When it comes to vehicles, the summer heat can be tough on tires. While you might desperately need a new set, these features can constitute a significant purchase. Luckily, you can purchase used tires for a discounted price. Lee Tire of Lexington, KY, is a proud supplier of pre-owned sets, but they want their customers to know what to look for before finalizing a purchase. With this in mind, consider the following do’s and don’ts to guide your used tire purchase.

Do:

Check the tread height.

By sticking a penny upside-down in one of the grooves of a used tire, you can determine how much wear the tread has endured. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, the tire has worn down too much, which may lead to skidding in the rain or a blowout on the road. Look for a used tire with only slight tread wear that’s even all around.

Buy the right tire for your vehicle.

By referring to the owner’s manual, you can find the size and type of tire that is manufacturer-recommended. When shopping for a used tire, make a selection within these categories. While it might be cheaper, choosing a tire that’s too big or too small for your vehicle could result in alignment and maneuverability issues.

Don’t:

Forget to factor in your driving habits.

Depending on how you drive, you may need a specific set of tires. For example, do you do a lot of stop-and-go driving in a town or city? Or do you take long commutes on highways and back roads? The places where you drive and the weather they experience can also affect your used tire choice—such as the difference between winter and all-season tires.

Buy an individual tire.

When you buy used tires, it’s important to replace the entire set in one go. Otherwise, one tire will be slightly different than the other three—even if it’s the same size and model. This will lead to uneven wear and you'll have to replace all the tires sooner. 

If you’re in the market for used tires, turn to Lee Tire for help finding the perfect set. They will guide to the ideal wheels for your vehicle to prevent blowouts and premature replacements. Call (859) 254-6157 for information about their Nicholasville and Lexington locations, and visit them online to learn about their tire installation services.