You don’t have to shell out a few hundred dollars every time your vehicle needs new tires.  That’s right— if you’re willing to put in just a little more effort, you can end up buying a set of tires for far less.  It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t unless you don’t know what to look for.

Of course nobody can guarantee the quality and strength of a used tire, which is why we always recommend buying your tires from our Parts Department. Yet if you happen to be on a tight budget, you may not be able to buy new tires.  So here’s a quick guide on what to look for when searching for used tires in Oklahoma City that will keep you safe.

Where to Find Used Tires—Oklahoma City Salvage and Wreck Lots

The first step in getting quality used tires is deciding where to go.  If you’re looking for used tires, Oklahoma City’s “junkyards” are a good starting spot.  If you’re lucky you may find a fairly new set of tires on a recently scrapped vehicle.  As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Make sure to record the size of the tire that you need before you leave.  It could be a real pain to get to the junkyard only to find that you don’t know what you need! Once you are able to explore the tire options, the next step is making an educated judgment on whether or not the tires you find are in suitable condition.

Determining Acceptable Condition

Let’s face it—if you’re looking for used tires, Oklahoma City’s scrapyards can’t absolutely guarantee the quality of a tire pulled off of a wreck.  Nevertheless, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you aren’t buying a bad tire. Here are some qualities to check on:

• Construction: Radial and conventional ply tires wear differently and can make the car handle differently.  While either type of tire is acceptable, it is important to at least have the same type of construction paired (e.g. two radials and two conventional).

• Even Wear: Any used tire may be worn, but it is important to look for unacceptable wear such as baldness or heavy wear on the edge or in the middle of the tire.

• Tread Depth: Most laws make 2/32” the minimum tread needed to keep using a tire.  With a used tire tread depth won’t be perfect, but a good way to measure acceptability is to stick a quarter in the tread. If any part of Washington’s head is covered, the tire has at least 4/32” remaining.

When giving the tire a good overview, remember to go with your gut.  If a tire looks like it has some kind of defect or odd wear, it’s best to move on.

The Alternative to Used Tires—Oklahoma City Tire Sales at David Stanley Chevrolet

If you don’t think you’d like searching a scrapyard for used tires, Oklahoma City’s David Stanley Chevrolet dealership sells high-quality new tires for affordable prices.  Contact our Parts Department at (405) 632-3600 or stop by to learn about our tire deals.  We also offer tire rotation and wheel alignment services.

When you need new tires, remember that safety is the most important consideration.  Make sure that the tires on your vehicle aren’t weak or susceptible to a blowout.