You may find yourself wondering whether to buy cheap or used tyres, especially if you are on a budget. While we generally do not recommend choosing either, it's also true that, if you look carefully, you can always find a reliable option. When it comes to buying tyres you should focus more on quality instead of pricing. Thus, if you have to choose between a cheap tyre or an old, used one, we will still advise you to pick based on the overall quality these tyres seem to represent. For this, you can take the help of the following guide to make your decision. 

The Basic Difference Between Cheap Tyres and Used Tyres

Before you head out to buy Cheap Tyres Smethwick, you should learn the basic difference between a cheap tyre and a used one. There are many people who mistake a cheap tyre for a second-hand item. But this is not true. Cheap tyres, although of subpar quality, are still brand new. On the other hand, while it is possible to buy good-quality used tyres, with sufficient tread depth, most of the time, used tyres will be worse than cheap tyres.

Cheap tyres from unknown brands have low manufacturing and marketing costs, which results in their low prices. They do not offer state-of-the-art features and might be of subpar quality. But used tyres are generally tyres that have been used on a different vehicle. Thus, it will have a certain degree of wear and tear. Furthermore, used tyres might look good, visibly, but can have a varying degree of damage, tread depth, and quality. Thus, before you can ascertain the quality of a tyre, you should not make a decision solely based on pricing. Before purchasing either tyre, you should heed the following:

Prioritize Safety

You should always prioritize your safety above all. No matter how good a deal might appear, if the tyres are damaged, have a shallow depth, worn-out tread, bald patches, bulges, or cracks, you should directly avoid them. Tyres are a critical factor in your safety. They are in contact with the road and allow your car to move properly. Thus, if you buy subpar tyres, the chances of subsequent accidents can increase multiplefold. It is always better to spend a little more to ensure that your car will be safe on the road. This will not only save you from physical harm but also save you money in the long run as you will not have to go for frequent repairs and maintenance. 

Buy According To Your Driving Conditions

When you are buying tyres, you should not give in to any impulse purchase; rather, carefully examine your supposed driving conditions and choose tyres accordingly. If you encounter frequent harsh road conditions or unpaved roads, such as gravel, sand, mud, etc., then you should consider off-road tyres instead of normal ones. However, if you mostly commute to your place of work within the city, then you can consider all-terrain tyres. Similarly, if you do not travel as much, then you don't have to consider tyres that offer extra features such as fuel reduction or noise control. Still, a decent tyre with sufficient tread is a must. 

Factor In Longevity and Durability

You should also have a long view and consider tyres that can last for a while. Thus, prefer tyres that are durable enough and can last long. Towards this, you can still consider cheap tyres over the used ones, as they are new, and while they might not offer the same level of durability as premium tyres, they will certainly last longer than used ones. An average lifespan of a brand-new tyre is anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 miles. On the other hand, used tyres might only last 5,000 to 15,000 miles. 

Check The Quality of Tyres

We have always highlighted the importance of quality when picking tyres. Thus, you have to make sure that the tyres have sufficient tread depth, which is more than 1.6 mm, the legally allowed limit, and are devoid of any cracks and bulges. You can easily pick cheap tyres instead, as they will be new, and thus you won't have to worry about damage. However, if you are thinking of buying an old/used tyre, then you have to be extra careful and try to avoid tyres that show any signs of previous repairs, patchwork, or punctures. 

Compare Value To Money

We have always advocated for quality over pricing. However, if the choice is limited to either cheap tyres or used ones, you have to still consider the overall value for money these tyres might bring. While cheap tyres will still be costlier than used ones, you should still take long-term benefits into account. You can consider that cheap tyres since they are new, will help reduce your car’s fuel intake as they will have proper traction and reduce the stress on the engine. 

Check Warranties

You should also consider the warranties on the tyres before making a decision. Tyres are one of the most serviced components of a car. This is because they are in direct contact with the road and thus undergo wear and tear. However, with a warranty in place, you can save money on repairs and any tyre maintenance service. But with used tyres, that might not be the case. Thus, inquire about the warranties before you buy a tyre. Tyre warranties matter as they can help protect you in case of any incidents. 

Buy from Reputable Sources

Lastly, only consider buying tyres from trusted sources. You should find a reputable seller and buy tyres from them. This will ensure the quality of the tyres that you buy. If you are looking to buy cheap tyres you should consider authorized dealers, and for used tyres you can consider sellers that will provide warranties or any certification to prove quality.