It’s worth noting that while part-worn and second-hand tyres may offer a cost-saving when compared to a brand-new tyre, the likelihood is that you will need to replace a used tyre more frequently.
Part-worn tyres: buying advice
If you’re insistent that part-worn tyres are the way to go, the first thing we’d recommend is buying a well-know, famous brand, because at least you know the basic tyre will be constructed to a good standard. We’d also recommend buying them in pairs, so you can get two tyres on the same axle which should theoretically match. If you’re buying one tyre, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to find one that matches the other three on your car in terms of tread wear and depth.
Tyre tread wear
Tread wear is the key thing to inspect. If the tyre has hardly been used, then you could get plenty of mileage from it. But if the shoulders are worn, or there’s uneven tread, then who’s to say you won’t be coughing up again in a few months when your car fails its MOT because the tyres are worn out?
New tyres have 8mm of tread on them, while most outlets and safety organisations recommend replacing your tyres when there’s 3mm of depth left. Anything less than this isn’t worth working with, and even if there’s more tread than this, if it isn’t evenly worn across the tyre it’s best to look elsewhere.
Sidewall damage
If the tread is fine, it’s time to check the sidewalls. If the tyres have come off a car that has been involved in an accident (again, how do you know if they have or haven’t?), then there’s a high possibility that the tyres may have been damaged in the incident. Perhaps bodywork has come into contact with the tyre or lateral forces have damaged the sidewall’s construction.
Irrespective of this, sidewalls can be damaged simply by poor parking. Any cuts, scrapes or loose rubber on the sidewalls could be a portent of damage to the tyre’s construction, so always inspect the inside of the tyre for a consistent look to the internal part of the sidewall, too.
Tyre repairs
Another issue is with repaired tyres. If a tyre has suffered a puncture caused by a nail, screw or other sharp object piercing the tread, then it can be repaired with a plug of rubber that seals the tread against leaks.