Why tyred rubber should be retyred

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

The carnage on our roads is no secret, with the death toll set to hog headlines again this upcoming festive season. There are many contributing factors which range from driving under the influence, the state of our roads, drivers’ poor judgment and the often poorly maintained vehicles involved in accidents. A statistic emerged recently that 61% of all second tyres sold in South Africa are illegal as determined by a recent survey conducted by a major manufacturer. That is shocking to say the least.

Buying second hand tyres are not a shame as it does offer a more affordable option to cash-strapped car owners. There are reputable dealer selling tyres that are perfectly safe to use.

It’s the vendors operating illegally that raises major concerns. That is what happens when worn tyres end up in the wrong hands.

Manufacturers place strategic tread wear indicators on all new tyres. Their purpose is to indicate when the tyre is running out of tread and in need of replacement. They do not do this to try and mislead you or make you buy tyres earlier than you budgeted for, but rather for you and your passengers’ safety as your tyres are the only things between you and the road.

It’s almost like the thickness of a brake pad. Even if they seem fine when your car goes in for a service, the mechanics should recommend replacing them if they deem them too thin to last until the next scheduled service.

What happens in the tyre underworld is that worn tyres are being regrooved in order to be resold - illegally of course. In most of these cases the tyres have worn past the wear indicators on both the tread and sidewall, proper signs that the tyre has reached the end of its lifespan.

What happens then is that the new grooves are cut so deep into the rubber that is left that the fabric or cord becomes visible. What is a key part in strengthening the tyre is now exposed and the tyre should weaken considerably which greatly enhances the chances of a blow out. That is something which could lead to a massive accident claiming countless lives.

Anybody that sells these tyres and anybody that buys them knowing what a safety risk they pose should face jail time. Unemployment is a reality and people are desperate to put food on the table, but that doesn’t make it right to rob banks or hijack cars.

So why should risking other people’s lives be left unpunished?