A new survey has shown that dealerships and garages are failing to replace or point out around three quarters of seriously warn tyres.

Vehicle health check provider autoVHC found that UK dealership failed to replace 66% of  worn tyres and sold replacement tyres on only 34% of the occasions when either severely worn or faulty tyres were identified during services.

Chris Saunders, business unit director at autoVHC commented, “While it is ultimately the motorist’s choice whether a tyre is changed or not, it is extremely worrying to see Red tyres being replaced on only 34% of occasions. Red tyres are those that are either severely worn or faulty and often render the vehicle illegal or un-roadworthy.” He also points out that the dealership could be exposed to repercussions, including potential legal action, should the worst occur and the customer has not been made fully aware of the risks.

Saunders also stressed that the failings were costing motor trade businesses significantly in lost revenue.