Aug 04, 2025 Dylan Petzer, TEPA (Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association,
Tyres - rethink before you retread part two
In Part Two of TEPA’s three-part series on tyres we look at the ins and outs of choosing the right tyre and how a responsible choice helps the environment. If you think buying tyres is a maze of technical jargon and expertise above your pay grade, relax. There are some basics that will go a long way in helping you ‘crack the tyre code’ and we’ve got just the expert to guide you. Dylan Petzer, national vice chairman of TEPA (Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association, says buying tyres is about safety and performance not about aesthetics or bargain deals.
He believes the first step in becoming tyre savvy is finding out more about your vehicle’s tyres by consulting:
1. Your vehicle owner's manual: This is your tyre bible. It will specify the manufacturer's recommended tyre size, load index and speed rating for your specific make and model. Stick to these recommendations as closely as possible, as they are engineered for your vehicle's weight, performance and safety systems.
2. The tyre placard (usually on the driver's side door jamb, glove compartment or fuel flap): This sticker provides the same essential information as your owner's manual, often along with recommended tyre pressures for both front and rear tyres.
“Once you have these numbers, you can consider factors like the typical road conditions you encounter, your type of driving and your budget,” Petzer says. He emphasises the role of TEPA accredited tyre fitment centres as absolutely crucial when it comes to buying tyres, especially due to the bumpy-to-smooth-to-anything-in-between road conditions motorists are confronted with in South Africa. “Technicians at TEPA accredited fitment centres are your tyre ‘guardians’; your pit crew and ultimate resource for everything related to the four patches of rubber connecting you to the road. They are extensively trained and understand exactly what your vehicle’s tyre needs are and will offer tailored recommendations based on driving habits, typical road conditions and budget,” says Petzer.
“There’s also the state-of-the-art equipment they use. Modern tyres, especially low-profile or run-flats, require specific machinery and techniques for mounting and demounting to avoid damage to the tyre bead or wheel rim. Certified centres have this equipment.” Couple this with adherence to strict safety protocols, SABS standards, precise wheel balancing, wheel alignment using advanced 3D systems, puncture assessments and safe repairs, rotation services to promote even wear and you’re truly in the best hands at a TEPA certified fitment centre.
Petzer also highlights the importance of after-sales support and being responsible about tyre disposal. “Buying from a TEPA certified centre usually means you get a warranty on the tyres and the fitment service, giving you peace of mind. They also take environmental responsibility seriously through participating in schemes for the responsible disposal of end-of-life tyres. “A TEPA certified tyre fitment centre is a critical partner in ensuring your road safety, maximising your tyre investment and maintaining your vehicle's performance. Don't risk it by going to uncertified ‘backyard’ operations – your life is literally riding on it!”
On the subject of that ‘bargain’ tyre, Petzer warns second-hand (used) tyres come with a lot of costly red flags, such as:
• Unknown history: You have no idea where that tyre has been or what it's been through. A "repaired" tyre might have been poorly fixed or suffered damage that compromises its structural integrity that can lead to a blow-out.
• Age degradation: Rubber degrades over time, even if the tyre hasn't been used much. Sun, heat and general atmospheric exposure cause the rubber compounds to harden and become brittle, leading to cracking and reduced grip. A tyre that looks fine externally might be internally compromised. The general recommendation is to replace tyres that are six years old or older, regardless of tread depth. With second-hand tyres, you often don't know the true age or storage conditions.
• Mismatched pairs: Second-hand tyres rarely come in perfectly matched sets with even wear. Mixing tyre types compromises handling and braking and can, potentially, damage your vehicle's drivetrain.
• Reduced tread depth: Second-hand tyres will have significantly less tread than new ones, which means reduced performance.
• Illegal sales: Reputable tyre dealers don’t sell second-hand passenger tyres. If you're buying from an unverified source, you run the risk of buying illegally imported or salvaged tyres that don't meet South African safety standards.
Retreaded (recapped) tyres, Petzer explains, involve applying a new layer of tread to a worn tyre casing. While common for commercial vehicles, like trucks and buses, where the casing is designed for multiple lives, retreads are not recommended - and often illegal - for passenger cars due to safety concerns. “The cost of second-hand or retreaded tyres may seem appealing but the costs in terms of safety, vehicle damage and fines far outweigh any savings. Always invest in quality, new tyres that are appropriate for your vehicle and driving conditions and let the experts fit them. Your life and the lives of others depend on it.”
TEPA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
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