Dear Editor,
I have followed the debates and conversations surrounding the government’s ban on used vehicle tyres and having listened, I came to the conclusion that the decision was not well thought through. In other words, the decision to ban the use of second-hand or part-worn tyres was taken without wider research and as such can be considered irrational.
It would be a good idea for an explanation to be given as to why such a decision was taken. One doesn’t have to be a scientist or brain surgeon to conclude that these tyres can contribute to the causes of death at the extreme end and at the same time provide jobs, a healthy livelihood and a good life for many. The only question that should be first and foremost in the thoughts of our policy-makers is, are used tyres safe? No other question should be considered.
Research (Which.co.uk) shows that fitting second-hand, part-worn tyres to your car can be dangerous, and although it might be tempting to save money by buying such tyres, there is always an element of risk to consider. It is perfectly legal for garages in the UK, USA and Europe to sell part-worn or second-hand car tyres, but only if they are safe and properly marked.
Under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994, a part-worn tyre must not have cuts longer than 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre, which are deep enough to reach the ply or cord. Tyres must not have lumps, bulges or tears caused by separation or failure of the tyre’s structure; or any penetration damage that has not been repaired; or any internal or external cord or ply exposed. These are just some of the checks we should and must undertake before implementing sweeping changes.
In addition, garages selling part-worn tyres all have a responsibility to ensure that these must also be properly marked. Part-worn tyres must show all the original markings for their type and design, including speed ratings and load indexes. They must clearly display or feature the words ‘part worn’ at the point of sale and have systems in place for internal inspection if they are to be sold on the rim.
Some outlets or garages sell part-worn tyres that do not meet these standards, which means they might have suffered internal damage and could be dangerous.
Many drivers who need better tread on a car or truck might be looking at the viability of going with used tyres, or they may be choosing between the options of getting a new or used set. Each choice has its own pros and cons; here are some of the advantages:
Best pricing ‒ Used tyres come with much lower prices than a new set, even if the used set is in great condition. This leaves the driver free to pursue paying for extras like alignment and balancing that will make tyres last even longer on the road.
Waste not, want not ‒ Buying used tyres is part of a greater plan for some drivers. Economical and thrifty drivers will often be expert at inspecting used tyres to make sure they get great deals that won’t compromise their safety on the road. Buying used also helps cut down on waste; if everybody simply bought new, there would be a glut of perfectly good tyres lying around.
There are disadvantages as well. For example, uneven wear. If the previous owner of the vehicle was not conscientious about maintaining their tyre sets, you may find some bad wearing conditions on used tyres. Some of these can be evident, but others can be pretty hard to spot. Look for ‘scalloping’ or wear in the inside or outside grooves of a tyre to be sure it is in good condition.
Previous patches are something to look for; some used tyres for sale at the less honourable used tyre shops can be practically worn out with prior patching, bubbles or thin spots. Some of these tyres are almost like sieves. Therefore it is paramount that a buyer checks out used tyres thoroughly and uses visual practice to get good at spotting second-hand damage.
My advice to our policy-makers would be to re-examine the facts on the advantages and disadvantages of used tyres; they are not all that bad. One note to those buying used tyres would be to keep the above in mind when looking for them. Remember that used tyres can be a great bargain, but they are only as valuable as the safety that they provide on the road. Used tyres that are free of wear problems and have lots of tread can be real money savers, but people should always educate themselves on how to spot wear, and take a look at any relevant recall information.
Finally, before we consider banning anything, it is worth engaging in wider consultation, especially when the decision to ban affects only those at the grass roots.
Yours faithfully,
Brendon Mounter
