Three Things To Check When Purchasing Used Tires

Owning a vehicle can sometimes be expensive. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help keep your costs lower. This is especially the case when it comes to purchasing tires. In some instances, a used tire can be just as sufficient as a new tire; however, it comes with only a fraction of the cost. If you are considering the idea of purchasing a used tire, make sure you know what to look for.

Check For Patches

One of the first things to do is to check for any signs of a patch. This type of imperfection is a clear indication that the tire has sustained some level of damage. Tire patches are designed to fix minor issues with a tire, such as a small puncture. 

While it's a great way to preserve the life of a tire, you don't want to purchase a used tire with a patch. The primary reason for this is the fact that patches are only a short-term solution. If the tire has signs of patching, it could only be a short time before it fails.

Look At The Sidewall

The sidewall of the tire is also an important area you want to inspect. The sidewall is basically the outside of the tire. Ideally, you want a tire with a sidewall that is smooth and free of any imperfections. A tire with a lot of nicks or other dents on the sidewall is an indication that the tire has likely been banged up against a curb or another hard surface. 

These actions all damage the tire and decrease its lifespan. Depending on the level of sidewall damage, this can thin out the rubber and put it at a greater risk of a blowout.

Measure The Tread

Used tires will have some level of wear; however, it's important to ensure that the wear is consistent. Take a few moments to inspect the entire surface of the tire to ensure that some parts of the tire don't look lower than others. Uneven wear is a sign that the tires weren't rotated as often as they should have been or that they were used on a misaligned vehicle. 

Similar to sidewall damage, uneven wear will decrease the life of the tires and require you to change them sooner than you had expected. In the event you're only replacing one tire, the uneven wear on the used tire can actually put more wear on your other tires.

For more information, contact Hardys Auto Parts LLC or a similar company.