Used tires can be as sturdy and reliable as new ones, and they come with the added benefits of saving you money and reducing landfill waste. But to get the safest tires possible, you should know what to look for when buying. Here are four considerations that should factor into your buying decisions.

Seams

The seams are where the different pieces of the tire are joined together. These are naturally weaker spots, so check them for any abnormalities prior to purchase. Look for tight, damage-free seams with no bubbling, splits, or evidence of patching or plugging. By inspecting the rubber and ensuring it's in good condition, you can prevent accidents such as a blowout.

Tread

Tread is the part of the tire that makes contact with the road. It is responsible for providing traction and control. Once it wears down, it cannot be replaced, rendering the tire useless.

Test the tire's depth with a penny test. Insert a penny into the tread as far as it will go, with Lincoln's head upside-down and facing you. If any part of the head is covered, the tires are in good shape. However, if you see the whole head, the tread is worn out.

Age

The average tire should last about six years. At this point, the rubber can start to deteriorate and shorten the wheel's life span. Fortunately, manufacturers have provided a date on its sidewall since 2000, which you can use to check its age. The code is the number of the week followed by the year of production. For example, 1118 would denote it was constructed on the eleventh week of 2018.

Defects

Inspect the tires thoroughly for defects. Avoid those with patches, punctures, missing chunks, and bubbled areas in the sidewalls. While you shouldn't expect them to be in pristine condition when buying them used, they should be in solid shape and ready for immediate use.

When you're in the market for used tires, contact 808 Used Tires Now in Kapolei, HI. Serving customers throughout Oahu, they offer a comprehensive selection of pre-owned tires for your car or truck. All of their products are tested, road-ready, and available at a significant discount. Call (808) 365-7919 to learn more about their current inventory, or visit them online to browse their tire services.