Used Tires in Knoxville Tennessee

There are many great places to buy used tires in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this article, I will not only reveal where these gems are hiding but also touch on the pros and cons of used tires as well as how to properly inspect them. For those still feeling skeptical, I will share my own experience with one such establishment in Knoxville, TN.

Map of Used Tires in Knoxville Tennessee

For “Used Tires in Knoxville Tennessee”, see the map below…

How Do Used Tire Shops in Knoxville TN Work?

A used tire shop is a business that primarily sells secondhand tires. Used tire shops might differ in what age or condition of tires they sell, but most follow the general business model of buying stock from wholesalers, salvage yards, and individual customers before inspecting and selling to their own client base.

You will pay state tax on used tires in Tennessee, though the state has few laws regulating the sale of them. What I mean by that is there are limited legal protections offered to you if you were to get into an accident due to a faulty or bald tire. In 2018 a bill was passed in Tennessee to provide some regulations for criteria a used tire must meet to be sold as used.

How Do They Price Used Tires?

Several factors go into pricing second-hand tires. The primary drivers of price are tread depth and brand popularity, with condition and age also playing a role. In general, the deeper the tread and the more popular the brand, the higher the price will be.

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?

To sell used tires, they must still have value. Knoxville, TN has many tire shops that will purchase them from the public. Each shop may have a different process but expect that your tires will be inspected thoroughly before they agree to buy them.

Take into account the brand, tread depth, condition, and age of your tires to get an estimate of how much money you’ll receive from the shop. Most shops will give you 35% of the tire’s value factoring in that they need to make a profit as well.

Selling your used tires may result in a better offer if you’re also buying a pair from the shop.

Used Tires in Knoxville Tennessee

Popular Used Tire Shops in Knoxville Tennessee

As you shop for used tires, it’s not just about finding high-quality ones. Consider also how you’re treated at the store. Other factors such as the warranty/return policy, pricing, and availability of sizes you need can impact your perception of a shop. When looking for used tires in Knoxville, TN take into account location, inventory, quality, price warranties and customer service.

Here are a few popular used tire shops with 4.5+ star ratings in Knoxville, TN:

  • Affordable New and Used Tires 6511 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37921
  • Reasonable Ron’s Used Tires 1200 W Fifth Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921
  • Affordable Tire Co 113 Walker Springs Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919
  • J-N-J Used and New Tires 104 E Burwell Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
  • Wheels Tires and More 5512 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912
  • The Tire Clinic 1820 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
  • Best One Tire Retreading 2323 Chipman St, Knoxville, TN 37917
  • Tennessee Tire 2541 Cecil Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
  • EZ Tire and Auto 4715 Central Ave Pike, Knoxville, TN 37912
  • Llantera Inestroza 8631 Walbrook Dr, Knoxville, TN 37923

How to Evaluate a Used Tire Shop in Knoxville TN

Not all used tire places are created equal, so when deciding where to buy your next set of second-hand tires, keep the following in mind:

  • 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.

The Pros and Cons of Used Tires

Weighing the Pros and Cons of buying tires used:

PROS:

  • By opting for used tires instead of new ones, you could save over half the price.
  • You can find used tires with plenty of tread depth that is like new.
  • If you’re looking to replace just one tire, or if you need to return a leased vehicle, used tires are the way to go.

CONS:

  • Not knowing the history of a used tire is dangerous. It could have been in an accident or previously used on a race track.
  • Tread depth can be deceiving (measure it yourself before making a purchase).
  • Once you buy them, used tires are yours, most companies don’t offer warranties.
  • Some shops will sell you a used tire, even though it may not be the right size for your vehicle.
  • If you don’t know how the used tire was stored, it could be dry-rotted from being in a hot warehouse or sitting in the sun.

How to Inspect a Used Tire for Safety

There are a few things you should inspect when looking at used tires in Knoxville, Tennessee to make sure it is a safe tire.

Tread Depth: Check the tread depth by inserting a penny into the tire’s tread. If you can see any of Abe’s head, then it is less than 4/32″ and you shouldn’t buy it. For context 2/32″ is considered legally bald.

Age: The age of the tire is crucial. A used tire shouldn’t be older than 6 years (acceptable up to 10). To find the age of a tire, look at the DOT code on its side. The last 4 digits are the week and year it was manufactured. For example, if the code is 1210 it means that tire was made in 2010’s 12th week.

Patches and Plugs: Check the tire for any patches or plugs. If you see either of these, it may be an indication that the tire has sustained some damage and been repaired. Even though a patch or plug can be done well, without seeing the inside of the tire it’s tough to say if it was installed correctly.

Size: The used tire you select must be the same size as the one being replaced. Though it may be tempting to save money by selecting a smaller used tire, this can compromise safety and lead to accidents. The size and load rating must be the same on all 4 of your tires and meet your vehicle’s minimum specs.

Overall Condition: Thoroughly inspect your tire before use. Check for any metal chords sticking out, and make sure the side wall is smooth to the touch with no waves. The tire should also roll in a perfectly straight line when test rolled. Inspect it for uneven treadwear and signs of improper inflation as well.

Used Tires in Knoxville Tennessee Conclusion

Buying used tires in Knoxville, TN can be an economical way to replace your vehicle’s worn-out tires. However, it is important to evaluate the used tires thoroughly before you make a purchase. Make sure to check for tread depth, age, size, patches and plugs as well as overall condition. Doing this will ensure that the used tire you select is safe and reliable. Do your research when choosing a used tire shop in Knoxville, TN and make sure you feel comfortable with the warranty/return policy, pricing, inventory and customer service they provide. With a little bit of diligence you can find great quality used tires at an affordable price!