RTB Consumer Unit in this
week's edition will focus on the selling of second hand tyres in
Brunei. The volume of second hand tyres imported into Brunei has
increased over the past few years. In a survey by RTB Consumer
Unit, it is estimated that 25 per cent of second hand tyres
imported to Brunei is not fit for use. This creates a serious
problem for road safety as these tyres have shallow tread depth,
some are damaged, and many are not suited for local conditions.
In Brunei, there are more than
15 tyre workshops. Not all of them, however, sell brand new
tyres. Imported second-hand tyre businesses have reportedly been
on the rise during the past years.
Higher prices of brand new
tyres have driven people to favour second hand tyres. Most of
the imported second hand tyres come from Japan, Malaysia and
Singapore. RTB Consumer Unit was informed that the tyres arrived
in bulks and were distributed to tyre dealers throughout the
country. Buying second-hand tyres could be very satisfying for
some consumers, as it's half the price of a brand new one.
The price of the second hand
tyres varies according to size and quality. The ones that appear
to be in better condition will cost more. But normally, the
price ranges between $25 to $55.
It is advised that consumers
take extra precautions when choosing second-hand tyres.
Complaints were received from consumers expressing their
dissatisfaction with their purchase.
According to a consumer, the
tyre he purchased had burst a few days later - Ignorant and
careless buyers could be capitalised by devious dealers.
There are many dangers in
buying second hand tyres. Their history is unknown. They may
have been removed from a vehicle involved in an accident or have
been badly damaged by 'kerbing' or similar problems.
Consumers buying these second
hand tyres at 'half' the price of a new tyre do not realise they
are only getting a quarter of the lifespan of a new tyre.
The fitment of sub-standard
tyres severely affects road safety, particularly in the taxi
market where vehicles carry extremely heavy loads.
Another factor affecting safety
is that certain second hand tyres have been found to be over 6
years old. Compounding this problem, many of these tyres are
fitted by roadside traders who have no idea of the serious
implications of putting a sub-standard used tyre on a vehicle.
RTB Consumer Unit believes that
there have been many examples of incorrect sizing and mixing of
radial and crossply tyres.
There are simple rules to
follow when consumers have decided to buy second-hand tyres:
- to know your supplier well,
- check the tyre carefully
before buying,
- ask for guarantee.
However, second-hand tyres have
their drawbacks too.
- bad directional stability and
steering,
- poor braking &
acceleration,
- bad water dispersal meaning
instability on wet roads.
Some consumers still prefer to
buy second-hand tyres even though there are risky. The reasons
for it's popularity are because they are cheaper and at
affordable prices.
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