Can I use second-hand tyres?
Tyres have a lifespan of approximately six years, regardless of the amount of wear and tear they have experienced. So, if the tyre is more than six years old, it’s best to avoid it even if it looks in good condition. It’s important to ensure that the second-hand tyres you’re buying are the right size for your car. Used tyres won’t last as long as new tyres and so you’ll end up replacing them more often and spend more in the long run. And, unless you know the back-story of the tyres, and even if you do, you’re risking the safety of you, your family or someone else’s.If a tyre is stored in optimal conditions, it will last for between 6 and 10 years, if it is not used. Under manufacturers’ guidance a tyre is only guaranteed to be safe for the first five years of its life, although if checked regularly for issues, some manufacturers admit that this can be extended up to 10 years.Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they’re stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.On average, Bridgestone tyres last between three to five years, depending on factors like maintenance, driving style, and road conditions. Bridgestone’s premium tyres are designed with advanced materials and technology to enhance tread life and performance.
Can you buy a second-hand tyre?
Is it illegal to buy or use second-hand tyres? No. However, we do not recommend this for safety reasons. New tyres are safer 83% of second-hand tyres fail to meet legal minimum standards, with 58% having serious safety defects. Second-hand tyres come with wear and tear. While some of this wear and tear might be obvious, for example, a worn tyre tread, other damage may not be as apparent.Budget tyres wear out faster The simplest metric to look at with tyres is the issue of how quickly they wear out. Budget tyres are simply not as long lasting as their more expensive counterparts. There are some very clear reasons for this, including the aforementioned research and development.While you will save money in the short term by buying second-hand tyres, it can cost you more in the long run. Merityre recommends replacing the old tyres on your car with new budget, mid-range or premium tyres. Our friendly tyre experts can advise you on tyres that suit the make and model of your vehicle.Are budget tyres safe? The short answer to that is yes. It’s never a case of compromising safety or reliability when you opt for affordable tyres; you’re merely forgoing design quirks that elevate handling and performance.
Are second-hand tyres illegal?
Part Worn Tyres and Your Safety However, subject to them meeting a number of regulations, the sale of part worn tyres is legal. Part worn tyres that do not meet these legal requirements can pose a serious safety risk to the driver, passengers and other road users. Tyres become illegal when they fail to meet specific legal requirements. Common reasons for illegal tyres include insufficient tread depth (below the legal minimum of 1.Consumer Protection Act, it is an offence for anyone to sell part-worn tyres that do not meet the following principal requirements: The structural integrity must not be compromised. It should be free of large cuts, any bulges or lumps both internally and externally. No plies or cords should be exposed.Purchasing counterfeit tyres puts you at serious risk of: Safety Hazards: Fake tyres are often made with inferior materials and manufacturing processes. This can lead to premature tyre failure, blowouts, loss of control, and potentially fatal accidents.
What is a second-hand tyre called?
Part worn Tyres. The name gives a pretty clear indication of what part worn tyres are. These are tyres that are ‘partly worn’ and therefore don’t have the same amount of tread that you’d expect to see on a brand-new set of tyres. Also called used or second-hand, part-worn tyres come from a variety of sources. Some are shipped in from countries that have a higher legal tread depth than the UK. Others come from scrapped vehicles, or even cars that have been in an accident.
How long does a second hand tyre last?
Every second-hand tyre will have a different lifespan, depending on the condition it is in when fitted, its tread depth and the mileage of the vehicle. However, it is estimated that a part-worn tyre with 3mm of tread depth will be able to run for around 14,000 miles (or about two years driving). Since even long-lasting rubber eventually ages, we recommend that you don’t use any tires older than 10 years old. You can learn more about how often you should buy new tires. This means that it’s essential to determine the age of any stored tires by reading the date code on their sidewall.You’ll make a handy saving when it’s time to replace your treads because budget tyres are cheaper than other models. But it’s important to bear in mind that budget tyres generally won’t last as long as premium tyres. However, the lifespan of a tyre often depends on what and where you drive.While you will save money in the short term by buying second-hand tyres, it can cost you more in the long run. Merityre recommends replacing the old tyres on your car with new budget, mid-range or premium tyres. Our friendly tyre experts can advise you on tyres that suit the make and model of your vehicle.They may wear out faster, especially if subjected to heavy use or harsh driving conditions. This means you might need to replace them more frequently, potentially offsetting the initial cost savings. Budget tyres may not perform as well in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.Some automakers suggest that tires be replaced as soon as they turn six years old. Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they’re stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.
How long do tyres last?
The consensus among tyre manufacturers and safety groups is that vehicle owners should replace their tyres roughly every 5-6 years. This is reiterated by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO), who state that tyres may be considered new for 5 years from the date of manufacture. It is recommended that tyres be replaced after six years of use, even if they appear to be in good condition. The rubber used in the tyres will deteriorate over time, regardless of how much they are used. If do not know what the age of your tyres is, you can check the sidewall for something call the DOT code.Vehicle manufacturers recommend changing tires once every 6 years, while tire manufacturers, like Michelin, say used tires last up to 10 years.After about 5 to 6 years, tires start to show their age, with the risk of dry rot, cracks, and compromised performance. So, even though those 7-year-old tires might appear serviceable, it is probably time to buy a new set.On average, most tyres last between 40,000 to 80,000 kilometres. However, this estimate can change based on the factors mentioned earlier. High-performance tyres may have a shorter lifespan, while touring or all-season tyres tend to last longer.