Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for enhancing safety, boosting fuel economy, boosting performance and prolonging the lifespan of car tyres. Nevertheless, believing in certain tyre myths can hinder your efforts. To help you distinguish truth from fiction and maintain your tyres effectively, we have curated a list of the most common tyre myths and debunked them.
List of the Common Tyre Misconceptions
Tyres are often neglected when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Many of us lack knowledge about how to care for them and have encountered common tyre myths at some point. Let’s debunk the myths once and for all.
Myth 1: Your Tyre Will Burst if You Exceed the Maximum Air Pressure on the Sidewall
Reality: Contrary to popular belief, overinflating quality tyres beyond the maximum pressure won’t cause a blowout. The number on the sidewall indicates the ideal pressure, not a bursting point. Stick to the maximum pressure, avoid excessive wear and reduce road contact. Remember that, overinflating tyres has its own cons.
Myth 2: TPMS Eliminates the Need for Regular Pressure Checks
Reality: The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is helpful. That said, the sensors in this system only alert you when the pressure is too low. This emphasises the importance of regular pressure checks for safe driving.
Myth 3: All Vehicles Have Spare Tyres
Reality: This is another common car tyre myth. Many modern cars are not equipped with spares because blowouts are less common, and tyres are more reliable. Manufacturers skip spares to save space and weight.
Myth 4: Tyre Rotation Is Only Needed Annually
Reality: Regular tyre rotation prevents uneven wear, extending its life. It’s advisable to rotate tires approximately every 4,800 to 9,600 km, which conveniently coincides with oil change intervals for efficiency.
Myth 5: New Tyres Always Go on the Front
Reality: Putting new tyres on the front is a misconception. Rear tyres provide stability, especially in wet conditions. Placing new tyres at the back improves control.
Myth 6: Infrequent Wheel Alignment Is Fine
Reality: Aligning wheels annually or every 10,000km maintains tyre health and vehicle performance. Here are the common signs that lead to bad wheel alignment.
Myth 7: Rear Tyre Changes Unnecessary
Reality: All the car tyres should be changed together for even wear. If only two are replaced, focus on the rear for stability, especially in wet conditions.
Myth 8: Inflate Tyres to Sidewall Number
Reality: Inflate tyres according to manufacturer recommendations, not sidewall numbers. Consult your manual or door sill sticker for the correct pressure.
Myth 9: Valve Caps Prevent Tyre Aging
Reality: Valve caps serve to prevent water and dust from entering the valve. However, air naturally seeps through the tyre rubber despite the presence of valve caps. It’s important to routinely check and inflate the tyres to maintain proper pressure and performance.
Myth 10: Low Profile Tyres Improve Handling
Reality: Low profiles don’t automatically enhance handling. Factors like width and tread design matter too. The various types of tyre treads have a different impact on car tyres and vehicle performance.
Myth 11: New Tyres Always Outperform Old Ones
Reality: Properly stored older tyres perform as well as new ones if undamaged. Buying used car tyres is cost-efficient and they reduce waste.
Myth 12: Underinflation Increases Road Contact
Reality: Underinflated tyres wear faster and don’t provide more road contact.
Myth 13: F1 Tyres Enhance Speed
Reality: Racing slicks provide superior grip compared to regular tyres because their rubber compounds are tailored for track use. However, they are not suitable for street driving as they perform poorly in wet conditions. With minimal tread, they cannot effectively disperse water, posing a significant hazard on wet roads.
Myth 14: Spare Tyres Last Forever
Reality: Temporary spares aren’t durable and need periodic checks for safety. These are short-term solutions. They do not offer the same level of performance and durability as regular tyres and should not be considered permanent replacements. It’s advisable to periodically inspect the condition of your temporary spare tyre. Much like all other tyres in the car, spare tyres will gradually lose air pressure over time.
Myth 15: Tyre Pressure Monitors Indicate Replacement Time
Reality: Tyre pressure monitors only track pressure, not tread wear or replacement timing. Go through these signs of changing car tyres for a better understanding.
Myth 16: Tyre Rotation and Wheel Alignment Are the Same
Reality: Tyre rotation and wheel alignment are different. Wheel alignment involves adjusting suspension angles to maintain manufacturer specifications. Conversely, tyre rotation is crucial to counterbalance wear. Imbalanced tires lead to vehicle vibrations and increase accident risk, especially at higher speeds. Hence, tire rotation every 10,000 to 12,000 km is vital for safety.
FAQs
Do tyres burst if you exceed the maximum air pressure indicated on the sidewall?
No, exceeding the maximum pressure won’t cause a tyre to burst. However, it’s best to stick to the recommended pressure for optimal performance.
Are tyre pressure sensors enough to ensure proper inflation?
While sensors are helpful, they may not alert you until pressure is dangerously low. Regular manual checks are still necessary for safety.
Do all vehicles come with spare tyres?
No, not all modern cars come with spare tyres. This change reflects the increased reliability of tyres and the decreased likelihood of blowouts.
Should new tyres always be placed on the front?
No, placing new tyres on the rear provides better stability, especially in wet conditions and improves overall control.
These were the common types of car tyre myths and their solutions. Remember that tyre maintenance is essential for your car’s road performance and safety. Here is how to maintain your car tyres.
Besides, those looking to buy car tyres can go through these used tyres for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for further insights into common misconceptions and truths about different car components.
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