PETALING JAYA: They may look safe but they are not.
Experts have warned that falsified tyre labels and fake manufacturing dates on suspect tyres are putting Malaysian motorists at risk of deadly blowouts.
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Road Safety Council executive council member Datuk Suret Singh said manufacturer markings or stampings on tyres are essential in determining if they are genuine and fit for use.
He added that forged markings on tyres gave false details.
When such tyres are fitted on vehicles, they may be susceptible to blowouts and punctures, putting the driver and passengers in perilous situations if the vehicle veers out of control.
He said there are tyres made for use specifically for temperate climate countries but end up being sold here.
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“If these tyres meant for winter use end up being used on cars in hot weather countries, their material may suffer premature wear and give way.”
Suret said tyres have a shelf life of about four years. When the rubber and internal structure starts to harden, it degrades over time and may no longer be structurally safe for use, he added.
“Stern action must be taken against crooked tyre dealers, with the heaviest punishments meted out as a deterrent.”
Suret advised motorists to source their tyres from authorised dealers to avoid ending up with defective or expired tyres.
Road safety expert Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said tyres degrade over time due to wear and tear. More importantly, they are fitted with time-sensitive safety components.
Generally, he said a tyre’s lifespan should not exceed six years from its date of manufacture.
“The chemicals in the tyre compound will start to break down due to the oxidation process and the effects of heat, even when the tyre are not used.
“When the chemicals in the tyre start to harden due to the loss of malleability, tiny cracks develop. Even the tyre’s inner components tend to separate,” Law said, adding that this could lead to blowouts or tread separation.
“Such things happen even when the tyre has not been used at all. In Malaysia’s weather, tyres can also deteriorate faster due to higher temperatures and sunlight exposure.”
Law suggested for tyres to be replaced six years after usage, even if the thread appears to be in perfectly good condition.
He advised consumers who want to buy tyres to check their date of manufacture, which can be found on the tyre’s sidewall.
“The best would be to buy those made no more than 12 to 18 months prior,” Law added.
He urged buyers to look out for red flags such as efforts to conceal, modify or restamp the manufacturing dates.
“Other aspects to look out for are cracks, bulges, miscolouring or altered labels,” Law added.
Customers should also exercise caution if the tyres are significantly priced below market rates as they may be used imported tyres or are counterfeit.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations secretary-general T. Saravanan said the Consumer Protection Act 1999 can help victims who believe they have been misled.
“Complaints can be lodged with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,” he said.
Saravanan added that consumers could also seek redress through the Consumer Claims Tribunal for compensation if they could prove that the product was misrepresented or defective.
“Keep receipts, take photographs of the tyres and record the dealer’s details as evidence,” he said.
