Insurance company issues illegally imported tyre warning

At least one motor insurance company is warning motorists off using imported tyres designed for use in warmer climates. One company, Be Wiser insurance, suggested that such tyres “will not offer the correct grip in Europe.”

Referring to an unnamed but specific brand of tyre designed and marketed for use in some parts of the Far East, Be Wiser published the warning on the news section of its website on 26 July. According to the insurer, the tyres in question are made by a “particular well known tyre manufacturer” and have been singled out as “particularly dangerous” by motor insurance companies such as itself.

Citing comments from the unnamed tyre manufacturer, Be Wiswer reported that illicit imports of this firm’s tyres now make up as much as 10 per cent of all its tyre sales in the UK. In addition hundreds of complaints have reportedly been received. In response the tyre firm in question is said to be applying additional marking on models of tyres designed for use in temperate climates so that they can be distinguished from those designed for the tropics.

Despite the fact that the forthcoming labelling laws should prevent sub-standard tyres from entering Europe and should make consumers more aware of quality, Be Wiser took a particularly dramatic tone “cheaper tyres may not be able to cope with normal stress and could cause a blow out especially if they are improperly inflated.” 

Tyres & Accessories telephoned and email Be Wiser, but company representatives said that no-one was available to comment on the report, which currently remains on the insurer’s website.