Published: Wednesday, 21st April, 2010 5:00pm

Tyre E-mark now a requirement for NCT

Comments (2) | Print | Email

Micheal Gorby, manager of the Tractamotors tyre shop, shows the E-mark on a new tyre, which is now an NCT requirement; (inset) the mark to look for when buying new tyres.

Tyre dealers and workshops have been fielding queries about E-marks on tyres since the beginning of the month - Tractamotors in Cavan town had five last Wednesday, for example (though most of those motorists didn't have anything to worry about).

What is causing this concern is a new NCT requirement that tyres have the E-mark showing they conform to EU standards. A car whose tyres don't have the mark will fail the test.

E-marked tyres have been examined and tested in Europe to determine if they are safe and suitable for use according to European regulations, and though the NCT change is recent, all tyres sold in the European Union are supposed to have had the E-mark since 1997.

Furthermore, it has been illegal since 2007 to buy or fit non E-marked tyres in Ireland and the established, reputable tyre trade is aware of that.

The problem, according to the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA), is that non E-marked tyres are imported into this country, originating outside Europe, and are sold at some outlets. The association has always promoted selling only E-mark tyres and advises members not to sell or distribute tyres without the mark.

Niall Murray of Tractamotors (a member of the ITIA) said: "No major manufacturer or wholesaler that supplies tyres in Ireland would have sold a non E-marked tyre in the last 10 years."

In a statement, the ITIA said it welcomes the enforcement, through the NCT, of existing Irish and European E-mark legislation. The E-marking system contributes to safer motoring and reduced accidents and fatalities by ensuring only tyres suitable and approved for European road and weather conditions are sold to Irish motorists.

It recommends that motorists who have recently bought non E-marked tyres should return to the retailer with a proof of purchase.

The AA would reassures motorists that the majority of cars nationwide will already have E-marked tyres, and its Public Affairs director Conor Faughnan said: "If you bought non-standard tyres then you simply must change them. That may cost money, but it's important for safety. Whether you can be refunded or can exchange a non-standard tyre that you bought is between you and the vendor.

"Irish garages and tyre suppliers should never have been permitted to supply non-standard tyres. Most do not, but some non-affiliated and some less reputable outlets have been bringing them in. It is unfair on innocent consumers to be hit with extra cost because of this," said Mr. Faughnan.

The E-mark is visible as an E or e on the wall of the tyre in a circle or a rectangle shape; it may also be followed by a number of digits. These markings on some tyres may only be visible on the inside wall of the tyre - so when checking for compatibly both inside and outside of the tyre should be examined.

E-marked tyres have been sold in Ireland for many years and have been an EU legal requirement for the sale of tyres in Europe since 1997. Ireland is the last member state to enforce this requirement. An E-mark confirms that the tyre meets the minimum agreed standard in relation to its

continued right

continued from left

dimensions, load and speed rating and will make a significant contribution to road safety.

If your tyre is not E-marked and the vehicle has failed its NCT as a result of not displaying E-marking on its tyres, the re-test is free as it will only require a visual inspection.

The AA advises motorists to check the following on a regular basis: tyre pressure, thread depth, uneven wear, wall damage, bulges and cuts, and age deterioration - if you are unsure, call to a reputable tyre dealer and ask one of the technicians to check for you.

More in this week's Anglo-Celt...