We all know that tyres wear down over time, but with the UK experiencing the raised cost of living in current times, it’s little wonder so many drivers baulk at the cost of a new set of tyres. 

One solution for some is to buy part-worn tyres: tyres that have already been used by somebody else, but still have some mileage left in them. 

What are part-worn tyres?

Part-worn tyres are tyres that have previously been used by another driver. It is estimated around five million tyres bought in the UK are categorised as ‘part-worn’, which is around 10% of all tyres sold every year.

Most part-worn tyres make their way to the UK from Germany. This is because the legal tread depth in Germany is 3mm, compared to 1.6mm in the UK. As a result, tyres that are still road-legal in the UK are exported here to be sold as ‘part-worn’.

Is it legal to buy or sell part-worn tyres in the UK? 

In the UK, buying or selling part-worn tyres is not illegal. In fact, according to industry body TyreSafe, as many as 5.5 million used tyres are sold here every year. 

Vendors are bound by law to adhere to a number of strict regulations, however, as described below.

Regulations for part-worn tyres in the UK

Second-hand tyres should be in good condition, which means no bulges in the sidewall and no large cuts in the tread, while none of the structural carcass or cords should be visible. 

They should have at least 2mm of tread across their width and around their circumference, and they should be clearly and permanently marked ‘part-worn’ in upper case letters at least 4mm in height on their sidewalls. 

Although these regulations are very straightforward, many part-worn tyre suppliers are known to flout them. If you are considering buying a set of used tyres, make sure the vendor is compliant with these laws – and remember, tyres that do not meet these minimum requirements could cause you to have a very serious accident. 

Advantages of part-worn tyres

The big advantage of part-worn tyres is that they cost less than brand new tyres. What’s more, by buying a set of used rubber you might be able to afford a higher quality tyre from a big-name brand, rather than a budget tyre from a manufacturer you’ve never heard of. 

Disadvantages of part-worn tyres

Many part-worn tyres are not safe. It should be considered that if somebody has removed a set of tyres from their car, they have done so because they no longer consider them to be safe. If those tyres aren’t good enough for another driver, are they really good enough for you? 

With less tread depth than a brand new tyre, part-worn tyres will generate less grip, particularly in the wet. That means your car will have less traction and – more importantly – less cornering and braking grip.