Part worn tyre investigation

The largest ever nationwide investigation into the sale of part worn tyres across the UK has revealed that thousands of drivers are being exposed to frightening levels of risk through the purchase of second hand tyres that fail to meet minimum safety standards.

The study, co-ordinated by TyreSafe and the National Tyre Distributors Association, in conjunction with various Trading Standards offices and local councils, found that more than a third (34 per cent) of the 817 part worn tyres bought in mystery shopper exercises across the country during the last year, contained faults or damage which meant that they should not have been offered for sale. Furthermore, a remarkable 97 per cent had not been marked by retailers as ‘part-worn’ as is required by law.

“The results of this latest investigation are truly horrific,” exclaims Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “Your safety on the road is reliant on the condition of your tyres so it’s essential that retailers only offer for sale either brand new tyres, or those used ones that have been carefully and thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet the various requirements laid down by law.”

Among the faults found by the independent tyre inspectors assessing the tyres were dangerous puncture repairs, exposed cords, damaged beads, penetration damage and evidence of being run under-inflated, all items which could pose a potential safety hazard to the user and other motorists.