Is it Safe to Buy Junkyard Tires?

Are Junkyard Tires Safe

When it comes to looking for affordable auto parts, junkyards are often a go-to option for many people. While the tires are certainly cheap, the question you really should ask “is it safe to buy junkyard tires“? In this post, we’ll explore whether or not junkyard tires are a safe option for your car.

Junkyard tires may be significantly cheaper than buying new ones, but you don’t know what kind of shape they’re in. Tires can degrade over time, even if they’ve never been used. So, it’s important to inspect junkyard tires before you buy them.

Here are a few things to look for:

  • Cracks in the sidewalls. Loot for Dry rot.
  • Uneven tread wear. Look to see where the tire is worn, could be signs of driving style or could be signs of the tire being driven while over or under-inflated.
  • Bulges or blisters on the surface of the tire. Feel it with your hand to see if it is smooth.
  • Patches, plugs, and shoddy repair work. Its ok to buy a tire with a repair, but the work needs to have been done properly. Patches are better then plugs.
  • Exposed metal chords.
  • Age of the tire. Check the DOT on the sidewall (only buy tires less than 6 years old).
  • Tread Depth – The tire should have at least 4/32″ of tread left. In a pinch you can measure with the head of a penny.

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to steer clear of that particular tire. Even if the junkyard tires are cheap, they’re not worth putting your safety at risk.

Pros and Cons of Junkyard Tires

There are a few junkyard tires pros and cons to consider before you make your final decision. Here’s a look at some of the most important ones:

Pros:

  • Cheaper than buying new tires.
  • Can be a good temporary fix (particularly if you are returning a leased vehicle).
  • May have more tread life left than you think as some junkyard tires are from brand new vehicles that have been totaled in an accident.

Cons:

Junkyard Tires vs a Used Tire Shop

If you’re still on the fence about junkyard tires, you may be wondering how they compare to used tires from a tire shop. Here’s a quick rundown:

Junkyard Tires

While they are very cheap ($20 or less for mid-size car tires), are often thrown in piles, exposed to sun and weather elements, and not inspected by anyone before they are sold. There is technically nothing legally stopping a junkyard from selling you a bald tire (less the 2/32 tread depth remaining).

Used Tire Shops

Used tires from a reputable tire shop will typically cost more than junkyard tires ($25 to $40 for mid-size car tires),. However, they will also likely have been inspected by a pro before they have been put out for sale. Most, but not all used tire shops, will inspect a tire for issues and measure the tread depth. This allows you to know the tire is safe and the tread depth will help you estimate how long the tire should last.

The Bottom Line on Used Tire Shops vs Junkyard Tires

In my experience used tire shops have significantly higher quality used tires than what you would find in a junkyard pile. You’re also more likely to find a used tire shop in your town or city than a junkyard.

If you do decide to buy junkyard tires, just be sure to inspect them carefully before you buy, and don’t hesitate to walk away if something doesn’t seem right.

Would I Buy Tires From a Junkyard?

I would and I have. However, it’s important to note, that the times I have bought them it is because I thoroughly inspected the tire and measured the tread depth. I have purchased junkyard tires from practically brand new vehicles that got into car accidents days after leaving the lot.

If a junkyard tire is even remotely questionable I would not recommend buying it. The same should be said about used tires from a used tire shop.

Affordable New Tire vs a Used Tire

I would recommend considering an off-brand affordable tire over getting a name-brand used tire.

For example a new Uni-Royal ($85) over a Used Michelin Pilot ($110). In the grand scheme of things, the Uni-Royal is going to last me longer and lower my total cost of ownership. That means I will need to replace my tires less over time. Even if the tread in 60% on the Michelin, the Uni-Royal is going to outlast it.

Are Junkyard Tires Safe to Buy – Conclusion

Junkyard tires can be safe to buy if you carefully inspect them. I don’t however think buying a junkyard tire should be your first option. Instead, I would first consider an affordable new tire, second a used tire shop, and third a junkyard tire.