Used Tires in Charlotte NC

If you are looking for used tires in Charlotte NC, there are many great places to go. In this article, I will cover who sells used tires, the pros and cons of used tires, and how to properly inspect them. I will also share my experience with the place who sells used tires in Charlotte NC.

Map of Used Tires in Charlotte NC

For “Used Tires in Charlotte NC”, see the map below…

How Do Used Tire Shops in Charlotte North Carolina Work?

A used tire shop is simply a business that sells used tires. There are many different types of used tire shops, but the most common type is a used tire dealer. Used tire dealers typically buy used tires from individuals, auto auctions, wholesale distributors, and salvage yards. They then inspect the tires and sell them to customers.

Despite the fact the tires are used, in North Carolina, you will pay state tax on them. North Carolina has very little state legislation around the sale of used tires so it is certainly buyer beware.

How Do They Price Used Tires?

Several factors impact the price of a used tire. This includes brand, tread depth, condition, and age. The more tread depth a tire has and the more popular the brand typically indicates a higher price.

You can find a Used 255/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT 92Y – 5-5.5/32 for about $100 with 5/32 tread depth. Similarly, you can find a Uni Royal of the same size and tread depth in the $25 bin.

Do Used Tire Shops Buy Used Tires?

Some used tire shops in will purchase used tires from the public. To sell them though they need to still have value so the shop can resell them.

How much you get will depend on the brand, tread depth, condition, and age. Plus you must account for the fact that the shop needs to make a profit. That means you will likely get about 35% of what they are worth.

If you are also purchasing tires you may find you will get a better offer if you are selling your used set.

Popular Used Tire Shops in Charlotte North Carolina

Each shop can have a different experience. It is not only about finding high-quality used tires but how you are treated. Other things may impact how you perceive a shop as the warranty/return policy, fair pricing, or the availability of sizes you need. When finding used tires in Charlotte NC you should consider location, inventory, quality, price, warranties, and customer service.

Here are a few popular used tire shops with 4.5+ star ratings in Charlotte NC:

  • Tire Maxx 2609 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Uno’s Used Tire and Auto Repair 905 E Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • University City Tires and Inspection 10110 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213
  • James Tires 2 2119 N Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Nicoya Tire Service 3533 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Alrros Tire 5901 State Rd 2848, Charlotte, NC 28213
  • Plaza Tire & Auto 3109 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

How to Evaluate a Used Tire Shop in Charlotte NC

Not all used tire places in Charlotte are created equal. When you are deciding where to buy second-hand tires you should consider the following:

  • Do they inspect their used tires before they sell them?
  • Is there inventory kept in a climate-controlled room or are the tires sitting outside in the sun?
  • What do customer reviews say on Yelp and Google Business?
  • Do their tread depth labels match the tread depth on the tire?
  • Do many of their tires have patches, plugs, dry rot, etc…?
  • What insurance do you have as a customer? For example a return policy or warranty.

For more info on evaluating used tire shop, read here.

Used Tires in Charlotte NC

The Pros and Cons of Used Tires

There are several pros and cons to used tires. Here are some of the key points to consider:

PROS:

  • Used tires are typically much cheaper than new ones. You can save 50% or more off the price of a new tire.
  • There may be a used tire that is better suited for your driving style or needs than a new tire.
  • Used tires are ideal when replacing just one tire or returning a leased vehicle.

CONS:

  • You don’t know the history of the used tire. It may have been in an accident or used on a track.
  • The used tire may not have as much tread as you think. Tread depth can be deceiving and is not always accurate. You need to measure the tread depth yourself.
  • Used tires may not have a warranty or return policy.
  • The used tire may not be the right size for your vehicle and some shops will sell it to you anyway.
  • You don’t know how the used tire was stored. If it was in a hot warehouse it could be dry-rotted.

How to Inspect a Used Tire for Safety

When you are looking at used tires in Charlotte there are a few key things you want to inspect to ensure it is a safe tire.

Tread Depth: You want to make sure the tread depth is at least 4/32″. To do this take a penny and insert it into the tread upside down. If you can see all of Abe’s head then the tread depth is less than 4/32″. If you can’t see any of his head, it is greater than 4/32″. Never buy a tire at 2/32′ or less, that is considered legally bald.

Age: The age of the tire is important as well. A used tire should be no more than 6 years old (good up to 10 years old). To find the age of a tire, look at the DOT code on the side of the tire. The last 4 digits are the week and year it was made. For example, if the code is 1210 it means the tire was made in the 12th week of 2010.

Patches and Plugs: You also want to inspect the tire for any patches or plugs. These can be signs that the tire has been damaged and repaired. While a patch or plug can be done properly, it is hard to know if it was done correctly without seeing the inside of the tire.

Size: Make sure the used tire is the same size as the one you are replacing. A lot of people try to put a smaller used tire on their vehicle to save money. This is not safe and can lead to accidents.

Overall Condition: The tire should not have any metal chords sticking out. The side wall should be smooth when you move your hand over it, not wavy. The tire should roll in a straight line. Inspect it for uneven treadwear and signs of improper inflation.

For more information on inspecting a tire, read here.

Used Tire Disposal in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management – Solid Waste Section is responsible for the state scrap tire disposal program. This includes managing the Scrap Tire Disposal Act, which provides laws for safe tire disposal. Each county has its guidelines and regulations regarding scrap tires within its boundaries. A tax is applied to the sale of new tires that goes towards funding these programs statewide.

Used Tires in Charlotte NC Conclusion

When it comes to used tires in Charlotte NC, there are a lot of things to consider. It is important to find a reputable shop with good quality used tires. You also want to make sure you inspect the tire for safety before you buy it. By following these tips, you can be sure to find a used tire that is safe and affordable.