Used tires often have a poor reputation since they’re well-used, but getting one for free is a different matter. “Free” usually comes with a catch or says something about the quality of what you’re getting. While I’ll share where to find free used tires near me, it’s important to note that these aren’t typically safe for driving.
If you are doing an art project, looking to recycle shred tires for some filler, building a barrier, or some other project, I have you covered on where to get free used tires. I’ll even discuss where to get some for drifting…
Where to Find Free Used Tires Near Me
Free second hand tires may seem hard to come by, but they are actually not. Here are some of my favorite sources:
- The Next Door App – “For Sale and Free” section
- Craigslist – Just search for “Free Tires” and put up a wanted ad
- Freecycle – Search for Free Tires or put up a wanted ad
I have had success getting them using all of the above. These types of tires though are likely really worn, probably bald and should not be driven on. One of our biggest tips for buying used tires is NOT trusting the seller. These tires are free for a reason.
Alternatives
Depending on your reason for needing old tires for free, you can consider looking at two alternatives. You can check for:
- Cheap used tires near me
- SellMyTires – and look for inexpensive tires
- Search Social Media for Used Tires For Sale By Owner (won’t find free, but cost less than a tire shop).
- Affordable new tires (non-name brands)
There are good options if you are looking for a set of beat up tires to learn to drift on in a controlled track environment.
Why Don’t Local Tire Shops Give Away Old Tires?
You may have noticed there are no free options from local tire shops. It may seem like these places would want to take old bald used tires instead of paying a disposal fee, they are concerned about liability.
If you take the second hand free tires, put them on your vehicle, get in contact with an accident, they are worried about a law suit. They would rather pay the state disposal fees and keep their business safe.
What to Do With Used Tires
Well some folks like to make art, some use for gardening, and others make tire swings, I like to sell them to make money.
We have already addressed on this blog 7 ways to make cash from selling used tires. You can reference that article for some ideas. Now the trick though is that most of your options aren’t going to be quality enough to have resale value to a local used tire supplier.
So what do you do?
Well, you can find a recycling center or tire recycler who pays a reasonable price in cash for tires. You can also find someone who upcycles. A tire recycler is a company that turns tires into fuel and products like gym mats, asphalt filler, playground flooring etc. A person who upcycles is someone who takes an old tire and turns it into art and then charges more money for it.
Practice Drifting With Free Tires
A set of bald tires can become like racing slicks, with their lack of grip. That can make them ideal to learn how to drift a car. This video covers the basic of finding free second hand tires for practicing drifting. These are not rubbers you should be using for everyday street driving.
Free Used Tires Can Have Big Risks
Depending on where you got the tires they may not be in great shape. The more you wear and shallow the treadwear the longer your stopping distances are. There is also increased risk of a blow out due to poor tire conditions like dry rot from aging. Some used tires that we find that are actually for sale can be dangerous. I have discuss risk in detail below:
The potential poor condition of free tires
Many times, tire shops or individuals post a wanted ad offering tires for free. While this might seem like a golden opportunity, especially for those looking to save on the cost of new tires, there’s a good reason they’re being given away.
These tires might have been discarded or are considered scrap tires. They could be worn out, have uneven wear, or other damages that make them unsafe for use.
It’s essential to remember that a tire shop or company might be trying to sell these tires to clear out their inventory or because they’ve upgraded their stock. Always be cautious when responding to such ads on the internet or any door app like next door.
The dangers of shallow tread wear and increased stopping distances
Shallow tread wear is a common issue with old tires. When the tread is worn down, it reduces the tire’s grip on the road. This can lead to increased stopping distances, especially in wet conditions.
If you’re using these tires on a car or any transportation method, it’s crucial to be aware of this risk. Additionally, if these tires were previously used on farm equipment, they might not be suitable for regular road use.
The risk of blowouts due to deteriorated tire conditions
Free tires might come with the risk of blowouts. Over time, tires deteriorate, especially if they’ve been stored improperly, have plugs or patches, or are exposed to extreme conditions. Factors like age, exposure to sunlight, and general wear can weaken the tire’s structure.
Using them, especially at high speeds, can result in a sudden blowout. It’s always a good idea to contact a local garage or shop for advice before using such tires.
The importance of thoroughly checking a free tire
Before you decide to get free used tires, it’s imperative to conduct a thorough search and inspection. Searching online for reviews or asking your neighborhood community on apps like next door can provide insights into the brand and its reliability.
Remember, in the long run, the safety of you and your passengers is paramount. It might pay off to invest in a new pair of tires rather than risking it with free ones.
You Need to Choose the Right Size Tires.
Free tires are great, but not if they don’t fit your vehicle.You must consider your vehicles requirements and all 4 tires should have similar sizes, ratings, and tread patterns. See below how to read a tires sidewall to determine if they are the correct size for your needs…
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Car
Getting the wrong size or load capacity is a big mistake. You can find your vehicles requirements on the sticker inside the drivers side door jam, your owners manual, or look them up online. To determine if the tire is right for cars around you, look at the alphanumeric code on the sidewall of the tire.
It will look something like this:
P1205/65R15 94H M+S
- P – Type of tire (in this case “P” for passenger vehicle)
- 205 – Width of the tire measured across the tread in millimeters (mm)
- 65 – Aspect ratio of the sidewall as compared against the tire width
- R – Radial construction (aka radial-ply)
- 15 – Diameter of the rim in inches (in)
- 94 – Tire’s load rating
- H – Tire’s speed rating
- M+S – Tire is suitable for all-season driving
For a car tire look for the letter “P” which stands for passenger vehicle. All of the sidewall numbers and letters are important, but load rating is probably the most critical after rim diameter. Never put a tire on your car that is below the required load rating for your vehicle.
When I find tires, l look for free used tires near me, first I look for the correct size, next I inspect is the quality. Free or not, never take a tire that is bald or doesn’t look healthy.
How to Assess a Tires Quality?
Assessing a free used tire is important because if it’s free, my assumption is always there is always something wrong with it. Checking the tread depth is par for the course, but you also need to check the age and inspect for major issues.
Consider the following when searching for the best places for free used tires:
- Tread Depth – 2/32 of an inch and below is legally bald, you can use a tread depth gauge.
- Exposed Chords – There shouldn’t be any metal wires poking through the rubber.
- Chunking Beads – Look for chunks of missing around the tires bead. The bead is where the rim and tire touch.
- Separated Belts – Use your hand and feel for waviness in the sidewalls surface.
- Aging – Check the Tire Identification Number, never buy tires over six years old.
- Improper Repairs – Look for punctures, plugs, patches and issues that haven’t been repaired.
- Linear Damage – Look inside the inner tire liner for metal wires poking through the rubber.
For more details on each of these and more inspection points, read this article here.
Where to Get Free Used Tires…Final Thoughts
Regardless of your reason for needing freebies, there are a few options to find them. The Next Door App in my local area is one of the best sources. I have had a lot of luck getting free second hand tires and then flipping them for cash to recyclers, dealerships and upsellers.
Tires that you obtain for free should probably not be trusted to put on your vehicle. If that is your intention I would highly encourage you to review our article on inspecting used tires for safety. This is what I have learned from looking around for free used tires near me.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1: Are free used tires safe for driving?
While some free used tires might be in decent condition, many come with wear and tear that can make them unsafe for driving. It’s essential to thoroughly inspect any free tire for signs of damage, uneven wear, or other issues. Always consult with a tire expert or mechanic before using them on your vehicle.
Q2: How can I determine the age of a used tire?
The age of a tire can be determined by checking its DOT code, usually found on the tire’s sidewall. The last four digits represent the week and year of manufacture. For instance, “3220” would mean the tire was made in the 32nd week of 2020.
Q3: What are the signs of tire wear and tear to look out for?
Signs of tire wear and tear include uneven tread wear, cracks or cuts in the sidewalls, bulges or blisters on the tire’s surface, and excessive vibration when driving. It’s also crucial to check the tread depth; a shallow tread can compromise the tire’s grip on the road.
Q4: Are there any legal implications of selling used tires?
Yes, there can be legal implications when selling used tires. In many regions, it’s illegal to sell tires that don’t meet specific safety standards. Sellers must ensure that the tires are free from defects and are safe for road use. It’s advisable to check local regulations and guidelines before selling or buying used tires.