If you’re looking to save a few bucks on your UTV maintenance, one of the first things you might think of is the tires. UTV tires can wear out quickly, especially if you spend a lot of time off-roading, and replacing them can become an expensive cost. So will buying used tires help you save? It’s not that simple. We’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about the pros and cons of used vs new tires and how to start shopping.
Let’s get started!
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Should You Buy New or Used Tires for Your UTV?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on what you’re looking for and what you need. In most cases, though, it’s a better idea to buy new tires for your vehicles since these tires don’t have any wear or tear, will last a lot longer, and will ensure your safety.
But that doesn’t mean used tires are completely out of the question. For some people, they might be a better choice.
Just be careful. To ensure you’re getting used tires that are also good quality, make sure you consider the following things before handing over your money.
Find out How Old They Are
The first thing you should do when shopping for used tires is to figure out their age and how many miles are on them. This will help you get a better idea of how much longer they’ll last. You should avoid tires that have sustained heavy use as they will affect the performance of your UTV.
Inspect the Tires
Give the tires a close examination to check for any signs of balding or damages. (We’ll go into more detail about the exact things to look for below.) It’s not worth buying tires that have seen better days, even if you plan to repair them. This added cost is often more expensive than just buying new tires in the first place.
Only Buy Use Tires If They’re the Right Fit for Your UTV
There are many different types of UTV tires out there—all different sizes, models, brands, etc. You should only buy used tires if they’re the correct fit for your vehicle. Trying to mix and match tires can create a safety risk and interfere with the function of your vehicle.
Don’t Settle for Less
Saving a bit of extra money on used tires isn’t worth putting your safety at risk. Don’t settle for tires that aren’t in good condition. If you spot any red flags, take your business somewhere else.
Make Sure You’re Really Saving Money
Will buying those used tires really help you save money? Sometimes buying used tires isn’t much cheaper than buying brand new ones. If this is the case, it might be worth investing a bit of extra money to get the new tires instead.
So Is Buying Used Tires a Bad Idea?
Not necessarily. If you take your time and do your research, you can find excellent used tires that’ll keep your UTV going and keep more money in your bank account.
You just have to be careful and know what you’re looking for before you start shopping. Rushing through the process could make you end up with a bad deal or dangerous tires.
Signs You Need to Replace Your UTV Tires
It’s a good idea to regularly check your UTV tires for signs of damage or wear and tear. If you spend a lot of time off-roading in your vehicle, get into the habit of inspecting them before every ride. This will help you catch any damages while they’re still small (easier, faster, and cheaper to repair) and help protect you from accidents or injuries.
Here are a few things to look for when examining your tires (and what you should look for when buying used tires, as well):
- Holes or punctures in the rubber (on any part of the tire)
- Bald spots
- PSI (all the tires should at least be within the pressure range)
- Cracks in the sidewall or between the treads
- Damaged or missing tread lugs
If you notice any of these things, you may want to repair them (or replace the tires) before you take your UTV for a spin. If you can’t do it right away, make sure you address the problems before your next drive.
Don’t overlook any of these warning signs.
Driving with any of these damages will increase the likelihood of tire failure, which can cause a minor or major accident. Your safety (and the safety of your passengers) should be your first property. It’s worth spending the extra money on tire replacements than paying off a hospital bill later.
Used vs New Tires: Picking the Best Option for Your UTV
When it comes to buying used vs new tires, there’s no one choice that is always best for every UTV owner. Spend some time thinking about how you plan to use your UTV, what you’re looking for in tires, your budget, etc. Once you come up with answers to these questions, you’ll be able to decide whether used tires are a good fit for your needs.
But do your research first! Otherwise, you could end up with bad tires that won’t carry your vehicle much farther before they give out.
Want to learn some other helpful advice for first-time UTV owners? Make sure you take a look at these common mistakes you should avoid when driving your UTV.
