La Narda Morris, engineer at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, explains how motor vehicle tyres are tested for basic roadworthiness. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Purchasing used tyres for your vehicle provides a short-term price relief but at the risk of compromising quality and performance.

Recently, the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) issued a reminder to the public that it is illegal to import used tyres in bulk for sale locally.

The restriction from the statutory body came about due to the uncertainty that comes with a used tyre.

"Based on the standard requirements, it would really be impossible to ascertain the quality of a used tyre, as each used tyre is different from the other," said La Narda Morris, engineer at the institution.

Testing the roadworthiness

Morris, who is responsible for testing the basic roadworthiness of tyres for the local market, said that was the main reason for the BSJ's recent notification.

One auto professional approves of the BSJ's stance.

"We don't recommend it, but people do it. It is unusual, as affordable new tyres are available," said Johnny McGregor, proprietor and mechanic of McTech Auto.

Individuals, however, are given leeway for used tyre imports for their personal use.

"If you want to bring in (used) tyres for your vehicle, you are allowed the number of tyres for your vehicle, plus a spare," Morris said.

The engineer said that if persons were found in breach of the law, the tyres could be destroyed or sent back.

Cheryl Martin-Tracey, director of field operations at the Consumer Affairs Commission, said that if one has a complaint about the quality of a product, tyre or otherwise, one should contact the commission to lodge the complaint and the analysis would be passed on to the relevant authorities.

Redress for the consumer

In terms of redress for the consumer, the law allows for repair, replacement, or refund of a defective product.

Morris explained that drivers must know some basic information.

When buying a new set of tyres, one should locate the tyre identification number.

"The last four digits indicate to you when the tyre was actually manufactured. The first two digits indicate the week and the last two indicate the year. Even if a tyre looks new, don't purchase a tyre more than six years old," Morris said. "Also, be mindful of the maximum load and inflation pressure," she added.

Tyre Tips

1. Most tyres are made with a tread wear indicator embedded in the tread. When the tread is worn to a point where a solid bar of rubber is seen across the tread's width it's time to replace them.

2. Locate the identification number of the tyre, usually on the face of the tyre; the last four digits indicate the week and the year the tyre was manufactured. It is not recommended you buy a tyre which is more than six years old.

3. Never purchase tyres smaller than those which originally came with the vehicle. Check with the owner's manual of your car or a certified tyre dealership for the best fit for your car.

4. Ensure your car is properly aligned to allow all tyres to wear evenly and for proper steering.

5. Balance your tyres when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or remounted after repair. Improperly balanced tyres can lead to vibrations, premature tyre wear and unnecessary wear to the vehicle's suspension.

Tips courtesy of www.goodyear.com.jm