THE average UK car dealership is failing to replace 66 per cent of severely worn tyres, according to an electronic vehicle health check provider.
Statistics from AutoVHC showed that in services carried out last month, dealers only sold replacement tyres on 34 per cent of the occasions where tyres were identified as being severely worn or faulty.
Its data came from a survey of more than 400 UK franchised dealers. More than 28,000 tyres were identified as ‘Red’ during vehicle health checking, meaning there were serious defects, such as an illegal tread depth.
However, just 9,000 replacement tyres were sold by these dealerships, leaving around 19,000 dangerous tyres in July alone that were allowed back on the road.
Chris Saunders, pictured, business unit director at AutoVHC, said: ‘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 per cent of occasions.
‘Red tyres are those that are either severely worn or faulty, and often render the vehicle illegal or unroadworthy. The fact that 66 per cent of such tyres are being driven away increases the chances that dealerships could find themselves exposed to repercussions, including potential legal action, should the worst occur, particularly if it is deemed the customer had not been made fully aware of the risks.
‘On top of this, failing to sell an average of 50 urgently required tyres per month represents a significant loss of revenue for a service department and plays directly into the hands of competitive rapid-fit operators.
‘Such low conversion rates indicate something is seriously wrong in the sales process. Busy service departments can sometimes be guilty of failing to communicate the impact tyres in a bad condition can have on road safety. Other initiatives, such as providing different payment methods, can also help ensure customers are less likely to leave the dealership in dangerous vehicles.’
MORE: Probe uncovers an ‘epidemic’ of clocking
MORE: New car market falls in July as demand declines across business and consumer sectors
MORE: Trader caught selling ‘lethal’ tyres is fined £26,000
On SuperUnleaded.com: Jeremy Clarkson hospitalised by pneumonia while on holiday
