The hidden safety factor in tyre fitment South African motorists overlook

Safe tyres are not only about the brand you buy. They are also about who fits them and whether the job is done properly.

By: Khwezi Makhathini (TEPA PR, social and Communications coordinator)

When motorists buy tyres, most focus on price, brand and how long the tyres are expected to last. Fewer people stop to ask who is fitting the tyres and whether that business follows proper safety and industry standards.

Tyres are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road. If they are the wrong type, badly fitted or poorly maintained, they can affect how the vehicle brakes, turns and handles in an emergency.

Tyre safety is about more than the tyre

Fitting tyres is not as simple as putting rubber on a rim. The right tyre must suit the vehicle, carry the correct weight, be fitted securely and be balanced and aligned so the vehicle can drive safely.

A problem with fitment may not be obvious when the vehicle leaves the shop, but it can show up later when the driver needs to brake suddenly, swerve or travel in wet conditions. That is why choosing where to fit tyres is also a safety decision, not just a price decision.

What accreditation really means?

Accreditation is not just a badge on the wall. It means the business has committed to working in a responsible way, following recognised standards and being accountable to an industry body.

For motorists, this provides an extra layer of reassurance that the business takes training, safety and customer protection seriously.

The role of industry bodies in consumer protection

Industry bodies such as the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), help raise standards by encouraging proper training, responsible business practices and better service across the tyre sector.

Why this matters for you as a motorist

South Africa already faces serious road safety challenges. Tyres are only one part of the picture, but they are an important one.

A wellfitted tyre can help a vehicle respond better when the driver needs it most. An accredited tyre fitment business will be able to give motorists clear advice, fit the correct tyres for the vehicle and do the work in line with safety requirements.

Buying used tyres? Get them checked first

Legal tread depth is often treated as the only test for whether a used tyre is safe to buy, but it is just one factor. In the absence of a manufacturer’s predetermined minimum tread-depth indicator, the National Road Traffic Act sets 1 mm as the absolute legal minimum.

If you choose to buy used tyres, it is equally important to have them assessed by an accredited TEPA member or tyre shop before they go on the car. An accredited business will check the areas that tread depth alone does not reveal, including the overall integrity of the tyre, sidewall damage, previous puncture repairs, whether the size is correct for the vehicle, and heat and load ratings.

If any of these are compromised, the tyre can pose a serious road safety risk, not only to the driver but to other road users too. This is a step many consumers overlook when buying used tyres, and it is exactly the kind of check an accredited fitment business is trained to carry out.

What motorists can do

Motorists do not need to know all the technical details to make a safer choice. Before buying or fitting tyres, they can ask one simple question: Is this tyre business accredited and part of a recognised industry body?

It is a small question that can make a real difference. Choosing an accredited tyre business supports higher standards in the industry and helps make South Africa's roads safer for everyone.