Part-worn tyres might seem like a cost-saving choice at first glance — but are they really worth it in the long run? While they are legal to buy in the UK, their safety and lifespan often depend on factors drivers can’t easily verify. This guide explains how much part-worn tyres typically cost, the risks involved, and why investing in new tyres could save you more money and trouble over time.
There are two parts to this article that need discussing.
The first considers the cost of part worn tyres as mentioned in the title: undeniably a cheaper option, but with underlying costs that may push this option out the window for many drivers.
The second is about whether part worn tyres are ever truly safe. Does the lower price tag come at its own cost, well beyond the final invoice?
What Are Part-Worn Tyres?
Part-worn tyres are not illegal in the UK, and so it’s very difficult to say for certain whether or not drivers should be buying them.
At the end of the day, whether you opt for part-worn or brand new tyres is up to you.
However, what we can do is outline the complexities around this discussion and what you need to be wary of.
Part-worn tyres have been removed from another vehicle, for an often undisclosed or unknown reason. They are essentially second-hand tyres that have seen some level of usage, meaning that the standard new tyre tread depth of 8mm is worn to some degree.
The Risks of Part-Worn Tyres
The biggest issue with part-worn tyres is that you can never be sure as to why the tyres were removed from a vehicle and made available.
Far from the simple issue of tread wear, used and part-worn tyres could be carrying around hidden signs of damage that won’t always become apparent until you start driving on them.
Some of the more obvious issues and risks include:
- Low tread depth, which means that the tyre will not last very long on the road even if it is in otherwise good condition. Many part-worn tyres on the market boast a tread depth of just 3mm, just 1.4mm above the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm
- Cracks or slits in the sidewall, which may have been painted over to conceal or disguise the damage
- Tyres that have been repaired but unprofessionally and unsafely. An ill-repaired tyre valve is just one example of the kind of issue that could plague a part-worn tyre
- Tyres that don’t necessarily show many signs of wear and tear, but that are incredibly old and have sat dormant and unused for years. Tyres that are unused can become hardened and will crack and damage more easily when out on the road
- Tyres that don’t hold their pressure well. Slow punctures can be very difficult to spot at first glance but will soon make themselves known when driving!
Suffice to say, there are several issues that can arise when dealing with part-worn tyres. What matters is how and where you source them, as well as your approach to inspecting tyres for any damage and excessive wear.
Our advice? Skip the part-worn tyres and choose the slightly more expensive but undoubtedly more reliable new tyres.
