How long do used tires last

Depending on how old your car is, you could be driving around with a spare tire long past its prime. If the tire is more than 10 years old, replace it. You can also find tires using our online tool and schedule an appointment at your convenience. Car Care Tips Tips to keep your car on the road. Tires November 3, Tweets by VATireandAuto. What can we help you with? Shop Tires Top brands. Search by vehicle or tire size. Plus, you'll notice cracks and decay immediately if they're inflated on a car.

Tires are made of natural or synthetic rubber—mostly natural rubber. Natural rubber is latex, which is harvested from rubber trees primarily in Southeast Asia. Rubber, being an organic material, decomposes when exposed to the weather for too long. Tires left out in the sun—especially in the desert—can reach varying levels of decay depending on their initial condition, age, and how long they've been sitting outside. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing used tires.

That said, just because a tire is stored outside doesn't mean that it's junk. As with all used tires, when purchasing tires stored outdoors, use caution and inspect the sidewalls and tread for cracks. Press down on the tire and make sure it has a rubbery consistency and isn't hard as a rock. If the surface cracks when it is stressed, walk away.

Radial tires are by far the most common kind of tires used on modern cars. Radial tires have a band of steel sandwiched between layers of rubber. This steel band helps protect the tire from puncture through the tread—but doesn't protect the sidewall. Radial tires are also the most common kind found on used tire lots.

These tires last a long time, and provided the tread is in good shape; they should be perfectly safe to use again. These tires are safe to use on virtually all kinds of vehicles, both new and classic.

Bias-ply is an older kind of tire, and it can occasionally be found on used tire lots. Bias-ply tires have largely been replaced by radial tires, so finding them on used tire lots in usable condition is rare.

Bias-ply tires use corded rubber for strength instead of steel. You should probably stay away from any kind of bias-ply tire unless you're specifically looking for one. These tires are often much older than they look, and the outside condition is no fool-proof indication of their road safety.

One exception is for classic vehicles, as new bias-ply tires are still manufactured with white walls and other bias-ply tread patterns. These replica tires can sometimes be found in good condition on used tire lots—just be sure to check the date code and inspect the rubber for cracks.

Yes, you can mix and match used tires as long as the size and tread type is the same. Generally, though, it's always better to get a matching set, so they're not unevenly worn. It's better to get four tires from the same vehicle that are made by different companies than to get four of the same brand from different vehicles. Eventually, braking and cornering will become more difficult, and it will be easier to lose control of the vehicle. So, used tires last for less time if they are for winter use, which you should consider when buying.

The most frequent damage you need to pay attention to are cuts, holes from plugs, bulges, and cracks. While plug holes can be repaired, other damage are rarely reparable.

There are also other serious issues to be aware of, such as:. As for repairs, used tires last longer without them. However, if the tire is in perfect condition but has one repaired plug, it may still serve well. Both prior and future maintenance are crucial to how long used tires last. However, the necessary processes are the same:. Many tires have stiff spots around their circumference. These spots must be balanced by putting small weights opposite them. You can perform such a procedure at home or go to a mechanic, where they will check the tire with a computer and balance it.

You will have to wait for the tire to wear past the pattern, but by that time it may be worn out. Moreover, such a tire will produce noise and may also cause vibration.

Used tires last much longer when they are balanced after mounting. So, if you buy one, make sure you take it to a mechanic or find the stiff spots yourself.

Learn more about tire balancing and how to perform it here. Tire rotation is important, as it prevents uneven wear and helps used tires last longer. When you buy new tires, sellers have to adhere to strict federal standards. But when it comes to used tires, that is not the case at all. There are no set guidelines and very few restrictions on selling used tires around the country.

How were they driven in the past? Did the previous owner drive them when under- or over-inflated? Were they used at excessive speeds? Were they properly maintained or ever repaired at a certain point? These are all questions you would want to ask before buying used tires, but unfortunately, it could be hard to find the answers. The lax standards for selling used tires has prompted some new legislation in certain parts of the country. For example, California passed a law in prohibiting the installation of unsafe used tires.

That law cites an NHTSA study that found worn-out tires to be three times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires with sufficient tread. The bill targets specific characteristics that would make a set of used tires unsafe. While not banning used tires altogether, it ensures that auto dealers must inspect used tires before installing them on a vehicle for highway use. As automotive safety and manufacturing groups continue to push for newer, stricter regulations, it may become a safer prospect to purchase used tires.