Know The Dangers Of Part Worn Tyres
Part worn tyres may seem like a cheaper option but beware, they are extremely dangerous. Knowing the real dangers of part worn tyres could not only save your life but also that of any passengers and other road users.
While many drivers in the UK know they can buy part worn tyres, only a handful understand the serious threat it poses to driver safety. Without knowing how dangerous it is, you are quite frankly putting everyone at risk.
At Elite Garages we always want what’s best for our customers and we hope this article will shed some light. Here are some of the real dangers linked to driving on part worn tyres.
Are Part Worn Tyres Really Fit For Purpose?
In terms of tyre manufacturers, retailers, independent tyre testers, leading motoring organisations as well as driving safety charities and NGOs, the answer is a resounding NO! The reason is simply because these tyres are already partly worn and degraded.
By the time new owners fit them to their vehicles, they are often worn far below their original optimum quality. Best case scenario is that part worn tyres are only partially safe and that’s not enough for us. Who deliberately wants to drive on bad tyres knowing there is a much higher risk of an accident?
Tread Depth And Tyre Safety Issues
When fitting new premium tyres, like the ones available at Elite Garages, they have a full 8 mm of tread. Compared to the majority of part worn tyres with just 3 mm tread, value for money goes out the door at the expense of safety. Many tyre experts recommend that all drivers remove worn tyres and replace them with new ones.
If you thought that was bad, many part worn tyres are sold with even less tread. In some cases even down to the UK road legal minimum of 1.6 mm. Even more surprising is the fact that some have bought tyres with less tread depth and that is not good. Tyre tread depth is essential for grip in order to drive safely especially in wet weather conditions.
Cases Of Damaged Part Worn Tyres
The situation gets even worse as part worn tyres are often sold with pre-existing tyre damage. If you don’t know this already, that only further increases the likelihood of having a fatal accident. Damage like tears, cuts, nicks, bubbles or bulges severely compromises the overall integrity of the tyre sidewall. Since this part of the tyre absorbs most of the pressure while driving, it’s vital for maintaining the vertical strength of the tyre.
Fact is, nails, glass and other sharp objects have also been found which increases the chance of punctures or a tyre blow-out. If you’re travelling at high speed with part worn tyres, the consequences could be very serious. Why risk your safety? Wouldn’t you rather entrust the safety of your family and other road users with new tyres?
Elite Garages offer great tyre deals and valuable advice from skilled tyre experts. Some of the leading brands we stock include Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin and Pirelli among others.
Proof Is In The Tyre
Independent research from TyreSafe, a UK tyre charity, indicated that many part worn tyres are sold with damage. A recent investigation in conjunction with the BBC revealed that only two out of ten part worn tyres sold were legal. The other eight tyres were either not roadworthy or incorrectly stamped (or both) as the law clearly stipulates.
Related: 6 Things About Your Tyre Tread You Should Know
What Exactly Does The Law State?
Many drivers who buy part worn tyres believe that they offer better value for money compared to new tyres. This couldn’t be further from the truth as buyers should consider the cost per mm of useable tyres instead of the initial purchase price.
As mentioned earlier, new tyres are sold with approximately 8mm of tread depth whereas part worn tyres can have as little as 2 mm or less. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6 mm which means the cost per mm of worn tyres is considerably more than new ones. At the same time, vehicle owners must replace part worn tyres much sooner resulting in further expenditure.
Not only is it dangerous to drive on tyres with less than 1.6 mm of tread but it’s also against the law. Get caught and you could face fines of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre. That is a large penalty that could be avoided, not to mention the associated safety concerns.
Are Part Worn Tyres Legal?
It is an offence to sell part worn tyres that do not meet the necessary requirements. These fall under The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg.7.) as part of the Consumer Protection Act. We’ve listed the principal requirements below as quoted by TyreSafe:
- The structural integrity must not be compromised. It should be free of large cuts, any bulges or lumps both internally and externally. No plies or cords should be exposed.
- Tyres must have passed an inflation test prior to sale.
- The original grooves must still be clearly visible in their entirety and must be to a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of the tread, around its entire circumference.
- Part worn tyres which have not been retreaded must clearly show the relevant ‘E’ mark alongside which ‘PART-WORN’ must be permanently and legibly applied in letters at least 4mm high. These words cannot be hot branded or cut into the tyre.
- Part-worn tyres that have been retreaded must have clear markings indicating the manufacturer, model and tyre classification. Find out more about the symbols and markings here.
Expert Tyre Advice And Service From Elite Garages
Our tyre experts will always recommend what’s best for your car to keep you and your family safe. Part worn tyres are dangerous and could cost you a small fortune down the road. Save yourself the trouble and bring your car to Elite Garages for a FREE tyre check.
Our technicians are professional, friendly and go the extra mile to keep you informed throughout. We also offer other complementary services with no hidden costs or service commitments. Talk to any of our friendly and knowledgeable staff if you need further information. When you are ready, contact your local branch to discuss your tyre requirements and we will provide you with everything you need.
