What are the Pros and Cons of Using Cheap Tyres on Commercial Vehicles?

When it comes to your commercial vehicle’s tyres putting safety first is vital, but like tyre replacement on private cars, the debate about whether cheap used tyres or the more expensive, new alternatives are better still rages on. Read on to discover the pros and cons of using cheap tyres on commercial vehicles, and decide whether you are for or against for yourself!

Get the best possible price

Whether you are in charge of a full fleet or just a selection of commercial vehicles, budget will be at the forefront of any decision you make regarding maintenance. Used tyres are cheaper than buying new, and whilst the condition of unused can’t be rivalled, in many circumstances a used set provides a great alternative freeing up funds for extras, such as wheel alignment and balancing, to improve performance further.

Uneven wear that isn’t always visible

Assessing the condition of used tyres is only something that can be done by a qualified professional, and without this, you risk purchasing a tyre set that is cheap but also of poor condition. Uneven wear is particularly common when purchasing used tyres, and in many cases, damage can be difficult to spot without help from expert eyes.

If your budget simply doesn’t stretch to a new set of tyres, buy used tyres with caution, keeping an eye out for wear on the inside and outside grooves of the tyre, known professionally as ‘scalloping’.

Save money and the planet

Opting for cheaper, used tyres instead of shiny new ones is not only more economical, it’s also more environmentally friendly. Buying used over new prevents waste and ensures landfills across the country aren’t filled to the brim with used tyres that are in a perfectly usable condition.

Beware of previous patchwork

When tyres become damaged, patching offers a cost effective and convenient solution. Whilst tyres affected by low tread depth, run flat damage, secondary damage, ageing, bead damage or previous faulty repairs should be replaced not repaired, those buying used always run the risk of encountering previous patches. As well as buying from a reliable supplier, make sure you check tyres thoroughly for previous patches, bubbles and thin spots to prevent second-hand damage costing you in the future.

Whilst choosing used or new tyres for a commercial vehicle replacement is entirely up to you, educating yourself on spotting wear will ensure you can find cheap tyres without compromising on safety.