Is it okay to buy 2nd hand tires?
Even if a tire looks good on the outside, it could have hidden issues like damaged internal belts, weakened sidewalls, or punctures that can affect its safety. Without knowing how the tire has been used, you could be putting yourself at risk. If the second hand tyres you’re looking at has 3mm or less, then walk away – and even if it’s got more than 3mm of tread, check to make sure that the wear is even across the tyre. Once you’re happy with the tread, have a good look at the sidewalls. Bumps, scrapes or simply kerbing a car can result in tyre damage.
Is there a market for second-hand tyres?
Demand for second-hand tyres is longstanding and resilient. Market research shows that consumers are principally the young and economically disadvantaged. Those of modest means should not be obliged to compromise on road safety, for themselves or for other road users. New tires are almost always the better option. It may seem more cost effective to buy used tires but you’ll get far more value out of your purchase with a new set of rubber. There’s quite a few drawbacks and risks to purchasing used tires.Greater chance of needing frequent replacements: Buying used tires means you’ll have to replace them quicker than you would a new set. While you’ll save money in the short term by purchasing used tires, you’ll likely spend more in the long run, as you’ll have to replace your tires in a shorter time span.The truth is, that while you may initially save a few dollars on purchase, used tyres have a shorter lifespan, come with a higher risk of life-threatening defects and, most importantly, using pre-worn tyres could place your life and the lives of others at risk.They’re safe, comfortable, and meet regulations ‘Are budget tyres safe? The short answer to that is yes. It’s never a case of compromising safety or reliability when you opt for affordable tyres; you’re merely forgoing design quirks that elevate handling and performance.
Is it worth buying 2nd hand tyres?
Second-hand tyres come with wear and tear. While some of this wear and tear might be obvious, for example, a worn tyre tread, other damage may not be as apparent. This can make buying second-hand tyres a gamble. Brand-new tyres typically have a tread depth of between 8-9mm, so a part-worn set may, at best, have a few millimetres less than a brand-new equivalent. As a result, the braking and cornering grip produced by a second-hand tyre will be less, especially in wet and cold conditions.
Are you allowed to sell second-hand tyres?
The sale of a worn tyre that is deemed below the safe-for-use standards and that should have been scrapped, will not only endanger the life of the road-user but may also constitute breaking the law, with the dealer liable for conviction for a period not exceeding 15 years, or a fine or both. Under The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg. Consumer Protection Act, it is an offence for anyone to sell part-worn tyres that do not meet the following principal requirements: The structural integrity must not be compromised.
What is the oldest tire you can sell?
Tire expert Brian Darr said that while there is no set standard on how old is too old when it comes to tires, there is a general consensus in the automotive industry. Tires are not wine. They don’t get better with age. Don’t sell a tire after six years of age. In fact, even when in storage, tires only last between 6 and 10 years, depending on how you store them and the environmental conditions they are subjected to. So read on to learn all about how long car tires last in a range of situations.Stored used tires last for the same amount of time as tires you mount on your vehicle—a maximum of 10 years from their manufacture date. Rubber ages independently of use, as the process of oxidation happens regardless of use. Oxygen, ozone, ultraviolet light, and heat make rubber age and dry.Tires do expire. Even if they haven’t been used, the rubber degrades over time due to factors like heat, UV exposure, and oxygen. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of tread wear.Some automakers suggest that tires be replaced as soon as they turn six years old. Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they’re stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.