Tyre Choice Warning! "Fake" tyres being sold (including Goodyear F1)

[Pottsy]

Not so much fake, more the wrong tyres for the market.

Some buyers of the Goodyear GSD3 tyres were surprised that the performance of the tyre was very poor, and it squealed a lot. It transpired that some dealers were using tyres from Thailand, that were totally unsuitable (and illegal) for use in Europe.

All tyres must carry an E marking, followed by a certificate number several digits long. If your tyre has no certificate number, it is illegal and the tyre dealer should change it for you immediately. A pic of an E marking with certificate number is posted below.

There is a good thread on the Volvo forums. They report that dodgy tyres have come from "Event tyres" and "mytyres", and one chap from blackcircles (but the tyres were sourced by the fitting dealer). Made in Germany or China seems OK, made in Thailand in not OK, and made in USA is questionable.

Dunlop have a good picture of sidewall markings - F is the one you need.

Hope this helps!

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[psykik]

Pottsy, this is excellent. Thanks

[psykik]

Do these e numbers apply to all tyres?

any fake bridgestone REO50's out there? I just bought a set and would like to be able to check on friday when i get em fitted if theyre genuine?

Ta

[illegalhunter]

Fake tyres whatever next

[Unknownsoldier]

They make fake brakepads from compressed grass/hay, so tyres weren't far behind.

Tom

[CrazyHawk]

Originally Posted by psykik

Do these e numbers apply to all tyres?

any fake bridgestone REO50's out there? I just bought a set and would like to be able to check on friday when i get em fitted if theyre genuine?

Ta

I haven't heard of any 'fake' Bridgestones in the market at the moment. Some larger tyre wholesalers do try to get tyres meant for other markets due to cost and availability.
Let me know what size etc you are getting and I can check a bit more in-depth for you.

[psykik]

Crazyhawk many thanks, tyres im buying are 18" Bridgestone RE50A XL 92Y which are 225/40/18's - just want to make sure i get UK road worthy wheels.

Do these also have e numbers like the goodyears?

Thanks

[CrazyHawk]

Originally Posted by psykik

Crazyhawk many thanks, tyres im buying are 18" Bridgestone RE50A XL 92Y which are 225/40/18's - just want to make sure i get UK road worthy wheels.

Do these also have e numbers like the goodyears?

Thanks

Psykik, As mentioned in our pm:
All tyres that are sold in Europe must have an e number stamped on the sidewall. This will be in either a box or circle. The only way to have non e-marked is if they originally came on the car, but when you need a new tyre, it must be e-marked.
It's not often that these illegally imported tyres are found in the UK.

[psykik]

crazyhawk, thanks for that, i've been in touch with bridgestone technical who are aware of the fraud problem. Its not restricted to Goodyear as previously thought. They are forwarding me some information by email to check authenticity which i will add a link to when i recieve it. Suffice to say, youre dead right about the e numbers, but with a caveat - beware forged e numbers!

[Unknownsoldier]

It is apparently a huge problem in the US, but it is increasing here.

Fake auto parts endangers lives

Global IDentification: End of the road for fake parts, The (GID 30 - Nov 06)

Dots mark end for fake parts | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

Honda parts are mentioned here in passing: Visitors and trade being educated on the importance of genuine automotive aftermarket parts at the Automechanika Gulf exhibition | Automechanika

Tom

[Unknownsoldier]

Seems this piracy is not just down to auto parts:

TABLE: The Pirates' Growing List of Victims

I've just been on to the UK "Consumer Direct line [No. 08454 04 05 06]" They say to all instances of recognizing fake parts, refer to the original manufacturer (i.e. if they are claiming to be Honda Parts, then contact Honda), they will advise and in many cases have a pdf. of how to spot counterfeit parts as this is a huge market, through which they are losing billions in revenue, and it is growing in Britain every year.

He also advised me that if something like 'fake/counterfeit' [illegal] tyres are being sold and if any members have been sold/attempted to be sold parts they believe to be counterfeit to contact Consumer Direct immediately, they will investigate this as it is a very serious problem (wonder whats been happening people havn't been told about.....).

In other countries contact your version of the TSD (Trading Standards Department), for specific info'.

T

[psykik]

right got a pdf from bridgestone FACTS ABOUT TYRES, however bottom line:

E Numbers should be present. So check carefully as previously mentioned with thanks in this post.

I will be sure to be extra vigilant when i pick up my new tyres and wheels friday!

[reidme]

Any recommendations about new tyres, current ones look like they will only last another couple of months. Currently have the standard 17'' ones supplied with the 1.8 sport.

[psykik]

reidme, for suggestions check here: AutoExpress Sept 2007 Top 5 Test - 1)GoodYear 2)Vredestein 3)Continental

In the end I went with bridgestones RE50 XL's as they were reccomended by 2 Honda garages i checked with first.

Just make sure whatever you get, theyre UK road legal.

Good luck

[reidme]

Many thanks psykik for the link, and your thoughts on bridgestones.

[Unknownsoldier]

They fit RE50 or RE050 [??] (IIRC) to Ferrari Enzo's so they've got to be fairly good tyres.

T

[psykik]

Unknownsoldier - i sure hope so! Getting them fitted today with new 18" oz racing wheels, so full of expectation i am!