Tires are incredibly expensive, but you simply cannot do without a good, safe set. Here’s a tip most people never think about. Gently used tires can save you money. The key is making sure they are gently used. Many tire stores have great deals on used tires, so you’ll be able to get tens of thousands of miles out of them.
The first type of used tire to seek out is a set that was removed from a new car because the owner wanted a different wheel or tire. Tire stores, and maybe even dealerships, will sell these basically new tires at a very reduced price. You’re really getting a new set of tires, but they are classified as used because they are being re-sold.
The second type of used tires probably won’t give you as much life, but they can certainly help you if you’re in a budget crunch. These tires have more miles on them. They’ve probably come off of a car where the owner decided to get new wheels or tires about halfway through the life of the existing tires. Again, these used tires will be very inexpensive. Just don’t expect them to last very long.
Certainly, there are drawbacks to used tires. The first is that they can’t be guaranteed. If you have a blowout a week after you buy them, that’s just the risk you take. However, if you’re replacing some really bad tires, then the risk is worth it. It’s also possible that they have been punctured and repaired. Where this alone shouldn’t be a problem, it’s definitely something that takes away from the original construction of the tire.
If you do go the used tire route, be diligent with your tire maintenance. Get them rotated every 5,000 miles. Keep them properly inflated, and have a service person check them out with every rotation. He will be able to tell you how well they are wearing and whether you’re safe to drive on them or not.