A recent investigation into the sale of used cars in the UK has unveiled concerning findings regarding the condition of their tires. The study revealed that approximately 16% of vehicles on the market are equipped with tires that pose potential safety risks and may not last until their next MOT inspection. Additionally, about 8% of cars are being sold with tires that would warrant a ‘warning’ during an MOT due to their poor condition, with some even having tread depths at or below the legal limit of 1.6mm.
The research, carried out by Halfords in collaboration with Professor Peter Wells from Cardiff University’s Centre for Automotive Research, involved scrutinizing nearly 500 vehicles across more than 100 locations in the UK. The analysis, presented during Tyre Safety Month, highlighted that around 16% of the examined vehicles had a minimal tread depth of 3.6mm or less, a level deemed risky by Professor Wells as tires typically wear down by 2mm annually.
Furthermore, the study found that approximately 8% of cars had tread depths of 3mm or less, a condition that would trigger a ‘warning’ during an MOT test. This level of wear significantly impacts tire performance, especially in wet conditions, where braking distances can increase by up to 20%. Shockingly, four vehicles investigated had tires with tread depths at or below 1.6mm, indicating potential illegality before their next MOT.
While it is legal to sell cars with tires at the 1.6mm limit, the compromised safety of such tires is significant. The stopping distance of a vehicle traveling at 70mph in wet conditions increases from 94 meters with new tires to 171 meters with tires at the legal minimum. This difference underscores the safety risks associated with worn tires.
The study also revealed specific instances where vehicles were being sold with dangerously worn tires, including a £8,000 car from a dealership with tires measuring 1.55mm and a ten-month MOT, and a £15,000 car from a major dealership with tires at the legal limit of 1.6mm. Despite being within legal bounds, these tires posed potential safety hazards to drivers.
In response to these findings, Halfords is offering free tire checks nationwide to assist new car owners in ensuring their tires meet safety standards. The 10-Point Check, available for Halfords Motoring Club members, aims to promote tire safety awareness among drivers. Additional information on tire safety and maintenance can be accessed at halfords.com/tyre-safety.html.