Buying second-hand (part worn) tyres, Am I Saving Money?

Buying second-hand tyres: Am I Saving Money?

Second-hand or part worn tyres are tyres which have been used on another vehicle. If you are thinking about buying a part worn tyre, you must ensure the tyre is safe and meets the minimum legal requirements.  You should also think about whether or not you’re getting real value for money.

The following are some important points to look out for before buying a part-worn tyre;

1. Check for an E-Mark on the tyre.  Your tyres will need to carry an E-mark for the NCT
2. Check that there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm on the tyre.  Anything less is illegal for use on a public road.  Always measure in the middle of the tyre surface, and not at the edges.
3. Tyres also have a ‘tread wear indicator’ block set into them at a depth of 1.6mm.  You should check this block to ensure that this indicator is not at the same level as or lower than the tyre tread.
4. Ask the seller if the tyre has undergone a condition check (including when it is inflated) to make sure it meets the minimum legal requirements and is free from defects both internally and externally.  Common defects include tears, lumps, and bulges.  A tyre that is not roadworthy will result in a car failing its NCT as well as reducing your safety on the road.
5. Ask the seller to confirm that the tyre you are buying is the correct size and design for your vehicle, and that it has the correct load and speed rating for its intended use.  If you’re not sure about what tyre is best suited for your vehicle, you could consult your vehicle manufacturer or look it up in the owner’s handbook.
6. Find our the age of the second hand tyre and make sure that is is not more than six years old.  A tyre that is six years old is a ‘pass advisory’ item at the NCT.  A tyre’s age can be determined by the serial number on the tyre sidewall.  This serial number comprises of a four digit code and refers to the tyre’s date of manufacture.  The last two digits refer to the year or manufacture: the first two refer to the week in that year. For example 1411 = week 14 of 2011. Tyres deteriorate with age.  Signs of tyre aging include cracking or crazing (lots of fine cracks) on the side wall of the tyre caused by the tyre’s flexing movements.  The shape of the tyre tread can become distorted too.  Tyre aging increases the risk of tyre failure.  Tyres may begin to show the signs of aging from when they are six years old.
7. Be aware that there could be damage to the inside of the rubber which you mightn’t be able to see from just looking at it, but that it would be possible to see in an x-ray.  The seller might be able to show that the tyre was x-rayed to prove that there is no internal damage.
8. Be satisfied that you are getting value for money.  The remaining tread depth of a second hand tyre is very important, and this is something you need to consider carefully in terms of the value for money.

Part Worn Tyres: Am I Saving Money ?

Example

A part worn tyre costing €30 has tread thickness of 3.6mm.  Therefore, it has 2mm of usable tread before it reaches the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6… This works out at €15 per mm of usable tread.

On the other hand, a new tyre costing €80 has 8mm of tread. Therefore, it has 6.4mm of usable tread before it reaches the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm.  This works out at €12.50 per mm of usable tread, and therefore offers better value.

In addition to the increased costs in this example, you would have to buy three sets of these part worn tyres in order to get the same life as one new set of tyres.