Drivers Urged to Verify Tyre Safety to Avoid Insurance Issues
Motorists have been warned to perform a quick check on their vehicle’s tyres as they might be unknowingly driving with ‘defective’ tyres that could invalidate their insurance. An investigation by Auto Express revealed that some tyres sold as ‘part-worn’ are being marketed without the legally required ‘PART WORN’ marking, indicating they are second-hand. The study also found that some used tyres were sold without proper inspection and showed significant internal damage.
The motoring group cautioned that defective tyres can lead to handling problems, blow-outs, and increased risk to themselves and other road users. Moreover, driving with defective tyres could render vehicle insurance void. UK law requires part-worn tyres to display a ‘PART WORN’ mark in uppercase letters at least 4mm high, permanently and clearly applied near every approval mark (E-/e-mark) on the tyre.
Chris Rosamond, consumer editor at Auto Express, emphasized that selling used tyres without proper inspection and marking is illegal. He warned that insurance could be invalidated if a defective tyre causes an accident, regardless of whether it was purchased as part-worn or damaged later. A recent TyreSafe investigation found that 94% of part-worn tyres were sold illegally, with over 60% being dangerous.
Auto Express is calling for the Government to introduce an officially endorsed accreditation system for tyre retailers to improve safety standards and enhance enforcement through agencies like the DVSA.
