Second-hand tyre sales 'should be banned', say motor professionals

Three-quarters of all road crashes caused by tyre problems occur in cars with used ones fitted – and, in fact, over 300,000 cars on Spain's roads have second-hand tyres, a figure that has been increasing every year as a result of the financial crisis.

Different cars wear down their tyres in different places, meaning if these are fitted to another make or model, they are likely to cause vibrations and reduce the vehicle's stability.

They can even endanger the lives of drivers and passengers, since the minimum braking distance needed for used tyres is much longer than for new ones, meaning motorists underestimate how much room they need to slow down or stop.

Continental says tyre traders admit that 80% of their sales come from supplying or fitting second-hand parts.

And six in 10 cars aged over 10 years have used tyres fitted when their existing ones become irreparably damaged or worn out.

The research shows that 35% of dealership workers, parts traders, mechanics, body repair staff and tyre suppliers believe second-hand sales should be outlawed.

This view is supported by 45% of specialist motor industry journalists, Continental reveals.