What Discount Tire offers in used tires

Discount Tire sells used tires at most of its locations, sourced from trade-ins when customers buy new sets. The used inventory changes constantly because tires come in as people upgrade. You can browse what's in stock at a specific store by visiting their website or calling the location directly — they do not hold inventory online or ship used tires to your home.

Used tires at Discount Tire are priced lower than new ones from the same brand and model, though the exact discount depends on tread depth, age, and condition. A tire with 6/32 of an inch of tread remaining costs less than one with 8/32, for example. Discount Tire inspects used tires before selling them and will not stock any with visible damage, dry rot, or sidewall cracks.

The company also sells used tires from its own fleet vehicles and from other sources, not only customer trade-ins. This means the selection may include brands and sizes beyond what walk-in customers have traded in that week.

Key Takeaways

  • Used tires at Discount Tire come mainly from customer trade-ins and are inspected before sale, but inventory varies by location and changes weekly.
  • You must visit or call a store to see what used tires are in stock, because they are not listed online or available for shipping.
  • Used tires carry the same warranty coverage as new tires purchased at Discount Tire, including road hazard protection if you pay for it.
  • Discount Tire will mount and balance used tires for a fee, the same as with new tires.

How to find used tires at your local Discount Tire

Call the Discount Tire location nearest you and ask what used tires they have in your size. Tell them the tire size from your vehicle's door jamb or current tires — it looks like "225/65R17" or similar. The staff member can tell you what brands, tread depths, and prices are available that day.

If you prefer to browse in person, visit the store and ask to see the used tire section. Some locations display them on a rack; others keep them in a back area. You can inspect the tread depth yourself using a penny test (insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down; if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow) or ask staff to measure it with a gauge.

Discount Tire locations are independently owned and operated, so policies and inventory vary. One store may have five used tires in your size while another nearby has none. Calling ahead saves a trip.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Used tire prices at Discount Tire depend on tread depth, age, brand, and condition. A premium brand like Michelin with 7/32 of tread costs more than a budget brand with 5/32. Tires manufactured more recently also tend to cost more than older stock, because rubber degrades over time even when unused.

You will not see the price online. Each store sets its own pricing based on what it paid for the used tire and local demand. Expect to pay 30 to 60 percent less than the new version of the same tire, though this varies widely. The only way to know the exact price is to call or visit.

Discount Tire does not charge extra to inspect a used tire before you buy it, and staff can explain why a particular tire is priced as it is.

Warranty coverage on used tires

Used tires purchased at Discount Tire come with a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the remainder of the tire's useful life. This is the same warranty that comes with new tires from Discount Tire. The warranty does not cover normal wear, punctures from road hazards, or damage from underinflation or overloading.

You can also purchase road hazard protection on a used tire for an additional fee. This covers punctures, impact breaks, and other damage from road hazards for a set period (usually one to three years, depending on the tire's age). Road hazard protection is optional and costs extra, but it can save you money if you hit a pothole or pick up a nail.

Keep your receipt. You will need it to make a warranty claim. Discount Tire's warranty is honored at any Discount Tire location nationwide.

Installation and balancing

Discount Tire will mount and balance a used tire you purchase from them for a fee. The cost is the same whether the tire is new or used. Mounting means fitting the tire onto the wheel rim, and balancing means adding small weights so the tire spins evenly and does not cause vibration.

If you buy a used tire but bring your own wheel to have it mounted on, Discount Tire can do that work as well, though you may pay a separate fee for mounting a customer-supplied wheel. Ask about pricing when you call or visit.

Installation typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You can wait in the store or come back later.

When used tires make sense and when they do not

A used tire is worth considering if you need a temporary replacement while you save for a full new set, if you have a puncture and only one tire needs replacing, or if you are on a tight budget. Used tires are also useful if you need an odd size that is expensive or hard to find new.

Avoid used tires if you drive long distances regularly, if you live in an area with harsh winters, or if you cannot afford to replace the tire again soon. A used tire with 5/32 of tread has less life remaining than a new tire, so you will need to replace it sooner. In wet or snowy conditions, tread depth matters for safety — tires with less than 4/32 of an inch of tread lose grip significantly.

If you are buying a used tire to replace one damaged tire on your vehicle, try to match the tread depth of your other tires as closely as possible. Mismatched tread depths can affect how your vehicle handles, especially on all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Alternatives to used tires at Discount Tire

If Discount Tire does not have a used tire in your size or condition, you have other options. Independent tire shops often stock used tires and may have different inventory. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp sometimes have used tires for sale locally, though you will need to inspect them yourself and arrange installation separately.

Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart also sell used tires at some locations, with similar pricing and warranty structures to Discount Tire. Call ahead to see what they have in stock.

If you need a tire urgently and used options are limited, buying a new budget-brand tire may cost less than you expect. Discount Tire can show you what new tires are available in your size and price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a used tire if I change my mind?

Discount Tire's return policy for used tires varies by location and whether the tire has been installed. Some stores allow returns within a certain number of days if the tire is unused and in original condition. Call the store where you purchased the tire to ask about their specific policy.

How old can a used tire be and still be safe?

Tires degrade over time even when not in use. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires 10 years after the date they were manufactured, regardless of tread depth. You can find the manufacture date on the tire's sidewall — it is a four-digit code in an oval, like "0821" for August 2021. Ask Discount Tire staff to show you the date before you buy.

What if a used tire goes flat after I buy it?

If the tire fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, the limited warranty covers it. If it fails due to a road hazard like a nail or pothole, road hazard protection covers it if you purchased that option. If neither applies, you pay for the repair or replacement. This is why road hazard protection can be worth the extra cost on a used tire.

Can I buy just one used tire or do I have to buy a set?

You can buy a single used tire. Discount Tire does not require you to purchase a full set. However, for safety and handling, try to match the tread depth of the tire you are replacing with your other tires as closely as possible.