Used tyre trouble

At WMM we continue to be amazed at young people’s misconceptions that a used tyre is good value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A customer asked us to do some work to get his car ready for an MOT retest. He proudly told director Dave that he had sourced a tyre himself and only paid £35 cash.

He asked Dave if it was up to the MOT standard and Dave replied that it was but the tyre had been made in 2009. The MOT requirement is 1.6mm tread across 75% of the width of the tyre.

Dave pointed out that the tyre was degrading due to age. Look closely at the area between the tread on the photos. The other sad reality was that a basic budget new tyre would have only cost the customer another £15 or so.

If you’re thinking of buying part worn tyres, you should follow this advice on the government’s website:
  • The structural integrity isn’t compromised. They should be free of cuts longer than 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre (whichever is the greater), measured in any direction, on the outside of the tyre and not be deep enough to reach the ply or cord.
  • The original grooves are clearly visible in their entirety and must be to a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.
  • There are no lumps or bulges either internally or externally caused by the separation or partial failure of its structure.
  • None of the ply or cord is exposed internally or externally.
  • Tyres must have passed an inflation test before sale. When inflated to the highest pressure at which it is designed to operate, the tyre must not exhibit any of the external defects.
  • Any penetration damage has been repaired to British Standard BS AU 159.

All part worn tyres which have not been re-treaded must clearly show the relevant ‘E’ mark, with “PART-WORN” in uppercase letters at least 4mm high permanently and legibly applied to the tyre.

If you have a concern about your tyres, call us on 01905 358217 or email wmmgarage@gmail.com

Alternatively, you can get in touch with us via our online contact form.

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