Used Tires – Familiarize Yourself With Your Options
Although every driver on the road would like to be riding on brand new tires with fresh tread, there are some times in life when one must opt for the second best option, used tires. If your funds are running low, there are often some good used tires on the market that can suffice until you are able to afford better tires for your car. If you are just buying used tires for your car to save money but can afford to buy new tires, consider the new ones. Tires are an extremely important safety aspect of your vehicle. If you have one blowout while driving you will understand this importance more clearly. Nevertheless, you must be careful when buying secondhand tires.
Used or Retreaded?
There are two types of used tires. Literally used tires are tires that someone no longer wanted because they bought new tires. These are usually the worst option and should only be considered as a means to an end until your next payday. (Of course, if the tires are in really good shape because someone just changed the wheel size on their vehicle during a customization, then you might use them for many miles without trouble). Retreaded used tires are a better option than just simply used tires. A tire retread shop retreads and sales used tires that are almost as good as new ones for a fraction of the price.
Tips for Buying Used Tires
Before shopping for used tires, you should check the size of the tire that is on your vehicle currently, and make a note of it. Arm yourself with a tread gauge, or bring along a penny for measuring the tread on the tires you consider purchasing. These tips will help you find a good set of used tires:
Run your hands along the tire, inspecting both the tires inside and the tread. Look for uneven tire wear by feeling for dips or raised areas in the tread of the tire. Don’t buy used tires that look to be flatter on one side as compared to the other.
Inside the tire, look for evidence of plugging or patching. Don’t buy used tires that have been repaired in the past.
Use your tread gauge or penny to measure the wear of the tread. Place the penny (heads up) on its side into the treads. If the tread does not come to the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, then the tire has too much tread wear to consider.
Feel for tears on the inner edge of the tire; any rips or tears along this edge will prevent sealing around your rim properly.