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This is something many of us North Americans may not be aware of. Across the pond, there are stricter regulations as I understand. 9 minutes - 43 seconds.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-JDPgO_1rA

I've had a tire tread come off before.  My ex-gf and I were on the interstate when the tire came apart.  My gf started to panic, I reached over and grabbed the wheel to keep her from sweving and we just rode it into the median.

Seems to me like some remoulds are included (treads coming off)... -- But yes -- now I must go out & check the tires I bought today!

This is something many of us North Americans may not be aware of. Across the pond, there are stricter regulations as I understand.

Am I right in thinking that there is a fundamental design difference between US car tyres & those used in the UK & Europe? I don't think losing treads on car tyres is a common problem over here.

Seems to me like some remoulds are included (treads coming off)...

That was my first thought.

At one time it was possible to purchase "Re-Treads"...

Worn out Tyres which have new treads glued to the old Tyre surface, and sold at a discounted/cheap price...

I suspect they are illegal now...at least on Private Car tyres...!

Its possible they may still be fitted to Commercial Lorries judging by the shredded treads found on Motorways!

Paul.... ...!

This is something many of us North Americans may not be aware of. Across the pond, there are stricter regulations as I understand.

Am I right in thinking that there is a fundamental design difference between US car tyres & those used in the UK & Europe? I don't think losing treads on car tyres is a common problem over here.

It's not common here either, only random events. I checked my brand new 1000 dollar set of snow tires and lo and behold they were made three years before I bought them.
According to this reporter in the vid, UK tyre sellers are bound by more regulations. ?  We can inadvertantly pay large money for tires that look new and are sold as new, but could be 12 years on a shelf. 

Its possible they may still be fitted to Commercial Lorries judging by the shredded treads found on Motorways!

Paul.... ...!

Indeed. They're also used on aircraft.

This is something many of us North Americans may not be aware of. Across the pond, there are stricter regulations as I understand.

Am I right in thinking that there is a fundamental design difference between US car tyres & those used in the UK & Europe? I don't think losing treads on car tyres is a common problem over here.

It's not common here either, only random events. I checked my brand new 1000 dollar set of snow tires and lo and behold they were made three years before I bought them.
According to this reporter in the vid, UK tyre sellers are bound by more regulations. ?

Very strict rules apply to Motorcycle Tyres for safety and Legal reasons!...>>>>

(See "Technical")

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle

A high-speed burst Motorcycle Tyre is generally/always fatal for the rider, and passenger!

Paul....examining my tyres before every journey!

This is something many of us North Americans may not be aware of. Across the pond, there are stricter regulations as I understand.

Am I right in thinking that there is a fundamental design difference between US car tyres & those used in the UK & Europe? I don't think losing treads on car tyres is a common problem over here.

It's not common here either, only random events. I checked my brand new 1000 dollar set of snow tires and lo and behold they were made three years before I bought them.
According to this reporter in the vid, UK tyre sellers are bound by more regulations. ?

Are these brand new tyres or retreads? As Paul pointed out I think retreaded car tyres are illegal in the UK.

Retread tyres are illegal on cars here. (Ontario) I bought brand new. Transports (Tracter trailer) are allowed to use retreads but only on certain axles. Front wheels would be out of the question.

The reason I asked is that some of the tyres in the video look like retreads. Pete noticed it too.

I found lots of ads for retreads in the US. http://www.hotfrog.com/Products/Tire-Retreading-And-Repair-Shops

Are these brand new tyres or retreads? As Paul pointed out I think retreaded car tyres are illegal in the UK.

Retread tyres are illegal on cars here. (Ontario) I bought brand new. Transports (Tracter trailer) are allowed to use retreads but only on certain axles. Front wheels would be out of the question.

The reason I asked is that some of the tyres in the video look like retreads. Pete noticed it too.

I found lots of ads for retreads in the US. http://www.hotfrog.com/Products/Tire-Retreading-And-Repair-Shops

I haven't been south of the border lately, but I think the regulations would vary from region to region. (State to State). Tyre chains are a good example. Even how to spell tyre. (tire). Retreads may be legal in some states but the states I've resided in frown on them 

I believe the target of the news piece was new tires, not retreads.  The problem seems to be with tires that spend years sitting in a warehouse before finally being sold.  Basically the tires dry rot, and lose their strength even though they are "new" unused tires.

While I am not certain, I believe retreads on passenger tires are illegal in the US, but can be used on large trucks in certain applications.  The reason is that the core of a large truck tire is much heavier built, where most passenger tires are very thin and cheap.

'Theres no scientific information'.

A tyre that has exploded seems fairly scientific to me. Leave an elastic band out in the sun for a few days, try and stretch it and it will snap. A car tyre for a few years is going to perform much the same.


It is worrying just how old a tyre can be. There is probably quite a lack of education on the matter though. Until now, I would've assumed that if the tread looks good then the tyre looks good. But then again, I don't know how old the tyres in the UK are likely to be.

I have been in the States regularly over the last 20 years and driven more freeway miles that I care to think about. One thing that I always notice is the amount of tyre rubber that can be seen. It would appear that you cannot drive a mile or less without seeing a dead tyre or the remains of one. This is something that you just don't see in Europe. As for tread separation, it is something that is almost unheard of here. When ever I have seen a car that has had a flat in the USA, by the time the car had stopped the tyre is just about shredded. Again in Europe, when this happens, the tyre stays together and quite often is repaired. This brings in the question, does the USA employ different build standards/methods. I was also under the impression that tread separation was a radial tyre problem and not a cross-ply. You will be hard pressed to by a radial in Europe today.

Matt