Why part worn tyres

By contrast, new tyres have 8mm of tread. It may also be difficult to buy a tyre that matches or is close to the tread pattern of your other tyres, or buy a full set of matching tyres. The difference between the minimum tread depth of a part-worn tyre that can be legally sold and the legal limit for a tyre on the road is just 0. Tyre speed rating and labelling guide. This must be permanently applied in letters at least 4mm high and cannot be cut or branded into the tyre.

Best car tyres to buy. As you may have gathered by now, we regard buying a part-worn tyre as both a risky business and a false economy. Retreaded tyres — sometimes called retreads or remoulds — are old tyres that have the remaining tread and sidewall stripped away and new rubber moulded onto the old tyre carcass. The process is common for lorry and bus tyres. Since , all retreaded tyres must be approved to ensure they meet basic standards.

However, given the proliferation of budget-priced new tyres, the appeal of remoulds for a car is negligible. Towing with an electric car, hybrid or plug-in hybrid - what's the capacity and can you tow a caravan? Electric car charging stations: a complete guide. Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer.

Tips and Advice Home Tips and advice. Of outlets that were tested, just 13 met the requirements. Check the tread depth yourself, on all the tyres at all points around the circumference of the tyres. The tyres should be clearly labelled as part-worn - this should be permanently marked on their sidewalls in upper case letters.

There are some advantages to buying part-worn tyres. They are cheaper than new tyres, which means that some motorists may be able to afford higher quality, better brand products than they would normally. Many are also imported from Germany, where the minimum legal tread depth is greater than in the UK.

This means that these tyres may have more wear left in them. Start by asking yourself - why have the tyres been removed from the previous vehicle? It could be that the driver no longer considered them safe, or they could have been in an accident where they are likely to have sustained damage.

The tyres may not meet minimum standards, or they could even be dangerous. Tread depth is what gives your tyres traction and grip on the road, giving you more control especially in wet or harsh weather conditions. An overly worn tyre is an accident waiting to happen. Is it worth the risk? This is another very important question to ask yourself when searching for replacement tyres. New tyres will also give you better fuel economy and performance too.

If you drive carefully and maintain them well, they could last you for years. Some tyres are unable to be repaired, and those that are may be limited in their maximum speed rating. Again, check the interior carcass of the tyre for damage.

If you're being thorough, then it's probably worth walking away from tyres that have any kind of damage to them, either inside or out.

The reality is that part-worn tyres are a gamble, even in the best-case scenario. With unknown history and the potential for failure, you could be taking your life and that of others into your own hands. What could be a potential saving in the short-term could pay back dearly in the future.

If you are set on buying some part-worn car tyres follow our easy steps below to give yourself the best chance of getting a good deal. Buy from a reputable seller. Find out as much as you can about the history of the tyre.

Look for top brand tyres. Buy in tyres in pairs so the tyres on each axle of your car match. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear. Check the tyre carcass inside and out for any damage or repairs. Have you ever bought part-worn tyres before?

Tell us about your experience in the comments section below Brand loyalty evaporates as car demand hits all-time high. Skip to Content Skip to Footer. Why buy part-worn tyres?