Common Tyre Myths

Your vehicle’s tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, making them a critical component for your safety, comfort, and performance. Yet, there are numerous myths and misconceptions about tyres that can lead to poor choices and potentially dangerous situations on the road. 

In this blog, we will debunk some of the most common tyre myths to help you ensure your safety while out on the road, allowing you to get the most out of your tyres.

Myth: “All-Season Tyres Are Perfect for Every Season”

Many drivers believe that all-season tyres are suitable for year-round use. While they do offer good performance in various conditions, they may not be the best choice for extreme winter or summer conditions. 

Understanding the limitations of all-season tyres can help you make safer choices based on your local climate. We recommend investing in different tyres for different weather conditions.

Knowing when it is the right time to swap over these tyres is massively important for your safety when driving. When using All Season tyres, consider swapping to winter tyres when the temperature drops below 7°C, or if you anticipate icy and snowy conditions. Revert to all-season tyres in milder seasons when the threat of winter weather has passed.

For summer tyres, do the opposite and swap to these when the daily average temperature consistently stays above 7°C. It’s best to make this transition before the peak of summer heat for optimal performance.

Remembering these conditions is the best way to understand when you should swap over your current tyres with new ones.

Myth: “Tyre Tread Depth Doesn’t Matter”

It’s a common myth that the depth of your tyre treads isn’t essential. However, the amount of tread left on your tyres can significantly impact your vehicle’s ability to grip the road, especially in wet and slippery conditions. 

The grooves in the tread pattern help channel water away from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions, and in dry conditions, the tread grips the road, allowing your vehicle to maintain control.

If you want to check your tyres tread depth, there’s a simple method that can be done with a 20p coin. Simply take a 20p coin and put it into the tread, making sure the outer band of the coin is in the groove. If the outer band is still visible, your tyre tread depth is too low. This test is a quick and easy way to ensure your safety before going out on the road, and if your tyres fail, we recommend replacing them ASAP.

Myth: “New Tyres Must Always Go on the Front Wheels”

A misconception among drivers is that when it comes to replacing tyres, new ones should always be installed on the front wheels of the vehicle. The idea behind this myth is that the front tyres play a more significant role in steering and handling, so new tyres should be placed there for improved control. However, this myth oversimplifies tyre placement and can lead to safety risks.

However, it does depend on whether your vehicle is front, rear, all or four-wheel drive. New tyres that should be placed on the front wheels are for vehicles with front-wheel drive. For vehicles with rear-wheel drive, they must go on the back. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles are best to replace all four tyres at once to prevent drive train strain. These factors are all important to remember to ensure your safety while out on the road.

Myth: “The Recommended Tyre Pressure Is Just a Suggestion”

One of the most dangerous myths surrounding tyres is the belief that the recommended tyre pressure levels provided by the manufacturer are merely suggestions. 

Some drivers assume they can safely ignore these recommendations, thinking that a little underinflation or overinflation won’t make much of a difference. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, understanding your tyre pressure is as crucial as ever for your safety, fuel efficiency, and the longevity of your tyres. 

To find the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle, you can typically locate a sticker inside the driver’s side door, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual. The recommended tyre pressure is specific to your vehicle’s make and model.

Myth: “Tyres Don’t Expire”

The final myth we’re debunking is one that often circulates among drivers, it’s the belief that tyres do not have an expiration date. Some people assume that tyres, being made of rubber and seemingly sturdy, can be used indefinitely without any safety concerns. 

This is a dangerous myth that can have serious consequences – as tyres certainly have a limited lifespan. It’s extremely important to know when your tyres will run out in order to make sure you can replace them, because tyres do, in fact, expire.

Tyres typically have a service life of 6 – 10 years from the date they were made. However,  depending on various factors such as storage conditions or rubber composition it can last longer or shorter. 

You can find the manufacturing date on the sidewall of the tyre in a four-digit code, the first two being the week of the year,  and the last two being the year itself. Use this to tell if your tyres are due a changeover or not, or simply inspect your tyre for damage and tears.

Expired or damaged tyres should not be used on the road, as they can lead to safety risks. However, there are environmentally responsible ways to dispose of them. Many tyre retailers and recycling centres accept old tyres for proper disposal or recycling. 

By debunking these common tyre myths, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your tyres, ensuring your safety on the road. To see just how much illegal or neglected tyres can impact your safety, see our Global Collisions Comparison. That’s why here at etyres, we offer a wide range of high-quality tyres, and our experts are here to help you choose the right ones for your needs. We stock a wide variety of tyre brands all designed to keep you safe on the road.