Part Worn Tyres: What the Law Says and What to Check

Part worn tyres are one of the most searched tyre subjects in Manchester, and we understand why. When money is tight and you need a tyre today, a good quality part worn can get you safely back on the road for less than a new one. The important words there are "good quality". Here is what the law requires and what to check.

What the law requires

Part worn tyres sold in the UK are covered by the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations. In short, a part worn tyre offered for sale must:

• Have at least 2mm of tread across the full width of the tread and around the whole circumference. The legal minimum on the road is 1.6mm, so a part worn has to start with more than that.
• Be clearly and permanently marked "PART-WORN" on the sidewall, in letters at least 4mm high.
• Have passed an inflation test before sale.
• Have no cuts deep enough to reach the cords, lumps, bulges, exposed cords or ply separation.
• Only carry repairs that have been carried out to the correct standard.

If a tyre being offered to you does not meet these, walk away.

What to check yourself

1. Tread depth. More is better. A part worn with 5 or 6mm left will last far longer than one with 2.5mm, and is safer in the wet.
2. Age. Find the four digit date code on the sidewall, for example 2421, which means week 24 of 2021. Rubber hardens with age, so a tyre that has plenty of tread but is many years old will not grip as well.
3. Even wear. Wear on one edge suggests the tyre came off a car with alignment problems. It will not wear evenly on yours either.
4. Repairs. Look inside if you can. A properly repaired puncture is fine. A plug pushed in from the outside on its own is not a proper repair.
5. Matching. Tyres on the same axle should be the same size and type, and ideally similar tread depth.

When a new tyre makes more sense

Part worns suit some situations better than others. If you cover high mileage, drive a performance car, carry heavy loads in a van or tow, the extra life and grip of a new tyre usually works out cheaper per mile. Run flat tyres and tyres with high speed ratings are also harder to find in good part worn condition. Our budget tyres range gives you a new tyre option at a lower price point.

Part worn tyres at Nortons

We sell part worn tyres from our tyre bay at 1 Norton Street, Miles Platting, and every one is checked before it is fitted. See our part worn tyres page for more, or call 0161 205 1362 with your tyre size to ask what we have in.