Used tires: good deal or risky purchase?

In search of savings, you may be tempted by buying used tires. The tariffs are indeed unbeatable, but the safety risks are not negligible. Regulatory, general condition, price: what you need to know before opting for this solution.

The used tire market is booming. Breakdowns, distribution networks, websites: the solutions for obtaining this type of products are not lacking. In times of crisis, it may be tempting to turn to the used tire to lower its car budget. It is also necessary to ensure that one does not play with one’s safety . Which tires to choose to stay in line with the Highway Code? How to check the condition of the tire and detect any defects? Is the price really good? Here are some answers.

What the law says

From a legal point of view, you must respect the rules that apply to all vehicles.

  • The dimensions of the tire must be approved by the manufacturer. You must observe the recommended load and speed ratings.
  • The tires on the same axle must be identical. That is to say to be of the same brand, of the same model and of the same dimension (indices of charge and of speed included).

Tire control

To measure the wear degree of the tire, measure the depth of the main grooves in several places: the lowest will serve as a reference. Remember that the minimum legal measure is 1.6 mm on at least one tire point. Thus, if the depth measured is 4 mn, you will have 2.4 to use before reaching the legal limit. Some sites set their prices according to the maximum wear level of the tire (30, 15 and 5%, for example).

Do not hesitate to put your hand on the surface of the tire to detect any abnormal wear . Irregular wear is often a sign of lack of maintenance . For example, one side more worn than the other is the symptom of a defect of geometry; A worn tire on the ends of the profile usually indicates a defect in inflation …

Also check the sidewalls for damage , such as blistering, cracking or deformation. Attention, this type of damage requires a counter-visit to the technical inspection .

Ultimate check: If the tire is in good condition, make sure of its  age . Indeed, with the gum hardening over time, a tire apparently good for service may actually have lost many of its qualities if it has been manufactured for more than five years. For the  date of manufacture , look for the  DOT code  on the side of the tire.

All these checks are also valid when you buy a used car .

 

Really a good deal?

After examining the condition of the used tire (s), it remains to verify that the price offered is really advantageous. To do this, we advise you to simply use the Rezulteo price comparator  : it will indicate to you, for a given location, the best prices practiced. If the price difference is low, go for a new tire.

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