The tyre industry is rife with information, advice, buying guides and driver tips – you only have to look at how many blogs we’ve got on our Knowledge Hub to understand that there is a lot you need to know and be aware of.
But with heaps of information there comes the risk of certain myths and untruths being misrepresented as fact. And when there are so many blogs and webpages out there packaging nuggets of information up as hard facts, identifying what’s true and what’s not, can be really difficult.
That’s where we come in. As one of the UK’s largest tyre suppliers, with a broad selection of tyre brands and individual models available via our marketplace-style site, we specialise in expert advice that you can trust. And where better to start than by debunking some of the most common tyre myths still floating around the industry…
Why Accessing the Right Information is So Important
You might think that believing the odd myth is no bad thing, but when it comes to tyres, the reality is that inaccurate and incorrect information can be incredibly dangerous. As we move down our list of common myths, you’ll notice that many of them concern crucial aspects of tyre safety – and that believing the wrong thing can have a huge impact on how safe your tyres really are.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Overinflating Tyres Means They Will Last Longer
Not only is this untrue but it can be a very costly and potentially dangerous mistake to make.
The load rating of a tyre is not an inflation goal but rather the maximum PSI at which it is safe to operate. Adding a bit of extra air will not make a tyre last longer before it deflates – instead it puts pressure on the tyre and vastly increases the risk of a puncture or blowout. Having an overinflated tyre also causes the tread pattern to become worn more quickly, which can actually have the opposite effect and means your tyre will need replacing sooner.
Instead of going by the load rating on the tyre, look at the inner sidewall of your vehicle’s driver door for the recommended active tyre pressure.
2. Put New Tyres on the Front of the Vehicle
There is a common misconception that new tyres should be fitted to the front of the vehicle.
However, this is incorrect. Instead, new tyres should be fitted to the rear of the vehicle – and the existing rear tyres should be moved forward into the front position.
This ensures an even rate of wear and ensures that the rear of the vehicle, which is crucial for stability, always has the fresher tyres – thus preventing oversteering and potential hazards.
3. Budget Tyres Are the Same But With a Less Popular Brand Name
This is one we cover relatively often in our blogs, as we breakdown what the different status and levels of tyre brand actually mean.
It’s true that budget tyres are often manufactured by brands with a less prolific name – but that isn’t the only factor that makes them cheaper. Budget tyres are typically made with cheaper materials, do not boast the added features and functions of premium tyres, and do not last as long on the road.
So, while premium tyres owe some of their prestige and value to the status of a high-quality brand name, these tyres are also built to last, to support high-performance driving, and to offer superior handling and comfort. Budget tyres are not.
4. All-Season Tyres Are Suitable for Winter
This is an interesting one because the truth of it really depends on where you are driving and the conditions that you are driving in.
It’s a common misconception that all-season tyres offer the same level of handling and stability as dedicated winter tyres in colder weather – though we do acknowledge that the nature of all-season tyres means they are suitable for mild winter driving in the right climate. The myth lies in the quality of the driving experience.
If you live in a particularly remote or northern area, winter tyres are advised during the coldest season. All-season tyres are, meanwhile, a safe alternative for those who experience the mild climate of most of the UK throughout the year.
