How Much To Budget For Used Tires?
Buying used tires can cost different amounts. You might spend between $35 and $170 for each tire. This price often shows a 25-50% cost cut compared to newer versions of the same model.
However, be careful, as you might find low-quality tires. Always do your research and look at things like how long the tread will last and the tire’s condition.
This tedious process could take some time, but the potential savings are big. Keep in mind that while used tires are less expensive, they might have safety risks if you don’t check them well.
Common Things to Check While Buying a Used Tire
Here are 5 things you need to remember while Buying a Used Tire.
- Age
- Type of tire
- Initial price
- Quantity of tires
- Tread left
Age
Rubber tires can be safely operable for up to 10 years, but if you are buying used tires, the safest option is to pick those less than 5 years old.
As a tire gets older, it starts to lose its resilience, and deterioration happens, which might cause cracks. To determine the age of a tire, you can read the date code on the tire’s sidewall.
This date code will show you the exact year and week the tire was made. Be careful with tires that are 7 years old or older; they might look fine, but the inside parts could be worn out and not safe anymore. Always check these items closely for any cracks or a lot of wear.
Different Types of Tires
It can be not easy to understand the different types, but it’s important. Snow tires and winter tires are made with a special rubber component that gives significant grip in harsh conditions.
It helps you steer better and stay safe. They are usually more expensive than traditional all-season tires, which are less expensive and perform well in many weather types but might wear more quickly.
For people who like fast driving, high-performance, and performance tires are good choices. They help with better control and faster driving.
These tires are usually softer and made to improve how much they stick to the road, which is great for special occasions where you need the best driving performance.
See also: How to Tell if Your Tire Was Slashed? | Costco Tire Rotation Cost 2024 | What Should I Do With My Old Tires?
Initial Price
The initial price of a used tire is an important point to consider when choosing which one to buy.
For example, a Goodyear tire that initially costs over $350 new won’t be $35 when it’s used; however, the cost reduction can still be big.
It’s perfect to know how the price is initially determined based on things like the brand, how good the tire is, and how much it has been used. It makes sure you get a good deal for the price you pay.
Unfinished Tread
It would help if you looked at how much tread left there is. A new tire usually has up to 10/32 inches of tread, but this can go down to 4/32 inches after driving for several hundred miles.
For safety, it is not advised to buy tires with less than 5/32 inches of tread, as this is almost the legal minimum and isn’t considered safe for your car.
Tires with no less than 5/32 inches are alright if you want to resell the car or if you need a temporary set until you can get better ones. Before you start searching for used tires, always check the tread depth very well, as it’s important for how well the tire works and keeps your car safe.
Tires with up to 99% of their tread life left are best, but these are hard to find used.
Quantity of tires
Buying in bulk, like getting a full set or pairs, often comes with a discount. For regular buying, sellers might give you no more than 10% off if you buy two tires, but the savings could go up to 15% for a full set.
Always check for special offers on used tires—these can make your deal even greater and help you save a lot more than if you bought them one by one.
This way of buying is especially good for drivers who want to keep the wear and performance the same on all four wheels.
