When a motorist visits one of our ETB Autocentres for help with a tyre problem, we always strive to find the best solution that is cost effective for them, while ensuring safety remains the top priority. We understand that when tyre replacement is the only safe solution, this can be daunting for customers who are already feeling the pinch of vehicle running costs - and this is often when part-worn tyres become an attractive prospect over selecting brand new rubber.
While part-worn tyres might initially appear to offer a significant saving compared to a brand-new tyre, they often end up costing motorists more in the long term, and they potentially pose a significant safety risk.
A new set of tyres will provide optimum performance, superior grip, efficient braking and maximum tread depth, which not only protects the driver and fellow passengers, but also brings out the best in the vehicle, resulting in more comfortable and enjoyable journeys.
While part-worn tyres might look very similar to a brand new tyre on the outside, the reality can be very different. It’s not always known where part-worn tyres come from, so motorists can never be truly confident knowing how safe a used tyre is.
Many part-worn tyres are taken from cars either no longer in use or that have been in an accident, meaning there could be hidden internal damage to the tyre structure that isn’t visible from the outside.
It’s also important to look beyond the purchase price of a used tyre. When buying new, the tread depth on a tyre is usually 7 or 8mm, but this can be as low as 1.6mm on part-worn rubber. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm in the UK, so somebody purchasing a tyre in this condition would be looking at an immediate replacement, which may result in a bigger cost than buying a brand new tyre in the first instance. Even if you buy premium brand used tyres, it is more cost effective to purchase them brand new.
It is legal to sell part-worn tyres in the UK but tyre dealers must meet a number of requirements before doing so.
These requirements include:
However, not all retailers are compliant with these regulations. According to research from road safety charity TyreSafe, out of 278 that were investigated, 261 retailers were not following regulations. Alarmingly, over 63% of part-worn tyres were found to be unsafe for road use, and almost a quarter of the tyres inspected were ten years old or more - double the recommended threshold for tyre replacement.
You can find out more about TyreSafe’s findings here.
Should you have an accident as a result of a part-worn tyre and this is proven, your insurance could be invalid. In this case, the financial impact could be greatly increased.
Here are just some of the benefits of buying new tyres:
When you’re looking for a safe, reliable tyre that provides performance at an affordable price, Davanti is leading the way.
Every Davanti tyre has been designed to provide outstanding performance while getting the best out of the vehicle. Tested across a range of disciplines at some of Europe’s toughest proving grounds, safe and predictable handling is at the heart of tyre development.
Not only that, when you purchase a new Davanti tyre you can register for Accidental Damage Guarantee, which provides added protection should you experience accidental damage through normal road use.
Davanti’s commercial and passenger car range is now available at ETB Autocentres in a wide range of fitments. No matter your vehicle or driving needs, there’s a Davanti tyre to suit.
Calls may be recorded for training and to ensure the best quality customer service.
TYRE BRANDS
Bridgestone - Avon - Michelin - Pirelli - Continental - Davanti - Ceat
