It also found that around 8% are being sold with tyres that would actually receive a ‘warning’ for their condition during an MOT.
The investigation was commissioned by Halfords and carried out in conjunction with Professor Peter Wells, Director of the Centre for Automotive Research at Cardiff University.
They investigated 481 cars being sold in over 100 locations across the UK for this.
In conjunction with Tyre Safety Month, the research found that around one in six vehicles (16%) were being sold with 3.6mm of tyre tread or less.
This amount was considered “potentially dangerous” by Professor Wells, as cars on average use 2mm of tread over the course of a year.
As a result, this will likely be the next time many will receive an MOT and have it checked.
Around 1 in 12 (8%) had 3mm of tread or less – the level which would lead to cars receiving a ‘warning‘ at an MOT if tested in the condition they were being sold.
Additionally, four cars out of the 481 cars were found to have tyres at 1.6mm or less, which is the minimum legal limit.
Despite technically being legal, tyres with 1.6mm of tread are seriously compromised as they will take 171 metres to halt a vehicle from 70mph in wet conditions, versus 94 metres for the same vehicle with new tyres.
Discussing the findings, Professor Peter Wells said: “Tyres are one of, if not the most safety-critical aspect of a vehicle. Once they approach 3mm, their braking and roadholding ability has already begun deteriorating noticeably and it only gets worse from there.
“The difference in stopping distance between new tyres and ones with 1.6mm of tread is 75 metres if travelling at 70mph in wet conditions.
“That’s the difference between stopping in time, or crashing at 46mph. There is a question of whether 1.6mm should be road-legal at all.”
To help motorists who have just purchased a secondhand car and want to ensure its tyres are up to standard, Halfords offers free tyre checks nationwide.
This includes the 10-Point Check, free to Halfords Motoring Club members, and the Free Tyre Check, as well as a range of tyre tread gauges that motorists can use to check their tyres themselves.
The one thing you need to check when buying a new car
Buying a new car can be an exciting process, but there’s an important aspect people should check before driving off.
Andy Turbefield, Tyres expert with Halfords, says that tyres are a crucial item that needs to be analysed.
He explained: “It may seem obvious but first and foremost, just have a close look at them.
“Most sellers use something called ‘black tyre dressing’ – a product that restores the rich black colour and shine of tyres, to improve the look of the car to help its sale. But this could hide cracks and bulges, a dead giveaway that tyres may not be roadworthy, so have a good look.
Recommended reading:
“The second thing to do is invest a few pounds in a tread gauge. Select a couple of different areas to check the tyre tread depth, making sure they are all well above the 1.6mm limit.
“On average, cars tend to get through 2mm of tread a year – so if they have less than 3.6mm and a 12 month MOT, you could find yourself with tyres that will be illegal before the car has its next MOT.”
“It’s really important to check your tyres when purchasing a car but always consider getting a tyre inspection at a reputable garage, such as Halfords, following your purchase for peace of mind.”
