Correct tyre knowledge is crucial for your safety, driving comfort and long-term savings. However, on the net and among fans circulate numerous urban legends about car tires: beliefs that, in addition to being wrong, can put at risk your car and wallet. In this article, we’ll dispel the 10 most common myths about car tires, offering data, practical advice and scientific truths to guide you towards informed choices.
Myth: Inflating more car tires is a "trick" to consume less gasoline.
Truth: It is true that maintaining a slightly higher tire pressure can reduce rolling resistance, leading to small fuel savings, however, inflating tires above the manufacturer’s recommended values is not a good idea: In the long run, this can be counterproductive, dangerous and costly.
It is fair to say that properly inflated tyres can improve fuel consumption, but the key word here is "correctly". Inflating them too much could save you a few cents in fuel... But then you will have to change them earlier than expected due to irregular wear and tear, cancelling out any initial savings.
In the heavy haulage industry, professionals know that even a 0.2 bar variation can make a difference. Car manufacturers test each tyre model to indicate the optimum pressure, ensuring the right balance between fuel consumption, safety and durability. Some modern cars, for example, have different pressures between the front and rear axle, just to optimize performance and consumption: modifying them randomly breaks this balance.
Myth: Deflated tyres increase the contact surface and therefore the grip.
Reality: It is true that the surface of contact with the asphalt increases a little, but this does not automatically mean that there is more grip, especially when the road is wet. On the contrary, too low pressure can deform the tread, making it difficult to drain water. What about the result? Increased risk of aquaplaning and loss of vehicle control.
With reduced pressure, the tyre sidewall flexes more, which:
A flat tyre not only has a negative impact on fuel consumption and safety, but it can also fool the traction control and ABS. In fact, a TPMS (pressure control) sensor, or wheel sensors that rely on the speed of rotation, can receive distorted data from a more "soft" wheel, causing misreadings or premature activation of electronic safety systems.
Check your cold pressure at least once a month, preferably in the morning, before you start your trip. A difference of 0.3 bar can also affect your car’s behaviour and fuel consumption. And don’t forget: on the highway or with heavy loads, always follow the increased pressures indicated in the booklet.
Myth: Changing to a larger diameter or section ensures superior grip and stability.
Truth: It is true that wider tyres can offer a greater contact surface with the asphalt and, in some situations such as on dry track or during sporty driving, they can improve grip. However, "bigger" does not always mean "better".
A wider tyre:
The concept of "inch up" (move to larger rims with lower shoulder tyres) or "inch down" (the opposite) is not just about the rim diameter. The important thing is to keep the overall outer diameter of the tyre as close as possible to the original one, so as not to alter the calibration of the speedometer, ABS and driving aids.
Also, changing the size can affect the ratio between shoulder and tread: a wider tyre but with too low a shoulder may be less comfortable, louder and more sensitive to bumps. And on wet roads, it can also increase the risk of aquaplaning if the tread fails to drain properly.
If you are thinking of fitting tyres other than those of the series, always consult the table of equivalences shown on your vehicle registration or ask our expert technicians for advice on WhatsApp. Do not risk improvised modifications: you could compromise the safety and approval of the vehicle.
Myth: The stiffer compound reduces wear and lengthens the life of the tyre.
Reality: It is true that a harder compound tends to last longer, but this does not mean that it is automatically the best choice. Hard tires offer less grip especially on cold, wet or uneven asphalt. This can lead to:
In addition, the mileage is not everything: if the rubber does not ensure adequate braking performance, cornering grip and safety on wet, that initial "saving" can turn into a real risk.
Harder compounds, especially in low temperature or humidity conditions, can "glaze" more easily. What does it mean? With the passage of time and exposure to the sun, the rubber hardens and loses elasticity, becoming less adherent even if the tread still seems in good condition. This phenomenon is known as thermal ageing and occurs most frequently with cheap or long-stored tyres.
Another aspect to keep in mind: driving in the city, characterized by frequent stops and starts, does not even allow hard tires to reach the ideal operating temperature, further reducing their performance.
Do not choose the tyres solely on the basis of their stated durability. It is better to opt for a balanced model, which offers a good mileage but also safety and comfort. If you drive in areas with variable climate or travel mixed roads between city and highway, an intermediate or softer compound may be the wiser choice.
Myth: A single set of all season tires is enough to face every season.
Truth: 4-season tyres may seem like a comfortable choice for many, but they are not the ideal solution for everyone. They are designed to balance summer and winter performance, but that means they don’t shine in either extreme situation.
If you are in an area with harsh winters, snow or ice, or face very high summer temperatures, 4-season tires may not guarantee the safety and performance you need. In these cases, it is better to opt for a seasonal change: summer tires during the hot months and winter tires when temperatures drop below 7°C.
There are also different "types" of 4-season tyres: some are closer to a summer tyre with winter approval, while others are more similar to "softened" winter tyres. This means that two tyres with the same M+S (Mud + Snow) or 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) label can behave very differently on the road. It is not enough to choose "any 4 seasons"; it is essential to consult reviews, independent tests and technical comparisons.
Moreover, if you travel a few kilometers per year, such as short home-work trips in the city (under 10,000 km/ year), all season tires can be a good solution to save time and money, avoiding the double seasonal train and changing tires twice a year.
Always pay attention to:
There are no perfect tires for everyone, but there is definitely the right tires for you.
Myth: If the tread is worn evenly, there is no problem.
Reality: Even if seeing uniform tread wear is a good sign, it’s not enough to declare a tyre "healthy". It is true that a regular distribution of wear and tear suggests that the trim and pressure are probably in place, but it does not exclude the possibility of structural or performance problems.
For example, a tyre could:
Manufacturers recommend not to exceed 5-6 years of use, even if the kilometers traveled are few and the tread appears in excellent condition. After 6 years, the rubber begins to harden due to oxidation and thermal cycles, which reduces adhesion, especially on wet.
Another common mistake is not to check the uniformity between the four tires: if the wear is regular but one pair of tires is much more worn than the other (for example, the front more worn than the rear), it could mean that they have never been reversed. A good practice is to rotate the tyres every 10,000 km, to ensure more balanced consumption and extend their useful life.
Myth: Up to the burst or visible cracks, tires are usable.
Truth: This is a dangerous and rather common belief. The tyres have a limited life even if they do not show obvious signs of wear. Over time, the rubber deteriorates naturally due to:
This phenomenon is known as tyre ageing, and can make the tyre stiffer and less elastic, decreasing grip and increasing the risk of slipping, especially on wet roads or during braking.
On the side of each tyre is the DOT, a code indicating the date of production. The last four digits specify the week and year in which the rubber was made. For example, a DOT "2219" indicates that the tyre was produced in week 22 of 2019.
Checking this code is essential when:
The main manufacturers and associations recommend:
In addition, even an unused tyre, such as a spare or one fitted to a long-standing car, suffers chemical deterioration.
Myth: The low price means immediate savings without any contraindications.
Truth: This belief can cost a lot. It is true that there are cheap tires that offer good value for money, but it is a mistake to think that all low-cost models are always a safe or durable choice.
Often, the cheapest tires:
According to independent tests (such as TÜV, SÜD and ADAC), low-cost tyres can take up to 7-10 metres longer to stop at a wet speed of 80 km/h than mid-range or premium tyres. In similar situations, this means doubling the stopping distance in case of an emergency.
And it doesn’t end here: in difficult driving conditions (tight corners, hard braking, uneven roads), tires of poor quality can compromise the stability of the car and put at risk your safety and that of others.
If you want to save, go to certified sites like CambioRuote.it where you can find:
Myth: If a tyre costs more, then it is definitely the best choice: it lasts longer, consumes less and guarantees superior performance.
Truth: It’s not always that simple. The price of tyres may reflect research, materials and technologies used, but it does not always translate into real benefits for every driver. A high-end car tire can be fantastic... But it could prove useless (or even counterproductive) in several cases.
Here are some things to consider:
✔️ Driving style: sporty or quiet?
✔️ Type of route: urban, highway, mixed?
✔️ Weather conditions: hot, rain, snow in winter?
✔️ Annual mileage: under 10,000 km? Maybe a 4-season tire is enough.
Some "mid-range" models have passed high-end tyres in comparative tests on wet braking and fuel consumption. This is because many "secondary" brands today use technologies shared by large groups (Bridgestone, Michelin, Continental, etc.) making them in some respects as high-performing as the "primary" brands.
The secret? Don’t just look at the price, but also consider:
On CambioRuote.com you can find car tires safe and tested for every need:
In summary: the best car tire is not necessarily the most expensive, but the one that suits you.
Myth: Balancing is only necessary when there are vibrations at the wheel.
Truth: This is a common mistake and can also be quite dangerous. Even if you don’t feel any obvious vibrations at the wheel or in the seat, unbalanced tyres can still lead to long-term problems. Uneven tread wear, increased stress on the suspension and shock absorbers, and a worsening of road grip can occur even without immediate symptoms.
It is the process of correcting the weight distribution around the wheel, using small weights. Even a misbalancing of a few grams can cause:
On the highway, an unbalanced wheel of only 10 grams can generate centrifugal forces greater than 2 kg: a constant impact that strains suspension arms, steering and bearings. Over time, even the wheel bearings can be damaged, causing the steering wheel to play and not respond properly.
🛞 Balancing tires is not an unnecessary expense, but an investment to extend the life of tyres, improve comfort and ensure safe driving.
On CambioRuote.it, you can buy car tires online with the assembly included at affiliated workshops: in many centers, balancing is included in the service.
Choosing the right tyres means:
• Better safety on dry and wet
• Fuel economy and longer tyre life
• Optimum driving comfort in every season
Investing in the right tyres is the first step towards safer, more efficient and more comfortable driving. Do not leave room for myths: choose with awareness!
On CambioRuote.com you will find car tires online at affordable prices, exclusive offers and assembly service at affiliated centers. Do you have any doubts? Contact us on WhatsApp: our expert technicians respond in record time and guide you to the best choice.
• Discover our car tyre offers
• Read the Tyre Label Guide
• Online tyre service with assembly
Don’t forget to follow us on social media Instagram and Facebook to not miss the latest news about the world of 4 wheels.
The Type of the car is a code that the producer assigns to each vehicle in order to distinguish it from similar models.
You can find this code in the italian registration certificate in two places: At point D.2, Vehicle type, or at point E, vehicle identification number.
If you need help, contact us via WhatsApp at 345 0634873
