Michelin is the 2nd largest tire manufacturer worldwide. They make high quality tires for varying driving conditions and are generally on the pricey side for a new set . If you can get a set of second hand Michelin tires with a decent amount of tread wear left, you will get mileage and a nice reduction off the retail price. Below I’ll discuss where to find Michelin tires locally, the pros and cons of buying used, and my experience with purchasing used Michelin tires near me.
Map of Used Michelin Tires Near Me
To find “Used Michelin Tires Near Me”, see below for locations…
If you aren’t seeing much locally there are plenty of places that sell used Michelin’s online. You can try Yelp and Google also. Where ever you get your used tires from, just make sure you trust the person you are buying from.
Who Sells Used Michelin Tires Near Me
Several different types of local shops may sell used Michelin’s. This includes your local used tire stores and local retreaders, wholesale discount used tire stores, and vehicle junkyards. Some private sellers will create classifieds on eBay and Craigslist. Each seller has its positives and negatives. For example a private seller may have the best price, but there is a matter of trust when you buy privately.
Some online used tyre retailers sell second hand Michelin’s. The trade off there is you may pay a bit more, but you will likely get a high quality tire pre-inspected by a professional mechanic.
Buying Used Michelin Tires Locally vs Online
My goal when finding used Michelin tires near me or any brand is to inspect them in person. It’s my safety at stake so I want to measure the tread, roll the tire, and run my hand on the sidewall. I also find it makes trying to put together a closely matched set easier. The better you can personally evaluate the rubber, the better chance you have of negotiating the price. You can’t negotiate tire cost online.
When you buy used Michelin tires online they will be advertised with size, load ratings, and tread depth measurements. I have seen a few online sellers of used tires misrepresent the amount of tread remaining on the tire. Even 1/32 of an inch can make a huge difference in the remaining mileage.
How Much Do They Cost
Getting used Michelin tires will save you approximately 30% to 55% off the retail price. Your price may fluctuate based on the tread depth, age condition, size, and the retail cost. for example from a size perspective used truck tires, will cost more then used car tires. If you plan on buying more then one, you may get an additional multi-tire discount at some places. If you are looking for used run flats, you can find them, but they tend to be less discounted.
Second hand tire prices are hard to predict. There are many wear and tear factors that can effect the selling price. I’ve seen many degrees of quality and sizes between $45 and $200 for a single used Michelin tire near me. Below I’ve listed how much some of the top used tires sell for and how much you save vs retail:
How Much Mileage Can I Expect from Used Michelin Tires
The mileage question is a common one in the used tire market. It’s hard to estimate how long they will go. You can try to compare the current tread depth to the original manufacturers tread depth. to do that, take the number as a percentage remaining then multiple the percentage against how many miles Michelin estimated the tires will do when brand new.
Used Michelin Tires Pro and Cons
Michelin is the second largest tire manufacturer in the world, they are only smaller then Bridgestone. They are bigger then both Goodyear and Continental. Drivers worldwide trust the Michelin brand on roads and race tracks to provide a comfortable and safe driving experience. While Michelin does have factories worldwide, they also have factories and manufacture tires in the US.
When you get reused Michelin tires they will cost well below the original asking price. Saving money is the primary reason people look to purchase any used tire. Its also a good idea to get used tires if you are at the end of your lease or about to junk a car. Why give away tires with quality mileage left. While I don’t recommend replacing just one tire, in the event you must, a used tire is often a great stop gap until you can get a set. No matter why you need used tires getting them with tread depth on them is key if you want your used Michelin’s to last.
The downside to any used tire is there is no manufacturer guarantee, tread depth is worn, and the government has no sales regulations that protect you against the purchase of unsafe rubbers. Also when you buy used, you must also consider the extra cost of having it installed and then mounted on the vehicle.
The Dangers of Second Hand Tires
Any time you get a used tire, it needs to be checked for safety. Getting cheap Michelin tires sounds good in theory, but they may be cheap cause they are unsafe. You must seriously consider tread depth and tire age before purchasing. Tire age effects stability and how long the rubber will last without rotting. Tread depth is related to stopping quickly and the lower the tread depth the harder it is to stop on a wet surface.
There are many reasons second hand tires are sold, but unfortunately a common reason is that they were abused. Check for any structural damage or repair work such as patches and plugs. These will affect the tires ability to offer a comfortable and stable drive.
Sometimes the most dangerous factor of all is the sales person. If you get someone who is only about that money, they won’t care what they sell you. They will sell you a bald tire if you are ignorant enough to buy it. I have seen it happen near me.
What to Consider When Buying Used Michelin Tires
The most critical metric to evaluate on a tire is the size. The size MUST meet the minimum requirements established for your vehicle. Additionally it must be the same size as all of the other tires. The other critical metric is the load capacity. You must meet the minimum requirement for your auto.
Getting The Right Size
To find out the tire size you need for your vehicle, look at the sticker on the inside of your drivers side door. It will also be listed in your owners manual.
Next, check the alpha numeric code on the sidewall of the tire you are considering. Find a tire that meets our exceeds the size requirement and matches your other tire sizes. If you only need one tire just check the other three tires you have and see if you can find one that matches the code on those.
Got the right size?…ok, now you need to see if it is safe to drive on.
Inspect for Quality
Tire safety evaluations can be in depth if you want to dive in. There are always a few things that might be going on in the tire that you can’t even visually see…you have to feel. Below is my general guidance on performing a safety evaluation on a reused tire.
- Tread depth measurement – Only get tires with more then 4/32 of an inch
- Roll the tire – Make sure it roles straight and doesn’t wobble
- Rub the sidewall with your hand – Feel for any waviness
- Verify the age – Never buy a tire older then 6 years
- Check for defects – Look for punctures, plugs, or patches
I also try to assume that the person selling me tire is looking out for their best interest and not mine. Most states don’t have rules saying they can’t sell you something that may put you in danger. Also while tread depth is important and it’s what most amateurs look at, be more concerned first with age. I would not buy a brand new tire with 100% tread depth if it was over 6 years old. For a tire with a puncture, it depends on the size and the location of the puncture on whether or not I would buy it. Any puncture on the side wall is a no go.
Maintain Regular Maintenance After Purchase
So you got a great deal on some Michelin’s and found the safest set in your size…now what? Once you have them mounted and installed, you will need to keep up with tire rotation, suspension alignment, and tire balancing. For the first few weeks, I would also advise a routine inspection to make sure the tires structure is holding up as expected. You should visually inspect it, but also check the air pressure to ensure the PSI is at its required limit. You can find some handy tire tools here.
Used Michelin Tires Near Me – Conclusion
I’ve owned a few great sets of Michelin’s in my day. Getting them second hand is a much better bargain since the price new is often really high. For any used tires I gravitate towards name big brands like Good year, Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, and Vogue. High quality, high grade tires at low prices are what you want. However, you should never elect to choose money over your safety. Learn how to properly evaluate a tire for safety, you will get more mileage, a smoother ride, and a safer ride. That is my experience buying used Michelin tires near me.