Tires are expensive, and when you only need one — or you need to be back on the road today — a used tire can be a smart move. Here's how to decide.
When used tires make sense
- You need to replace one damaged tire and the others still have plenty of tread
- You're on a budget and need a safe tire now
- You're planning to sell or replace the vehicle soon
When new tires are the better choice
- You need a full set
- You drive lots of highway miles
- You want maximum life and wet-weather grip
What makes a used tire safe
- Enough tread. More tread means better grip on wet roads — important in a city that gets as much rain as New Orleans.
- No sidewall damage. No cuts, bulges, cracks or exposed cords.
- No bad repairs. Patches or plugs too close to the sidewall are a red flag.
- Not too old. Rubber ages even when the tread looks fine. The four-digit date code on the sidewall (for example "2321" = 23rd week of 2021) tells you when it was made.
- Even wear and a clean, undamaged bead.
Matching matters
Replacement tires should match the size on your other tires, and on all-wheel-drive vehicles, big differences in tread depth can cause problems. When in doubt, ask.
Get new or used tires delivered
Metairie Mobile Tires delivers and installs new and inspected used tires at your location in Metairie, New Orleans and nearby. Text your tire size to (504) 552-3338 for a quote.