Used tires are a great way to save money. Not all used tires though are cheap. Bridgestone’s, Michelin’s, and Goodyear’s with 65% tread life on them still go for a competitive price on a set of four. What are your alternatives? Below I will discuss where to find affordable second hand tires, what brands to consider, and how to make sure the tire is safe. I will also share my experience with the place that sells cheap used tires near me.
Map of Cheap Used Tires Near Me
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Who Sells Cheap Used Tires Near Me
There are many places you can find affordable used tires. This includes used tire shops, retreaders, wholesale tire distributors, auto salvages, and online. We are going to focus this article on where to find the cheapest tires.
The two places I find the absolute rock bottom tire prices are side of the road used tire shops and salvage yards. You must be aware though what you are saving in price, you are sacrificing in quality.
Local Used Tire Shops: In my experience the smaller the better. These places tend to have good customer service and the lowest prices. I like them because you can haggle the tire price down. Maybe even trade in a tire that you have to offset the price. While the small shops, may not have the same selection, they generally carry a little bit of everything and you can find something that meets your vehicle’s requirements. With a helpful salesperson, they may even recommend a similar tire that matches the size and tread to go with it.
Salvage Yards: This is where you can find super cheap tires. The downside is lots of low quality, hard to find matches, and a lot of time spent digging through the tire stacks or walking the yard. Many salvages though don’t look at tread wear and just charge a standard flat fee for tires. This means you can walk out with a practically new pair of Bridgestone’s from a car that was in an accident. More often than not, salvages have low quality tires and if they are sitting outside, you really need to inspect them for weathering. However you will find a ton of used tires, cheap prices, and it’s hassel free.
A third option is wholesale distributors, which can offer super cheap rates. Saving money requires super large orders of used tires…
Wholesale Used Tire Distributors: This will have the most affordable tires and best deals. The catch though is you need to be purchasing them in bulk to save money. When I say bulk I don’t mean a set of four. Wholesale used tire places sell tires by the truck, the ton, or in hundreds. They are supplies for many used tire company inventories. So to save money you need to purchase clips of a few hundred tires or more.
Search Social Media for Used Tires For Sale By Owner: When you buy tires directly from a private seller, you avoid the add-on profit that a used tire shop charges. Finding tires for sale by owner is a great way to get good tires a bit cheaper. Read here, to see the 3 ways I find private sellers of used tires.
Alternatives to the High End Brands
It’s nice to get a top tire brand used, but let’s face it, if it’s not in your budget you need an alternative. Here are some of the second and third-tier brands I look for if I am in the market for cheap used tires near me. What I like to do is find tires that are manufactured/owned by the big companies, but are sold under different marketing. These tend to be cheaper than the name brands but still have some of the premium qualities…
Here are some of the brands I look for when I need an affordable used tire:
- Cooper
- BF Goodrich
- Uniroyal
- General
- Firestone
These are still decent tires and they are cheaper on the second-hand market because the original sales price is lower than the premium brands. Brands like BF Goodrich and Uniroyal, those are actually owned by Michelin.
How to Get Premium Used Tire Brands Cheap?
So on the flip side, maybe you want to get a premium brand but are looking for a way to get it cheaper. The only way to get a premium brand cheaper on the secondhand market is to sacrifice on tread wear. Less tread wear means, less traction and less mileage in the tire. It also means it is more affordable. Never buy a tire with less than 4/32 of tread depth left in it. I don’t care what brand it is or how cheap it is!
How Cheap Is Cheap?
If you order used tires online, you will pay a bit more, but they are inspected for safety. A used tire is going to cost about $55 – $70 per tire depending on the tread depth remaining. For example, a Used Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2215/55R16, 93W, SL with 9/32 tread depth is $55 per tire. You can outfit your whole vehicle for $220 with those. If you are wondering how much you are saving Walmart sells the same tire for $90 each.
Can I Find $25 Used Tires Near Me?
Yes, you can find $25 used tires near me at salvage yards and used tire shops. Some may even have single tires for $20.
For that cheap, though a $25 tire is likely not going to have a match, may not be in great shape, has no name brand, minimal tread, or has a repair on it. If you are buying a cheap tire for $25 or less, I would recommend doing an extremely thorough inspection of it. I have seen serviceable tires at that price point though so don’t be afraid to look at inexpensive tires. Sometimes there are still pretty decent ones in the $25 and under pile. If you are really tight on money, you can find something to hold you over for a while.
Use the UTQG Rating to Assess Quality of a Cheap Tire
When you are looking at a cheap tire, you have to ask yourself: is it cheap because it’s worn out? is it cheap because it’s a low-quality brand? Is it cheap because there is a puncture in it? What I like do when I buy cheap used tires near me, is look up the UTQG ratings of the tire.
UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading and it measures a tire’s treadwear, traction, and ability to displace heat. It was created by the NHTSA as a way to compare tires. While there is no independent 3rd party oversight of the grades and each manufacturer determines the grades themselves, it is a helpful metric to look at,
The higher the rating of a tire the better. A tire rated 300 will have tread that lasts 3X longer than a tire rated 100. There is also a letter grade A, B,C which grades how the tire handles temperatures and displaces heat, and another letter grade for traction. A is the highest of the 3 grades for both temperature and traction.
You can use the UTQG ratings to compare two cheap tires side by side. If you have a BF Goodrich tire and a Cooper tire with the same tread and quality, look up the UTQG ratings. Choose the tire with the higher grade. For more info on UTQG ratings, see this chart.
Online vs. In-Store Shopping for Used Tires
Convenience and Accessibility
In the digital age, purchasing new tires or used tires online has become a prevalent practice among customers. The convenience of browsing through a large inventory from the comfort of your home is unmatched. With just a click, you can explore various websites that offer a plethora of options, ranging from car tires to trailer tires.
Online platforms often provide detailed information about each product, helping you make an informed decision without the hassle of traveling from one store to another. Moreover, the accessibility of online stores allows you to shop at any time, breaking the block of operational hours present in physical locations.
Price Differences
When it comes to price variations between online and in-store shopping for tires, several factors come into play. Online platforms might offer competitive prices due to the absence of overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical store. Customers might find that online businesses can provide discounts or deals, especially when buying a set of tires.
However, in-store purchases allow you to negotiate prices at times, something that is absent in the online shopping experience. It’s crucial to visit different platforms and stores to compare prices and ensure that you get the best deal available today.
Customer Service
Customer service plays a pivotal role in ensuring trust and satisfaction among customers. Physical stores often have staff members available to assist you in making the right choice, installing the tires, and providing after-sales service.
The direct interaction allows you to get instant answers to your queries and personalized recommendations based on your vehicle’s requirements. On the other hand, online stores offer customer service through chatbots, email, or customer helpline numbers. While online customer service can provide assistance and information, the lack of personal interaction might be felt by some customers.
Delivery and Installation Services
The delivery and installation services can be a deciding factor for many customers. Online stores provide the convenience of delivering the tires to a location of your choice. Some online businesses also collaborate with local service centers to facilitate the installation of the tires, ensuring peace of mind for the customers.
However, when you buy tires from a physical store, you might get the tires installed immediately by the in-house staff, saving you time and ensuring that the work is done correctly. Additionally, in-store purchases eliminate the waiting time for delivery, which might be crucial in emergency situations, such as a sudden snow fall that demands an immediate tire change.
In both online and in-store shopping for used tires, there are pros and cons that customers must weigh based on their preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize convenience and accessibility or value direct customer service and immediate installation, the choice between online and in-store shopping will significantly impact your overall experience and satisfaction.
Always remember to check the stock availability, read reviews, and possibly visit the store or website to ensure that you are investing in a business that you can trust for years to come, and that has helped numerous customers in your area before.
How to Check if a Cheap Used Tire is Safe
The problem with cheap tires is there is always the question, why are they cheap? Are they not safe? Are there repairs on them? I don’t care how affordable a used tire is or what type of deal you are getting. If it isn’t safe, it isn’t worth it. The second hand tire market is loaded with scams and people who don’t care about your safety. It is up to you to evaluate the tire to ensure it is safe to drive on.
When evaluating a used tire, tread depth isn’t the only thing we care about. You need to evaluate the age, structure, and quality of the casing
Consider the following when inspecting a cheap used tire:
- Tread Depth – Measure the tread depth and ensure it is more than 4/32.
- Exposed Chords – Check for any pieces of metal protruding through the sidewall.
- Chunking Beads – Look for missing chunks of rubber, right where the rim meets the tire.
- Separated Belts – Rub your hand around the sidewall and see if it feels wavy.
- Aging – Look for rotting rubber. Check the DOT and make sure the tire is less than 6 years old.
- Improper Repairs – Punctures, plugs, and patches are all potential safety issues. If a repair is on the sidewall, it is a definite no.
- Linear Damage – Visually inspect and feel inside the tire for metal poking out
- Uneven Treadwear – Look for excessive wearing in the middle of the tread and/or where the tread meets the sidewall.
For a deeper explanation and to learn how to really check a tire for safety, read here. You can also read the guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Price is not everything. Most places you can find cheap used tires near me have a lot of choices anyway. No sense in falling in love with a used tire just cause it’s a Michelin, with a shotty repair. There are better tires at better prices if you are willing to look.
Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Life of Used Tires
Taking care of your used tires can save you both time and money. Here are some straightforward tips to help you get the most out of your tires:
Regular Checks and Balancing
Always keep an eye on your used tires. Make it a habit to check them regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Pay attention to the tire pressure and make sure it’s at the recommended level. If you notice any irregular wear patterns or vibrations while driving, it might be time to have them balanced by professional staff at a tire shop.
Proper Storage
If you have an extra set of used tires, make sure to store them properly to prolong their life. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions. This will prevent them from aging or getting damaged prematurely.
Rotation and Alignment
Rotating your used tires from time to time ensures even wear and extends their lifespan. Similarly, keeping your vehicle’s wheels properly aligned reduces uneven wear and ensures that your vehicle drives straight without pulling to one side.
Addressing Repairs Promptly
Don’t delay if your tire needs work. If you notice any issues, like a puncture, make sure to visit a professional to address the problem promptly. Ignoring minor issues can lead to bigger problems over time and might even require you to buy new tires sooner than expected.
Remember, taking good care of your used tires not only ensures your safety on the road but also saves you money by extending their usability. So, invest a little time and effort today to keep them in top shape!
Cheap Used Tires Near Me Conclusion
I can’t stress enough, that finding cheap tires should never sacrifice your safety. You can find affordable second hand tires, but you need to be willing to shop around a bit. Local small used tire shops and salvage yards tend to be my favorite go-to.
At a local tire shop, I’ll look for the second tier budget brands. At a salvage, I look for the best quality I can find regardless of the brand since most places will charge a flat rate. This is what I have learned from buying cheap used tires near me.
FAQs
How to Identify the Age of a Used Tire?
When planning to buy used tires, it’s crucial to determine their age to ensure they are safe for use. The age of a tire can be identified by examining its DOT code, specifically the last four digits. These digits represent the week and year of manufacture. For instance, if the last four digits are 3217, it means the tire was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2017.
Can Used Tires be Returned or Exchanged?
The return and exchange policy for used tires can vary significantly between different sellers. It’s advisable to visit the seller’s location or website to understand their specific policies. Some sellers might offer a short-term warranty or exchange period, while others might sell the tires “as is” without the possibility of returns or exchanges. Always inquire about this policy before making a purchase.
How to Determine the Right Tire Size for Your Vehicle?
Determining the right tire size is pivotal for vehicle safety and performance. You can find the correct tire size for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the label inside the driver’s side door. The tire size is a set of numbers and letters, for example, P215/65 R15, indicating the type, width, aspect ratio, and diameter.
Are There Any Legal Restrictions on Selling Used Tires?
Yes, there are legal restrictions that sellers must adhere to when selling used tires. The staff involved in the selling process should be well-versed with these regulations, which might include restrictions related to the age, tread depth, and condition of the tires. In some regions, selling tires that are over six years old, regardless of their condition, is prohibited. Ensure to check the local laws applicable today to stay compliant and safeguard consumer interests.