Used car tires: what to check before you buy

A good used tire can save real money. A tired one is no bargain. Tick these off with the seller.

• The same size as the sticker inside your driver's door, with a load index and speed rating at least as high.
• Tread depth: ask for a photo with a penny or a tread gauge in the grooves. NHTSA recommends replacing at 2/32 of an inch; 4/32 or more is better for rain and snow.
• The DOT date code: the last four digits are the week and year the tire was made. Ask for a photo of it.
• Plugs, patches, bulges, cuts or cracks in the sidewall: look at the photos and ask the seller about any repair.
• Even wear across the tread. Wear on one edge often comes from alignment or pressure on the old car.
• A matching pair or set: same size, model and similar wear on the same axle.
• Shipping and mounting: tires are heavy, and a shop has to mount and balance them.

Used tires in your size

Your tire size

135145155165175185195205215225235245255265275285295305315325335345355width, mm / 25303540455055606570758085sidewall, % of width R 131415161718192021222324wheel, inches

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Sources: Ford Support, "Why does tread wear matter on my Ford?" (ford.com), citing NHTSA, read October 14, 2026; Volvo Cars Support, "Tire sidewall designations" (volvocars.com), read October 14, 2026.