04 Oct 2017

It is extremely dangerous to drive on dilapidated and low tread tyres as they affect a car’s ability to brake quickly and efficiently under different road conditions.

This puts the driver, passengers and other road users at a risk of being involved in a road accident since the car is unable to grip on the road well, leading it to skid off the road.

Worn out tyres are more likely to lose air pressure because they are vulnerable to punctures, impacts a car’s fuel consumption, steering and braking distance and they are the main cause of tire explosion leading to losing control of a vehicle.

However, the high cost of brand new tyres has led many to resorting to buying second hand tires from street tyre and puncture repair shops.

A brand new size 14 tyre costs around P400 and P700, whilst a second hand re-use tyre from the street will cost around P100 to P150 each.

One disturbing thing about these second hand tyres is that there is this heartless tendency by the dealers to polish and re-furrow the treads with a wood curvier’s knife in order for them to attract customers by making the tyres look like they are still in a good condition.

Botswana Police Service director of traffic, Senior Assistant Commissioner Katlholo Mosimanegape said whoever engages on the sale of tyres must be somebody reputable and licensed to trade with tyres.

He said the business of re-doing used tyres for re-use on the road must be done by manufacturers who specializes in that field.

“The sale of second hand tyres puts people’s lives in danger as they are not fit for road, I don’t believe there is any place where tyres can be re-done to be re-used on cars unless they are tyre manufacturers,” he said.

He explained that tyre treads should be at a certain depth and when layer patterns fades away, the only way for them to be re-done should be by factories specific for that purpose.

Commenting on people resorting to second hand tyres over the expensive new ones, Senior Assistant Commissioner Mosimanegape said to have a quality life comes with costs; saying if one tries to avoid the cost of new tyres they are just risking their lives. ENDS