Vast majority of part worn tyre retailers failing to meet legal requirements

Investigators fear some fitting businesses may be unaware of dangers associated with part worn tyres

Vast majority of part worn tyre retailers failing to meet legal requirements
Image: Bigstock.

The majority of tyre retailers investigated by Tyresafe have been found to be selling tyres illegally.

Of the 250 retailers investigated in the past five years, 93 per cent failed to comply with regulations.

What’s more, 63 per cent of the 400 tyres inspected were considered unsafe to be used on the UK’s road network.

TyreSafe investigators say they had seen tyres being repaired with bubblegum and hand gloves before selling them back to prospective buyers.

One tyre sold to a motorist even had a socket embedded in the tread with another having an 8mm nail sticking through a side wall.

Related: Cocaine-addicted tester blasted by judge after issuing fraudulent pass certificates

TyreSafe spokesperson Jason Simms, says it’s the “sellers obligation” to check tyres and ensure safety.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “Where part worn tyres are sold it is the sellers obligation to inspect them.

“These tyres do not go through any kind of government checks, it is up to the retailer, the person whose business it is to sell tyres, to check the tyre.

“By law they must put a stamp saying partly worn on it, anecdotally do you remember having seen any tyre any time anywhere with a part worn sticker on it, no.”

Related: Garages asked to encourage customers to bring MOT test forward ahead of autumn rush

More than 1,200 road casualties are caused by an incident where an illegal or defective tyre is a contributory factor.

Tyres which do not meet the minimum tread depth limit can see motorists fined up to £2,500 per tyre.

Motorists could also be considered for a dangerous driving charge if their tyres are considered to be in a poor condition.

But despite the risks, there are fears that tyre retailers may be unaware of the dangers when selling their tyres.

TyreSafe say they want to see the capability of those fitting the tyres increase so retailers “know what they are doing”.

Related: Face masks to become mandatory for retail in England – here’s the advice for garages

Mr Simms revealed some retailers had even stopped selling part worn tyres after learning how dangerous they could be.

He said: “Over the course of the years we have seen a lot for retailers who genuinely were surprised at how dangerous some of the tyres were they were selling.

“And they said, ‘do you know what, I didn’t realise tyres were such a complicated product, I’m not going to bother selling part worns anymore, it’s just too much of a risk’.

“They were not aware of how important their role is in checking those tyres before they get fitted to a customers car.”

Share your comments below.

Garage Wire Podcast

Garage Wire · #5 Vehicle electrification and what it means for independent garages

Home Page Forums Vast majority of part worn tyre retailers failing to meet legal requirements

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #199494 Reply

    The majority of tyre retailers investigated by Tyresafe have been found to be selling tyres illegally. Of the 250 retailers investigated in the past f
    [See the full post at: Vast majority of part worn tyre retailers failing to meet legal requirements]

    #199509 Reply

    As an mot tester I have seen many cars presented for a re test with part worns fitted that have have not met the requirements ie fitted not in accordance of sidewall instruction. Eggs splits down to chords perished because the tyre was 14 years old and believe it or not actually having less tread than the tyres that failed. The mind boggles. Part worns should be banned.

    #199508 Reply
    peter waltham
    Guest

    as a part worn dealer for the last 30yrs I find your comments in the article of part worn tyres laughable, bubblegum, rubber gloves really, we all know where tyresafe is coming from part of the old reactionary guard that think they have a divine right to the tyre market exclusively, go back 20 to 25yrs and see their thoughts on lowlife independent wholesalers and the abomination of main agents having the ordacity of selling tyres.If tyresafe were really interested in public safety they would be arranging courses for the trade on proper fitting and perhaps teaching national chains not oversell items and services to the public

    #199994 Reply
    Eddie Bamber
    Guest

    When I was selling part worn tyres, I got a lit of mine from the local car breakers yard from accident damaged vehicles. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the tyres and each one was thoroughly inspected by me before purchase and again once removed from the wheel. After all, my wife and children could be in the car running on those tyres or somebody else’s. I have a conscience. Unfortunately though, as with any trade, you get the more unscrupulous people who are just out to make a quick buck. We’ve said it before, but there needs to be more licensing of mechanics, tyre fitters etc., within the motor trade and it should be illegal for anyone to run a business without the proper certification.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

LEAVE A REPLY:

Reply To: Vast majority of part worn tyre retailers failing to meet legal requirements

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.