A surge in motorists using part-worn tyres, but does it really save money in the long run?

In the past year, UK searches for 'cheap second-hand car tyres near me' have surged by 57%, with 'part-used tyres' seeing a 55% rise.

This trend reflects the tightening belts of many households and businesses grappling with the cost of living. Consequently, more motorists are seeking cost-effective solutions for car maintenance. However, the pursuit of savings should not come at the expense of safety.

A concerning 20% of drivers neglect regular tyre checks, increasing the risk of accidents, especially on busy roads. This oversight is particularly dangerous when using part-worn tyres, which often have significantly less tread depth compared to new tyres.

New tyres typically have around 8mm of tread depth, while part-worn tyres can have as little as 2mm. This not only results in a higher cost per millimetre but also necessitates more frequent replacements to comply with the UK's legal tread depth of 1.66mm. Using tyres below the minimum tread depth heightens the risk of collisions due to reduced stopping distances and grip, particularly in adverse weather conditions like the recent wet and windy spells.

Richard Croft, Operations Director at etyres, said: “As previously noted, the legal threshold for tyre tread depth stands at 1.6mm. This can be easily assessed using the 20p test. For the 20p test, should the outer band of the coin be obscured upon insertion into the tread, the depth is deemed sufficient; if not, it signifies the necessity for replacement.”