Tyres not only keep your vehicle functional but also ensure your safety on the road. You have to replace them after regular intervals for smooth and safe driving experiences. Replacing them requires a considerable amount. However, there are risks of scams when buying tyres for your automobile. You can end up getting counterfeit tyres even after spending a huge amount. In this post, we will tell you how to identify genuine tyres and avoid counterfeits.
Effective Tips to Avoid Counterfeits When Buying Tyres
Buy From a Reputable Dealer
The first thing you need to do is to buy tyres from a reputable dealer. You can leverage the internet to find the best dealers around you. Type the best tyre near me on Google and explore some top search results. It will help you find reputable dealers around you offering the best tyres at market-competitive rates.
Rely on Branded Tyres
The most effective thing you can do in this regard is to opt for branded tyres. Various brands are offering high-quality tyres at affordable prices. You can rely on them to avoid scams. Reputable brands always deliver the best quality products to their customers to maintain their reputation and earn your trust.
Check for Identification Numbers
The tyre identification number (TIN) is a unique serial number marked on the sidewall of the tyre. It provides essential information about the tyre, including manufacturers, manufacturing location, and date of production. Genuine tyres will have a marked TIN, while counterfeit tyres may lack this number or have an incorrect format. Paying attention to this identification number can mitigate the risk of scams.
Look for Certification Marks
Genuine tyres often come with certification marks. These marks are usually from relevant transportation authorities. You can look for these marks when buying tyres to get genuine products. Make sure you don’t spend money on tyres without these marks as their quality isn’t assured.
Check Tread Patterns
Authentic tyres have well-defined and consistent tread patterns. These are designed to optimize performance and safety. On the other hand, counterfeit tyres may have irregular or poorly defined patterns. You can compare the tread pattern with official images from the manufacturer’s website to ensure authenticity.
Assess Tyres’ Weight
Genuine tyres are made with high-quality materials, so they have a specific weight. Counterfeit tyres might be lighter due to inferior materials. You should compare the weight of the tyre with a known genuine one to avoid getting scammed.
Inspect Packaging
Genuine and branded tyres come in specific packaging. Therefore, you should inspect packaging when buying tyres to check branding and labeling. Avoid buying products with damaged or generic packaging.
Check for Price Discrepancies
If the price of tyres seems too low to be true, it can be a scam. Genuine ones are priced according to their quality and manufacturing standards. For instance, Cooper tyres price reflects their durability and quality. If someone offers extremely low prices for these branded tyres, they are probably scamming you.
The aforementioned tips and strategies will help you get authentic tyres and avoid counterfeits. You can also get suggestions from people around you to find reputable dealers.