{content}

Think before you buy part worn tyres

Planning and Environment
10:53, Tuesday, 5th November 2019

Residents in North Lincolnshire are being warned to check part worn tyres are safe before they buy them.

Trading standards officers from across the Yorkshire and Humber region are issuing the warning to consumers who may be thinking of buying part worn tyres for their cars.

Part worn tyres are second hand tyres and they are required to meet strict safety standards prior to resale to ensure that they are safe for use on the roads.

Over the past year, officers in the Yorkshire and Humber region have conducted a number of operations targeting businesses who sell part worn tyres. Tyres were examined for defects and compliance checks were made.

97 per cent of tyres tested by trading standards had some form of defect or non-compliance and 45 per cent were deemed not fit for use as they were unsafe. Some of the issues that were detected:

  • Tyre not marked as part worn
  • Repair not carried out in accordance with Non BS AU 159
  • Unrepaired penetration damage
  • Run flat / deflation damage
  • Bead damage
  • Significant Age Related deterioration
  • Bulge
  • Deep cuts, cord / ply exposed

As part of their campaign, trading standards want to remind consumers of their rights and what to look out for when buying part worn tyres. Additionally trading standards want to remind traders that they need to be aware of their legal responsibilities to stay on the right side of the law. They are issuing guidance to businesses and further checks will be carried out.

When buying second hand goods through a retailer you have the same rights as when purchasing the goods as new.  This means that the item must be of satisfactory quality, it must be fit for purpose and it must meet the expectations of the consumer, bearing in mind of course that reasonable wear and tear might be expected. In the case of part worn tyres there are strict laws in place which mean that at the very least they must be safe to use.

More guidance on tyre safety can be found on the Tyre Safe website.