The menace of part-worn and secondhand tyres

It is estimated that 3.5million part worn tyres are sold in the UK every year. Part worn tyres come from 3 key sources: Overseas, scrap yards and theft.

We do not sell part worn tyres. Our decision not to sell part worn tyres comes as a result of extensive research undertaken by a number of organisations. This research has shown that part worn tyres are not safe.

We break down below the sources of part worn tyres.

Regulations on winter tyres differ based on countries' laws. Regulations on tyre depth in some European countries require tyres be changed when they have 3mm left of tread depth on them. Whereas in the UK, the limit is 1.6mm. This difference in tyre limitations tends create a large market for part worn tyres originating from other European countries. Additionally in many European countries there is a legal requirement to change from Summer to Winter Tyres. Many of the tyres removed have 3mm to 6mm of tread depth left on them. It is largely uneconomic to store these over the winter period and then to refit. These can get sold to offset costs. Many of these tyres find their way to the UK to be resold as part worn tyres. This in itself creates significant problems for the UK. Research has shown that in 2009 Germany exported 69,000 tones of used tyres, it is believed that many of these came to the UK.

Old or badly accident damaged cars are sold for scrap along with their tyres. The tyres are removed from these vehicles to be recycled into the tyre market. Whilst it can be cheaper to get these tyres, they can be unsafe and pose a threat to your safety.

Tyres that are removed from vehicles by reputable tyre fitters will normally be stored on site before being removed for disposal in a environmentally friendly way. Unfortunately, some of these tyres can be stolen from garages to be resold. Protyre has taken the step of eliminating this problem by drilling holes in the sides of scrap tyres to ensure that they cannot be reused again.

In order to protect consumers, the regulations on Part Worn tyres are part of the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulation 1994. The onus is on the reseller to test the tyres to ensure they are safe. Resellers apply a vulcanised patch to confirm safety checks have been done and to mark the tyres clearly as PART WORN. Some of the these part worn tyres might have been repaired, however there is no competency test for a “properly repaired” tyre and no traceability on the test examination.

Research by Tyresafe has shown that those who buy part worn tyres will buy tyres at least twice as often compared to buying new tyres. Customers tend to pay significantly more per mm of tread when buying part worn tyres. Tyre Safe reported that a part worn tyre will cost £6.33/mm of tread while a comparable, in quality terms, new tyre would cost £5.32/mm of thread.

Another significant factor is the age of a tyre. There can be difficulty in knowing the age of a tyre and part worn tyre dealers can try to cut corners in this respect. As an example, Bristol City Council prosecuted a part worn tyre dealer for selling a tyre that was 16 years old to a customer who didn’t even realize that the tyre was part worn.

According to the Local Government Association (LGA), nearly half of the used tyres in some areas being sold illegally. Secondhand or part worn tyres are being sold with some serious safety defects, incorrect labelling, and unsafe repair jobs. The research found that some used tyres on sale were found to be nearly 30 years old.

Research by Auto Express in 2012 discovered some of the hidden problems of part worn tyres. Tyres had often been damaged in collisions or in scrapes with curbs or pot holes. This type of damage can severely compromise the structure of a tyre and make it more liable to rapid deflation. Additionally, TyreSafe also recorded that 98% of part worn tyres are sold illegally.

If you are tempted to purchase part worn tyres please follow these helpful tips:

1. Check that the tyre has been marked part worn

2. Check that it has a vulcanised strip on it confirming it is part worn

3. Ask if the tyre has been checked for any structural damage or past repairs

4. Always check if a new tyre would be a more economical. Protyre has promotions on tyres to help our customers get the best for their money.

5.If you have any questions about a part worn tyre ask your local trading standards or ask our garage specialists.

5. Always use a recognised and reputable dealer.

We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre

Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.

Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.

The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres. But our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered! Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.