Old tyres sold as new

uncleDoo

I purchased 2 new tyres from a national tyre chain in August last year that were £230 each. I found out this week from another tyre fitter that one of these tyres was just over 9 years old when fitted. Continental tyres recommend tyres over 10 years old are replaced, and only classed as new under 5 years old. I’m left with having to buy another tyre to replace one that has little wear. The garage has offered to sell me another 1 at cost but it means I’m still out of pocket for a tyre that was old and potentially dangerous. What are my rights as I only identified the issue 10 months the after the event. The car is a lease car and being returned in September and I have to send it back with no issues, and so any replayi won’t get any benefits from.

visidigi

They recommend…but thats just the usual caveat, they are hardly going to say they last 20 years when they want you to keep buying tyres.

I highly doubt the lease company will check the age of the tyres, not the age of them at least, they will just check tread depth and perishing/cracking.

If the type isn't perished or cracked, I would continue to use it till September without replacing.

Okell

Go back to the national tyre chain and direct them to sections 9 (Goods to be of satisfactory quality) and 11 (goods to be as described) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015?

Tell them you want old tyre replaced

born_again

Did you have  Continental tyres fitted, as others manufacttures may take a different view.

Over 10 years is only on

Commercial and Minibus Laws: In the UK, it is strictly illegal to use tyres aged 10 years or older on the front (steered) axles of HGVs, buses, coaches, and minibuses (9-16 passenger seats)

For general cars MOTs: While there is currently no legal age limit for private passenger cars (e.g., standard family cars) during their annual MOT, any tyre over 10 years old will cause a test failure if it is fitted to a front steered axle

Time2Go_25

Have you checked the date code on the tyre or are you just going on what this other fitter said.

uncleDoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82040986#Comment_82040986

date code was 3016.so made in week 33 of 2016

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fatbelly

Yes. Correct. That tyre is 10 years old next month.

TELLIT01

The tyres are new, as in unused.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Tell them the omission of the age of the tyre was misleading in accordance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 as it was material information that would alter the transactional decision of the average consumer and as such you are seeking the right to redress.

The store will have no idea, look on CEO email website for a contact for the company that will hopefully go higher up.

TELLIT01

The experience of the OP was almost the exact opposite of my experience in one of the major tyre fitting companies. They tried to convince me that is was against the law to use tyres more than 5 years after the date of manufacture. They did fail in that attempt.

Jenni_D

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82041604#Comment_82041604

Whilst it was almost certainly an upselling attempt, there was some reasoning behind it .. tyre rubber these days are different compounds vs yesteryear, and so are more prone to perishing earlier (depending on conditions of use).

AI says:

Factors Contributing to Faster Tyre Rubber Degradation

Increased Environmental Exposure

Ozone and UV Light: Modern tyres are subjected to higher levels of ozone and ultraviolet (UV) light, which significantly degrade the rubber compounds. This exposure leads to quicker deterioration compared to older tyres that may not have faced the same environmental conditions.

Changes in Usage Patterns

Infrequent Use: Many modern vehicles are not driven as frequently as in the past. This reduced usage limits the movement of tyres, which is essential for distributing anti-ageing chemicals. When tyres remain stationary for long periods, they are more susceptible to environmental damage.

Rubber Composition and Technology

Material Changes: Advances in tyre technology have led to different rubber formulations. While these materials are designed for better performance, they may also be more sensitive to environmental factors, leading to quicker degradation.