Warning Over The Tyre Bargains That Can Cost Lives

When it comes to keeping a car on the roads, we’re all looking for the best deals.

That’s true whether we’re buying outright or seeking finance. It’s true when we’re hunting down brilliant insurance premiums, or value for money MOTs, and it’s true in every other aspect of every little thing which goes towards running a vehicle.

So, naturally, motorists follow the same tried and trusted principle when it comes to replacing worn tyres.

And if you’re looking for the best deal, one perfectly legal option is to go for widely available part-worn tyres. Which is, of course, all fine and dandy if the tyres are up to standard.

But in too many cases they aren’t.

The very real risks of buying dangerous second-hand tyres were highlighted in a recent hard-hitting report by the Local Government Association (LGA).

The study found that too many were being sold with unacceptable repairs, safety defects and without the correct labelling. A spokesman said lives were being put at risk in blatant breaches of the law.

The LGA investigation across 10 councils in Yorkshire and Humber found that 45% of 29 used tyres examined were not up to an acceptable standard. It said motorists should only buy pre-owned tyres that have the legal required 'part-worn' marking.

Department of Transport figures show that unsafe tyres played a part in 17 people being killed and a further 147 suffering serious injuries in 2017.

Simon Blackburn, chairman of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, said that “blatant, inexcusable breaches of the law are happening with shocking prevalence in some areas.”

He said dangerous and part-worn tyres were putting motorists’ lives at risk.

Mr Blackburn said: “Cheap used tyres might be tempting to buy but if they don't have the correct legal markings, motorists could unknowingly buy illegal tyres which could contribute to a major accident.

"They should also look out for any cracks, tears, lumps and check the state of the tread before buying."

So, to make sure that your tyres are safe in general, and that they comply with the legal requirements, here are a few brief tips.

Experts say motorists should carry out regular checks, examining tread depths and tyre pressures once a fortnight and before long journeys.

Drivers’ should ensure that a tyre does not fall below 1.6mm across the central three-quarter area, and around the complete circumference. Motorists who don’t do that could be in trouble not only on the road, but also with the law.

Apart from the obvious safety dangers, they face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points if they flout tread depth regulations. And that’s for each tyre found to be illegal – which means that ultimately fines up to £10,000 are possible.

With your tyres the only things directly keeping your car in contact with the road, it makes sense to buy to a decent legal standard. And while they’re busy looking after us for mile after mile… let’s make sure we look after them too.