14 common tyre myths you shouldn't believe
31 Jan 2018|248,121 views
14 TYRE
myths you shouldn't believe
You may have come across some of these 14 myths about tyres. We've consulted Bridgestone to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.
Text | Anthony Lim
Photos | Low Fai Ming & Bridgestone Tyre Singapore
Photos | Low Fai Ming & Bridgestone Tyre Singapore
Tyres are one of the most often overlooked aspects of a vehicle, seeing as they are 'out of sight, out of mind'. Most of us typically have no clue how or what to do with them and have, at some point in our lives, come across some common myths about tyres. Not to worry, we've gotten in touch with leading tyre manufacturer Bridgestone to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.
1. Myth: "Wheel alignment don't need to do so often, only need to do when you change tyres."
Bridgestone says:
"You should perform a wheel alignment at least once a year, every time you rotate your tyres, or at every 10,000km interval."
"You should perform a wheel alignment at least once a year, every time you rotate your tyres, or at every 10,000km interval."
2. Myth: "Your car front-wheel drive, just change the front tyres.
Behind not important."
Behind not important."
Bridgestone says:
"You should change all four tyres at the same time to maintain even tread wear. It is also recommended to rotate your tyres every 10,000km to ensure they wear out evenly.
However, if you are only able to replace two tyres, your focus should be on the rear axle. The reason for this is that the rear axle provides more stability and helps you to maintain better control of your vehicle, especially in wet conditions. The new tyres' deeper treads will be better able to resist aquaplaning and evacuate water more quickly."
"You should change all four tyres at the same time to maintain even tread wear. It is also recommended to rotate your tyres every 10,000km to ensure they wear out evenly.
However, if you are only able to replace two tyres, your focus should be on the rear axle. The reason for this is that the rear axle provides more stability and helps you to maintain better control of your vehicle, especially in wet conditions. The new tyres' deeper treads will be better able to resist aquaplaning and evacuate water more quickly."
3. Myth: "Don't know how much air to pump? Just follow the number at the side."
Bridgestone says:
"Tyres have to be inflated according to manufacturers' recommendations. Consult your vehicle manual or tyre pressure information sticker located along the driver's door sill or on the inside of the fuel door."
"Tyres have to be inflated according to manufacturers' recommendations. Consult your vehicle manual or tyre pressure information sticker located along the driver's door sill or on the inside of the fuel door."
4. Myth: "Don't pump too much, later your tyre explode."
Bridgestone says:
"Your tyres will not explode simply by over inflating them. They only run the risk of exploding upon impact with, say, a pothole or a kerb. All Bridgestone tyres come with a maximum permissible tyre pressure figure located on their sidewalls. The key word in this case is maximum. Do not exceed this number.
On top of that, over inflation will cause unnecessarily excessive wear on the tyre and reduce the amount of contact with the road. It will also cause drivers to assume that their vehicles are more responsive due to the reduced contact resistance between tyre and road."
"Your tyres will not explode simply by over inflating them. They only run the risk of exploding upon impact with, say, a pothole or a kerb. All Bridgestone tyres come with a maximum permissible tyre pressure figure located on their sidewalls. The key word in this case is maximum. Do not exceed this number.
On top of that, over inflation will cause unnecessarily excessive wear on the tyre and reduce the amount of contact with the road. It will also cause drivers to assume that their vehicles are more responsive due to the reduced contact resistance between tyre and road."
5. Myth: "Your tyres won't lao hong if you use valve caps."
Bridgestone says:
"Valve caps are designed to keep water and dust particles out. Air will inevitably escape through the tyre rubber in all directions even with the valve caps in place. It is recommended to regularly inflate your tyres to ensure that they are at the right pressure and perform as they should."
"Valve caps are designed to keep water and dust particles out. Air will inevitably escape through the tyre rubber in all directions even with the valve caps in place. It is recommended to regularly inflate your tyres to ensure that they are at the right pressure and perform as they should."
6. Myth: "If you get bigger wheels and low-profile tyres, your handling confirm power."
Bridgestone says:
"Low-profile tyres don't necessarily improve a vehicle's handling. Factors such as section width, tyre tread design and car type also play a big part."
"Low-profile tyres don't necessarily improve a vehicle's handling. Factors such as section width, tyre tread design and car type also play a big part."
7. Myth: "This tyre old already, I give you 'new' one. Performance better."
Bridgestone says:
"Tyres with an earlier date of manufacture will perform the same as 'fresher' ones as long as they have been stored properly and are undamaged. According to the Singapore Motor Tyre Dealers Association, tyres don't spoil when stored well."
"Tyres with an earlier date of manufacture will perform the same as 'fresher' ones as long as they have been stored properly and are undamaged. According to the Singapore Motor Tyre Dealers Association, tyres don't spoil when stored well."
8. Myth: "Singapore always rain. You let go some air then your tyre will have more grip."
Bridgestone says:
"Under inflated tyres do not provide more contact with the road. Plus, they increase the amount of wear and tear to not only the bottom, but also the shoulder of the tyres."
"Under inflated tyres do not provide more contact with the road. Plus, they increase the amount of wear and tear to not only the bottom, but also the shoulder of the tyres."
9. Myth: "You want to go fast? I give you F1 tyre, confirm faster than Alonso."
Bridgestone says:
"Racing slicks have more grip than conventional tyres as the rubber compounds used are specially designed for the track. However, they only work well in dry conditions and are not street legal. Also, they offer little to no grip and are extremely dangerous in wet conditions due to the lack of tyre tread. This means they are unable to dissipate water that gets trapped between the tyre and the road."
"Racing slicks have more grip than conventional tyres as the rubber compounds used are specially designed for the track. However, they only work well in dry conditions and are not street legal. Also, they offer little to no grip and are extremely dangerous in wet conditions due to the lack of tyre tread. This means they are unable to dissipate water that gets trapped between the tyre and the road."
10. Myth: "Spare tyre don't need to change. Can tahan as long as your normal ones."
Bridgestone says:
"Temporary spare tyres are designed to be, as the name suggests, temporary solutions. They do not provide the same amount of performance and durability as regular tyres and should not be treated as permanent replacements. We recommend you check the condition of your temporary spare tyre periodically as it, just like all tyres, will lose its air pressure over time."
"Temporary spare tyres are designed to be, as the name suggests, temporary solutions. They do not provide the same amount of performance and durability as regular tyres and should not be treated as permanent replacements. We recommend you check the condition of your temporary spare tyre periodically as it, just like all tyres, will lose its air pressure over time."
11. Myth: "Not sure when to change tyres? Just check your Tyre Pressure Monitoring System."
Bridgestone says:
"Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are only able to keep track of the amount of pressure within a tyre. They do not indicate whether a tyre has worn out its tread or the right time to replace it."
"Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are only able to keep track of the amount of pressure within a tyre. They do not indicate whether a tyre has worn out its tread or the right time to replace it."
12. Myth: "Tyre repair kit zai, can repair all lobang. Cheap and good."
Bridgestone says:
"Most tyre repair kits are meant to be a temporary fix. They are also designed to patch up small punctures. If your tyre has a gaping hole or its sidewall receives substantial damage, a tyre repair kit isn't going to help. You should get your punctured tyre permanently patched up once the hole is plugged with a tyre repair kit."
"Most tyre repair kits are meant to be a temporary fix. They are also designed to patch up small punctures. If your tyre has a gaping hole or its sidewall receives substantial damage, a tyre repair kit isn't going to help. You should get your punctured tyre permanently patched up once the hole is plugged with a tyre repair kit."
13. Myth: "If you use a tyre repair kit, you cannot patch the tyre anymore."
Bridgestone says:
"Again, a tyre repair kit should only be treated as a temporary fix and not a permanent one. Once the puncture has been plugged, you should bring your car down to a tyre shop to have it permanently sealed."
"Again, a tyre repair kit should only be treated as a temporary fix and not a permanent one. Once the puncture has been plugged, you should bring your car down to a tyre shop to have it permanently sealed."
14. Myth: "Your tyres botak already, need to change."
Bridgestone says:
"It's up to you to regularly check the condition and tread wear of your tyres. Don't replace your tyres just because your mechanic says so. More often than not, your tyres have plenty of tread left and your mechanic is just trying to sell you tyres you don't need.
Every tyre has a small arrow on the sidewall to indicate the location of the tread wear marker. If the tread wear indicator is flush with your tyre's contact patch, it's time to replace it. However, if there is a sufficient amount of tread left, your tyres can still be used. It is recommended to have at least a 1.6mm tread depth remaining for your tyres."
"It's up to you to regularly check the condition and tread wear of your tyres. Don't replace your tyres just because your mechanic says so. More often than not, your tyres have plenty of tread left and your mechanic is just trying to sell you tyres you don't need.
Every tyre has a small arrow on the sidewall to indicate the location of the tread wear marker. If the tread wear indicator is flush with your tyre's contact patch, it's time to replace it. However, if there is a sufficient amount of tread left, your tyres can still be used. It is recommended to have at least a 1.6mm tread depth remaining for your tyres."
Now you know what to do as a driver, it's time to take action and make sure your tyres are always road-worthy. Sign up now to receive your free Bridgestone tyre care checklist and tyre pressure gauge. Limited to the first 100 signups only.
If you want to err on the side of caution and avoid getting scammed by dodgy mechanics, head down to one of these Bridgestone B-select stores or Authorised Dealers, which will take care of all your tyre needs.
If you want to err on the side of caution and avoid getting scammed by dodgy mechanics, head down to one of these Bridgestone B-select stores or Authorised Dealers, which will take care of all your tyre needs.
To check out Bridgestone's wide range of performance tyres, eco tyres, and everything in-between, head over to the sgCarMart Products page.
For more information, please visit the Bridgestone Tyre Singapore website.
Here are some related articles that might interest you
5 things you can do to make your tyres last longer
5 types of car aesthetic modifications you should do
How to choose the best tyre for your needs?
When do you need to change your car tyres?
Recommended tyre shops in Singapore where you can buy beautiful sport rims
For more information, please visit the Bridgestone Tyre Singapore website.
Here are some related articles that might interest you
5 things you can do to make your tyres last longer
5 types of car aesthetic modifications you should do
How to choose the best tyre for your needs?
When do you need to change your car tyres?
Recommended tyre shops in Singapore where you can buy beautiful sport rims
You may have come across some of these 14 myths about tyres. We've consulted Bridgestone to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.
Tyres are one of the most often overlooked aspects of a vehicle, seeing as they are 'out of sight, out of mind'. Most of us typically have no clue how or what to do with them and have, at some point in our lives, come across some common myths about tyres. Not to worry, we've gotten in touch with leading tyre manufacturer Bridgestone to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.
1. Myth: "Wheel alignment don't need to do so often, only need to do when you change tyres."
Bridgestone says:
"You should perform a wheel alignment at least once a year, every time you rotate your tyres, or at every 10,000km interval."
"You should perform a wheel alignment at least once a year, every time you rotate your tyres, or at every 10,000km interval."
2. Myth: "Your car front-wheel drive, just change the front tyres. Behind not important."
Bridgestone says:
"You should change all four tyres at the same time to maintain even tread wear. It is also recommended to rotate your tyres every 10,000km to ensure they wear out evenly.
However, if you are only able to replace two tyres, your focus should be on the rear axle. The reason for this is that the rear axle provides more stability and helps you to maintain better control of your vehicle, especially in wet conditions. The new tyres' deeper treads will be better able to resist aquaplaning and evacuate water more quickly."
"You should change all four tyres at the same time to maintain even tread wear. It is also recommended to rotate your tyres every 10,000km to ensure they wear out evenly.
However, if you are only able to replace two tyres, your focus should be on the rear axle. The reason for this is that the rear axle provides more stability and helps you to maintain better control of your vehicle, especially in wet conditions. The new tyres' deeper treads will be better able to resist aquaplaning and evacuate water more quickly."
3. Myth: "Don't know how much air to pump? Just follow the number at the side."
Bridgestone says:
"Tyres have to be inflated according to manufacturers' recommendations. Consult your vehicle manual or tyre pressure information sticker located along the driver's door sill or on the inside of the fuel door."
"Tyres have to be inflated according to manufacturers' recommendations. Consult your vehicle manual or tyre pressure information sticker located along the driver's door sill or on the inside of the fuel door."
4. Myth: "Don't pump too much, later your tyre explode."
Bridgestone says:
"Your tyres will not explode simply by over inflating them. They only run the risk of exploding upon impact with, say, a pothole or a kerb. All Bridgestone tyres come with a maximum permissible tyre pressure figure located on their sidewalls. The key word in this case is maximum. Do not exceed this number.
On top of that, over inflation will cause unnecessarily excessive wear on the tyre and reduce the amount of contact with the road. It will also cause drivers to assume that their vehicles are more responsive due to the reduced contact resistance between tyre and road."
"Your tyres will not explode simply by over inflating them. They only run the risk of exploding upon impact with, say, a pothole or a kerb. All Bridgestone tyres come with a maximum permissible tyre pressure figure located on their sidewalls. The key word in this case is maximum. Do not exceed this number.
On top of that, over inflation will cause unnecessarily excessive wear on the tyre and reduce the amount of contact with the road. It will also cause drivers to assume that their vehicles are more responsive due to the reduced contact resistance between tyre and road."
5. Myth: "Your tyres won't lao hong if you use valve caps."
Bridgestone says:
"Valve caps are designed to keep water and dust particles out. Air will inevitably escape through the tyre rubber in all directions even with the valve caps in place. It is recommended to regularly inflate your tyres to ensure that they are at the right pressure and perform as they should."
"Valve caps are designed to keep water and dust particles out. Air will inevitably escape through the tyre rubber in all directions even with the valve caps in place. It is recommended to regularly inflate your tyres to ensure that they are at the right pressure and perform as they should."
6. Myth: "If you get bigger wheels and low-profile tyres, your handling confirm power."
Bridgestone says:
"Low-profile tyres don't necessarily improve a vehicle's handling. Factors such as section width, tyre tread design and car type also play a big part."
"Low-profile tyres don't necessarily improve a vehicle's handling. Factors such as section width, tyre tread design and car type also play a big part."
7. Myth: "This tyre old already, I give you 'new' one. Performance better."
Bridgestone says:
"Tyres with an earlier date of manufacture will perform the same as 'fresher' ones as long as they have been stored properly and are undamaged. According to the Singapore Motor Tyre Dealers Association, tyres don't spoil when stored well.
"Tyres with an earlier date of manufacture will perform the same as 'fresher' ones as long as they have been stored properly and are undamaged. According to the Singapore Motor Tyre Dealers Association, tyres don't spoil when stored well.
8. Myth: "Singapore always rain. You let go some air then your tyre will have more grip."
Bridgestone says:
"Under inflated tyres do not provide more contact with the road. Plus, they increase the amount of wear and tear to not only the bottom, but also the shoulder of the tyres."
"Under inflated tyres do not provide more contact with the road. Plus, they increase the amount of wear and tear to not only the bottom, but also the shoulder of the tyres."
9. Myth: "You want to go fast? I give you F1 tyre, confirm faster than Alonso."
Bridgestone says:
"Racing slicks have more grip than conventional tyres as the rubber compounds used are specially designed for the track. However, they only work well in dry conditions and are not street legal. Also, they offer little to no grip and are extremely dangerous in wet conditions due to the lack of tyre tread. This means they are unable to dissipate water that gets trapped between the tyre and the road."
"Racing slicks have more grip than conventional tyres as the rubber compounds used are specially designed for the track. However, they only work well in dry conditions and are not street legal. Also, they offer little to no grip and are extremely dangerous in wet conditions due to the lack of tyre tread. This means they are unable to dissipate water that gets trapped between the tyre and the road."
10. Myth: "Spare tyre don't need to change. Can tahan as long as your normal ones."
Bridgestone says:
"Temporary spare tyres are designed to be, as the name suggests, temporary solutions. They do not provide the same amount of performance and durability as regular tyres and should not be treated as permanent replacements. We recommend you check the condition of your temporary spare tyre periodically as it, just like all tyres, will lose its air pressure over time."
"Temporary spare tyres are designed to be, as the name suggests, temporary solutions. They do not provide the same amount of performance and durability as regular tyres and should not be treated as permanent replacements. We recommend you check the condition of your temporary spare tyre periodically as it, just like all tyres, will lose its air pressure over time."
11. Myth: "Not sure when to change tyres? Just check your Tyre Pressure Monitoring System."
Bridgestone says:
"Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are only able to keep track of the amount of pressure within a tyre. They do not indicate whether a tyre has worn out its tread or the right time to replace it."
"Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are only able to keep track of the amount of pressure within a tyre. They do not indicate whether a tyre has worn out its tread or the right time to replace it."
12. Myth: "Tyre repair kit zai, can repair all lobang. Cheap and good."
Bridgestone says:
"Most tyre repair kits are meant to be a temporary fix. They are also designed to patch up small punctures. If your tyre has a gaping hole or its sidewall receives substantial damage, a tyre repair kit isn't going to help. You should get your punctured tyre permanently patched up once the hole is plugged with a tyre repair kit."
"Most tyre repair kits are meant to be a temporary fix. They are also designed to patch up small punctures. If your tyre has a gaping hole or its sidewall receives substantial damage, a tyre repair kit isn't going to help. You should get your punctured tyre permanently patched up once the hole is plugged with a tyre repair kit."
13. Myth: "If you use a tyre repair kit, you cannot patch the tyre anymore."
Bridgestone says:
"Again, a tyre repair kit should only be treated as a temporary fix and not a permanent one. Once the puncture has been plugged, you should bring your car down to a tyre shop to have it permanently sealed."
"Again, a tyre repair kit should only be treated as a temporary fix and not a permanent one. Once the puncture has been plugged, you should bring your car down to a tyre shop to have it permanently sealed."
14. Myth: "Your tyres botak already, need to change."
Bridgestone says:
"It's up to you to regularly check the condition and tread wear of your tyres. Don't replace your tyres just because your mechanic says so. More often than not, your tyres have plenty of tread left and your mechanic is just trying to sell you tyres you don't need.
Every tyre has a small arrow on the sidewall to indicate the location of the tread wear marker. If the tread wear indicator is flush with your tyre's contact patch, it's time to replace it. However, if there is a sufficient amount of tread left, your tyres can still be used. It is recommended to have at least a 1.6mm tread depth remaining for your tyres."
"It's up to you to regularly check the condition and tread wear of your tyres. Don't replace your tyres just because your mechanic says so. More often than not, your tyres have plenty of tread left and your mechanic is just trying to sell you tyres you don't need.
Every tyre has a small arrow on the sidewall to indicate the location of the tread wear marker. If the tread wear indicator is flush with your tyre's contact patch, it's time to replace it. However, if there is a sufficient amount of tread left, your tyres can still be used. It is recommended to have at least a 1.6mm tread depth remaining for your tyres."
Now you know what to do as a driver, it's time to take action and make sure your tyres are always road-worthy. Sign up now to receive your free Bridgestone tyre care checklist and tyre pressure gauge. Limited to the first 100 signups only.
If you want to err on the side of caution and avoid getting scammed by dodgy mechanics, head down to one of these Bridgestone B-select stores or Authorised Dealers, which will take care of all your tyre needs.
To check out Bridgestone's wide range of performance tyres, eco tyres, and everything in-between, head over to the sgCarMart Products page.
For more information, please visit the Bridgestone Tyre Singapore website.
Here are some related articles that might interest you
5 things you can do to make your tyres last longer
5 types of car aesthetic modifications you should do
How to choose the best tyre for your needs?
When do you need to change your car tyres?
Recommended tyre shops in Singapore where you can buy beautiful sport rims