Although used tires can help you stay frugal, it is essential to be mindful of where you purchase them and how to correctly inspect them. This article discusses who sells used tires, the benefits, and drawbacks of used tires, as well as my first-hand experience with buying used tires in Tucson AZ.

Map of Used Tires in Tucson AZ

For “Used Tires in Tucson AZ”, see the map below…

How Do Used Tire Shops in Tucson Arizona Work?

Used tire shops in Tucson, AZ offer used tires at a discounted price. The used tires are usually from vehicles that have been in an accident, used for off-roading, or used with high mileage. These used tires should be inspected and deemed safe to use by the used tire shop.

In Arizona, you will pay state tax on used tires, even though they are used. With very little state legislation around the sale of used tires, it is buyer beware in this case.

How Do They Price Used Tires?

Multiple factors will affect the price you pay for a used tire, such as the brand, depth of tread, condition, and age. For example, a tire with less wear and tear or from a more popular brand will often be priced higher than others.

A Used Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT 255/35R19 92Y – 5-5.5/32 with 5/32 tread depth will cost you about $100, whereas Uni Royal’s version of the same size and tread depth can be found in the $25 bin.

Do Used Tire Shops Buy Used Tires?

Generally, you can get 35% of the original value for your used tires. However, depending on the brand, tread depth, condition, and age of your tires as well as the shop’s policies, this number may vary.

Take your used tires to a tire shop in Tucson, AZ if you want to sell them. The shops will buy them from you as long as they still have some value left so that the shops can resell them.

Popular Used Tire Shops in Tucson Arizona

Not only do you have to think about location, inventory, quality, price and warranties when searching for used tires in Tucscon, AZ – now customer service is a big factor too. How the staff treats you can change your whole experience at a tire shop.

Here are a few popular used tire shops with 4.5+ star ratings in Tucson AZ:

• Express Tire Service of Tucson 5370 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711
• Goodman Used Tires & Tube Co 2501 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
• Martins Tire Shop 4701 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714
• R&G Tires 4630 N Flowing Wells Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
• Chicos Tire Shop 4150 N Flowing Wells Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
• Pepe & Sons Tire Shop 4802 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714
• El Tingon Tire Shop 4920 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706
• OEJ Tire Shop 2610 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
• Pineda’s Tire Shop 2501 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713
• MC Tire Shop 5601 S Palo Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706

How to Evaluate a Used Tire Shop in Tucson, AZ

These tips will be useful when choosing which store to buy a used tire from.

• Before selling used tires, do they inspect them?
• Does the company store all of its inventory in a room with a regulated temperature or are some tires kept outside?
• What are customer reviews saying about the business on Yelp and Google?
• Compare the tread depth on the tire to the tread depth label. Are they the same?
• 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

Some things to keep in mind when considering used tires:

PROS:

• Used tires, on average, cost half as much as the retail price of a new tire.
• Used tires provide an excellent, cost-effective option when you need to replace a single tire or return a leased vehicle.

CONS:

• Buying a used tire is like playing roulette; you don’t know its history. The previous driver could have abused it, leaving you with a defective product.
• Always measure the tread depth of a used tire before you buy it, you may be surprised by how little grip it has. Tread can deceive you, so checking twice is always worth it when driving on new tires.
• Used tires typically do not come with a warranty or return policy.
• Beware of shops that try to sell you used tires, they may not be the right size for your vehicle.

How to Inspect a Used Tire for Safety

Before buying used tires in Tucson, you should always inspect them for safety.

Tread Depth: To check the tread depth, 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 his entire head is submerged, that means it is greater than 4/32″.

Age: The age of a used tire is vital information. Tires shouldn’t be more than 6 years old and can still have some use if they’re 10 years or younger. To find out a tire’s age, look at the DOT code on its side; the last 4 digits will tell you what week and year it was manufactured. For example, 1210 would mean that the tire was made during 12th week of 2010.

Patches and Plugs: Take a look at the tire for patches or plugs. If you see either of these, it means that the tire was damaged and then repaired. Even if a patch or plug job is done correctly, it’s still hard to tell without looking at the inside of the tire.

Size: You should always match the size of the used tire to the one being replaced; smaller tires might save you money, but they’re not worth risking your safety.

Overall Condition: To determine if your tire needs to be replaced, check for any exposed metal cords and make sure the sidewall is even. The tire should also roll in a straight line without deviating. Additionally, inspect the treadwear and inflation levels to ensure proper maintenance.

Arizona Used Tire Legislation

AZ is one of the few states that has some legislation around the sale of used tires. The bill which was revised in 2017 says tires can’t be resold in AZ if:

• There is visible damage, such as crackling, bubbling, cutting chunks out of the tire or tread separation;
• Part of its body or belts exposed, or any visible deterioration of the bead around the rim or inner liner.
• It has a puncture repair of more than ¼ inch in any area, including the sidewall, shoulder, or belt edge;
• A puncture that is not both sealed and patched on the inside, and repaired with a cured rubber stem on the outside, needs to be attended to.

Used Tires in Tucson AZ Conclusion

When buying used tires in Tucson AZ, make sure to inspect them for safety. Check the tread depth and age as well as look for any patches or plugs that might not be visible to the naked eye. Make sure the size of the used tire is right for your vehicle, and check the overall condition to ensure proper maintenance. Finally, keep in mind used tire laws in AZ which can help you make an informed decision when buying used tires. Remember, safety should always come first! Be sure to consider all options when purchasing used tires and do your research before committing.