4 min read · Cape Breton Car Wash
Installation is a job for a licensed technician. This guide covers buying, not installing. Have tires mounted, balanced and installed by a licensed technician.
Used tires can save money, as long as they're in good shape. Take this checklist with you.
Check before you pay
- Size and type. Same size and load index as your door sticker. For winter use, look for the mountain and snowflake symbol.
- Age. Read the last 4 digits of the DOT code (week and year). Skip tires that are much over 6 years old, even if the tread looks good.
- Tread depth. Measure in several spots across each tire with a gauge. For winter tires, aim well above 5/32 inch. For all-seasons, well above 4/32 inch.
- Even wear. More wear on one edge or in the middle can mean the tire ran at the wrong pressure or on a car out of alignment.
- Sidewalls. Walk away from bulges, bubbles, deep cuts or lots of small cracks.
- Repairs. Ask if a tire has been patched. Repairs near the sidewall or shoulder are a red flag.
- A matching set. Try to buy 4 of the same model with similar tread depth.
- Ask where they came from. Tires stored inside, out of the sun, age better.
When to buy new instead
- The tires are old, mismatched, or close to the wear limit.
- You drive a lot of highway or rough winter roads.
- The price gap to new is small once you count how many seasons are left.
General buying information, not advice for a specific vehicle.
Want it looked after?
Hand wash and detailing on Grand Lake Rd, by appointment.