Are part worn tyres safe?
Part worn tyres are tyres that have already been used on another car. They can cut the cost of keeping a car on the road, but they carry real risks. Here is how to weigh them up.
What the law requires
In the UK it is an offence to sell part worn tyres that do not meet strict rules under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994. In summary, a part worn tyre must:
- Be structurally sound, with no lumps, bulges or large cuts inside or out, and no exposed plies or cords.
- Carry the right markings: the words “PART WORN” in the sidewall alongside the relevant approval mark (an ECE mark on tyres supplied after 1 January 2004), a load capacity and speed category, and a permanent mark showing the original model and manufacturer.
- Have enough tread: the rules set a minimum, higher than for a new tyre’s legal limit of 1.6 mm. Check the current figure with Trading Standards or the government’s tyre guidance.
Are they safe?
A tyre is all that lies between you and the road, so a bad one is dangerous. The trouble is that you cannot see inside a tyre. Without a known history you cannot tell how much structural damage it carries. Many people advise against buying part worn tyres at all, considering them a false economy, because they may not last long.
The risk is lowest if you know exactly where a tyre came from, it is from an established brand built to recognised quality standards, and it has been inspected inside and out by someone competent before it is sold.
Where do they come from?
Mostly from countries with a higher legal minimum tread than the UK, such as Germany where it is 3 mm, and from scrapped or written-off vehicles whose tyres are judged salvageable.
What to check before you buy
- Tread. New tyres start at about 8 mm. Anything under 3 mm is hardly worth buying. Uneven tread or worn shoulders mean the tyre will not last.
- The sidewalls, inside and out, for scrapes, cuts or loose rubber. Tyres from an accident car may have hidden damage.
- Repairs. A repaired puncture is a warning sign: there may be damage to the belts that hold the tyre’s shape, and the speed rating may be lower.
- The markings. No “PART WORN” marking and an approval mark means walk away.
- Pairs. Buy in pairs, but remember each tyre probably came from a different car, so the tread will vary.
Are they worth it?
Even a tyre with good tread can carry hidden risk. If you do choose part worn, check them thoroughly, buy a recognised brand from a seller who is open about where they came from, and make sure they are roadworthy. If you are unsure, ask a fitter. As a rule, buy the best quality new tyre you can afford: see our budget and mid-range tyres.