Is It Worthwhile to Buy Used Tyres?
If you can afford new tyres, it’s better to go with them; however, if you’re on a tight budget, you can consider used tyres.
How About Buying a Used Tyre Set?
The two vital reasons driving the purchase of used tyres are:
- You can purchase used tyres at low cost.
- You can help in the planet’s recycling efforts.
Earlier, purchasing new tyres meant straining your wallet; however, things have changed considerably. The advent of Asian tyre manufacturers in the market has stabilised the prices. Fierce competition has compelled leading brands to regulate their pricing more reasonably.
Nevertheless, a quality set of four tyres will typically fall in the range of $400. Therefore, if you’re considering purchasing partly worn-out tyres, these tips will help you in finding the best-used tyres available.
What Are the Considerations for Buying Second-Hand Tyres?
The ADR 23 (Australian Design Rule for passenger car tyres) outlines the standards and tests necessary to sell new tyres, but there are no equivalent regulations for used tyres. Without such guidelines, you’re solely responsible for buying second-hand tyres. Therefore, before probing the market, it’s vital to acquaint yourself with the following considerations:
Inspect for Flaws Such as Bubbles, Patches, or Irregular Wear: Inspect the tyre for holes and other imperfections. Patches may be more visible from the inside of the tyre. Purchase only those used tyres that pass your inspection; they should not exhibit issues such as bubbles, patches, irregular wear or defects. Spending extra money on the pre-existing holes will increase costs and possibly compromise safety.
Measure the Tread Depth: The bare minimum requirement for a tyre’s tread depth is at least 1.5mm for it to be considered roadworthy. New tyres come with a tread depth of around 8mm. So, if you’re buying used tyres, select the ones with at least 4mm depth left. You can utilise the tyre tread depth gauge to measure tread depth.
Consider Tyre’s Treadwear Rating: Above the ID number, you’ll see a figure following the “treadwear” mark. The higher this number, the slower the tyre wears out. For instance, a tyre with a treadwear grade of 200 will wear down twice as quickly as a tyre rated 400.
Determine the Tyre’s Age: Rubber doesn’t age gracefully like wine, so tyres become brittle over time. So, it’s wise to look for another set even if the tyres you’re considering have a nearly pristine tread depth if they’re approaching their 5th or 6th birthday. After all, you wouldn’t want the rubber to crumble or show cracks while on the road, would you? To determine the tyre’s age, examine the tyre ID, which contains four numbers as the final characters. The first pair of numbers signify the week of the year, while the last pair represent the year of manufacture. For example, an ID in ‘4318’ specifies that the tyre was manufactured in the 43rd week of 2018.
Evaluate the Price’s Fairness: When considering a half-priced second-hand tyre, ensure that the remaining tread is more than half (excluding the 1.5mm threshold). For instance, if a used tyre is priced 50% less than a new tyre of the same brand and specifications, there should be a tread depth of at least 4.75mm. Furthermore, the used tyres should not be over three years old according to their manufacturing ID marks. This information gives you a solid foundation for negotiating the price.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Tyre?
The life of a tyre varies depending on several factors, including driving habits. Generally, inspecting your tyres every 10,000 km for even wear and considering replacement after an average of 30,000 km is recommended.
However, for second-hand tyres, these figures will likely be lower, depending on their existing wear and the remaining tread life at the time of purchase.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing used tyres offers advantages for you and the environment; however, follow the above tips to choose quality used tyres wisely.
What is the Best Place to Buy Tyres Online in Sydney?
Buy the best-used tyres online at the best prices at Eagle Tyres, the reputed tyre shop in Sydney. Drive safely with peace of mind, knowing you’ve invested in quality used tyres from a trusted source.
