There is growing evidence that British motorists are turning to the purchase of part worn tyres to save money. The fitment of part worn or second hand tyres has been increasing and estimates have put this figure at around 1.9 million in the past 12 months – following a recent independent study - with many more drivers contemplating purchasing part worn tyres.

A safety campaign by the Tyre Industry Council did result in legislation in 1995 to protect motorists from illegal part worn tyres, however, there are real concerns that the legislation is not being enforced and drivers may be purchasing tyres that are potentially dangerous or illegal.

Mytyres.co.uk, part of Europe’s leading online tyre retail group, Delticom, is suggesting that drivers should be very cautious about buying part worn tyres. “It is very difficult to determine the condition of part worn tyres” said a spokesman for mytyres.co.uk. “They may look okay,” said mytyres, “but it is impossible to establish if they have any internal damage which could possibly result in a blow out or failure at speed. Additionally many part worn tyres have only 3mm or less of tread and, therefore, offer very bad value for money”.