Buying quality used tires starts with a reputable supplier

April 5, 2019
When it comes to inspecting used tires, a quick visual examination isn’t good enough. Any reputable used tire supplier will have a dedicated inspection team that is up-to-date on the latest standards.

When it comes to acquiring used tires for resale, quality is key. A lot of consumers are looking for used rather than new for the obvious reason of saving money. This has created a growing market for used tires. Whether a collision shop looking to fix damaged tires while keeping an estimate more affordable, or a service repair shop looking to replace worn tires, your shop could make a lot of money on used tire sales, but to get started, you need to find a supplier.

The key to consistent quality is the right supplier

There are a variety of options available, from huge importers to local suppliers. There are also some scrap tire recyclers that salvage the usable tires they collect. Regardless of what supplier you choose, you want to make sure you pick a reputable one. Here are some signs of a good used tire supplier.

They inspect their tires thoroughly

When it comes to inspecting used tires, a quick visual examination isn’t good enough. Any reputable used tire supplier will have a dedicated inspection team that is up-to-date on the latest standards. This type of knowledge takes training. Each tire should be examined in a detailed inspection process.

When vetting suppliers, ask them about their inspection process. Also clarify who does the inspections and what kind of training they have. If the supplier can’t give you confident, specific answers to your questions, don’t buy from them.

They have a variety of sizes and treads available

Experienced suppliers will carry a wide variety of sizes and treads. When considering vendors, be transparent with them about your exact needs. You may even be able to negotiate price. Tell them what sizes and treads you’ll need, and the quantities of each type.

They offer competitive pricing

Understand that suppliers need to make a profit too. That being said, you should see what kind of pricing a vendor’s competitors are offering. This will give you a good idea of whether you’re getting a fair price. Also take into account any minimum order requirements and order processing times.

They receive positive online reviews

Search for suppliers online and see if you can find them listed on established review sites like the Better Business Bureau or Yellow Pages. Don’t just look at the number of stars a supplier gets; read through the reviews. If none of them contain any comments, then the reviews may not be legitimate. It can also be informative to read the negative reviews, but you should take them with a grain of salt, as reviewers can sometimes get emotional and may exaggerate when this happens. If several different people are saying similar things, this is a good indication that the reviews have truth to them.

Thoroughly research potential suppliers

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to just a few vendors, talk to previous customers. Be sure to find customers who were satisfied and customers who were unsatisfied so that you get a complete picture of how each supplier manages their business.

There is an abundance of online databases, such as Alibaba.com, that exist to connect you to wholesale tire suppliers. However, these databases may not always be a great source to find credible vendors. While there are probably reputable companies listed on such sites, it’s best to establish a relationship with a supplier in your own country. Used tire safety laws can vary, and you want someone who has been operating in your country and is familiar with the laws. It’s also easier to vet your supplier if you’re close enough for an in-person meeting.

The importance of quality used tires

You know tire safety is important and you want to sell your customers quality used tires. Besides ensuring your customers are happy, there’s another vitally important consideration you need to take into account. You could find yourself facing a lawsuit if you were to sell a faulty or compromised used tire.

Many states are now passing laws banning the sale of unsafe used tires. What constitutes “unsafe” varies by state.

For example, a proposed bill in Texas defines an unsafe used tire as a “passenger or light truck tire that has tread less than one-sixteenth inch deep; has chunking, bumps, knots, or bulges evidencing cord, ply, or tread separation from the casing or other adjacent material; has exposed tire cords or belting material as a result of damage to the tire; has a repair to the tire in the tread shoulder, sidewall, bead area, or belt edge area; has a puncture that has not been sealed or patched on the inside with a cured rubber stem or plug that extends through to the outside surface does not clearly show the United States Department of Transportation tire identification number located on the sidewall of the tire; is subject to a manufacturer’s safety recall; has a puncture larger than one-quarter inch; or does not otherwise meet department safety standards under Section 547.101.”

Most of these bills aim to apply common-sense standards that tire dealers should already be following, but it’s important to be aware of any upcoming legislation and know the standards for tire safety in your state.

The thought of litigation can be frightening for any shop. One large settlement could potentially put you out of business, and then there’s the issue of negative press. How can shops protect themselves from lawsuits?

Inspect your used tires before selling

The best defense you have is to inspect each tire before you sell it. Besides visually inspecting it for defects and improper repairs, you should use an air test to look for leaks, examine tread depth, and judge the overall wear. It’s also a good idea to put the tires on yourself, rather than just selling them loose to the consumer. This way, you can ensure that they’re properly installed.

Inform the customer of the risks

Inform your customers about potential risks with used tires. Make sure they are aware of manufacturer guidelines for use. While there is no way to be completely certain a used tire won’t pose a safety hazard, if you do your due diligence and keep written records of the types of inspections performed on your used tires and what information is relayed to the customer, you should be protected in the case of a lawsuit.

Arkansas trial lawyer Tab Turner puts it succinctly: “All dealers in used products have to do is recognize that they are legally responsible if they distribute defective products, be honest and truthful to consumers, fully inform consumers of the known risks associated with the used product, inspect the product to ensure that it does not contain a defect, and make sure that all information provided by the manufacturer regarding usage are followed and relayed to the consumer.”

The used tire industry is growing. Now could be the perfect time for your shop to get into selling used tires. It’s vitally important that you choose a reputable supplier, inspect your tires before selling them, and inform each customer of the risks associated with used tires. It may be a bit of extra work for your shop, but the peace of mind will be worth it as well as the additional revenue.

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.