MOTORISTS are being warned not to be tempted to buy part-worn tyres should the spread of the Coronavirus reduce the supply of low-cost tyres.

The warning comes from tyre safety organisation TyreSafe which says that fitting part-worn tyres is a false economy.

With most low-cost tyres produced either in China or South East Asia, the spread of the virus has caused the level of supply to Britain to be reduced.

While stocks remain across the UK, it is inevitable these will become scarcer if the current approach to containing the spread of Coronavirus continues.

The concern among road safety organisations, and particularly TyreSafe, is car owners will be tempted by the price tag of part-worn tyres and not consider the overall value of a new tyre.

Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: "Car ownership can push owners' budgets to the limit and low-cost tyres have safely filled a need for those who have limited funds available to maintain their cars.

"However, if these owners are not able to find new tyres at this price point, there is a risk they will believe a similarly priced part worn offers the same value. "

He added "In our experience, part-worn means part safe.

"Not only that, part-worns rarely last as long - driving up their lifetime cost. TyreSafe's advice is to seek a good deal on a mid-priced tyre and carry out regular checks to get the best out of that tyre over its full potential lifespan. Ensuring air pressure, condition and tread depth are properly maintained on a new tyre will minimise your risks and offer optimal value."

TyreSafe also highlights the value, rather than price tag of a new tyre needs to be seriously considered. The minimum legal limit for a tyre's tread depth is 1.6mm; a part worn only needs to have 2mm to be sold legally.

Taking into account how many miles a part-worn tyre will remain above the legal limit and the inconvenience of having to replace it more regularly, new tyres, even with a higher initial price tag, typically represent much better overall value.