Between taking your car to the track, daily commutes or occasional long road trips, you might eat up tires pretty fast. And if you are opting for high-performance tires, they are even more expensive! Like many budget-conscious car enthusiasts out there, you can save a lot of money by buying used car parts. It is quite possible to find a $1,000 set of tires for $200 that still have over half their life left. It might end up being a great deal for you in the long run if done right! Here are some tips for buying used tires:
Evaluate Tread Depth
By looking at the depth of the tire tread, you can easily determine how much life the tires have left in them. You can make use of a tire depth gauge. Ideally, a new tire has between 10-12/32″ of tread depth. Buying anything under 4/32nds of tread isn’t recommended at all.
Tire Age
It is very essential to check the age of the tire because even if it has enough tread depth, if it is really old, it is going to be a bad buy. You can easily find the age of a tire based on the writing on the side of the tire. According to most governments & automotive associations, one should replace tires every 5-6 years, even if your tires have enough tread left.
Look For Defects And Patches
It is now time to look for any defects and patches. Stay miles away from tires with bubbles in the sidewalls. Chances are, they can blow out at any moment and without warning. In the same manner, if you see patches on the tires, it means that the tire might not hold air or could have issues. Patches are usually visible from the inside of the tire.
Know The UTQG Rating
The Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards (UTQG) rating is another crucial aspect to look at. The thumb rule is – the lower the number, the softer the tire and the quicker it will wear out. For instance, most race car tires have a UTQG of less than 100. On the other hand, long-lasting tires are around 450-600 UTQG.
Look For Uneven Wear
If the previous car had a bad alignment, chances are, the inner edge could be worn out while the outer edge looks just fine. This is bad as the tires will have a much shorter life.
So, if you need help with used tires, get in touch with us at Tire Zone. We service several areas near Fort Worth, TX. Call us now!