To Buy or Not to Buy: The Pros & Cons of Buying Used Tires
We’ve all been there.
There you are, zipping along a well-traversed road and going about your merry way, when suddenly and without warning- a tire blows. As you break out the jack while muttering soft curses under your breath, you reflexively begin to calculate how much money a new tire or set of tires is going to cost you. If money is no object for you, the question is moot. But if you’re on a fixed budget, then this type of unforeseen and added expense is cause for great concern.
At this point, it’s important to realize that plunking down (on average) a few hundred dollars for a brand-new tire is not your only recourse. Buying used tires from a reputable business like Kenny U-Pull is also a viable option. It may be difficult to decide which choice is best for you, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons involved in buying used tires.
The Pros of Buying Used Tires
There are undeniable pros to buying used tires, not the least of which are the following:
Affordability
From kitchen appliances to exercise equipment to tires, without a doubt, it’s always cheaper to buy used than to buy new. On average, used tires can cost anywhere from 25-50% of the cost of a new one; a significant savings margin for those who are on a tight budget. Additionally, used tires are a boon for those who may be using their vehicle on a limited-time basis. In other words, if you don’t foresee yourself using your car for a long time, it may be beneficial and more economical to buy used tires.
Environmentally Sound
Buying used tires reduces the resources needed to manufacture new tires and helps the environment significantly. Specifically, disposing of tires causes significant “pollut[ion to the] air, water, and soil and contain[s] a wide range of toxic organic compounds, including known carcinogens.” By reusing tires instead of disposing of them, our ecological footprint is exponentially reduced, contributing to a brighter future for all humankind.
The Cons of Buying Used Tires
Even with the benefits of buying used tires clearly evident, there are some cons you need to consider before doing so:
Quality & Lifespan
Despite guarantees supporting its quality, you can never really be sure a used item will live up to its attestation. Minute imperfections and simple wear and tear will always factor into the tire’s performance, and ultimately, your decision to buy used or new. Additionally, even a year of road life for a used tire is one year less than you’ll be able to use it- necessitating the need to buy another one, or even a full set.
Warranties & Availability
Buying new tires assures the consumer of, on average, a 1 – 6 year warranty on performance. Buying used does not transfer that warranty forward, and at best, a buyer can look forward to a 1 – 6 month warranty for a used tire; a significantly short span of time in comparison. Additionally, specific models of tires can be more scarce for specific models of cars- an absence of availability that can unfortunately leave a car owner unduly in the lurch.
Don’t hesitate any further- contact Kenny U-Pull today to find out whether buying used tires is the right decision for you!
