Drivers warned about eBay tyres

Posted :18-07-2007

Motorists looking to save a bit of money are being urged to avoid purchasing second-hand tyres on internet auction sites.

Continental Tyres commissioned technical group entyrety to conduct a safety check of a number of tyres currently advertised for sale on eBay - a site where people can bid for other people's items.

In a test of twenty products, all were found to be non-compliant with regulations which would usually see them labelled as "part-worn".

While saving money to spend on other things such as car insurance may seem like a good idea, drivers may find their policy invalidated should their vehicle be in a hazardous condition.

The tests also found that ten per cent of the tyres had bald patches and places where the tread was below the minimum required level.

"It is nearly impossible to identify damage through a visual inspection, let alone just through photos shown on eBay," said Roger Sanders, safety and quality spokesman from Continental Tyres.

"Buying second-hand might seem a cheap option for people on a budget, but it is just not worth the risk."

Although tyres are not usually a factor considered when providers calculate a car insurance claim, it is the owner's responsibility to make sure the car complies with motoring regulations so as to minimise damage to itself and other vehicles.


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