Millions of Brits to buy potentially dangerous used tyres over next 12 months

Millions of UK drivers plan to buy dangerously used tyres over the next 12 months, according to a survey.

More than one in 10 UK drivers expect to buy one or more part-worn tyres over the next year, with more than a quarter of 18-24 year olds planning to buy used tyres in the 12-month period.

The AA interviewed 17,417 members as part of the survey, and found that over half of those questioned believed that new tyres are too expensive, with one in 10 admitting that they saw part-worn tyres as better value for money.

Mark Shankland, managing director of AA Tyres, said: “When it comes to choosing tyres, picking price over safety is a dangerously regular occurrence.

“It’s not surprising that drivers are looking for ways to lower the cost of running their car, but buying used tyres is simply a false economy that continues to mislead millions of motorists each year.

“While initial outlay on a part-worn tyre may be as little as £10, the legal limit for tread is 1.6mm. Buying a used tyre with 2mm left of tread is therefore far less economical than buying a new tyre with 7mm, for example.

“Used tyres may seem like an easy way of saving money, but they can very quickly become dangerous to drive on – and that can be an incredibly expensive mistake to make. After all, the penalty for driving with tyres below the legal tread depth in the UK can cost you £2,500 and three points per tyre.”

However, tyre manufacturers were quick to point out that the safety of a used tyre can only be determined if a driver knows its history. Jamie McWhir, technical manager for Michelin in the UK and Republic of Ireland, said: “These are really interesting results, although not altogether surprising.
 
“At the end of the day, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but one of the issues buying a part-worn tyre is that you have no idea about its history. It was obviously removed from the previous vehicle for a reason. Was it involved in an accident? Was it considered unsafe or damaged?

McWhir added: “It’s wrong to say that a new tyre is always safer than a worn tyre. We have done test after test that shows that a premium-quality worn tyre, made to work effectively right down to 1.6mm, can outperform a brand new, low-quality budget tyre.”