What to Look for When Buying Used Tires

The tires on your vehicle are one of the most critical safety and performance features. They determine your vehicle's handling, stopping power, and fuel efficiency. Used tires can be a great way to save money. But you have to be a savvy shopper. 

Age of Tires

It's crucial always to be aware of your car's tire age since they are the only part that comes into contact with the road. While new tires are the best option, if you have to buy used tires near me for sale, it's even more essential to know the tire's age and remaining tread. Rubber degradation can cause cracks on the tire's sidewalls, leading to blowouts or slow leaks, so most manufacturers recommend changing tires every six years. Additionally, inspecting the tire's sides for any signs of dry rot or damage is imperative. Be aware of products that claim to restore a flat tire's integrity, as they may not work. Buying used tires from reputable dealerships or tire stores is best to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Take your time with cheap, used tires.

Tread Depth

The tread depth of tires is crucial to safety. It is where the rubber meets the road and allows your car to grip the surface for safe driving. Driving on tires with minimal tread is inherently unsafe and can lead to sudden tire failure, especially at high speeds. It's a good idea to avoid buying used tires with less than 3/32" of tread, as that is the minimum required by most state inspection laws. Select tires with more tread than the minimum requirement to guarantee superior durability and performance. When purchasing used tires, it is strongly advised to examine the tread depth using a gauge, which can be easily acquired from most auto parts stores for less than $5. If you need more clarification about using the gauge, solicit assistance from the seller. Look for uneven tread wear, as this is a sign that the previous owner didn't have their vehicle appropriately aligned, which will shorten their lifespan and cause them to wear out more quickly. Also, look for holes, deep cuts, or other damage to the tire casing and signs of belt separation. If you see any of these problems, walking away is best. The seller may come to their senses after a few days and reprice the tires more appropriately. If not, other sellers will be willing to make a deal for a safer set of tires. 

Tire Identification Numbers

The small patch of rubber at the bottom of your vehicle determines how your car responds to your driving, how much traction it has on the road, and how long it will take to stop. Although new vehicles have many safety and performance features, the effectiveness of your vehicle will ultimately be determined by that patch of rubber. When shopping for tires, look for the DOT (Department of Transportation) code on the sidewalls. The code should be a 10- to 12-digit number that begins with "DOT." The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, a tire with a date stamp of "0507" was made in the fifth week of 2005. If the DOT code is missing, it was either scrubbed off or painted over to look newer. In that case, the tires should be a no-go. Shop for tires at a tire store or dealership with a reputation for quality. It won't guarantee that the tires you buy are good, but it will increase your chances. Buying used tires is risky because you have yet to learn how the previous owner treated them. They could have been driven on rough terrain or under or over-inflated. You also have yet to learn what kind of high-speed driving they experienced.

Tire Pressure

As you know, tires are one of the most critical components of your vehicle. They connect your car to the road and determine how the steering responds to driver input, how far it takes to stop, and how elegant your vehicle is on curves. The condition and thickness of your tires directly affect the safety and performance of your vehicle. Purchasing used tires is risky because you need to know how they are stored or treated. They could have been driven overloaded, underinflated, or at excessively high speeds, which can cause internal damage that isn't visible from the outside. To protect yourself from wasting your hard-earned money, investing in a tire tread depth gauge (available for as little as $5) before buying any used tires is a good idea. A good gauge will tell you exactly how much life is left in them, which will help you negotiate with the seller. Please also check the DOT date on the side of the tire. This is the date of manufacture, and you should only purchase tires over six years old. Also, look for uneven tread wear. This indicates that the previous owner did not have the tires properly aligned, which will shorten their life.