How to Spot Counterfeit Tires
Why Fake Tires Are a Right Nightmare
Fake tires might look the part at a glance, but they’re often absolute tosh when it comes to meeting the safety standards we expect in the UK. These knockoffs can:
Wear out quicker than a cheap pair of trainers
Flop about in grotty weather
Up the odds of a nasty blowout
Make your motor handle like a shopping trolley
Whether you’re after winter tires, all-season jobs, or something a bit sporty, fake tires are bad news for you and your passengers.
1. Clock the DOT Code
Every proper tire’s got a DOT (Department of Transportation) code stamped on the sidewall. It’s like the tire’s birth certificate—tells you where it was made, who made it, and when it popped out of the factory.
If there’s no DOT code, or it looks like it’s been mucked about with—blurry, half-missing, or wonky—it’s a proper red flag. Want to get your head round what those numbers mean? Have a butcher’s at a tire date code guide to decode the manufacturing gubbins.
2. Give the Brand Markings a Good Gander
Counterfeit tires love to play dress-up as big-name brands, but they often cock it up with daft spelling mistakes or logos that are a bit off. For instance:
“Michelan” instead of Michelin
“Bridgestoe” instead of Bridgestone
Have a proper look for missing or wonky brand embossing. Legit tires have crisp, consistent lettering and logos, none of this half-arsed nonsense.
3. Get Hands-On with the Weight and Feel
Proper tires are built to last, made from top-notch rubber that feels solid. Fake ones? They’re often light as a feather, flimsy, or feel like cheap plastic. If the sidewalls seem thin or the tire’s got no heft to it, chances are it’s a wrong’un.
4. Hunt for Quality Control Stickers or Stamps
Most decent manufacturers slap stamps or stickers on their tires to show they’ve passed muster. If these are missing or look like they were printed in someone’s shed, that’s a worry.
And if the tire’s suspiciously spotless—like it’s been scrubbed to hide something fishy—someone might be trying to pull a fast one.
5. Ask Where They Came From
If you’re buying from some random geezer or a seller who’s cagey about the tire’s backstory, keep your wits about you. That’s why sticking with a proper tire shop like, say, Country Tire, is a smart move.
They’ve got quality used tires (have a look here) and brand-new ones from trusted makers (check ‘em out here). Their lot give every tire a thorough once-over, so you can shop without fretting.
6. Don’t Fall for “Too Cheap to Be True” Prices
Who doesn’t love a bargain? But if the price is so low it makes your eyes water, it’s probably too good to be legit. Shady sellers use dirt-cheap prices to reel in punters.
After proper hot tire deals in Surrey? Country Tire’s got your back with fair prices and tires that are ready for the road, no funny business.
Bonus: Should You Swap Out All Four Tires at Once?
While you’re poking about checking for fake tires, it’s worth having a think about whether it’s time to replace your lot—and if you should do all four in one go. Depends on your setup, really.
If your tires are worn evenly and you’re switching types (say, to winter tires), doing all four is usually the way to go for proper handling.
If you’re only swapping one or two, make sure they’re a close match to the tread depth and type of your other tires. Want the full lowdown? Check out this blog: Should You Replace All Four Tires at Once? Pros & Cons.
Final Word: Shop Sharp, Drive Sound
Fake tires might seem like a cheeky way to save a few quid, but they’re a proper liability. When in doubt, go with a trusted local shop with a solid rep—like Country Tire in Surrey, BC.
They’ve got:
Proper know-how
Clear-as-day sourcing
Tires checked top to bottom
Ready to slap on some tires you can rely on? Book a slot online or give ‘em a bell.
Stay safe on the roads, Surrey—your tires are the only thing keeping you glued to the tarmac!