TyreSafe worns of tired tyres
TyreSafe is reminding Britain’s motorists to make safety their primary concern when replacing their tyres.
Part worn tyres may appear to be the cheaper option but numerous studies and investigations by TyreSafe and Trading Standards have highlighted significant concerns as to their roadworthiness. In fact, 93% of part worn tyres inspected in the most recent activities have been sold illegally, with more than half having safety-critical faults.
However, with the current economic climate leading many to seek the cheapest means to maintain their cars, part worns, often advertised with low price tags, may seem appealing. Drivers are reminded, though, that the lifetime cost of buying used tyres is actually higher, at £6.33 per mm compared with £5.32 for a new tyre.
The false economy of buying part worns in addition to the uncertainty over their safety is further highlighted by the poor quality of service and expertise of those fitting the tyres.
Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said, ‘However tempting it may be to save money by paying a lower price at the time of purchase, motorists should be aware of the false economy. Your tyres will have to be replaced much sooner and at a similar price to the ones previously fitted so you won’t benefit in the long term. TyreSafe urges Britain’s motorists to put safety of themselves and others on the road first and not buy part worn tyres.’
Part worn tyres can be sold with 2mm tread depth, which leaves just 0.4mm, half the thickness of a bank card, before they reach the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm. For more information on the regulations governing the sale of part worns, visit tyresafe.org or partworn-tyres.co.uk.
