Bloody Tyre Shops

[carmanmemoranda]

I'd have no issue if the shop had failed them at test for being dangerous, I have an issue with them trying to claim it's dangerous and must be replaced immediately then the next day they state it meets the required safety standard.

They can be dangerous without failing an MOT

I'd of also accepted them saying they really should be replaced but we'll see if the test shows up any suspension issues at test tomorrow so you won't have to have 2 lots of wheel alignment done, that would be looking after the customers best interest but they didn't they wanted to scare someone into buying a pair of tyres that weren't immediately required

From the testers manual


The primary grooves of the tread pattern must be at least 1.6mm deep within the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre (see diagram 1).

Either side of the central three-quarters of the tyre can be devoid of tread (‘bald’).



Anybody want to tell me that a tyre that fits the above criteria (pass) is safe and fit for use without advising the driver how bad it is ?

 

[evdamadiynot]

It used to be 1mm minimum.

 

[norseman]

It used to be 1mm minimum.

Think I'm right in saying that in Europe it's 3mm (?)

 

[robinbanks]

Sounds like the rear wheels may have been misaligned, did they mention the reason for the wear?

Turned out the reason for this on my Galaxy were two broken rear suspension springs

In some circumstances

In California, on smooth pavement that is roasting hot and hasn't seen rain for months

The UK however..

Think I'm right in saying that in Europe it's 3mm (?)

I read that some countries require deeper for winter tyres

 

[mointainwalker]

Think I'm right in saying that in Europe it's 3mm (?)

No, it's normally 1.6mm. Some countries - Austria and maybe Hungary - have a sepoarate minimum depth of 4 mm for winter tyres. Tyres have two sets of TWI for the two minima. Austria obviously has too many tyre-distributors on the advisory body to the law-makers as they also forbid you from using winter-tyres in summer, so your winter-tyres are scrap (in Austria anyway ) at the 4mm limit.

 

[mointainwalker]

I have to agree with mottie.

The mot test minimum standard for a tyre is appalling. Waiting until they are bad enough to fail an mot before replacing is not good advice.

Especially if you want (expensive) tracking to be done, once you replace the rear tyres it will ideally want to be re done, just do it once.

What would you do if you are cycling summer-tyres/winter-tyres ?

 

[carmanmemoranda]

What would you do if you are cycling summer-tyres/winter-tyres ?

Would I fit badly worn tyres, summer or winter?

No

 

[robinbanks]

Who say they're badly worn? In European counties where summer/winter tyres are mandated by law it's common practice to own a set of each and pay a tyre place to store and swap them for you as a twice yearly event. They don't wear in storage and they're replaced at swap time if they're worn to the legal limit

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Or there's a halfway house. I have Kumho all seasons on my van from when I spent a couple of winter months in Czech Republic. Bit of a comprimise, but less hassle. Since being back in UK, not had any bad winter weather to test them.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Who say they're badly worn? In European counties where summer/winter tyres are mandated by law it's common practice to own a set of each and pay a tyre place to store and swap them for you as a twice yearly event. They don't wear in storage and they're replaced at swap time if they're worn to the legal limit

If they are not badly worn, cracked or crazed, then there is no issue.

Never found the need to change summer to winter to summer, but it depends where you live.

 

[mointainwalker]

If they are not badly worn, cracked or crazed, then there is no issue.

Never found the need to change summer to winter to summer, but it depends where you live.

Well I live in the Alps at 5 000' so I both need - and legally have to have - winter-tyres ( or chains/snow-socks ) from Oct 01 to March 31. I choose tyres. My question to you was really sparked by your comment about having tracking done when you change tyres, and what you would do when changing tyres twice par year. This is something I have wondered about as I haven't had tracking done for two years, alhough I would add the roads are generally very good where I live.

In case you feel it makes any difference, I have two sets of wheels ( not just tyres ) summer alloy, winter steel, to make swapping easier. The summer tyres are 215/55 16 and winter 195/65- 15

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Well I live in the Alps at 5 000' so I both need - and legally have to have - winter-tyres ( or chains/snow-socks ) from Oct 01 to March 31. I choose tyres. My question to you was really sparked by your comment about having tracking done when you change tyres, and what you would do when changing tyres twice par year. This is something I have wondered about as I haven't had tracking done for two years, alhough I would add the roads are generally very good where I live.

In case you feel it makes any difference, I have two sets of wheels ( not just tyres ) summer alloy, winter steel, to make swapping easier. The summer tyres are 215/55 16 and winter 195/65- 15

The tracking comment was really only relevant to the fact the tyres were worn badly.

Obviously if the tyres are wearing badly on the edges then something is amiss and needs sorting before wasting any new tyres.

If tyres are wearing evenly, and car is steering correctly then tracking isn't always needed. I've had cars that i've never tracked. I've seen cars that I have to track often, usually with dented wheels and bodywork, so obviously driving style is part of the equation