Where are these good, undamaged tyres supposed to come from if drivers do not pay much attention to the condition of their tyres and nearly 60% of them do not regularly check the tyre pressure?[1] Does abnormal tyre pressure cause defects in tyres? Most definitely. Uninflated tyres not only have worse grip, but also heat up to temperatures high enough to be dangerous for internal layers while driving, causing their attenuation and destruction. Used tyres should end up in recycling facilities, not in the aftermarket.
Even with all the technical advancement, tyres are still susceptible to damage, incorrect operation or unprofessional service. They are not clothes that you can buy in a second-hand shop, subsequent owners of which can pass them on without much risk.
Just hitting a pothole or a curb at high speed, or the aforementioned driving at low pressure can cause irreversible damage to the inner layers of tyres. In tyres with such damage excessive overload and overheating of the sidewalls of the tyres occur – that damages tyre’s carcass and belt. These are the layers that reinforce and maintain the shape of tyres. In worst case scenario, especially when driving on hot asphalt, such tyres may burst while driving. How can a seller of used tyres know anything about the history of tyres and their condition? Are their assurances of the tyre’s good condition alone a sufficient guarantee of security for our families?
– Let's be honest – there is no safe place to buy used tyres from. Their safe operation will not be guaranteed by car repair shops or online sellers. Due to technological limitations, they are not able to detect any internal damage – and they can even explode when we are driving! Even new budget class tyres will be a much better choice than a used set – says Piotr Sarnecki, general director of the Polish Tyre Industry Association (PZPO). – Car mechanics, who assemble used tyres, as so-called professionals take full responsibility, often also criminal, for the consequences caused by the failure of such tyres – Sarnecki adds.
When we look at used tyres, we are able to assess their external condition and tread depth, but even impeccable appearance, lack of chafing, cracks and bulges do not guarantee safety and after inflation also their leakproofness.
You can also expose your tyres to damage by using random car repair shops of questionable quality. Unprofessional removal of tyres from the rim – for example with the use of old, unserviced machines – damages the tyre bead, causes scratches to the rim and damage to the valves. The driver will not be even able to notice that. However, such tyres will not adhere well to the rim and, for example when cornering, when the load on the tyre increases, they can break or slip off the rim and cause uncontrolled slippage. On https://certyfikatoponiarski.pl/en/ you will find a map of professional tyre services that have received the PTIA’s Certification, where you can be sure that a number of criteria and procedures were followed while servicing your tyres.
Used tyres are only apparent savings – they last for much less time than new ones, bought in specialised shops and car repair shops, plus there is a good chance that we will put ourselves and others on the road in danger.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association