Four cracked tyres

The consumer’s issue:

I bought a four-year-old SUV from a dealership in February 2020. However, just three days after buying it, the vehicle suffered from a puncture. It was taken to a third-party garage, and they told me that all four tyres needed replacing, because they were cracked, and were not of satisfactory quality. The business is an approved MOT centre and gave me an invoice showing all four tyres were defective.

I went back to the dealer where I bought the car, but they refused to help. They said that the tyres were fine and were above the legal limit when the SUV was sold to me. I complained to the CEO of the dealership, but my dispute was not concluded. As a resolution, I am seeking to be reimbursed for the cost of fitting four new tyres.”

The accredited business’ response:

  • The consumer provided a report regarding the condition of the tyres, but we do not accept a document that simply says they were perished to be sufficient.
  • The customer returned to our premises for the vehicle to be inspected, but it was found to be in satisfactory condition.
  • It is fair to assume that tyres will show some wear on a used vehicle. However, we reject the claims that the tyres were in any way dangerous.
  • We asked the consumer to provide a more in-depth report, and we are still waiting to receive this.
  • At this stage, we consider our actions to be reasonable and would not consider any further remedy.

The adjudication outcome:

  • The adjudicator reviewed the evidence and could not find a breach of the Code of Practice for Vehicle Sales. The adjudicator felt the car was of satisfactory quality when sold.
  • The sales documentation and pre-sales checklist confirmed the tyre tread was between 5mm and 6mm, which is above the legal requirement.
  • It was also noted that the consumer did not provide documentary evidence, such as the report from the third-party garage, to substantiate their position. The adjudicator also noted that a puncture can occur at any time, and this does not indicate the tyres were faulty at the point of sale.
  • Whilst the photographs provided did show the tyres were slightly cracked, the evidence demonstrated they met all legal requirements and were therefore commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle at the point of sale.
  • The complaint was not upheld in the consumer’s favour, so no award was made.

Conclusion:

  • Neither party responded to the decision, so the case was closed.