

Kevin Wood

Tyre_regulations_could_pose_a_toxic_fire_risk_in_Queensland

Sketchy Tyre Dealers could pose a toxic fire risk in Queensland

Green tape was removed, but has it caused a bigger headache for Brisbane?

Waste tyre regulations were changed in Queensland by the Newman government, but they could pose a real threat of fire. When they were updated, the reasoning was to remove so-called ‘green tape’. But the change has simply allowed unlicensed tyre dealers to gather huge piles of tyres before they send them to be recycled.

Even worse, there are concerns that some businesses have been collecting a fee for collection without any intention of recycling – and that poses problems in more ways than one.

Tyre fires burn for days

If one of these tyre piles should go up in flames, the fire is likely to last days and send huge plumes of toxic smoke into the local atmosphere. One operator flouting the tyre regulations is known to have a stockpile in two sites in Brisbane and Logan – if either of these goes up, the result could be devastating for local residents and the local environment.

To see how bad a tyre fire in a stockpile this size could be, you only to look toward Castilla-La Mancha, near Madrid in Spain, where a tyre fire raged for days recently. There, a tyre dump went up in flames causing 10,000 people to be evacuated from their homes. The illegal dump – which ignored EU tyre regulations – was the size of ten rugby fields, and the massive black cloud carrying toxic fumes billowed hundreds of metres. It is estimated that now the fire has been extinguished there are still 30,000 tonnes of tyres remaining.

Thankfully, none of the illegal tyre dumps in Queensland are that big – yet.

Fire is not the only threat from unlicensed tyre dealers and their illegal tyre dumps

While fire is the most obvious threat, a 2015 report detailing illegal dumping and stockpiling of waste tyres in Brisbane (and published by the Boomerang Alliance) highlighted the likelihood that these dumps are becoming breeding grounds for mosquitos. That report found seven such dumps that posed a mosquito plague threat to local residents.

The Boomerang Alliance made some recommendations, including eliminating the misleading ‘suitable operator permit’ from the new regulatory approach and enforcing illegal dumping provisions.

Here at Darra, we believe that all tyres should be disposed of with safety in mind. We only use bonafide recycling operators to dispose of waste tyres. This means our customers can rest assured that we have their safety in mind when we fit their tyres and beyond.

To benefit from a great service, safe fitting, and safe waste tyre disposal, call Darra on 3333 5510. Our guarantee is your safety. And when it comes to safety and tyre regulations, we take nothing more seriously.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

The team at Darra Tyres.

Tyre Dealers Turned Art Dealers? Amazing Tyre Sculptures!

In the last post I wrote about how re-purposed used tyres can be used to mitigate the formation of cyclones in tropical areas. Which is a pretty cool thing when you think about it! Today I’m going to take a less technical approach to re-purposing old or used tyres and see how, what is essentially a one use item, can be remade and re-purposed into astounding art that can bring unreal and unbelievable creatures to life. Even if we think we will hold off on switching from tyre dealers to art dealers just now!

Introducing South Korean artist Yong Ho Ji. A native of the capital of Seoul he has been creating these gargantuan works of art for some time now and boy has he built some brilliant pieces!
These artworks are awe inspiring and are easily some of the coolest things I have seen for re-purposing anything.

Constructed with a mixture of materials ranging from Styrofoam and resin to wood then of course capped off with tyres for a rich sinewy texture and style the sheer imagination and time that must have gone in to each and every one of these pieces is astounding.

When asked about his artworks Ji said in an interview;

“I wanted to express strong living things under, what I thought of as, the term ‘Mutant’. So I looked for some stuff which could express the concept of both soft and powerful. Also I thought that life belonged to Mother Nature, so I brought that into consideration as well. At the time, I had found tire scraps stuck behind my jeep, all roughly cut and stuck between the surfaces of the wheels. I felt that these grooves and slivers could be controlled, and soon enough, they became the body of my actual work. After a few years, I’ve been able to establish my style that you see today. I don’t think there is only one way to expression. The tire was just the best material to express my vision of ‘Mutant’,”

This mutant series of artworks is full of imaginative and surreal creatures based in the real then taken past that into something else. Some of the highlights may be the Hybrid Human category with (my personal favourite being the supremely confident looking Jackal Man), the woman lion or the bull man.

39_jackal-man-1-4

Representative of the term mutant Ji combines and blurs the line between real life inspiration and imagination. Some of his creations looking like they just stepped straight from the Narnia or Pokemon realms. In all though we shouldnt think about this too literally Ji himself hopes that his artworks are “interpreted emotionally rather than cerebrally.

Feeling the artwork is very important to him and when you look at the provocative poses that most of them display you can see he has put a lot of thought into conveying the animal/hybrids moods or emotions. Arguably one of the best examples of this is the Wild Dog which almost makes you ‘awww’ at the sight of its bowed head and doe eyes.

10_wilddog12

That’s just another awesome thing about people and the things that we can create. Its virtually limitless.

If you’d like to know more about the artist or the artworks or view an extensive gallery of the works you can can find all of them on Yong Ho’s website. Be sure to check out the scale of some of these animals too in some cases up to 5x the size of the actual animal!

Cheers,

Kevin Wood

Brisbane Tyres could be used to Protect Queensland from Cyclones

Finally a good idea for the disposal of Brisbane Tyres!

When you’re driving around I bet you don’t generally realise the impact that your tyres could have on the environment and people you’ve never even met. For once car tyres can be seen in a whole new light; as a positive impact on the environment and other people.

One man; Stephen Salter has developed an idea that could stop the formation of Cyclones in tropical climates. He’s had some massive support too; Microsoft founder and known philanthropist Bill Gates has openly come out to back what could possibly be one of the biggest and under appreciated ideas of our time. I’ll explain how this works in a second but first just think about that idea; your used car tyres could be the difference between millions of dollars of damage, the loss of precious property and (worst of all) loved ones.

What Is It & How Does It Work?

To explain that we have to have a quick look at how a Cyclone forms;<./p>

A cyclone only forms when the ocean temperature reaches above 27 degrees Celsius. The warm water heats the air around it and as we all know; warm air rises. As it does this it carries up moisture into the atmosphere and releases that moisture to form clouds then it cools and falls again. This process is how a cyclone, hurricane or typhoon is formed.

hurricane_diagram_thumb

Ok now we have that out of the way let’s get back to the Professor Salter and his cyclone stopper. The system designed by Salter has been around for some time now yet things have been strangely quiet concerning it. Designed in 2012 the system has been dubbed by many as the ‘Salter Sink’.

The Salter Sink

In a nutshell the concept of the Salter Sink is one of heat sinking. Which is just a fancy way of saying it is a device that does not use engines or machinery but passively dissipates heat from one area into its surrounding medium (such as air or water).

In this case, the heat sink would be out floating in the ocean where it would cool the temperature of the oceans’ surface through the use of long plastic tubes plunging right down into the coldest parts of the ocean. These plastic tubes would be kept afloat by your used tyres all lashed together.

As waves crash and rock these tyres water will spill into them into the tubes. As wave after wave crashes over the tyres and into the centre of the tube that warm water would work its way down the tubes to the bottom of the ocean forcing cooler water towards the surface and thus cooling the ocean enough to hinder the production of hurricanes.

heat-sink

As you can see the picture isn’t the best but explains the process simply. The warmer water from near the surface would make its way down to the bottom of the ocean to the cooler blue region and thus cool the surface temperature of the ocean.

All this with plastic tubes and your recycled car tyres. Pretty amazing how simple uses for what most consider to be unusable junk can affect so many in such a profound way. We certainly look forward to seeing one of these go into action and hope you do too.

Cheers,

Kevin Wood

The Best Tyres – Do you Know Where does Rubber come from?

Hey guys,

During a recent trip to Thailand I took time out to visit a local latex (rubber) plantation. Most people don’t realise that rubber comes from the sap of trees, it’s called latex and is a natural product. Now sure by the time we fit it to your car its far from natural, in fact well over 200 different chemicals go into the making of a tyre. As the underlying component the best latex produces the best tyres.

Natural latex is actually pure white, a far cry from the black tyres we all see.

The locals wake early every morning as they have done for generations and strip a little bit of bark from the tree, too much and you’ll have a sick tree, too little and its hardly worth the effort, they strip it in a diagonal fashion and place a cup underneath to catch the sappy substance. Eventually the tree repairs itself and you can start in a fresh spot the next day.

Once the cup is full they will take it away and add a chemical that helps store and transport the rubber.

It’s only a small amount from each tree, perhaps the same amount as when you put milk in your coffee. Obviously it takes hundreds and thousands of trees each day but the Thai’s who live in these areas think its a great lifesytle.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road, give us a call on (07) 3333 5510 or contact us online.

Kevin Wood

>