Is it okay to buy used tires or aftermarket tires for my vehicle?

Quality tires are important for your vehicle, without them your vehicle won’t function as it should. For most people, the family car is what they rely on most. Your vehicle’s tires help in bringing you to work and taking your family everywhere from the cottage to school, to hockey practice.

Buying used tires is fine – as long as they’re inspected, not out of date, and meet all safety requirements. Generally speaking, it’s always better to invest in new tires.

How long will my tires last?

A tire’s lifespan depends on a lot of different factors. Your vehicle, the tires themselves, the driving conditions, and how many kilometres you put on them will all come into play. Typically tire changes will have to be done every three to five years. Depending on driving conditions, your tires may need to be replaced anywhere from 50 000 to 75 000 kilometres.

Even if you don’t put a ton of kilometres on your tires, they still may need to be changed.

Unfortunately, tires don’t get better as they age. “Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use,” the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. “In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires…it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age,” they report. In Canada, Transport Canada requires that all tires have a TIN (Tire Identification Number), the last four digits of which correspond to the week and year they were manufactured.

We recommend not to buy tires that are more than two years old or that have more than 30,000 km because you’re likely to have to change them again in a year.

How do I know when my tires need to be replaced?

Knowing when your tires need to be replaced is crucial for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Here are several key signs that indicate it’s time to replace your tires:

1. Tread Wear

The tread on your tires is essential for gripping the road. If the tread wears down too much, it can affect your vehicle’s traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

• Tread Depth Indicator: Most tires have a built-in tread wear indicator. When the tread wears down to this level, it means the tire is worn out.
• Penny Test: To check the tread depth, insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too worn, and the tires should be replaced.

2. Uneven Tread Wear

Uneven wear patterns may indicate issues with alignment, balancing, or suspension. If the wear is not uniform across the tire, it could cause instability, reduced traction, or poor handling, requiring a replacement.

3. Cracks or Bulges

Check your tires for visible cracks, cuts, or bulges in the sidewalls. These can be caused by age, improper inflation, or damage from hitting curbs or potholes. Bulges or cracks weaken the tire’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of a blowout.

4. Tire Age

Tires degrade over time, even if they are not heavily used. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are 6-10 years old, regardless of tread wear, as the rubber can dry out and become less effective at gripping the road.

• Check the tire’s sidewall for the DOT code, which includes a 4-digit number indicating the tire’s manufacturing date. For example, “2319” means the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2019.

5. Vibration or Noise

If you notice excessive vibration or unusual noise while driving, it could indicate tire damage, imbalances, or issues with alignment. If the problem persists after balancing or alignment checks, the tires may need replacing.

6. Punctures or Damage

Small punctures in the tread area (typically less than 1/4 inch) can sometimes be repaired, but large punctures or sidewall damage cannot be safely repaired. If a tire has extensive damage, it must be replaced.

7. Poor Performance

If you notice a decrease in handling, traction, or braking performance (such as longer stopping distances or difficulty in wet conditions), your tires may no longer be providing adequate performance, and it’s time for a replacement.

8. Frequent Air Loss

If your tires are losing air frequently despite regular inflation, it could indicate a slow leak, either due to a puncture or deteriorating tire material. A constant need to top off tire pressure can signal that a replacement is necessary.

9. Visible Steel or Ply Showing

If the steel belts or layers of the tire’s internal structure are exposed through the tread, it’s a serious safety hazard, and the tire needs to be replaced immediately.

Conclusion

Regular tire inspections, monitoring tread depth, and paying attention to unusual changes in driving behavior will help you determine when it’s time for a tire replacement. Replacing worn-out tires not only ensures safety but also improves overall vehicle performance.

Should I buy all season tires or winter tires?

Canadians don’t need to be told the importance of switching to winter tires for the snowy months. They increase traction and handling and decrease stopping distance in winter conditions. All Canadian provinces officially recommend winter tires for temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius.

 

In Quebec, and certain parts of British Columbia winter tires are required by law.

Winter tires will wear down faster in temperatures above 7°C and need to be changed for summer tires when the weather improves. You should replace your winter tires when the tread is at a depth of 6/32” (4.8mm) – which is still a deeper tread than the recommendation for summer tires.

Tire safety should never be overlooked. Tire inspections and occasional tire changes are part of owning a car. Ignoring potential issues can end up being far more expensive in the long run. When considering used tires be sure to visit a reputable dealer, check the tread depth, the manufactured date and other signs of wear and tear.