Drive Smarter with Gently Used Tires

By: Sam the PT Mechanic

Buying used tires can be a great way to save money, but it is important to do your homework and make sure you're buying a safe product.

In my 40+ plus years of driving, I’ve purchased many brands of tires, both new and used. However, when it comes to used tires, the experience that I will always remember was the one on cross-country trip.

My family and I were visiting Albuquerque, NM when we received an emergency call. My father-in-law suffered a stroke and the likelihood of him surviving it was slim. We had to return to Florida ASAP. My front two tires were in questionable shape. We really had no time to waste, so I purchased 2 new Uniroyal tires (same size and rating as the old ones) for my ¾ ton Suburban because they were available immediately and we were also towing a 28ft. Airstream.

As we hit the road, I noticed a considerable amount of sway and the safety of my family was on the line. It turns out that the sidewall of the new tires were excessively soft. Even though I bought 10ply tires!

We stopped and a small town just outside Albuquerque and the only tire shop in town only sold used tires. I found two used Michelin tires that were just slightly better (but not much) than the ones I replaced. Those 2 used Michelins felt solid the whole 1,700 plus miles to Florida.

For me, when it comes to used tires, the same rule applies as with new tires. Stick to the top name brands. I’ve had pretty good luck with brands like Pirelli, Michelin, Toyo and Bridgestone.

Top tips on buying the best-used tires:

1. Inspect the tires carefully. Look for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or cracks (Tire dry rot cracks, also known as sidewall weathering). These can be signs of a weak tire that could cause a blow out. Also, check the tread depth to make sure it is still within the safe limits. You can use a tire tread depth gauge to get an accurate measurement.

2. Check the age of the tires. Even if a tire looks good, it may be too old to use safely. Tires start to degrade over time, and they should be replaced no more than six years after the date of manufacture. You can find the date of manufacture on the sidewall of the tire.

It will be a four-digit number, with the first two digits representing the week of manufacture and the last two digits representing the year.

3. Buy from a reputable seller. It's important to buy used tires from a seller that you trust. Look for a seller who has a good reputation and who stands behind their products.

4. Have the tires mounted and balanced by a professional. Once you have purchased your tires, it is crucial to have them mounted and balanced by a tire professional. This will help to ensure that they wear evenly and safely.

5. Get a warranty. If possible, try to get a warranty on your used tires. Some used-tire shops offer some sort of warranty if the tire goes flat; but usually it’s very limited. A guarantee can give you some peace of mind in case there are any problems with the tires down the road.

Remember, your tires are the only thing that connects your car to the road, so it's important to make sure they're in the best possible condition.