Part-worn tyres are not safe. In the past, they used to be sold because they were cheaper but essentially, they’re not likely to last long and will mean you will have to replace them much more frequently. The message is simple: invest in safe, new tyres. There are many risks to using part-worn tyres, so to ensure you understand what they are, we’ve put together a useful article that’ll explain everything you should be aware of.

Part-worn tyres have poor tread-depth

But just how poor? Part-worn tyres are likely to have as little as 2mm of tread depth left, this means your braking distances will be increased and that you’re at a higher risk of aquaplaning. This means driving in the rain can make you more likely to lose control of the car as the water builds between the road and your tyre. 

The history of part-worn tyres is unknown

Second-hand cars come with history, this tends to include how old the car is, how many miles it has driven, what parts have been repaired or replaced and their MOT history. However, tyres do not come with this rich background, it may be that the second-hand tyres have been driven with incorrect pressures and thus, been subject to damaged or it might be that they have been patched up poorly during repairs.<

On the other hand, they might be fine but it’s not worth the risk – you might find out the hard way. 

Part-worn tyres may have damaged the tyres’ structural integrity There may be unseen damage to your part-worn, second-hand tyres that are affecting their structural integrity. This could affect performance, handling and could make your car less efficient overall. 

Part-worn tyres will have a poor grip on the road Safety on the road is vital and low tread depths could be life-threatening, having a poor grip on the road means you’re not really in control of your vehicle. Second-hand tyres will need replacing much sooner than brand new ones, which makes it much more expensive and can make the journey in the car much less comfortable too. 

Not all part-worn tyres meet legal requirements Not all part-worn tyres on the market meet the legal requirements, which means the sale of badly worn tyres that have a tread depth under 1.6mm is illegal and should not be used on the road. If you do buy part-worn tyres, check their tread depth by using the 20p trick. 

Is it legal to buy part-worn tyres?

It is legal to sell and purchase part-worn tyres as long as they meet legal requirements and have a tread depth that’s over 1.6mm. New tyres tend to have an average tread depth of 8mm or 9mm – so you can see why anything lower than the legal limit is dangerous and unsafe. 

For quick and easy tyre fittings across the West Midlands, get in touch with Trade Tyres. We have an experienced team of professionals who are here to supply quality tyres that meet any budget. Call today to discuss your requirements and experience a first-rate speedy tyre fitting service. You can either come to us or we’ll come to you – whatever suits.