Buying Used Tires

image of used tires Buying a set of used tires can be economical, but it can also hold hidden hazards that would make them much less than a bargain. Not only do you have to insure that the tires are safe to use, you have to make sure that they are safe to use with your vehicle's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as well.

Used Tires and Age

image of tire date code

Probably the first thing that you need to check is the age of used tires. If they are approaching the 10 year mark, it's probably best to stop here and find something else regardless of the amount of tread left.

Tread Depth

The minimum tread depth for winter tires is 3.5mm. All other light vehicle tires must have a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm. Even before this amount of wear is reached the tire may not be safe depending on road conditions.

Uneven Tread Wear

Tire must have consistent wear across the entire surface. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues with the previous vehicle, which could affect the tire's integrity. Check for unusual wear patterns, like cupping or feathering. Don't buy used tires showing these defects.

Tire Sidewall Condition

This is particularly important for radial ply tires. Look for any cracks, cuts, or bulges. These can compromise the tire's structural integrity and lead to failure. Sidewall damage, especially around the bead area (where the tire meets the rim), could cause the tire to not seal properly or even separate from the rim.

Position of Tire Repairs

Look to see if the tires have been repaired previously. If those repairs were made in the sidewall or the shoulder of the tread don't buy the tire.

Ask the Professionals

Advise the tire installer that you have purchased used tires and ask them to inspect the tires before mounting.