How much for 4 used tires


How Much Are Used Tires? Best Places To Buy Used Tires - Frugal Living

Knowing how much a used tire cost is important when you’re shopping for new ones. Buying used tires can be a good option for some people, but not for everyone.

We discuss the price of used tires and the factors that depend on your car or truck needs.

Short Answer: The price of used tires can range anywhere from $50 – $90.

Table of Contents

How Much Are Used Tires?

New tires can cost upwards of $100 or more, depending on the brand and type. But, you can pay as little as $50 for a good used tire. Depending on the specifications, a high-quality used tire can cost $90 and up to $160 if it’s in good condition.

In the US, the standard tire size is around 25 inches in diameter. In other words, most tires are about as big around as your arm from elbow to the wrist. If you have a full-size pickup truck, the most common diameter sizes are 19. 5, 22.5, and 24.5.

For motorcycles and scooters, the most common diameters range from 16 to 18 inches—your average car tire measures around 15 or 16 inches across at its widest point. So tire prices vary greatly depending on the type of tire you are buying and the size.

A standard tire for a midsize car might cost between $80 to $120. An off-road or large truck tire could run you up to around $300. Keep in mind that these are just ballpark numbers. Prices can vary depending on the brand and where you buy it from.

Are Used Tires a Better Choice Than New Ones?

People choose to buy used tires instead of new ones because they’re much cheaper. There’s also the fact that many people just don’t have enough money to spend on brand new tires. So buying used tires secondhand is a good alternative to new.

Buying secondhand is easy nowadays, with many new places selling used tires. They can last a long time if taken care of properly. Of course, you have to make sure each tire has enough tread remaining.

A driver runs the risk of skidding, not stopping fast enough, or blowing a tire if the tread is too thin. Just like getting your rotors turned, your vehicle tires need to hold up under pressure, and you cannot compromise price for safety.

See our guide on places to get flywheel resurfacing nearby.

10 Factors That Affect the Cost of Tires

Several factors can affect the cost of used tires, including:

1. Price

You must determine if the pros of buying a used tire outweigh the cons. Then, consider how much money you’ll save buying used versus buying new ones and what recycle options are available for you after they’ve been removed from your car.

The last factor that affects the actual price of used tires is the size of your vehicle. The bigger the tire, the more it costs to purchase a replacement.

2. Tread

The more miles you drive on your tires, the less effective they are at stopping and handling. Low mileage tires will grip the road better than ones with high mileage.

It’s wise to disclose when you’re selling like-new used tires. You’ll get a better price if you list the history and it’s been barely used.

Always check the tire tread if you make money driving around or get paid to advertise on your car.

3. Wheel Alignment

If the car tires are not aligned, they will not wear evenly, and your car will not drive straight down the road. In addition, proper tire pressure will prevent the tread from wearing out faster.

It’s recommended to spend money on a wheel alignment if you notice the car doesn’t steer straight down the road. Most auto repair shops will check your alignment when you get an oil change.

Also, when the seasonal temperatures change, use an air pump at a local gas station to fill your tires with the proper PSI. You’ll likely find the correct PSI in the driver’s side door jam next to the VIN number.

See our guide on free air for tires near me.

4. Age

Tires can warp and crack when sitting too long. It will drastically lower the resale value because it makes them unsafe to continue driving. When trying to sell used tires that are still good, it’s essential to disclose still that buyer beware.

5. Sidewall

Damage or scuffing of the tire’s side will lower resale value because it makes them unsafe for use after being placed back onto a wheel rim. Sidewall damage should be disclosed when trying to sell used tires, so everyone gets a fair market price.

6. Tread Depth

If there’s not enough tire tread left on a tire, it won’t be easy to grip the road when driving. It could cause a loss of control or an accident. When selling old tires for scrap, they’re unsafe and no longer usable.

Companies that buy scrap tires will pay around $3 each in cash. About 80% of scrap tires are recycled and turned into over 110 different products such as composite decks, construction backfill, and floor mats.  

7. Brand

A better tire brand will have a higher resale value; you’ll be able to flip it for a higher profit. When selling used tires, it’s helpful to disclose the brand name to get a fair market price for them.

Also, brands such as Goodyear and Michelin offer their own recycling programs where you can bring in your old tires and get a discount on replacements.

8. Size

The bigger the tire size, such as its width and diameter, the most expensive a new and used one will cost. You’ll get more money if it’s a large tire size from a pickup truck or oversized vehicle.

9. Color

Common tire colors are more desirable and will have higher resale values. Originally automotive tires were manufactured in an off-white color, then a bright white, and then in 1910, Goodrich started making black tires.

10. Tire Type

A winter, summer, all-season, and used performance tire will cost more than a basic type. You’ll get more money if it’s more specialized.

Where Are the Best Places to Buy Used Tires?

Used tires can be bought from private sellers, online marketplaces, or brick-and-mortar tire stores. You can also buy used tires online from places like Craigslist, eBay, and other sites like Craigslist.

Each place has its benefits. For example, a private seller might have new tires in good condition and cost less than new ones. 

When selling used tires privately, it can be challenging to determine their market value because it varies depending on the brand name, size, tread depth, and any sidewall damage.

On the other hand, many tire stores will purchase used tires in good condition from consumers who do not want them anymore and offer a trade-in value. The store might even offer free installation of used tires if purchased at that location.

However, people should take caution when buying from private sellers because they may not have the best intentions. In short, beware of tire scams!

If you’re looking to purchase used tires for your truck or SUV, they must be not too old and have been well maintained. It will ensure that you get maximum use out of them before needing new ones again.

Another reason to buy a used tire is for a spare. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s a cost-effective way to have some “insurance” in your trunk if you get a flat.

How Much Are Used Tires Summary

Buying used tires is a great way to save money while still getting quality and safe products. Unfortunately, people often choose to buy new tires because they think it’s worth the cost in the long run. But, consider used products that are more affordable and meet your needs.

What are the reasons to buy a used tire?

Maybe you’re a part-time driver and put low mileage on your vehicle. It’s cheaper for you to install used tires on a leased vehicle vs. paying the dealership for new ones when you turn it in at the end of your contract.

There’s no reason not to give them a try!

By the way, it’s a myth that driving a manual transmission car compared to an automatic will wear down your tires faster. They are equal, except an automatic transmission car has more parts and more things can break.

How much do used tires cost?

I want to save money on my next round of tires, so I’m considering buying used tires. I’ve heard they’re quite a bit cheaper than buying brand new tires, so if they work well I’m very interested in a lower price point. How much do used tires cost?

Payton Ternus · Answered on Mar 03, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Maintenance and repair costs for your car can pile up quickly, so it’s nice to save money whenever you can.

Buying used tires is a great way to save some money in terms of car-related expenses. Used tires typically cost around 30%-50% of their original price, generally ranging from**$25-$160**. The exact costs of used tires will depend on a few factors:

  • Age of the tires
  • How many tires you buy
  • How much tread is left on the tires
  • Original purchase price
  • Type of tires

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MORE: The best all-season tires for snow

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    how to choose, check and whether it is worth buying used tires

    Konstantin Ishchenko

    experienced car enthusiast

    The motorist's budget is hit the hardest when you have to buy both summer and winter sets of tires within one year.

    For example, the popular Nissan Qashqai is equipped with 225/45 R19 tires in the maximum configuration, a set of the middle price category will cost about 50,000 RUR.

    But there is an option to save money and buy used tires. This article will tell you how to safely buy used tires and when you shouldn't.

    You will know:

    • How to know which tires to look for
    • Is it worth buying used tires
    • Why they sell used tires and who does it
    • Where to buy used tires
    • What to check when buying used tires
    • Additional things to check when buying used winter tires
    • How to calculate the fair price of used tires (calculator)

    How to know which tires to look for

    Or the season has changed. We wrote in detail about how to assess the condition of tires and understand when they need to be changed in a separate instruction. Before you start looking for tires, it is important to be able to read their parameters. The most important in this situation are the size, manufacturer and model of the tire.

    If the task is to buy a set of four tires, then it is important to respect the size. If you damaged one tire, you will have to look for exactly the same one: two wheels of the same axle must have tires with the same tread pattern, and this is possible only in the case of tires of the same model.

    /save/koleso-hack/

    How to save money on buying car tires and wheels?

    Tire parameters important to look for: width, profile height and rim diameter Tire manufacturer and model

    Does it make sense to buy used tires

    According to Avtostat, an average car in Russia drives 17,500 km per year. Let's take the average wear resistance of tires according to the Treadwear index - 320 and calculate how long a new set of summer tires could theoretically last.

    Every 100 index units is 12,500 km, which means tires are rated for 40,000 km. Assuming that the summer kit is used for 6 months out of 12, the mileage for six months is 8750 km, and the kit is enough for 4. 5 seasons.

    If the annual mileage is 30,000 km, then the summer kit should wear out in 2.7 seasons. But I have not met people who change tires in the middle of the season: either they change them in the spring, or they drive them until autumn.

    Judging by Yandex Market, the average popular tire 205/55 R16 costs 5500 R, which means that the set is 22 000 R. Let's round up 2.7 to three full seasons. One season costs Rs. pay more than 14,000 R. How to evaluate the tread depth on a used tire, we will tell a little later.

    /top-economic-cars/

    11 economical cars for daily driving

    These are very average values, but still usable. There is no perfect formula, operating conditions and driving style are very different.

    Buying used tires will allow you not to get into a loan if a new set is too expensive. Or it will help those who know for sure that at the end of the season they will change the car: there is no point in buying new tires for the next driver. However, the theoretical calculation does not take into account your travel time for the next purchase and the risks of buying a bad kit. If you plan to drive a car for at least two years, buy new tires.

    Velcro on stamped disc. A set of tires and wheels - 3000 R. I took it to change the car into it for the duration of a long body repair. It was a pity for me to leave the car on the expensive original casting. I had to spend two weeks searching, look through hundreds of ads and once go to the other end of the city. When the wheels are no longer needed, I plan to sell for 6000 R

    Why they sell used tires and who does it

    At first glance, selling tires is illogical. Tires need to be worn out completely and then disposed of, but the market for used rubber is huge. It has several types of sellers with very different offers.

    Companies that sell used tires from Europe and Japan. Despite the ban on the import of used rubber, which has been in effect in the Eurasian Customs Union since January 1, 2010, this business is booming. The main thing is to prove that tires are not hazardous waste and they are not imported for recycling. Therefore, on Avito and various sites, many offices offer used tires of various brands, sizes and models.

    Advantages and disadvantages of specialized stores that sell used tires

    Benefits Defects
    Huge selection of summer tires

    Advice available, professionals know their product

    Usually there is a tire service on site

    Safer online shopping. Many sell by bank transfer as a full-fledged online store

    Tire warranty until the first tire fitting, a defective tire will be changed to a good one or money will be returned

    There is almost no choice of winter tires: no studded and little friction - Velcro. You can only buy "euro-winter" for mild climatic conditions.

    Consultation will not always be truthful and in the interests of the buyer. Everything is like on the market in the bad sense of the word

    Tires can be of the old year of manufacture

    Here are some of the advantages of specialized stores that sell used tires:

    1. Huge selection of summer tires.
    2. You can get advice, professionals know their product
    3. Usually there is a tire service on site.
    4. More secure online shopping. Many trade by bank transfer as a full-fledged online store.
    5. Tire warranty until the first tire fitting, a defective tire will be replaced with a good one or the money will be returned.

    But there are also disadvantages:

    1. There is almost no choice of winter tires: no studded and low-friction Velcro tires. You can only buy "euro-winter" for mild climatic conditions.
    2. Advice will not always be truthful and in the best interests of the buyer. Everything is like in the market in the bad sense of the word.
    3. Tires may be old year.
    Warehouse of one of the used rubber sales companies. Darker and shiny tires have already been given a marketable appearance. They look fresher and more attractive

    Dealers and tire shops. They differ from the first ones in scale - they are much smaller, and also in that they trade at best on the scale of one city. Often the base for such activities is a tire shop. They buy cheaply at Avito or from tire fitting clients, sell more expensively at Avito or other tire fitting clients.

    There are also not very pleasant scenarios: an unscrupulous tire fitting worker offers to dispose of a completely normal set of tires “out of friendship” and gets it for free. For another client, the same kit “very much nothing, two seasons will definitely pass” costs 15,000 rubles.

    /save/garage-hack/

    A typical tire shop that sells rubber for emergency replacement of a damaged tire. The choice is small, storage is not according to the rules: direct sunlight damages tires. But there are situations when there is no choice

    Individuals who sell unwanted tires for a variety of reasons. Here are the main ones:

    • the car was sold or trade-in, there were tires or even wheels assembled. Selling separately for added value. This makes sense: a car will definitely not become more expensive due to a set of wheels;
    • the car was stolen, smashed or stopped driving in winter. There was a set of wheels left, which, in general, has nowhere to go;
    • bought new tires, they sell the old one. Often the tires are completely worn out and ask for scrap, but the owners try to sell them at the price of a set "for the season". Unfortunately, Avito is inundated with such announcements.

    Advantages and disadvantages of buying tires from an individual

    Advantages of Defects
    You can search for tires by car make and model, not just size

    With a little luck, you can make a super bargain

    It will take a long time and carefully to choose among ads

    Many do not know what they are selling (mistakes in tire names, sizes and models are normal)

    A rare seller agrees to tire fitting in his presence, everything will have to be checked by himself and by hand

    Many scammers: they can offer to leave an advance payment and disappear or send an erased kit instead of what is in the ad

    No warranty on tires

    Here are some of the benefits of buying used tires from individuals:

    1. You can search tires by car make and model, not just size.
    2. With a certain amount of luck, you can make a super bargain.

    But there are also disadvantages:

    1. You will have to choose among ads for a long time and carefully.
    2. Many do not know what they are selling (errors in names, sizes and tire models are the norm)
    3. A rare seller agrees to tire fitting in his presence, everything will have to be checked by himself and by hand.
    4. Many scammers: they may offer to leave an advance payment and disappear or send an erased set instead of what is in the ad.
    5. No warranty on tires.
    The wheel from the kit, which I bought from a private trader from the Mini club telegram chat. The seller got rid of the car and urgently sold the original casting on almost new tires. 16,000 R for such a set is a gift of fate. And in order not to take risks, I asked a friend to control the shipment of wheels to my city

    Where they buy used tires

    Universal ad platforms: Avito, Yula and others. Here is the largest selection of used tires. Both private traders and professionals sell. Despite the convenient application and filters, it takes a lot of time to search. Don't expect every seller to list the model correctly. Bridgestone Potenza can become just "Bridge Stone" - and this is not the worst option.

    You will have to scroll through a huge number of ads with completely worn-out tires that are only suitable for recycling. Unfortunately, no filters will save you from this. Looking for tires on Avito is like looking for a treasure: you have to dig a lot, and no one guarantees a reward, but some are lucky.

    /avito-fraud/

    Avito: how to avoid scammers

    Adjust the filter by size - so you will have more chances to find the tires you need You can no longer drive on such tires: they are worn out to the limit marks, this can be seen even in the photo. Plus, the sidewalls are very worn out. But the seller still thinks that he can get 3000 R for them

    Websites for car sales announcements: "Avto-ru" and "Drom". There are few private ads here, mainly specialized stores operate on such sites.

    Droma has the largest selection of used wheels and tires from Japan in the country. Drome offers a good customer protection service and acts as a guarantor of purchase: if they send you worn or damaged tires, the site will return the money. If everything is fine, they will be transferred to the seller.

    At the time of writing the article on Avto-ru, there were only five private ads for the sale of tires of the common size 205/50 R17 throughout Russia. It makes no sense to look for tires from private traders on this site. Source: Avto-ru

    Car club sites: forums, chats, Drive-2 — places where representatives of car clubs communicate. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the site itself. This can be a group on Vkontakte, a chat on Telegram or WhatsApp.

    There are fewer offers here, but they are more interesting, more likely to find a good set. It is not customary to post completely junk for sale in communities or to greatly inflate the price: the ad will be discussed, criticized, or even deleted altogether.

    But don't forget about safety. You should not buy something without verification or send the entire amount to a stranger in another city. It is usually customary to ask a friend of a teammate to go look at the kit and make sure that the tires are sent. Here, as a rule, you can place your ad on the purchase of the necessary tires and wait for responses.

    There is a flea market on Drive-2. It is not very popular, but it is worth looking into it: there are filters separately for disks, wheels and tires, you can specify the dimensions.

    /carservice/

    How to save money on the operation of the car

    Special online stores and car disassembly. In most cases, such sellers open an official representative office on Avito, but some sites are still working. They may have rare tires or a more interesting price. Large auto-dismantlers rarely sell tires - they mainly sell sets of wheels. The condition of the tires on the rims is most often mediocre: a car is not sent to scrap on good tires.

    Tire shops and car services. It's hard to find interesting deals on tires here, it's not their business. Tires in a tire shop are usually bought in emergency cases: when one or more tires are damaged, but you need to somehow drive a couple of weeks to pay.

    What to check when buying used tires

    Price. Before buying used tires, it is better to check the price of new tires of the right size. Tires from young Chinese brands are very cheap, and the market for used tires is overheated and overpriced. It is impossible to unequivocally answer which is better: a new tire from an unknown manufacturer or a used tire from a well-known brand. But it is necessary to compare, study reviews and weigh everything.

    At first glance, an excellent offer. A set of fresh tires 215/55 R17 with 20% wear for 18,000 R. But the indicated balance of 6 mm is about 30% wear. The remaining tread of the new tire is 8 mm, the tread limiter bar has a height of 1. 6 mm. The tire is worn 2 mm. Usable tread depth: 8 mm − 1.6 mm = 6.4 mm. 2mm from 6.4mm is 31% wear. Source: Avito But then it turns out that the new ones are very inexpensive. The remaining 6 mm is two-thirds of the tire resource, which means that buying such a kit costs no more than 16,000 R. Source: Yandex Market

    Manufacturer, model, size, indices and other features. Be sure to check all tire specifications - everything that is indicated on the sidewall. The seller may not understand tires well or deliberately lie. Carefully inspect each tire. For example, you can accidentally buy a set of four tires, where three will be with runflat technology and one without it. If buying tires remotely, always ask for individual photos of each tire in full detail, or even better, a video.

    Tire year. Among the advertisements of specialized stores, there are often tires that are more than 5 years old. Tires may have excellent tread residue, but it is better to refrain from such a purchase. The older the tire, the worse its properties and the greater the chance of hidden damage: cracks, delaminations and ruptures.

    /wtf/bezkoles/

    How online tire stores deceive car owners

    The tire release marking always looks like this: the first two digits are the week of production, the second two are the year

    Tread depth. It is not necessary to measure the residual depth “by eye”, it is better to buy a special device or use a caliper. The standard tread depth of new summer car tires is 7-8 mm, winter tires are 8-10 mm.

    It was written above about tires that it is high time to dispose of: summer tires less than 4 mm or winter tires less than 5 mm should not be bought “for the season”, it is not safe.

    Digital Tread Depth Gauge is a simple and cheap instrument. It will help to accurately measure the residual tread depth and adjust the price of a set of tires. Source: Yandex Market

    Tread condition, damage and repairs. Do not buy tires with uneven tread wear. They will not be able to provide a complete drainage of water from the contact patch with the road, it is unsafe to ride on them. Severe cuts or even the absence of individual tread fragments will also be a reason to refuse a purchase. Without a specialist, you run the risk of buying a tire that you cannot use.

    But do not be afraid of well-repaired punctures. Tires with patches on the inside of the tread part can be bought, this will not affect further operation. You should not buy tires on which punctures were repaired with a tourniquet.

    /mini-jcw/

    How much does it cost to own a Mini John Cooper Works

    Obviously, this tire is no good: there is almost no tread, the studs are completely worn out. The central part is almost completely missing, and the sidewalls are less worn. Maybe the tire was pumped. Surprisingly, they also sell such

    Cracks and delaminations. Long longitudinal cracks, along the circumference of the tire on the sidewall or small cracks in the tread area - in any case, bad. Either such a tire was poorly stored, or it is very old. This is a particularly dangerous case, because such a tire can collapse while driving and cause a terrible accident. Cracks are not repaired, so you will have to refrain from buying.

    Sidewall condition, damage and repairs. Hernias of any size, side cuts and patches on the side of the tire are good reasons to keep looking. You can't buy these tires.

    Carefully inspect and feel the sidewalls of the tires. Unfortunately, not all defects can be found on a tire without a disk and without air inside. It will be ideal if you can mount tires on rims in a tire shop. Ask to balance the wheels and only then pay.

    /guide/rezina/

    How to choose tires for a car or crossover

    If in doubt that the tires are intact, look for another option. Remember that it is the tires that connect your car and the road.

    The surface adjacent to the rim may also be damaged on the tire. The photo shows the consequences of careless tire fitting of an old tire. I don't recommend buying this tire. If in doubt, and the offer is very interesting, ask the opinion of a tire fitting specialist

    Additional checks when buying used winter tires

    Presence of spikes and their condition. It is not necessary to count every stud on a tire, it is difficult and time consuming. Just look at the tire: if it seems that there are about half of the studs on it or less, you do not need to buy a tire. Studded tires without studs won't get Velcro, so don't just look at the tread.

    Studs on a tire that has already been driven for a couple of seasons look very different from new ones. They were worn off along the way, the seats were broken. In the background, you can see that the tire has already begun to lose studs. Even with sufficient tread, you can be left without spikes very quickly, it is better to look for another option

    How to calculate a fair price for used tires

    Ads often offer used tires at an inflated price. We have made a special calculator that will help you calculate the fair value of tires, regardless of the manufacturer, technical parameters of tires and their number in the kit.


    How to buy used tires

    1. When looking for used tires, check all possible sites and do not be lazy to look for a community of owners of the same cars.
    2. Don't buy used tires until you compare prices. It is important to understand how much a tire of the same brand, model and size, but new, costs.
    3. Remember about the safety of online shopping: ask questions in advance, ask for additional photos and videos and beware of scammers.
    4. Check each tire very carefully. Make sure that all tires are made by the same manufacturer at about the same time, all tires have the same parameters. Make sure that there are no bulges, cracks, tears or delaminations on the tires and that the tread is worn evenly.
    5. Do not delay your trip to the tire shop: the less time passes, the more chances you have to return defective tires to the seller.
    6. And the last advice, already as a seller. If your tires are worn out, don't try to sell them, scrap them: they are accepted in many shops where you can buy tires, and you can also put them in special containers that are available at some gas stations.

    How to check used tires and tire wear, check wheels when buying a car

    We have already written how to check the geometry of the body, generator, ignition system, battery, engine, chassis when inspecting a used car. In this article we will tell you how to check the tires when buying a used car.

    Some experts say that using tires is like playing Russian roulette - you only have to rely on luck. And to make the case really happy, you should check the wheels as carefully as possible.

    Contents

    • How to check tires when inspecting a car
    • Year of manufacture of rubber
    • Tire wear
    • Tread depth
    • Traces of repair
    • Coupling edge wear grade
    • Presence of microcracks
    • Cuts and repair marks on tire
    • Buying a car with winter tires
    • Used vehicle check with Autocode

    How to check tires when inspecting a car

    Tires are a guarantee of safety on the road. When inspecting a car and used tires, check the following:

    • year of manufacture of rubber;
    • tire wear;
    • tread depth;
    • traces of tread repair;
    • the degree of wear of the coupling edges;
    • the presence of microcracks;
    • cuts and traces of tire repair.

    Each of the parameters is important in its own way, and therefore ignoring at least one of them can significantly reduce the level of safety on the road.

    Year of manufacture of rubber

    We recommend checking first. If the tires have served their allotted time, further operation does not seem rational. This is easy to do - the date consists of two digits: the week number and year of issue, applied to the outside of the rubber. If, upon inspection of the machine, it is found that the numbers on each wheel are different, then this indicates a non-simultaneous replacement of the wheels. The reason for the replacement, if the service life has not yet come up, you should ask the seller.

    Tire wear

    Visual inspection is sufficient to check tire wear. It is important that tire wear (if any) is uniform over the entire circumference of the wheel. Uneven tire wear can be a sign of wheel imbalance, and it also indicates a possible sloppy driving style of the previous owner, which can cause several more problems when operating a car. Increased wear on the outside indicates insufficient tire pressure, which should also be checked before a test drive. The operation of such wheels is fraught with the fact that in corners the rubber will not “hold” the road well. If the center part was more subject to wear, get ready for a decrease in acceleration, handling and braking.

    Tread depth

    When buying a car, be sure to pay attention to this parameter. Tests show that the permissible tread depth should be at least half of the original - for summer tires it is at least 3 mm (1.6 mm by law, but it would be better to leave a margin), for winter tires - at least 4 mm. It is not difficult to check the depth - in car dealerships you can buy a special probe with marks or use a simple ruler.

    Repair marks

    When inspecting the tread, it is not superfluous to check for signs of repair from the inside (on a smooth surface). By themselves, the patches on the tread are not critical, but only if their number does not exceed a couple of pieces per wheel, and their size is a third of the width of the pattern. Otherwise, the operation of the "horse" on such wheels should be abandoned. Pay attention to the nature of the patch - the restored tread pattern (the so-called "grooving") can result in a tire rupture.

    Coupling edge wear

    The tire grips the road surface across the entire tread width. The edges of the tire also have an impact on braking performance. The smaller they become, the less grip the rubber has on the road surface, and therefore the risk of driving on wet or slippery surfaces increases. A worn leading edge indicates problems with the car's suspension, which is also worth paying attention to. You can check this part of the tread "by touch" - the problem is present if the teeth on the tread edges differ in sharpness.

    Presence of micro cracks

    Tire micro cracks can occur even under conditions of minimal rubber wear and careful storage. The average service life of rubber is 5 years, but, as a rule, by the end of the term, the tire naturally becomes unusable. In the presence of small cracks, it is not recommended to exceed the speed of more than 80 kilometers per hour, otherwise the chances of complete tire wear increase rapidly. Deep cracks appear with a large degree of delamination of the tire. The use of such tires is highly discouraged.

    Tire cuts and repair marks

    Defects in the form of cuts and repair marks are a clear signal to stay away from the selected used rubber. As a rule, tire side cuts are dangerous due to the fact that the repair of such defects is extremely difficult and not gives a further guarantee of the quality of rubber operation. But, in addition, it is necessary to check and make sure that there are no hidden damages. Deformation of the tire carcass in the form of dents and creases can be the result of driving or parking on a flat tire, as well as a strong impact. The end of the service life in this case may come earlier than expected.

    The internal delamination of the tire is extremely difficult to detect. A warning can be various types of swelling on the inside of the tire. Visible breaks in the layer are also possible. Check the degree of puncture of the tire - when pressed with two thumbs, the tire should not deform much, but will quickly return to its original shape.

    These tire and wheel test parameters apply to both summer and winter tires. But, in the cold season, when the car is “reshod” in winter tires, some other factors should be taken into account.

    Buying a car with winter tires

    In winter, buying a car with winter tires is considered correct, but another situation is possible, so do not neglect to inspect the wheels. First of all, you should check what the car is “shod” in - it can be idle for a long time, especially if the transaction takes place in the car market. Winter wheels are divided into two types: studded and friction.

      • Studded tires are distinguished by the presence of studs. The presence of all or the vast majority of studs is considered ideal and guarantees good grip on the road, and, as a result, road safety.
      • Friction tire is available without studs. Its difference from studded is a special composition of rubber, which has grip with the road surface like Velcro. This type is more suitable for the urban environment.

    Equally important is the tread depth. For 100%, it is customary to take the tread depth of new tires, 0% - unusable, respectively. The minimum permitted tread depth for winter tires is 4 mm, otherwise 0%. From the factory, tires are produced with different depths. Keep in mind that if the initial depth reached 8 mm, then 4 mm is not 50% wear, as some sellers say.

    Checking a used car with Autocode

    A buyer's vigilance will be a guarantee of a good deal. Bad tires in the general good condition of the car is not always a reason to refuse a purchase. If the wear is natural and even, and also corresponds to the average life of tires, the option of purchasing a car is worth considering. You can always eventually replace the rubber with one that will inspire confidence.

    In order to avoid doubts about the history of the purchased car during the inspection, check the history of the car using the Autocode online service. To obtain a complete report, only the VIN, chassis number or state number of the vehicle of interest is required.

    By driving in unique car numbers, you will receive the following data:

    • year of manufacture;
    • number of owners;
    • true mileage of the car;
    • participation of a car in an accident and an indication of the most damaged parts;
    • finding the car under the security of the bank;
    • using a car in a taxi;
    • repair work.

    If you are a professional car dealer, you can also use the Autocode Profi service of unlimited car checks. Autocode Profi allows you to quickly check a large number of cars, add comments to reports, create your own lists of liquid vehicles, quickly compare options and store vehicle data in an orderly manner.

    Tire wear or other negative factors may be hidden by the seller. So that they do not subsequently lead to problems in other parts of the machine, order an on-site Autocode check. The specialist will arrive at the place at any time and conduct a professional inspection of the vehicle. Checking the machine through Autocode will help to verify the correctness of your assumptions or refute them.

    If there are no serious problems in the history and technical part of the car and you decide to buy, take the final step - enter the seller's passport data through the car owner verification service. This service will show whether he has problems with the law, whether his passport is valid, whether there are debts and enforcement proceedings.


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