![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--RXMKV5QQ--\/f_auto,t_author-mobile@1\/v1649247551\/autoexpress\/2022\/04\/Chris%20Rosamond.jpg\")
\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--W94AKafV--\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1703065591\/autoexpress\/2023\/12\/New%20vs%20worn%20tyre%20test.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
A shocking 39 per cent of drivers say they only replace a worn tyre if it fails an MoT, while 27 per cent admit to waiting \u2018several months\u2019 to replace a tyre that\u2019s been issued with an MoT advisory warning. Even more worrying are the 11 per cent of drivers who receive an advisory warning about a tyre\u2019s condition and say they\u2019ll delay replacing it until the tread fails the next MoT.<\/p>\n
The alarming statistics are from online retailer eBay, which has conducted market research that shows one in 10 drivers have delayed the purchase of new tyres at some point in the last three years due to financial pressures. The figures suggest an alarmingly high number of vehicles are driving on sub-optimal tyre treads \u2013 often less than the 1.6mm of a barely legal tyre.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019re thinking of saving a few quid in the festive season by putting off the purchase of a new set of tyres, think again. Courtesy of eBay, we took part in a dramatic demonstration on a test track of the dangers of worn \u2013 but still legal \u2013 rubber, when compared with new replacements.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--Y5Eja96V--\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1703065599\/autoexpress\/2023\/12\/New%20vs%20worn%20tyre%20test-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
To demonstrate just how risky worn tyres can be \u2013 even when they\u2019ve still got just enough tread to pass legal scrutiny \u2013 eBay took us to the wet handling area at UTAC\u2019s Millbrook proving ground so we could compare the braking and handling of two identical Ford Pumas. Identical, that is, apart from one wearing a brand-new set of Continental SportContact 7s, while the other had the same tyres shaved to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.<\/p>\n
With both cars equipped with telemetry, we could compare emergency braking distances from 70mph and 60mph to a stop on a wet surface. The results should be thought-provoking for anyone planning to \u2018make do\u2019 with worn tyres or ignore an MoT advisory warning for barely legal tread depth.<\/p>\n
Data provided by the telemetry showed that from 70mph our emergency stopping distance on wet, cold tarmac was 60.7m on the new tyres, but that distance was extended by a heart-stopping 14.9m to 75.6m \u2013 equivalent to three-and-a-half car lengths in the Ford Puma \u2013 for the worn tyres. The car felt less controlled from the driving seat, too, with the stability control system working much harder to keep the Puma on course. The emergency stopping distance from 60mph was similarly compromised; on new rubber the car stopped in 42.6m, while on barely legal treads that distance extended to 55.1m.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This was a simple test, rather than analysis under scientific conditions. But all the same, if proof were needed that worn tyres significantly compromise safety, this demonstration did the trick.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--lDPlN6Uu--\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1703065595\/autoexpress\/2023\/12\/New%20vs%20worn%20tyre%20test-6.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Following the emergency stops, we also tried both sets of tyres through a coned chicane and around a circle. No data was recorded, but it was evident that grip was compromised on the just-legal tyres, with excessive understeer in the chicane, and an inability to get close to the tight constant-radius circle achieved on the new tyres.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--2ndlamRb--\/v1683626472\/assets\/partners\/powered-by-motorway_150x70.png\")
\n<\/p>\n
eBay has just relaunched its tyre purchase and fitting service, an online system that allows you to input your tyre size, choose a seller\u2019s offer on the tyres you want, then arrange for installation at a local tyre specialist where the tyres will be delivered.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike many necessary jobs, checking tyres, buying the right ones and getting them fitted can be a stumbling block for many motorists \u2013 and safety will be compromised as a result,\u201d says Ian Faulkner, category manager for tyres at eBay UK. \u201cThe simplicity of eBay\u2019s service ensures you can quickly and easily find the right tyres and a convenient place to have them fitted.\u201d<\/p>\n