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With the rising costs of new tires, many truck owners are looking for ways to save money on their tire purchases. One excellent option is to buy from used tires shop. Used truck tires can provide substantial savings over new ones while offering plenty of tread life. However, finding a quality used tire shop you can trust is critical.
In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know when shopping for used truck tires, where to find reputable used tire shops, what to look for when inspecting used tires, negotiation tips, and more. With the proper knowledge and preparation, you can score an excellent set of used truck tires that will serve you well for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Benefits of Buying Used Truck Tires
There are many advantages to purchasing used tires for your truck:
Significant Cost Savings
The most obvious benefit is the lower price. Quality used truck tires typically sell for 30-50% less than the cost of new. With new truck tires ranging from $150-500+ each, that savings can add up, especially if you need a complete set. Even six used tires can save you $500 or more than new ones.
Good Condition and Plenty of Tread
Many used tires for sale still have ample tread depth remaining. Look for used truck tires with at least 50% of the original tread depth, which means the tire has plenty of life left. Some used tires are taken off trucks due to fleet upgrades and may only have a few thousand miles on them.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
By extending the life of a tire instead of scrapping it, used tires are a more sustainable choice. Buying used decreases the demand for brand-new tire manufacturing.
Ability to Mix and Match
One advantage of used tire shops near me open now is the ability to cherry-pick, mix, and match. You can easily find what you need if you only need two tires. You can also upgrade to better tires at an affordable price by mixing used and new.
What to Consider When Buying Used Truck Tires
While used tires can save you substantial money, there are some crucial factors to weigh when shopping for used:
Tread Depth
Inspect the tread depth around the entire circumference of the tire. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues, so you want the best tread wear possible. Used truck tires should have at least 50% of tread remaining; more is better. The higher the tread depth, the longer the life left in the tire.
Tire Age and Condition
Check the tire sidewalls for cracking and look at the DOT date code to determine the tire’s age. Tires over six years old should be avoided as the rubber compounds degrade. Inspect for damage or repairs. While minor repairable damage is acceptable, avoid tires with patches or plugs, as they may not be reliable.
Tire Brand and Type
With used tires, you are not limited to any brand or type. You may be able to upgrade to a higher-end tire brand you could not afford new. However, stick with reputable brands known for quality: Michelin, Goodyear, Firestone, BF Goodrich, etc. Also, ensure you are buying tires intended for truck use.
Tire Size and Load Range
Make sure any used tire you purchase matches your truck’s needs for size, load range, etc. Do not sacrifice proper load capacity to save money. Consult your owner’s manual for correct sizing, and don’t haul more weight than the tires are rated for.
Complete Sets vs. Mix and Match
While more costly, buying a full-used set with matched tread depth and wear improves performance. However, mixing and matching can allow you to cherry-pick the best tires at the best prices. Just be strategic in positioning to balance wear.
What to Look for When Inspecting Used Truck Tires
Carefully inspecting used tire places near me before purchase is a must. Here are the key things to evaluate:
Tread Depth
Measure tread depth around the circumference of the tire. A minimum of 50% depth is recommended; more is better. Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension issues.
Damage and Repairs
Look for cuts, gouges, punctures, bulges, or other damage. Minor repairable damage is acceptable, but avoid plugs/patches. Check sidewalls for cracking.
Tire Brand and Type
Confirm tire brand and designation as a truck tire. Match to the proper size, load range, etc., required for your vehicle. Avoid no name/off brands.
Tire Age
Check the DOT date code on the sidewall to identify the tire’s age. Avoid tires that are more than six years old.
Tread Wear
Ideally, the tread should be worn evenly. Uneven wear can indicate mounting/balance issues or mechanical problems. Match tread depths across axles.
Conditions
Inspect for dry rot, weather cracking, flat spots, or other conditions that make the tire unusable—damage from long-term improper storage.
With a careful inspection, you can determine if a used tire has plenty of safe life left or should be passed over.
Warning Signs of a Bad Used Tire Shop
While most used tire sellers are ethical, watch for these red flags when evaluating used tire shops:
- No warranty or guarantee is offered on used tires
- Refuse to let you closely inspect tires before buying
- Won’t provide information on their sourcing of tires
- Tires have brands/logos that are spelt wrong
- Low-quality off-brand tires from unknown manufacturers
- Evidence of re-grooving or re-treading tire tread
- Tires have mismatched tread depth or wear
- Dry rot, cracking, or weather damage on sidewalls
- Tire repairs not done correctly, or unsafe plugs
- Evidence of tire being run flat/deflated
Your safest bet is choosing an established used tire retailer with a solid reputation to avoid shady sellers or unsafe products. Do your research and trust your instincts.
Getting the Best Installation and Service
An essential part of your used tire purchase is proper installation and service. Here are some tips to ensure excellent service:
- Choose a Reputable Installer: Select an installer you trust to correctly mount and balance used tires. Avoid cheap mobile installers with no facilities.
- Ask About Installation Warranty: Most shops offer a warranty on their installation workmanship. This protects you if an issue arises from improper service.
- Have Existing Wheels Inspected: Ensure your wheel assembly is in good shape before mounting used tires. This includes valve stems, TPMS sensors, lugs, and rim conditions.
- Pay for Proper Disposal: Don’t abandon old, worn-out tires – pay a shop to dispose of them properly instead of dumping them illegally.
- Inspect Final Work: Review the finished product after installation. Check for proper assembly, inflate pressure, balance, etc. Test drive and return if any concerns.
- Rotate Tires Later: Ensure you rotate and adequately maintain your used tires once installed to maximize even tread wear over their lifespan.
These tips will help give your used tires the best performance and most extended useable mileage.
Are Used Tires Right for You? Key Considerations
While used tires offer clear cost savings, weigh the following factors to decide if they are the right choice for your needs:
Vehicle Type and Use
Used tires shops are great for older vehicles, basic transportation, and light use. For heavy-use cars or daily drivers, consider investing in new ones. Also, skip used tires for high-performance applications.
Driving Conditions and Climate
If you regularly drive in winter climates, gravel roads, or off-road, the risk of damage rises. Used tires may not hold up as well. Buy used for dry, paved conditions.
Tire Age and Quality
The condition, age, and brand of the used tires and proper ongoing maintenance determine how long they will safely last. Only buy quality used tires.
Your Budget
Used tires require more research and inspection before buying. If money is not an issue, new tires provide convenience and peace of mind. Weigh time vs. cost savings in your decision.
Importance of Full Matching Sets
If you prefer matched sets over mix and matching for performance and even wear, used tires may be harder to source and more expensive.
Evaluate these factors against your personal needs. For many truck owners, used tires present an excellent opportunity for significant savings.
Conclusion
With rising truck tire costs, used tires have surged in popularity thanks to their ability to save 30-50% over new. However, thorough research, asking the right questions, and carefully inspecting used tires before purchase is crucial to success. Focus on reputable retailers of quality used tires and pay for professional installation and service. With a thoughtful approach, used truck tires can be an economical choice for your needs. Just take the time to explore your options, negotiate fair pricing, and evaluate the condition of any used tires before handing over your hard-earned money.
