Buying used tires: a checklist and a value calculator

1. The size matches exactly

Read the size on the sidewall and compare it with the size your vehicle needs. NHTSA explains why every number matters:

“The last two numbers in the size designation indicate the rim diameter code (14), or the wheel or rim diameter in inches. A change in any of these three numbers indicates a different size specification for a replacement tire.” [Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program (final rule)]

The tire size calculator shows how far apart two sizes are if a shop offers a near size.

2. The date code: when the tire was made

The last four digits after “DOT” are the week and year of manufacture:

“The date code, consisting of four numerical symbols, is the final group. The date code must identify the week and year of manufacture.” [49 CFR 574.5]

Type them into the date code decoder to see the week, the tire's age, and where that age stands against the makers' guidance. A three-digit code means the tire was made before July 2000. Michelin, for one:

“As a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing tires ten years after their date of manufacture, regardless of remaining tread depth or apparent condition. This recommendation includes spare tires.” [Michelin tire age]

3. Tread depth, measured

Bring a tread depth gauge or ask the shop to measure in front of you. The treadwear bars in the grooves mark 2/32 inch:

“Except in the case of tires with a 12-inch or smaller rim diameter, each tire shall have not less than six treadwear indicators spaced approximately equally around the circumference of the tire that enable a person inspecting the tire to determine visually whether the tire has worn to a tread depth of one sixteenth of an inch. Tires with 12-inch or smaller rim diameter shall have not less than three such treadwear indicators.” [49 CFR 571.139]

State rules for cars differ. In California, for example, the law sets a minimum and applies it to sellers as well as drivers:

“No dealer or person holding a retail seller’s permit shall sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or install on a vehicle axle for use on a highway, a pneumatic tire when the tire has less than the tread depth specified in subdivision (b).” [California Vehicle Code section 27465 (tread depth)]

The tread depth chart converts a reading and lists the published limits.

4. No visible damage

The federal rule for trucks and buses lists conditions under which no commercial vehicle may run on a tire. They are a useful checklist for any used tire:

• “Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall,” [49 CFR 393.75]

• “Has any tread or sidewall separation,” [49 CFR 393.75]

• “Is flat or has an audible leak, or” [49 CFR 393.75]

• “Has a cut to the extent that the ply or belt material is exposed.” [49 CFR 393.75]

5. Retreads are marked

A retreaded tire carries an extra mark next to its identification number:

“The symbol “R” must be used to identify retreaded tires” [49 CFR 574.5]

6. Load index and speed rating: the same or higher

The sidewall must show the tire's limits, so compare them with what your vehicle needs:

“The maximum permissible inflation pressure” [49 CFR 571.139]

“The maximum load rating and for LT tires, the letter designating the tire load range;” [49 CFR 571.139]

Tire makers give the rule for a replacement:

“Your new tire's load index must meet or exceed the original specification.” [BFGoodrich]

“Replacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating to maintain vehicle speed capability. If a vehicle has tires with different speed ratings, the speed rating of the "slowest" tire dictates the vehicle’s top speed.” [Bridgestone tire size]

The load index check adds up two tires against the axle rating on your door label, with the federal 1.10 reduction for passenger tires on MPVs and trucks, and the speed rating check compares the letters.

7. Is it worth the price? Price per 32nd of usable tread

A used tire is cheaper because some of its tread is gone. To compare it with a new tire, divide each price by the tread left above the wear bars (2/32 inch): that is the price of each 32nd of tread you can still use. Bridgestone gives the usual depth of a new tire:

“New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models.” [Bridgestone penny test]

Worked example

Take the median used-tire price posted in our directory (listed below) at $30, and suppose the tire measures 6/32 inch. It has 6 − 2 = 4/32 of usable tread, so each 32nd costs $30 ÷ 4 = $7.50. A new tire with 10/32 inch has 8/32 of usable tread, so it buys tread more cheaply only if it costs less than 8 × $7.50 = $60. Price per 32nd is only one part of the decision: the age, condition and markings above decide whether the tire should be bought at all.

Counting down to 4/32 inch instead, as Bridgestone's quarter test suggests for wet roads [Bridgestone penny test], removes the same 2/32 from both tires, which is a larger share of a used tire's tread, so the used tire comes out relatively dearer.

Prices shops post

5 shops in our directory post a used-tire price on their own websites. The first dollar amount in each of those lines runs from $25 to $39.99, with a median of $30. These are the shops' own words, often a starting price; ask the shop for the price of the size you need.

• Go Green Tires, Denver, CO: “We offer a large selection of brand name quality used tires starting at $25.” (read October 6, 2026)
• 24 Hour Tire, Houston, TX: “Whether you’re looking for new or used tires, $30 used tires, tire repair, rim repair, an alignment, wheel sensors, custom wheels, automotive repair, or mobile tire service, our team is available to help.” (read October 6, 2026)
• Pien Danh Tire, Tampa, FL: “Our used tire prices start at just $30 each.” (read October 6, 2026)
• Super Llantera Mexico, Mesa, AZ: “Used Tires in excellent condition starting at $30” (read October 6, 2026)
• Antillon Tires, Phoenix, AZ: “Used Tires $39.99 & Up” (read October 6, 2026)