WHY NEW TYRES ARE BETTER THAN SECOND-HAND
Second-hand tyres can be a good deal, and can save you money. The problem is, really, that they are second-hand tyres. Provided the tyres are okay, and don’t have any defects, you will get value out of second-hand tyres.
Second-hand tyres have been in the public consciousness much more lately. The retail price of some new tyres can be quite high, and fitting tyre prices into your budget can be an “acquired taste”.
THE BOTTOM LINE WITH SECOND-HAND TYRES
The only things you really need to worry about with second hand tyres are possible defect issues. Some second-hand tyres are almost brand-new; if the tyres are in warrantable condition, there is no reason to believe that they’re not okay.
The good news for motorists is that tyre dealers are very scrupulous about the quality of second-hand tyres. “Warrantable condition” means that they are fit for warranty, and therefore should be in very good condition.
The fact is that experienced tyre dealers do not like substandard second-hand tyres. Substandard second-hand tyres just mean problems for them, and expert tyre dealers can spot a dud tyre with one look.
It is no coincidence that tyre dealers far prefer top brand tyres, either. Big-name brands like Bridgestone, Hankook tyres, Maxxis tyres and many others are well made tyres. They come with a whole range of specifications, and experienced dealers can spot problems instantly. Brand X tyres, on the other hand, may be cheap tyres, but they’re definitely not in the same league.
NEW TYRES IN COMPARISON TO SECOND-HAND TYRES
The other side of this issue is that second-hand tyres, by definition, are not new tyres.
This means, in practice you need to take extra care with second-hand tyres compared to new tyres:
Performance: A warrantable second-hand tyre will have slightly lower quality performance. Tyres deteriorate slightly with each use, so the second-hand tyre will be less
Tyre pressure: Tyre pressure needs to be checked more often with second-hand tyres to avoid problems. The second-hand tyres may lose pressure more rapidly. Best practice is to use a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for a full check, and regularly check pressure afterwards.
Second-hand tyres, wheel balancing and wheel alignment: Second-hand tyres should be aligned and balanced when fitted. This reduces the risk of a slightly out of whack alignment putting potentially damaging additional strain on them on the road, which could lead them to deteriorate rapidly. The wheel balance, of course is also another sort of cross-reference for wheel safety and stability. A good balance will ensure that undue pressure isn’t put on one or more of the second-hand tyres.
Call Drury Tires for a new tyre quote
We hope you found this information useful. If you’d like tyre services in South Auckland, call us or contact us online. Ask us about tyres, mechanical work, or for any other services you need, 24/7. Give Drury Tires a call on 09 294 8139 whenever you need service, we’ll be happy to assist.