How to Check Used Tires: Tips You Must Know

The industry for used car tires is a big industry where millions of secondhand tires are sold per year. It’s not unusual to find tires that still have lots of life left in them. However, you’ll also find many that are in bad shape and downright dangerous. So, if you are looking for used tires, you should know how to check used tires to avoid any risk while driving on the roads.

How to Check Used Tires

There are many quality used tires that may save you a lot of money. But, secondhand tires can also cost you more than the new models and drag you into many problems if you can’t make a good purchase. So, check these tips to learn how to check used tires:

Find out the Tire Age

You should not buy any tire that is more than six years old because old tires crack and blow out eventually. How do you find out the age? Well, it’s pretty simple for the tires that have been manufactured in the year 2000 or after that.

Find out the Tire Identification Number (TIN), which is stamped on the side. The last two digits refer to the manufacturing year. The other two digits preceding the last ones refer to the week. So, if the tire’s TIN is DOT U2LL LMLR 3211, you can tell that it was produced in the 32nd week of the year 2011.

Check the Depth of Tire Tread

It will help you figuring out how much life the tire has left in it. Use a tire depth gauge to determine exactly how much is left. You have to calculate the usable tread by deducting 2mm from what’s left. For example, if you purchase an old tire with 6mm thread, then you can use just 4mm of the thread.

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Look for Damage or Defects

If you have found quality used tires with a decent tread depth, it’s now time to check it carefully for patches and defects. Don’t buy a tire that has patches or bubbles in the sidewalls. Avoid those too that have puncture, dings, or chunks because they will eventually have issues with holding air or something else.

Know the Brands

Tires from reputable brands are built to last for a long time. So, when you are out there to buy used car tires, check out their brands and the original retail prices. Such information will help you negotiate better with the seller.

If you know how to check used tires, you will be able to get a good deal and exactly what to expect from the purchased tires. You can tell how long the tire will last by calculating its age and the depth of the thread.