Buying Tires- Is It Worth Saving Money on Used Tires?

Last Updated on 4 days

Buying Tires – Is It Worth Saving Money on Used Tires?

The reality of today’s economy is that everything is getting more expensive, but wages remain the same. Essential items, including car tires, have become pricey, forcing people to think twice before making purchases. The rising costs of materials, development processes, environmental regulations, and transportation have all influenced the prices of tire products. In such an environment, people tend to look for alternatives; in this case, it would be buying used car tires instead of new. They’re significantly cheaper, but are they a good idea? Let’s find out.

Where Do Used Tires Come From?

You might think that all car tires go to recycling centers after they are worn out or damaged, but this is not the case. Sometimes, people upgrade to new tires or bigger wheels and are left with the old set cluttering the garage. Customers who change the tires at the tire shop often leave the old rubber to be disposed of. Tire retailers also have brand-new tires in stock with outdated DOT codes, which cannot be sold as new ones. There are numerous cases when a person is left with a usable set of tires and wants to get rid of it.

What Do Buyers Choose Used Car Tires?

Simple answer? The price. Used tires cost a fraction of the price of the new ones. A new, brand-name tire that costs $250-$300 sells for just $70-$80 on the second-hand market. For bargain hunters, this seems like a steal. With this perspective, you can buy a whole set of used tires for the price of a single, premium-grade performance tire. However, there are some risks to be aware of.

What Can Go Wrong With Used Car Tires?

Practically everything. Although selling or buying used car tires is perfectly legal, in some states like California, “installing unsafe used tires” is illegal. The law requires dealers to inspect them to determine if the tire is safe enough for resale or unsafe – a critical safety law that is sure to save lives. The main concern is that used car tires are no longer safe and can result in crashes, and that worries legislators. And it should concern you, too.

Here why used tires can be a bad idea:

• Worn-Out Tires: Even if they look brand new, used tires have already accumulated miles, which means that the treadwear and rubber compound reduces grip, handling, and braking performance. The problem is used tires have significantly reduced performance since they are nearing the end of their lifespan. In rain, snow, ice, or emergency stops, they won’t perform as needed, putting your safety at risk.
• Hidden Damage: In most cases, used car tires are sold because they are damaged or punctured, but repaired only to hold air. A tire that looks fine on the exterior may have internal patches, marks, weak spots or repairs.
• Old Tires: As you probably know, tires have the manufacturing date stamped on the sidewall (DOT code). Modern car tires have a typical lifespan of six to seven years, after which the rubber loses some of its capabilities and should be replaced, regardless of how many miles the tire has covered. In some cases, retailers offer unsold stock at significantly discounted prices. Those tires are unused but old, and can crack and deteriorate after installation.
• Unknown History: When you are buying used tires, you don’t know how they were used or maintained. They could be driven underinflated, overloaded, driven over potholes or cracks, and not rotated properly. Even though their appearance looks new, they might be close to the end of their life. If you mount a set of tires that have already gone through a lot, you can’t expect much from them.

When Is it OK To Buy Used Car Tires?

Only in emergencies. For example, if you’re stranded without a spare tire or need a quick replacement to reach your destination, a used tire can be a temporary solution. They can provide you with basic capabilities for a limited amount of time when you don’t have access to new ones.

Are Used Tires Really Cheaper Option?

At first glance, used tires seem like the most budget-friendly option. However, their short lifespan, reduced performance/cracking, and potential repair costs will add up over time. In the long run, replacing worn-out or damaged used tires can cost more than buying a new, reliable set of new tires in the first place.

Even though the premium brands are expensive, numerous affordable alternatives exist on the market and in all segments. Some of the products in this class can even match the price of the used tires, and you can get capable and dependable brand-new tires for well under $100. It goes without saying that those products come with a warranty, brand-new rubber compound, and fresh tread, and they offer the maximum protection, handling, and braking capabilities you need. All of that will save you money in the long run and provide safety on the road. If you opt for our free shipment and installation initiative, you’ll save even more.

Conclusion

Although some drivers consider buying used car tires, that shouldn’t be your first option. Used tires come with serious ricks, including poor handling, unknown wear, reduced safety, and poor handling and braking characteristics.

The price might be tempting, but we recommend shopping at Giga Tires where we offer numerous brands, models, and tire sizes with safe and proven products. So, there is really no need to put yourself and your passengers in danger just to save a few bucks. Find an affordable tire from our selection and stay safe on the roads regardless of the conditions.