Key Takeaways:
• Common tyre myths can lead to poor performance, unsafe driving, and wasting money.
• Proper tyre maintenance, pressure, and selection matter more than brand myths.
• EverTyres provides trusted advice and a wide range of quality tyres suited to Australian roads.
• Knowing the truth helps you extend tyre life and drive safer year-round.
Tyre Talk: Myths Every Australian Driver Still Believes
If you’ve ever stood at a service station debating whether your tyres need more air, or if it’s really worth paying for a premium brand, you’re not alone. Tyres are one of those car components that everyone has an opinion about, yet many of those opinions are rooted in myths passed down from friends, family, or old-school mechanics. The truth is, the wrong tyre habits can cost you comfort, performance, and even safety. So let’s clear the air -here are some of the most common tyre myths Australian drivers still believe, and what’s really going on beneath the rubber.
Myth 1: “All tyres are basically the same.”
At a glance, tyres might look identical -round, black, and made of rubber. But beneath the surface, the differences are huge. Each tyre type is designed for a specific purpose. For instance, All-Terrain Tyres are made for drivers who travel between highways, dirt roads, and gravel tracks, while performance tyres are optimised for precision handling on smooth city roads.
Cheaper, generic tyres might seem like a good deal upfront, but they often compromise on rubber quality, tread design, and heat resistance. Over time, that means more wear, less grip, and poorer braking performance. Choosing the right tyre isn’t about looks or price -it’s about matching your driving style and environment.
Myth 2: “You only need to check tyre pressure before long trips.”
This one is dangerously common. Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month, not just before holidays or road trips. Tyres naturally lose air over time, and fluctuating Australian temperatures can make that happen faster. Underinflated tyres wear out unevenly, reduce fuel efficiency, and can even cause blowouts on the highway.
It’s best to check your tyre pressure when they’re cold -ideally in the morning. Refer to your car’s placard (usually inside the driver’s door frame) for the correct PSI. Keeping your tyres properly inflated ensures optimal grip and safety, rain or shine.
Myth 3: “New tyres always go on the front.”
Many drivers believe new tyres belong on the front axle since that’s where steering happens. In reality, tyre experts recommend fitting new tyres on the rear axle first, regardless of whether your vehicle is front-or rear-wheel drive.
Here’s why: tyres on the back maintain stability during cornering and wet conditions. If the rear tyres lose grip before the front, you could spin out -especially on slick roads. Putting new tyres on the rear gives your vehicle better control and reduces the risk of oversteering. If you’re replacing just two tyres, ask the professionals at EverTyres to fit them on the rear for safety.
Myth 4: “Tyres last for years as long as you don’t drive much.”
Even if you barely use your car, tyres age over time due to oxidation and UV exposure. The rubber hardens, tiny cracks develop, and performance declines long before the tread is visibly worn. Typically, tyres should be replaced every five to six years, even if they look fine from the outside.
You can check your tyre’s age by finding the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall. For example, “2219” means the tyre was made in the 22nd week of 2019. If it’s nearing six years old, it’s time to consider a replacement. EverTyres stocks freshly manufactured tyres to ensure maximum safety and performance.
Myth 5: “You should inflate tyres to the number on the sidewall.”
That number you see embossed on your tyre isn’t the recommended pressure -it’s the maximum pressure the tyre can safely handle. The correct pressure for your vehicle is listed in your owner’s manual or on the car door placard.
Overinflating tyres can cause them to wear out faster in the centre and reduce traction, while underinflating wears out the edges and increases fuel use. Keeping your pressure at the recommended level gives you better comfort, handling, and lifespan.
Myth 6: “Nitrogen inflation means you never have to check pressure.”
Nitrogen-filled tyres do have benefits -they maintain pressure longer and reduce moisture inside the tyre. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. Tyres still lose pressure gradually through the valve and microscopic leaks. Whether you use air or nitrogen, checking pressure regularly remains essential for safety.
Myth 7: “Mixing different tyre brands or patterns is fine.”
Mixing tyres with different tread patterns, brands, or sizes can severely affect how your car handles, brakes, and turns. It can even interfere with stability control systems. While it might be tempting to replace just one tyre with a cheaper brand, it’s best to replace in pairs or full sets for consistent performance.
EverTyres offers expert guidance and a wide range of matching tyre sets for all types of vehicles, ensuring balanced handling and even wear across all wheels.
Myth 8: “Tyre rotation isn’t necessary with modern cars.”
Even with today’s advanced vehicles, tyre rotation remains crucial. Front tyres typically wear faster due to steering and braking forces. Rotating your tyres every 10,000 kilometres helps them wear evenly, extending lifespan and maintaining consistent performance. Many drivers skip this step and end up replacing tyres sooner than necessary.
The Truth Beneath the Rubber
Tyres are complex, finely engineered components -not just chunks of rubber. They play a vital role in safety, fuel economy, and driving comfort. Believing old myths can lead to bad habits, unnecessary expenses, or unsafe conditions on the road.
Taking time to learn the truth about your tyres pays off in the long run. Regular inspections, correct inflation, and choosing the right type for your vehicle all contribute to safer, smoother drives.
So, before your next road trip or tyre replacement, have a chat with the experts at EverTyres Australia. Their team can help you understand your tyres better, recommend the right fit for your driving habits, and debunk any lingering myths once and for all. Because when it comes to tyres, the more you know, the safer you go.
