Buying used tires can save drivers a lot of money, which is a relief, especially when facing rising inflation and gas prices. While the cost benefits are significant, it’s essential to prioritize safety and quality when purchasing second-hand tires. Use our checklist to review your tires before making a purchase.
Looking for a professional opinion? Hooper’s Tire Outlet inspects all used tires in our inventory to provide customers with reliable, safe tires. Look through our used tire selection at our Rochester, NY, or Syracuse, NY locations!
1. Evaluate the Tread Life
Tread life estimates the tire’s lifespan in relation to the amount of treadwear. It’s a vital indicator of the tire’s usability. Used tires with adequate tread depth help cars maintain their traction, allowing for shorter braking distances and improved handling.
Over time, a tire’s tread will wear out with use, leading to significant safety risks if ignored. Shallow, worn-out tire treads can compromise vehicle control, particularly on wet or snowy surfaces. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires once the tread reaches 2/32 of an inch (1.5 mm). However, recent tests indicate that drivers should replace their tires closer to 4/32 of an inch (3 mm) to ensure safe driving.
Measuring Tread Depth
Tread Depth Gauge: Available at auto parts stores, this tool measures in millimeters and 32nds of an inch. To use, insert the probe into a tread groove, press the shoulders against the tread block, and read the measurement.
Penny Test: Insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible, the tread depth is 2/32 inches or less, indicating a need for replacement. If Lincoln's head is partially covered, the tread depth is satisfactory.
Quarter Test: Some people prefer the quarter test over the penny test because the quarter test suggests drivers replace their tires before they reach critical condition. Insert a quarter into a tread groove with Washington's head facing down. If the tread is above the top of Washington's head, the depth is over 4/32 of an inch and in good condition.
2. Check the Tire Age
Tire age plays a crucial factor in measuring a tire’s lifespan. Tires are generally safe from oxidation for the first 5 years after production. Most manufacturers recommend tire replacement after 6 years, regardless of tread life.
Even if a tire is unused, its rubber compound will absorb oxygen over time, causing it to become brittle and break down. This process is called thermal oxidation degradation. Improper storage conditions that expose the tire to UV light, extreme temperature changes, and moisture will also speed up tire deterioration.
Old tires are more prone to:
Sidewall deformation
Tread chunking
Tread separation
Blistering, cracks, and fissures
How to Check Tire Age
Look for the tire identification number (TIN) on the tire sidewall, typically at the end of the DOT code. The last 4 digits of the TIN indicate the week and year of manufacture. For instance, a TIN ending in 3521 means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2021.
If the tire doesn’t have a DOT, then the tire was likely tampered with. Avoid used tire dealerships that tamper with their tires or have not inspected their tires fully.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards (UTQG) rating will also inform you how fast a tire brand will tend to wear out. The smaller the number, the faster it will be.
3. Inspect the Tire Sidewall
The tire sidewall consists of a thick rubber compound designed to hold enough air to support the vehicle weight. Look for signs of sidewall damage such as splits, patches, cracks, bubbles, or exposed cord and steel.
If the tire sidewall is damaged, the tire won’t be able to hold air well. Even minor tire sidewall damage can compromise the tire’s integrity and quickly result in a tire blowout.
How to Check for Sidewall Damage
Bulges or bubbles: Bulges indicate internal damage and will lead to a tire blowout
Large tire sidewall cracks: Cracks typically indicate UV damage or result from extreme hot and cold cycles that cause the rubber to break down.
Object stuck in the tire sidewall: If the sidewall is punctured, it cannot be repaired nor is it safe to drive on. The tire should be disposed of.
4. Look for Previous Tire Repairs
Used tires repaired properly with a plug-patch repair kit are good for the remainder of the tire’s lifespan because they’ve fully sealed the puncture. However, plug repairs or patch repairs alone are temporary fixes lasting about 3 days at best.
When shopping for used tires:
Check both the exterior and interior for signs of previous repairs. Look for patches or plugs, especially on the inside.
Avoid tires with repairs to the tire shoulder or sidewall. These areas cannot be repaired and will lead to a tire blowout.
Look for punctures, embedded foreign objects, and other signs of damage.
When in doubt, consult a tire professional to understand if a repaired tire is still usable.
5. Search for Manufacturer Recalls
Before purchasing a used tire, it’s best to check for manufacturer recalls to ensure you aren’t driving on a tire with known defects. Reputable used tire outlets check their inventory regularly on their customer’s behalf, but we still recommend checking yourself.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a comprehensive recall tool that allows consumers to search for vehicle, car seat, equipment, and tire recalls.
Select the tire tab from NHTSA’s recall tool.
Search for your tire brand or tire line to see any recalls and formal consumer complaints.
If the tire was recalled, click on the tire to view the report. Tire recall reports will include when the recall occurred and list the DOT range to indicate which tires to avoid.
Where Do Used Tires Come From?
Second-hand tires often have a bad reputation for being lower quality than new tires, especially if purchased without inspection from online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Market. However, a good used tire dealer will get their inventory from more reputable places to ensure a high-quality product.
Reliable used tires come from:
Tire Trade-Ins: When a customer purchases a new set of tires, they often leave their previous set with the tire dealership or auto shop. The best tires will go to a used tire outlet.
Totaled Cars: Car accidents and natural disasters may leave the vehicle damaged but the tires intact. Used tire dealerships will collect these pristine tires before they’re recycled.
Wholesale Tire Distributors: Tire wholesalers can acquire high-quality tires second-hand through tire exchanges, buy-back programs, and at-scale purchases from businesses. Used tire outlets can browse the selection to build the right inventory for their clientele.
Benefits of Buying Used Tires
Buying quality used tires has several advantages over buying from a manufacturer to consider.
Cost-Effective: Used tires are significantly cheaper, often 30-50% less than new ones. This cost-saving can be substantial, especially for those on a tight budget or needing multiple tires.
Environmentally Friendly: Purchasing pre-owned tires helps reduce waste and conserves resources, contributing to environmental sustainability by extending the life cycle of tires already in circulation.
Good Condition: Many used tires still have considerable tread life and are in good condition. Tires from vehicles involved in accidents or owners who upgraded their tires early may have plenty of usable life left.
Opportunity to Negotiate: When buying from private sellers or smaller shops, there's often room to negotiate the price, potentially leading to additional savings.
Find Used Tires in Rochester, NY & Syracuse, NY
Hooper’s Tire Outlet offers complete tire inspections to ensure our customers’ safety when going through a purchase. We help customers assess their tire’s tread life, age, sidewall integrity, previous repairs, and overall tire history so they can make informed buying decisions.
Visit Hooper’s Tire Outlet in Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY to find quality used tires for your car!