Caution about S/H tyres

[MSS]

Just highlighting an article in order to bring the matter to members' attention.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38691767

[JoeMc]

Personally I think this is aimed at the general population that aren't necessarily car enthusiasts etc... But people that just get in their cars and 'go'...

I personally wouldn't use budget tyres 'to fit a monetary budget'... Cheapmtyres are cheap for a reason and generally cack to use!

I'd rather spend money, if/where necessary, on decent part worn tyres that are of a decent brand/spec etc...

However, I only do 2-4K miles a year, max, so part worns can last me the lifespan of my car ownership!

This is a tin of worms topic, I know that, everyone will have their own opinion... Bur I think the BBC story isn't written very well... It's just slamming this issue from the off without offering other alternatives!

[Leyland Worldmaster]

I personally don't get part worn tyres; tyres and brakes are the most important safety elements; would anyone buy second hand part worn brake linings etc?

Each to their own though!

[wullie480]

Every time you buy a used car your getting part worn tyres.

[SCP440]

A lot of part worn tyres come in from Germany especially in the Autumn when they are having there winter tyres fitted and they are not worth refitting.

The other big source is from cars being written off in the UK, fine if it was because of a mechanical fault but would you be happy fitting tyres from a car that has had a bad smash or even caught fire?

Used tyres should be examined with care and if you are not 100% happy with them once you have examined them don't buy them, remember those four small contact areas are all that is keeping you from going into the ditch.

As far as budget tyres go use the adage my father used to use, ''if you have not heard of them before probably best to avoid''. You don't see any manufacturers fitting Aoteli's or Yanyongs and there is probably a reason for that.

[Rooney]

Great post OP.

It's not just second hand tyres that we need to be careful of though - tyres degrade over time so some sold as brand new top brand tyres are actually lethal.

Anybody buying a tyre should check the date on the one that's fitted - a tyre supplier near me sold someone four eight year old tyres which were ''new'' but were already dangerous.

How to check the age of your tyre

The date your tyres were made will be on the sidewall in the form of four numbers usually preceded by the letters DOT. These numbers represent the week number and year, so 3410 will be week 34, 2010

[MSS]

Originally Posted by wullie480

Every time you buy a used car your getting part worn tyres.

That is a good point. Tyres should be considered and replacement planned in the same manner as cambelts etc. when purchaning a used car.

I always replace all four or five tyres on any car that I buy either straight away or, if they are in good condition and a quality make, the first time that a reason arises for repair or replacement of even one tyre e.g a puncture.

As a result, all my cars have the same make of tyre all around, purchased by myself so I can be confident in their history.

[Neil1]

Originally Posted by wullie480

Every time you buy a used car your getting part worn tyres.

True you do, except I had all new ones fitted as the side walls were cracked and there were different tyres on the same axle which you don't do.

I have used part worn tyres back when times were really hard.

So I can understand why people buy them, may not be the safest but that does depend on where you buy them from.

[topman]

I read the other day that in many countries it's illegal to sell second hand tyres.

[gazcaz]

Never buy second hand tyres i know it may be tempting due to funds but cars sit on four small bits of rubber and thats what keeps us on the road so good condition quality rubber is a must.

Although i do know some that have had to buy seconds and never had a problem so i guess may be down to who is running the company.