There’s nothing wrong with these repairs, but where the tread has been punctured, there will be damage to the belts that help the tyres retain their shape. Some tyres are unable to be repaired, and those that are may be limited in their maximum speed rating. Again, check the interior carcass of the tyre for damage. If you’re being thorough, then it’s probably worth walking away from tyres that have any kind of damage to them, either inside or out.
Tyre age
There is no definitive tyre age limit, but when tyres get to around seven years old, the overall condition of the rubber deteriorates, leading to cracking and reduction in performance – even if there is a lot of tyre tread remaining on the carcass. So it’s best to avoid any tyres which were manufactured seven or more years ago.
To help you identify the age of a tyre, there is a coded date printed on the sidewall, with the first two digits representing the week of production during the year and the second two digits representing the year of manufacture. So a code of 4122 would mean that tyre was manufactured in the 41st week of 2022.
If a tyre only has a three-digit number printed on the sidewall, it means that tyre was manufactured before the year 2000 and should be avoided. Our guide to tyre markings explains more.
Part-worn tyres: top tips
If you’re set on buying some part-worn car tyres, the following tips should give you the best chance of getting a good deal:
- Buy from a reputable seller.
- Find out as much as you can about the history of the tyre – was the previous car involved in an accident? Has the tyre already been repaired?
- Look for well-known, famous brands.
- Buy tyres in pairs so the tyres on each axle of your car match.
- Check the tread depth and look out for uneven wear.
- Check the tyre carcass inside and out for any damage, cuts, bulges or repairs.
If you are in any doubt, do not buy. Buying a brand-new set of tyres is much more cost-effective in the long run, and there are plenty of tyre shops which can cater to the needs of all vehicle types – from small superminis to large SUVs. Not only will you have the peace of mind that comes with a brand-new tyre, there are plenty of tyre brands to suit all budgets.
Have you ever bought part-worn tyres before? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below…