Worn out? Tread carefully

Selling vehicles which have part worn tyres attached?

Make sure you are checking them very thoroughly prior to sale. A recent Trading Standards investigation into vehicles with part worn tyres showed that more than a third of them had “illegal repairs, tears or punctures” Even though the tread depth was fine the tyres were not road legal and therefore not safe.

Part worn tyres are alleged to be the causes of many accidents in the UK and worldwide so it is very important that you are checking these carefully prior to even putting the vehicle up for sale.

Not only could this put you under Trading Standards magnifying glass and result in a large fine, together with adverse publicity but also leave you with a pretty big feeling of guilt on your shoulders if the tyres on a vehicle you sold caused a potentially fatal accident.

So what’s the best way to make sure you are staying on the right side of the law? Well if you want to be incredibly safe sell all vehicles with brand new tyres! If that’s not practical then check them very carefully and ensure that they meet all legal requirements and make a record of your check and findings. It is also worth advertising the vehicle as having part worn tyres. This may also help to stop consumers returning to you when the tread depth is below the minimum level at their next MOT!

Often it’s easy to forget about tyres but it really isn’t worth it!