Tires are one of the most expensive purchases you will make for your car. Based on a comparison of common tire sizes, new, high-quality tires START around $100 for sedans, $165 for SUVs, and $200 for trucks. Used tires obviously don’t come with the warranty that new tires come with, but you can save hundreds of dollars while still getting the right tires for your vehicle.
Perhaps a question comes to mind, “Are used tires safe?” Sure you might save money, but safety is obviously always the priority. And all used tires are not the same. Some may have more patches than others, but that doesn’t mean the tire is bad. The general rule is to check for two things: tread depth and damage. If you don’t have a tread depth gauge, place an upside-down quarter between the grooves and if Washington’s head is no longer visible, it’s time for a new set. If the tread depth is near the limit of 3/32”, don’t buy them. In reality, 4/32” is cause for consideration. Don’t buy if you see visible signs of damage, deep cuts, irregular wear, bulges, or deformation.
Patching sidewall holes is a gamble, considering they are partly responsible for the strength, durability, and ride quality of a particular tire. If a tire has a damaged sidewall, it needs to be replaced entirely. Hooper’s Tire Outlet will not repair something like a nail in a sidewall; we will have you look at other, more reliable tires to purchase.
So, are used tires safe? Yes, but only if you buy something with a higher percentage of tread life.
How Long Do Used Tires Last?
Not all makes and brands offer excellent wear life. In most cases, tread life is dependent on many factors including the general condition of the vehicle, driving behavior, the number of miles traveled, and existing road/weather conditions. So, in answering how long your used tires will last depends on how you drive your vehicle and where. You might not have any control over the latter, but if you drive carefully and responsibly, you should get a considerable number of miles out of them.
How Do I Choose a Good Set of Used Tires?
Hooper’s Tire Outlet advises not to purchase tires unless there’s at least 7 to 9/32” of tread depth, and higher if you drive a truck or SUV. Anything less than that will shorten the longevity, comfort, and traction.
We’re not saying used tires are always the answer, but the cost savings are hard to deny. The average used tire price at Hooper’s installed is only $45. That’s an average $80 savings per tire vs. new. And our used tires are inspected and tested by our in-house tire specialists and will only be available to you if 50-90% of the tread is left. And at Hooper’s, all used tires are backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Stop by Hoopers for your cheap tires!