The dangers of part-worn tyres
Everyone loves getting a bargain, but is it worth risking your safety?
Part-worn tyres may seem like a cost-effective way to replace the tyres on your vehicle, but when you consider the dangers that they could pose for yourself and other drivers, it’s an unnecessary risk.
Research by TyreSafe shows that illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres contribute to over 1,200 UK motoring injuries. TyreSafe also discovered that 98% of part-worn tyres sold in the UK were done so illegally, with 34% of these tyres having damage that was considered dangerous.
We fully recommend that motorists buy new tyres rather than risking their safety, read on to find out why!
Is it illegal to buy part-worn tyres?
Although it isn’t currently illegal to sell part-worn tyres in the UK, many sellers ignore the strict rules that go alongside selling them.
Trading Standards dictate that all part-worn tyres must;
- Have an ECE approval mark and a speed & load capacity index
- Be marked with 'PART-WORN' in upper case letters at least 4mm high.
- Not have a cut over 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre
- Not have any internal or external lump, bulge or tear
- Not have any ply or cord exposed
- Not have any penetration damage that has not been repaired
- The original tread pattern of the tyre must be at least 2mm deep
The sale of part-worn tyres in the UK is an ongoing issue, with some garages selling tyres that clearly do not meet the criteria set out above. Although the cost may be attractive, the dangers that they pose are significant. At Green Flag, we only sell high-quality, new tyres from reputable manufacturers, giving you peace of mind when you’re on the road.
Where do part-worn tyres come from?
Worryingly, a lot of part-worn tyres have unknown origins, making it impossible to tell what the history of the tyre is. A part-worn tyre could have suffered a puncture in the past, or have irreparable damage that could cut its lifespan.
A lot of the part-worn tyres in the UK are shipped over from other European countries such as Germany where the legal tyre limit is lower. During their transport to the UK, they are stacked high in shipping containers, instead of being properly stored flat in a well-ventilated area. The humid conditions of the shipping containers can further decrease the lifespan of the tyres.
How can you spot a part-worn tyre?
One of the first things to look for when identifying a part-worn tyre is the tyre depth. A brand new tyre will have an average tyre depth of 8mm, whereas a part-worn tyre has an average of 3-4mm. Some part-worn tyres have even been found to have a 2mm tyre tread, meaning that there is only 0.4mm of useable tread left in the tyre before it is illegal!
Tyre tread is vital when driving in wet conditions as the tread and the pattern dispense water from between the tyre and the road surface. With a low tyre depth, water gets trapped between the tyre and the road, often leading to aquaplaning and losing control of the vehicle. The braking distance when travelling at 50mph on wet roads for a new tyre with 8mm of tread is around 26 metres, compared to 38 meters for a tyre on the legal limit.
Don’t risk the safety of you or other motorists! Even if you are on a tight budget, you can find quality new tyres at Green Flag. Looking for more information on the quality of your tyres? Take a look at our guide to understand tyre labelling.
