From "you only need to replace tyres in pairs" to "new tyres should always go on the front", the world of tyres is full of conflicting advice. We separate fact from fiction.
The internet is full of tyre advice, but not all of it is correct. Here are ten of the most persistent tyre myths — and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: New tyres should always go on the front Wrong. Safety research consistently shows that new or better tyres should go on the rear axle, regardless of whether the vehicle is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. Rear tyre failure leads to oversteer, which is harder to control than the understeer caused by front tyre failure.
Myth 2: Budget tyres are just as good as premium brands Not quite. Budget tyres aren't necessarily dangerous, but independent testing shows consistent performance differences in wet braking and handling. For family cars used in all weathers, mid-range to premium tyres are a sound investment.
Myth 3: Tyre pressure should be set to the number on the tyre The number on the tyre sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure. Your vehicle's correct tyre pressure is in the handbook or door sticker.
Myth 4: You don't need to check pressure if TPMS is fitted TPMS is a warning system, not a management tool. It typically alerts you when pressure drops 25% below the recommended level — well past the point where handling is affected.
Myth 5: Spare tyres last forever Spare tyres, including space-savers, age like any other tyre. If yours is over seven years old, it should be replaced even if it's never been used.
Myth 6: You only need to replace tyres when the tread indicator shows The legal minimum is a starting point, not an endpoint. For optimal safety, replace at 3mm.
Myth 7: Mobile tyre fitting is more expensive than a garage In most cases, no. With no overheads of a fixed premise to cover, mobile services often match or beat garage pricing — and there's no call-out fee with Vantage.
Myth 8: Wheel alignment isn't necessary after fitting new tyres It's always worth checking alignment when fitting new tyres. Misalignment causes uneven wear and reduces tyre life.
Myth 9: You can mix winter and summer tyres Never mix different tyre types on the same axle. Handling becomes unpredictable and the vehicle may behave dangerously in an emergency manoeuvre.
Myth 10: A flat tyre in the rain can be patched the same as normal Rain doesn't affect the repair process, but fitting a tyre in heavy rain is a different matter. Mobile technicians are trained to work in all conditions, but some wet environments make safe fitting difficult.
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