Those who don’t have enough money to purchase new tires or insurance to cover tire replacement have no choice but to purchase second-hand tires.
However, used tires may still have sufficient tread depth and be free from unusual and uneven tread wear. But how much do these tires cost? If you’d like to find out, keep reading!
How Much Are Used Tires?
Used tires range in price from $25 to $160 with a complete set selling at $100 to $650, or 30% to 50% less than a new tire of the same type. A set of four tires is priced between $224 and $325 on Craigslist and Facebook MarketPlace. Therefore, used tires are a viable option if you’re seeking to save money.
To learn more about used tire pricing, if you should consider buying used tires, how to choose the best used tires and more, keep reading for more facts!
How Much Should 4 Used Tires Cost?
You could pay between $25 to $160 for a single used tire, meaning a whole set may sell at $100 to $650, or 30% to 50% lower than a new tire of a similar model.
This figure is dependent on a variety of factors, such as tire size or if they come mounted on a wheel or not. Therefore, you might pay $50 or $90 for the same kind of tire.
Tires with low mileage are obviously more valuable than tires that are virtually worn out, and the price of a large truck tire is generally more than the price of a typical passenger car tire.
Additionally, because of their higher original price and residual value, low profile and performance tires will likewise command a premium.
How Long Do Used Tires Last?
Not all brands and models have a long wear life, as some treads last longer than others, and tread life is sometimes dictated by the kind of tire.
Touring tires, for example, are supposed to last longer than performance or summer tires.
This may also be true of H/T or highway-terrain tires, which have a longer wear life than A/T or all-terrain tires for pickup trucks or SUVs.
In most situations, tread life is determined by a variety of factors, including the vehicle’s overall condition, driving habits, miles traveled, and present road/weather conditions. Therefore, the life expectancy of your tires depends on how and where you drive your car.
Although you may not be able to manage the latter, if you drive carefully and responsibly, you should be able to fully maximize a pair of used tires.
How Do I Choose A Good Set Of Used Tires?
Experienced drivers wouldn’t recommend buying anything unless the tread depth is at least 7 to 9/32″ -, or even higher if it’s a more aggressive truck or SUV tire.
Anything less is bad when traction, comfort, and durability are taken into consideration. Therefore, wherever you shop, double-check the listings. Most vendors outright display the remaining tread depth, but you should take this with a grain of salt.
For safety, actual product photographs should be included in the listings. If you see anything unusual (such as bald areas or uneven wear marks), move on and look for alternative options.
Does Walmart Sell Used Tires?
Walmart doesn’t sell or install old tires since it only sells items with UPC numbers.
Therefore, if you’re seeking second-hand tires, go to Facebook MarketPlace or Craigslist, where you could get single tires for $89-$103 or a set of four for $224-$325.
A single used tire costs an average of $25-$160, which is comparable to Walmart’s new tires, which cost an average of $31-$102.
Is It Okay To Purchase Used Tires?
You should only put used tires on your car if they are really necessary, because since used tires aren’t regulated, there’s no way of knowing if they’re safe.
Tread degradation can easily be observed, but internal tire deterioration is difficult to spot unless you’re a specialist.
If you’re in need of tires, it’s strongly advised to purchase new ones from a reputable shop rather than buying used tires from a vendor.
Purchasing a used tire to be used as a spare isn’t as bad. However, to keep your car safe, never buy a whole set of secondhand tires.
How Can You Tell If A Used Tire Is Good?
Before purchasing used tires, make sure you check out factors such as tread depth, tread and sidewall condition, repairs, and age.
A regular new tire has a tread depth of 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch, while 2/32 of an inch is the legal minimum tread.
At least 5-6/32 of the tread depth on a decent used tire should be left, which can be determined by using the penny test.
If a significant portion of the head side of the penny is visible, it will be fair to assume that the tread is around 2/32 inches and thus in violation of safety measures.
If a used tire’s tread depth appears to be adequate, inspect the whole surface of the tire for noticeable cracks or cuts in the sidewall. It’s also hazardous to use if the sidewall has bumps or other irregularities, as an impact might cause the rubber to delaminate from the belting.
Therefore, look for traces of repair on the interior of the tire (it must have been repaired with a tire plug if you see crude nubs of rubber sticking up).
Tires now have a four-digit number on them that identifies their age; the first two numerals indicate the week in which it was manufactured, while the final two digits indicate the year.
A tire with the DOT number 1208, for example, was manufactured in the 12th week of 2008.
Tires that are more than 6 years old should be avoided since the oil in the rubber begins to dry up with time, resulting in dry rot, cracking, and a hazardous tire.
To learn more about tires, you can also see our posts if you can sell used tires, if you can buy used tires, where you can dispose of tires for free, and how tires are recycled.
Conclusion
While it’s not suggested that old rubber is always better than new, the cost savings potential is undeniable for purchasing used tires instead of new. Therefore, as long as used tires pass inspection and have sufficient tread left, they are safe.
If you’re considering buying used tires for your car, make sure you buy from a reputable vendor, which guarantees that each tire will be extensively tested and certified for the road.