BUYING A USED CAR? DON'T OVERLOOK THE TYRES - SMART BUYER'S GUIDE

That's why inspecting tyres before purchase is crucial. The condition, pressure, and tread of a vehicle's tyres will tell you whether the car has been well-looked after and if you're going to be hit with an expensive bill soon after purchase.
To help make buying a car as seamless and stress-free as possible, the experts at Envoy Tyres have put together a pre-purchase tyre checklist of things to consider when buying a used car:

1. Check the tread depth

The minimum legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm. Low tread means reduced grip, poor handling, and potential danger on wet roads, and means that the tyres will need replacing soon.

Use the simple 20p test to check. Insert the coin into the tread grooves; if the outer band of the coin is hidden, the tyres are above the legal limit. If you can see the band, the tyres are worn and will need replacing. Be sure to check several points of the tyre too, in case of uneven wear. This is a quick, free, and effective way to assess whether you're looking at an imminent expense.

2. Inspect for visible damage

Look carefully at the entire surface of all four tyres for any signs of wear or damage. Cuts, tears, bulges, bumps, cracks and uneven wear patterns are all cause for concern. These can indicate a number of potential issues; that the tyre's structural integrity has been compromised, internal damage, alignment issues, or ageing, all of which can lead to sudden failure or blowouts.

Damage like this can negatively affect a tyre's ability to maintain proper contact with the road, leading to reduced grip and, ultimately, ...