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TyreSafe is once again urging Britain’s motorists to be extra vigilant if they are considering buying used and part-worn tyres. Results of the most recent investigations show that just 6% of the used tyres inspected were sold in compliance with legal regulations.
The inspections were carried out as part of a joint operation with the National Tyre Distributors’ Association (NTDA) and Trading Standards. Of the 67 tyres checked, more than half had defects impairing their safety, including poor repairs, structural damage and age-related deterioration.
The recent investigation has led to convictions or formal guidance being issued to 19 part worn dealers across the country. The findings also revealed some shocking examples of poor practice among used tyre dealers with wrong size tyres being fitted, incorrect tyre pressures being used and water being left inside a tyre when fitted to the wheel.
In two instances, all four tyres supplied by the part worn retailer were deemed to be dangerous and not fit for purpose. And while some retailers do seem to be operating in compliance with regulations on part worn tyres, this appears to be the exception and not the norm.
“The extent of non-compliance and incompetence among dealers selling part worn tyres represents a significant risk to road safety. Motorists depend on tyre dealers to supply and fit this safety critical component in a road-worthy and legal condition but are instead being duped into buying a product which could potentially be life-threatening. Even if sold legally, TyreSafe urges Britain’s motorists not to buy part worn tyres for the sake of their own safety and that of other road users.” - TyreSafe Chairman, Stuart
Jackson, comments on the latest research.
TyreSafe is the UK’s charity dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers of defective and illegal tyres, and has been campaigning to raise awareness of the potential dangers of part worn tyres since its inception in 2006.
When you buy tyres, unless it is brand new, there is no way to tell how that tyre has been used and it could conceal hidden damage not visible to the untrained eye. Not only are part worn tyres a significant risk to road safety, they typically represent a false economy as they will need replacing much sooner than a new tyre with 8mm of tread.
If you are considering buying part worn tyres, an important question to ask yourself is, “Why were the tyres removed from the previous vehicle in the first place?”.
Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and bring extra risks. Check out our guide for top tips to stay safe and avoid breakdowns if travelling in wet conditions.
Is the UK on the verge of ‘the coldest winter for 50 years?’ Even if El Niño doesn't hit the UK this winter, reduce the risk of a winter breakdown by making sure your car battery is winter-ready.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
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We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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