73% of eBay Van Tyres “Potentially Unsafe”

A Continental Tyre Group survey of van tyres bought online has found that the vast majority of sampled tyres were either poorly marked or potentially unsafe. Peter Robb, Continental product manager explained the process: “Through an outside agency we randomly purchased 15 tyres over a period of 3 months. We were very conscious that the test be as fair as possible so the tyres are representative of 7 manufacturers, including Continental and were bought from different areas of the country and for different tyre sizes appropriate to vans”.

Once purchased the tyres were examined by Continental’s technical tyre consultants, entyrety, The findings showed that whilst each of the tyres were within legal limit for tread depth in other respects they did not comply with the regulations which came into force in June 1995 and many of the tyres were in poor condition.

Of the 15 tyres purchased, not one single tyre was able to be deemed fully compliant with current legislation. Although at the time of purchase each of the sellers stated that the tyres were in a used condition, it is a legal requirement for tyre traders that each and every tyre be marked as part worn on the tyre sidewall – none were. However this legislation does not apply to private people selling part worn tyres, which is a significant flaw in current legislation.

Van drivers beware:

• 100% of van tyres purchased not labelled as part worn
• 73% of van tyres purchased potentially unsafe
• 27% of van tyres purchased totally un-roadworthy

It was further noted that while 27% of the tyres were found to be in a ‘serviceable’ condition, 73% exhibited either ‘potentially unsafe repairs, not to BS guidelines’ or were ‘likely to deteriorate with continued use’.

Four of the worst offenders had punctures which had not been repaired to guidelines BS AU159e and were therefore considered un-roadworthy, while two tyres were found to be over six years old – one in fact was 12 years old and the sidewalls were showing signs of ‘significant perishing’.

“Once again Continental has pinpointed a serious situation with regard to tyre safety” said Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe. “Owners and users of vans must be aware of their responsibility under the recent Corporate Manslaughter legislation which is a further reminder of their duty of care. The statistics show that every week around 200 road deaths and serious injuries involve someone at work and so I would urge all van users to ensure that the tyres they purchase meet all current regulations.”

Roger Sanders, Continental’s General Manager Technical Services commented: “Our objective in conducting these tests is to highlight the potential dangers of purchasing second hand tyres from the internet and the findings are worrying. We feel that much more needs to be done to educate both the buyers and sellers of these tyres on the legal requirements for part worn tyres, so that we can avoid situations where road users are putting themselves and others at risk”.