Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Used Car Tyres

Whether you are well versed in cars or merely a beginner, you must already know the significance of tyres and how they impact your car. A good tyre will help prolong the lifespan of your vehicle, while on the other hand, faulty tyres can lead to more expenses and accidents. However, purchasing quality high-end tyres is no joke. They are costly and equally expensive to maintain. But, for a few years now, the market for second-hand, used, car tyres has grown substantially, making such tyres a good choice for the budget-oriented driver. The following blog also explores the various merits and demerits of used tyres and whether they are a worthy investment. 

Are Used Tires Worth Buying?

The primary question you should concern yourself with is, whether used tyres are even worth buying. While there are tons and tons of web pages and articles in favor of such tyres, the same also holds true for the opposite. Here, we have listed a number of such advantages and disadvantages of used car tyres so that you are able to make an informed decision. But before that, we have to list a few factors you can look out for when buying used Car Tyres Ashford. These factors will allow you to make a decision and buy a much more suitable tyre for your car. 

Tread Depth

The depth of your tread matters a lot. When purchasing used tyres, it's a must to check the tread depth. If you buy a tyre with a worn-out tread, then it will be of no service to you, no matter how much money you save on it. On the other hand, when you find a tyre with a respectable tread depth, it can actually be quite a steal. Furthermore, you should keep in mind that there is also a legal point to consider when it comes to your tyre tread depth. As per law, the tread of a tyre should be at least 1.6 mm deep. Thus, if you purchase an old tyre with a shallower depth, you are not only putting yourself at risk but also breaking the law. If you go for an MOT test with such tyres, you will be failed immediately. 

Condition Of The Sidewall

Next, you should also take into account the overall condition of the sidewalls. You have to check whether it is good, that is free from cuts and cracks. The sidewall is very important to a tyre, as it supports the integral structure of the tyres. Furthermore, sidewalls are also responsible for bearing the weight of the car. Thus, if you pick a tyre with a damaged sidewall, it may result in accidents. At the very least, you will experience more punctures and flat tyres and in extreme cases, you might even have to deal with a tyre blowout. 

Damage To The Bead Area

Any damage to the bead area of the tyre is a warning sign, and thus, you must avoid buying such tyres, no matter the pricing. A missing chuck of rubber or cracks at the bead will prevent the tyre from sealing properly, thus making it unsafe for driving. 

Number Of Punctures

Although you can’t really know the number of punctures a tyre has had repaired, you can still spot the signs, where some big repair work has been done. Avoid these tyres no matter what, as they are most probably structurally weak. Due to frequent punctures and repairs, these tyres are no longer reliable. 

Advantages of Buying Used Car Tyres

Of course, buying used tyres has some advantages that make them a valid option, these are:

Affordability 

The most obvious benefit of purchasing used, second-hand tyres are that they are much more affordable than brand-new tyres. You always have the option of going for new budget tyres. However, with some work, you can try to get a high-end tyre at the price of a budget one, if you are buying used tyres. This alone makes them worthwhile. 

The Variety of Tyres Available

Sometimes, you might not find a particular tyre in stock, due to it being discontinued or some other reason. However, you can always look in the second-hand market, as they tend to have a huge variety of tyres available. If you are into classic cars that are already discontinued, then the used tyre market might be the only place where you can get “new” tyres for your vehicle. 

Suitable For Short-Term Use

Second-hand tyres are always good for short-term use. If you are in a hurry and unable to find new tyres for your car, then you might consider used tyres, if you are only going to use them for a while. Similarly, these tyres are also suitable to serve as your spare tyres, which you will only need in case of emergencies. 

Waste Reduction

Lastly, you have to give credit where credit is due, used tyres do help with waste reduction. Tyres are considered a major pollutant. Thus, if you reuse and recycle old tyres, then their lifespan increases, resulting in lesser waste for our planet.

Disadvantages of Used Car Tyres

While there are certain advantages to used car tyres, you can’t discount the risks. As such, here are a few disadvantages:

Risky

No matter what you buy, old tyres will always have a certain risk to them. We have always maintained that when it comes to tyres, you should always prioritize safety before pricing. It is because tyres are the only component of a car that stays in contact with the road. Thus, any problems with the tyre can easily result in an accident. 

Reduced Hydroplaning 

Tyres have to be good at hydroplaning, as driving on a wet surface can lead to accidents if the tread of the tyre is not good at dispersing water. Although it is not an issue with brand-new tyres, used ones do have issues with them, as they offer much more reduced hydroplaning. 

Heat

Heat is also a factor you should consider when buying used tyres. If the tyre is too brittle, or less durable, it will have issues handling the heat from friction when you drive. This will increase the chances of punctures and might even lead to a tyre blowout. 

Loss of Air Pressure

Lastly, you have to also account for the loss of air pressure that might happen more frequently if you are using a used tyre. Such tyres grow brittle and are susceptible to leaks. Furthermore, due to them being less durable, the chance of punctures also increases.