When it comes to tyres, there are plenty of myths floating around – especially in the fleet world. But for Abraham Jevaherjian, owner of Tyreplus North Sydney and a seasoned expert with decades in the automotive industry, too many fleet buyers still treat tyres as a commodity rather than a critical performance asset.
“There’s this idea that all tyres are basically the same, and that premium tyres aren’t worth the extra cost,” says Abraham. “But I’ve seen too many examples on the road — and in the workshop — where that thinking ends up costing more in the long run.”
Fleet Auto News sat down with Abraham to bust some of the most common tyre myths — and to hear why he’s backing the new Michelin Primacy 5 as a smart choice for modern fleet vehicles.
Myth #1: “Budget tyres are fine for around-town driving”
Wrong, says Abraham — especially for fleet vehicles that deal with stop-start city traffic, potholes, and unpredictable weather conditions.
“Tyres don’t just move the car. They’re your braking system, your comfort system, your control system. A cheap tyre might be OK on a dry road, but what happens in an emergency stop, or in the wet?” he says.
He’s already seen the benefits of the new Michelin Primacy 5, which has up to 13% shorter braking distance when worn compared to other premium brands. “That’s the difference between a near miss and a claim on the fleet insurance policy.”
Myth #2: “Tyres don’t affect driver fatigue”
Abraham strongly disagrees — especially after seeing how poor tyre performance can wear down drivers over the course of a shift.
“When you’re on rough roads all day, it’s the tyre that takes the hit first. A quality tyre smooths out the bumps, reduces vibration, and helps the suspension do its job properly,” he explains. “You’d be surprised how much fresher a driver feels at the end of the day.”
The new Primacy 5 uses Michelin’s Silent Rib Gen-3 tread technology to reduce vibration and road noise — a key factor for driver comfort in fleet cars and crossovers used for mobile sales teams, inspections, or field services.
Myth #3: “Premium tyres cost more and don’t last longer”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions Abraham hears. And it’s easy to fall into the trap — after all, the price difference is right there on the invoice. But what’s not obvious is the cost over the full life of the tyre.
“With Michelin, you get longer life, better performance, and fewer headaches,” he says. “I’ve seen it in my own cars and with my customers. Yes, it might cost more upfront, but you’ll get more kilometres and better safety — which means better value.”
In fact, the Michelin Primacy 5 delivers 24% more mileage than leading competitors, according to independent testing. And with lower rolling resistance, it also helps reduce fuel consumption or extend EV range — delivering operating cost benefits that fleet managers will appreciate.
Myth #4: “You only need performance tyres for sports cars”
“Total myth,” Abraham says. “I run the Primacy 5 on my Subaru Liberty. It’s a touring tyre, not a performance tyre — but the grip is still excellent. You’d be surprised how well it handles when you need it.”
Michelin is often known for its racing pedigree and high-performance Pilot Sport range, but Abraham says their everyday tyres carry the same DNA — engineered for real-world safety, not just track times.
Myth #5: “If it’s legal, it’s safe”
This is a dangerous mindset for fleet operators, says Abraham. “The legal tread depth might not be enough to guarantee performance in wet weather or under load. Fleets need to think about safe stopping, not just passing rego.”
The EverGrip™ technology in the Primacy 5 helps maintain wet grip even as the tyre wears — a key feature for fleets operating in mixed conditions, or for vehicles with high mileage between inspections.
The Bottom Line: Get What You Pay For
For Fleet Managers looking to reduce total cost of ownership while improving driver safety and comfort, Abraham’s advice is clear: don’t cut corners on tyres.
“People will spend big on fuel management systems or paint protection, but then go for the cheapest tyres,” he says. “That’s backwards. Tyres are where safety starts. You want something that performs well for the whole life of the tyre — not just when it’s brand new.”
The Michelin Primacy 5 is now available at authorised dealers across Australia in 30 sizes (16–19 inch). With comfort, longevity, and EV compatibility built in, it’s a premium tyre that delivers long-term fleet value.
