Are Part-Worn Tyres Safe? How We Check Every One in Ashford
A part-worn tyre can be perfectly safe, or it can be a danger, and from the outside you often cannot tell which. The difference is the checking. Here is what the law requires, what we look at on every part-worn tyre at our Feltham Road garage in Ashford TW15, and how to judge any used tyre before you let anyone fit it.
What the law says about part-worn tyres
- At least 2mm of tread across the full width of the tyre. That is stricter than the 1.6mm limit for tyres already on your car.
- No cuts, bulges or exposed cords, and no internal damage.
- A permanent PART-WORN marking on the sidewall.
A seller who skips any of this is breaking the rules, so if a tyre is missing the marking, walk away.
The 6 checks we do on every part-worn tyre
- Tread depth. Measured across the tyre, not just in one groove.
- Inside the tyre. Damage on the inner wall is the one you cannot see with the tyre on the car.
- Sidewalls. Cracks, cuts, bulges and scuffs from kerbs.
- Age. We read the DOT date code. Old rubber hardens and grips less, whatever the tread says.
- Repairs. A tyre that has been plugged badly or repaired in the wrong place does not go on sale.
- Size and ratings. The load and speed rating must suit your car, not just the width and profile.
Our honest rule: if we would not put it on our own cars, we do not sell it. And we will show you the tyre, its markings and its tread before it is fitted.
How to check a part-worn tyre yourself
Whoever you buy from, you can do this in two minutes:
- Find PART-WORN on the sidewall.
- Find the DOT code. The last four digits are the week and year it was made. 3222 means week 32 of 2022.
- Run your hand around the tread and sidewall for bulges, cuts or patches.
- Ask how much tread is left and ask to see it measured.
Is part-worn really cheaper? Work out the price per millimetre
The sticker price is not the whole story. Usable tread is the depth you have above the 1.6mm legal limit. Here is an example with made-up round numbers, to show the method:
- A new tyre at £60 with 8mm of tread has 6.4mm of usable tread. That is about £9.40 per mm.
- A part-worn tyre at £25 with 4mm of tread has 2.4mm of usable tread. That is about £10.40 per mm.
The part-worn is cheaper on the day and dearer per mile, so it only makes sense if you need low cost now, drive few miles, or the car is near the end of its life. With 6mm or 7mm left the sums flip. We do this maths with you at the counter, and we will tell you if new is the better buy. Our part-worn tyres page has the prices.
When we say buy new instead
- You do a lot of motorway miles.
- The tyre is on the front of a front-wheel-drive car and you want it to last.
- The only part-worn we have in your size is old or has little tread.
Frequently asked questions
Are part-worn tyres safe in the UK?
They can be, if they are sold and checked properly. UK law says a part-worn tyre must have at least 2mm of tread across its full width, no cuts, bulges or internal damage, and a permanent PART-WORN marking. At Salek every tyre is inspected inside and out before we offer it.
How old is too old for a part-worn tyre?
There is no fixed legal age, but rubber hardens over time. The date is stamped on the sidewall as four digits after DOT, week then year. We look at the age as well as the tread, and we tell you the date if you ask.
Is a part-worn tyre better value than a new one?
Not always. Work out the price per millimetre of usable tread. A cheap tyre with little tread left can cost more per mile than a new one. If new is better value for your mileage, we say so.
How much are part-worn tyres in Ashford?
From £15 per tyre fitted, balancing included, depending on size and tread. Call 07341 216705 with your tyre size and we will check stock.
Part-worn or new tyres in Ashford?
Tell us your tyre size and we will check stock. Prices are shown up front, fitted and balanced with no extras, and you pay nothing until the job is done. Open Saturdays till 6pm.