Lethal used tyres are being sold with dangerous safety defects

20th May 2019

Drivers are warned they could be putting lives at risk by buying unsafe second-hand tyres.

The Local Government Association (LGA) says some part-worn tyres are being sold despite having serious safety defects that could easily cause breakdowns or collisions on the roads.

The organisation, which represents councils across England and Wales, has urged drivers to buy from reputable retailers and check for the required “part-worn” stamp.

Tyres without this stamp are unlikely to have been safety checked, and retailers found selling them face prosecution.

Unsafe tyres can cause significant danger on the road, leaving drivers unable to accelerate, steer or brake properly.

Department for Transport figures for 2017 show 17 people were killed on the road and a further 147 seriously injured in collisions where tyre defect was a contributing factor.

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Simon Blackburn, chairman of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said that inexcusable breaches of the law are putting road users at serious risk.

He said: “Cheap used tyres might be tempting to buy but if they don't have the correct legal markings, motorists could unknowingly buy illegal tyres which could contribute to a major accident.

"They should also look out for any cracks, tears, lumps and check the state of the tread before buying."

RAC patrol of the year Ben Aldous said that, regardless of a car’s general condition, unsafe tyres are always a risk.

He said: “Every year we attend hundreds of thousands of breakdowns where drivers' tyres have failed them.

“While these might sometimes be unavoidable, such as after hitting a pothole, there are far too many times when breakdowns are caused by tyres that are badly worn.”

Drivers should carry out regular checks on their tyres, checking tread and pressure at least once a fortnight and before any longer journeys to avoid the risks of unsafe tyres.

If you’re in the market for quality, second-hand tyres check out the great value range on offer on RAC Tyres and find the right tyres for your car today.

Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.