With the average price of a semi truck tire being about $400, if you can get used or retreads, why not save the money? There are businesses that specialize in both semi truck tires and semi trailer tires . With the average semi tire going about 120,000 miles, you can find used semi tires everywhere with life still left on them. Only thing you need to do is ensure you find a safe tire and secure a good deal. Below I’ll discuss evaluating tires for safety and what I have learned from buying used semi truck tires near me.
Map of Used Semi Truck Tires Near Me
For “Used Semi Truck Tires Near Me” or “Used Semi Trailer Tires Near Me”, see below for locations…
Who Sells Used Semi Truck Tires Near Me
There are several types of businesses that sell these types of tires. In my experience, there are used tire shops, retreaders, wholesale used tire sellers, and online sellers that specialize in semi trucks, trailers, and heavy duty commercial vehicles. You can find semi truck tires at a big truck salvage yard, but the quality and safety is often questionable.
Each of the services from these sellers has their good points and bad points. For example, a place that specializes in used semi truck and trailer tires is going to have higher quality inventory, but the prices will be higher. A semi truck salvage often has a lot of used tires, but finding matched sets is hard and the quality of tire tends to be a lower grade. An online used tire retailer often puts a good safety inspection on every tire, but you also have to pay for shipping and mounting when they arrive.
No matter who you decide to get semi truck and trailer tires from, it’s important that it’s a trusted source. I don’t encourage anyone to purchase used tires of any kind, from a non-reputable source. Make sure you read reviews and ask around to your fellow truckers about where they get their tires from.
What Kind of Used Semi Truck and Trailer Tires Can You Find?
In my used tire buying experience, I’ve seen all of the popular and knockoff brands at these places. It depends on how your driving and what your needs are that determine the type of used tire you need.
For example, if you are looking for stability and a long range tire you can find used Hankook AL01 & Bridgestone 227’s. For drivers that need a closed shoulder long mileage tire with lower rolling resistance there are used Hankook DL01 & Goodyear 362’s. Those are also good for retreads.
At the place that sells used semi truck tire near me, you can find everything from long highway mileage tires to used tires built for shock resistance performance, knock inhibiting & high-speed. You name the brand they sell it: Goodyear, Firestone, Hankook, Bridestone, General, Michelin, etc.
How Much Do They Cost
A used semi truck or trailer tire is on average about 30 – 55% of the original price. The average price of a semi truck tire is about $400. The used tire price is affected by tire quality, manufacturer, remaining tread wear, and if it has been retreaded. There is no universal standard for pricing semi truck tires.
How Much Mileage Will I Get
The mileage on any tire new or used is dependent on how your drive, the weight you are hauling, and the road conditions you drive in. The average semi truck tire does about 120,000 miles in it’s life.
To take an estimate, measure the tread depth and compare it to the original manufacturer’s tread depth. Calculate the percentage remaining. Then take that percentage and apply it to the amount of miles the manufacturer predicted the tire should last. This will give you a ballpark on the estimated mileage. If it’s a retread, you can’t do the math the same way. For more used tire buying tips, read this.
Can You Buy Used Semi Truck Tires Wholesale?
There are companies that sell commercial truck tires wholesale. Many of them carry tire casings and retreads as well. While you can order a few tires from a wholesale tire seller, you save the most money by purchasing commercial tires in bulk. The used semi truck wholesale tire seller near me, will ship for free when you order 300+ tires.
If you find a wholesale seller you want to consider more than just the price of the tires. You have to consider the quality of the tires in their inventory and the companies supply chain management. The price of the tires at a wholesale discount is only one of your considerations.
Benefits of Buying Used Semi Truck Tires
1. Cost Savings
Purchasing used semi truck tires can lead to significant cost savings. New tires from leading brands like Bridgestone, Firestone, and Goodyear can be expensive.
By opting for used tires, buyers can get tires with good tread depth and performance at a fraction of the prices of new ones. It’s essential, however, to review the condition of the used tires and ensure they offer value for money.
2. Environmental Benefits
Choosing used tires is an eco-friendly decision. Manufacturing new tires requires resources and energy, and by reusing tires, we reduce the demand for new ones. This not only conserves resources but also reduces the waste that ends up in landfills.
Tires, due to their form and materials, can take a long time to decompose. By purchasing used tires, you’re promoting recycling and making a positive impact on the environment.
3. Availability and Variety
Used semi tires come in a wide variety. Whether you’re looking for specific tread patterns, tire size, or technologies, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you need in the used market. Different weather conditions require different types of tires.
For instance, some tires are designed to offer better control in wet weather, while others are made for dry conditions. The used tire market often has a diverse range of options from various manufacturers, allowing buyers to find the perfect fit for their vehicle.
Plus, if you’re looking for tires from a specific brand or those that offer a comfortable ride, the used market provides ample choices.
In conclusion, buying used semi truck tires is not just about saving money. It’s also about making environmentally conscious decisions and enjoying a broad range of options. Whether you prioritize performance, features, or prices, the used tire market has something to offer. Just be aware of the tire’s condition and ensure it aligns with your needs.
Can I Retread My Semi Truck Tires?
Yes and in fact you should for several reasons. Retreading is an industry-wide practice supported by the NHTSA. The process prolongs the life of tires and significantly reduces waste from landfills. Retreading is one of the most important steps in the lifecycle of commercial vehicle tires.
While retreading has gotten a bad rap over the years for highway debris, that’s been proven otherwise according to data from a 2007 study by the NHTSA. The Tire Retread and Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), says, “The study contains a huge amount of important information about the true causes of tire debris, but it makes clear that retreads are not to blame!”
How to Assess a Tires Quality
No matter what kind of used tire you are buying nothing outweighs safety. The second hand tire market has a lot of low-grade garbage out there. While tread depth is a big consideration, you also want to consider age, structure, and the quality of casing. Casing quality is the biggest factor in retreading. Since semi truck tires are not required to have a UTQG raiting, it makes even harder to know if the tire was a good quality to begin with.
Here are the main things to consider when inspecting a second hand tire:
- RE RE RE Retread – I never consider tires that look like they’ve been retreaded multiple times.
- Exposed Chords – There shouldn’t be any metal chords showing through the rubber on the tread or sidewall
- Chunking Beads – Look for chunks of rubber missing around the bead
- Separated Belts – Use your hand to feel for waviness in the sidewalls
- Aging – Never buy tires over six years old, check the DOT
- Improper Repairs – Punctures, plugs, patches are all potential safety issues
- Linear Damage – Examine inside the inner for metal wires poking out
For more in depth inspection tools, tips and explanations, read here.
Tips for Choosing a Good Used Commercial Truck Tire
All truck tires are not the same and therefore your choice could cost you a lot of money per vehicle. With all of the different brands and sizes available how do you know which ones to use?
The first things you should do before you decide to pick out your tires is to ask yourself: Have your needs changed since your last tire purchase? (carrying heavy or lighter loads, traveling on different terrain, riding on the highways or longer routes).
If you have answered the question above, then here are my tips for picking out a commercial truck tire:
- Choose Based on the Driving Application: For example, don’t use long haul tires for city loads. You will shorten the lifespan of the tire.
- Prioritize the Weight Rating: Your tires MUST have a weight rating compatible with your truck and load.
- Consider a Retread: If your current set is just wearing down and the casing are good, don’t buy new or used tires at all. Retreads are proven to be safe and effective and recommended by the NHTSA for commercial trucking applications, Plus you will pay half of what a new pair of truck tires will cost.
- Only Buy Used in an Emergency: For buying used commercial truck tires it is a risk. You just don’t know how the previous owner ran them. It could cost you more money in the long haul. If you have an emergency a used tire is a great choice, but once you are in the clear retread or replace.
Maintenance Tips for Semi Truck Tires
Maintaining semi-truck tires is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of the tires. With the evolution of similar technologies in the tire industry, maintenance has become more streamlined and effective. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspections:
- Just like checking the foundation of a block building, regular inspections of your semi-truck tires are fundamental. Look for any signs of wear, punctures, or other damages. With the advancement of similar technologies, there are now tools available that can help drivers get a more detailed analysis of tire health.
- Proper Inflation:
- Ensuring that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure is vital. An under-inflated tire can cause the rim to sit improperly, leading to uneven wear and potential damage. On the other hand, over-inflation can make the tire more susceptible to punctures. Always use a reliable tire pressure gauge and refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Rotating Tires:
- Just as you’d rotate a block to view all its sides, rotating your tires ensures even wear across all tires. This process involves changing the position of each tire on the vehicle. It’s especially important for semi-truck drivers, given the heavy loads they carry. Regular rotation can also prevent the rim from experiencing undue stress from a single position.
- Addressing Minor Damages Immediately:
- If you notice a minor damage or issue with your tire or rim, address it immediately. With the introduction of similar technologies, many minor damages can now be repaired without replacing the entire tire. However, if the damage is beyond repair, it’s best to replace the tire to ensure safety.
Incorporating these maintenance tips and leveraging the benefits of similar technologies can significantly extend the life of your semi-truck tires and ensure a safer journey.
Used Semi Truck Tires Near Me Conclusion
Second hand semi truck and trailer tires are an awesome way to cut your costs. Just always remember that no matter the price of the tire, your safety on the road is more important.
Supporting the used semi truck tire process is also a great benefit to the environment. You can save money and save the planet at the same time. This is what I have learned from the place that sells used semi truck tires near me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How Much Does the Average Semi Truck Tire Cost?
On average semi truck tires cost about $500/tire. You can find some off name brands for as little as $150. For used semi truck tires you can often find name brands at up to 40% off the original price with up to 60% of the tread wear left.
How Many Miles Will Semi Truck Tires Last?
According to the tire industry experts semi truck tires should be replaced between 25K and 75K miles. It will depend on the load you are bearing, the weather conditions you drive in, and the types of roads you drive on for how long your tires will last.
Is It It Bad to Buy Used Semi Truck Tires?
It depends on the quality of the tire, the age of the tire, and the tread wear. It’s worth noting that the used tire industry is unregulated and there is nothing stopping someone from selling you an unsafe tire. When buying a used semi truck tire you need to inspect it carefully. Even it the exterior appears in great shape, there could be internal damage or a shoddy repair. You may find a brand new tire that’s 10 years old and because of the age it is not safe to drive on.
Is it Bad to Retread a Semi Truck Tire?
Retread tires are commonly used in the trucking industry. It is common practice because it is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new tire. In fact, it costs about 50% less than a new tire, which makes retreading 8 wheels the cost of purchasing 4 new ones. Retreads can have issues though. When the adhesive on the retread fails you can get a blowout and lose control of the truck
What Size Tires are on Semi Trucks?
Most commonly semi trucks have a tire size of 225/70R19.5 and 295/75R22.5. The widths range from 225 to 295. These tires will have an aspect ratio of 40. That means that when measured from the tread to the wheel it is 40% of the tires width measurement.