InfiniteNothing

Hey guys, I got an unrepairable flat in one of my tires and I'm at like 50% tread. They don't make that model tire anymore so I was thinking of buying a used tire (I can inspect in person) of that model. Is this a bad idea? My biggest concern is I don't want to risk the performance of the car by having one tire that has more or less grip than the rest of them.

Any advice?

In case you're wondering 07 Mazda MX5 205/45R17 Pilot Preceda 84W

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Prngr44

If the used tire has a lot more tread than the others, it'll wear down more quickly and may cause your others to wear down faster as well.

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renovation

i dint like putting used tires on my cars. as you usually dont know what side the used tire was on the old car. and that could break the belts in the tire .
more info below -
It is advisable not to mix different tire sizes or brand tires on the same axle, if not indicated by the tire or vehicle manufacturer, but use identical ones so as to keep the stability and safety of your vehicle.
The mixing of snow tires with summer, all season tires, of run-flat tires with non-run-flat tires on the same vehicle is not recommended under any circumstances.

If all tires of your vehicle get worn simultaneously, a new set of tires is required. This is important in order to keep the handling balance that is engineered into the vehicle, while restoring poor weather fraction. You can purchase the exact same set proposed by you vehicle manufacturer, or a similar alternative. The tire size, tread pattern, compound of the tire, and the performance category should be identical as the original tires.

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mechmike0034

The trick will be finding a suitable tire. You might look at car-part.com or LKQ and see if you can find one, even if it is mounted on a wheel. Boneyards don't like to break tires down off of wheels - they can get more money with less labor cost selling them mounted. Try your local Craigslist also. Maybe you'll get lucky...


Horse-puckey! From the Tire Industry Association:


I have 25 years in automotive service, the first five of which were spent working for a locally-owned chain of franchised Firestone stores, and I will tell you that I have never seen a ply separation of a radial automobile tire because the direction of rotation was changed.

Tire rotation procedures recommend cross-rotation where possible to even out wear.

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mechmike0034

You're saying that if he finds a used match with, say 75% depth it'll wear faster and may cause the other three tires (which are currently at ~50% tread depth) to wear faster?

Please elaborate as to how this happens and the cause of this rapid wear. I am a little skeptical.

cheapie

and that is why we love having you here mechmike!

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Markel

He has been a friend in times of need, indeed!

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InfiniteNothing

Actually I've already found a few in the exact size and model. I suspect that many people get replace perfectly good tires when they encounter a situation like my own. I'll arrange a meeting with the seller tomorrow if I can.

mechmike0034

You don't keep me around for my math skills - that's for damned sure...

mechmike0034

Cool - just be sure to check the tire thoroughly inside and out. If you have choices as stated, you should pass on anything that has been repaired. A patch or plug on the inside will be obvious.

mechmike0034

Like the old-school "fillin' station", advice, air and water are all free... I am happy to help. I take it you got home OK? Let me know what the final diagnosis is.

renovation

i just learned something ! and glad to know im been wrong this may save me $$$ down the road - on my old work truck for sure as its in need of tires and i just cant see dropping a ton into it .

LPMiller

I'd just say make sure the used tire isn't too old - check the build date on the tire.

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Prngr44

I always thought it could throw the other tires off a little as well causing the wear pattern to shift on those too?

I have ZERO automotive experience outside of oil changes and brakes and I have NEVER worked in the auto industry. Just going by the old "I always heard" thing.

mechmike0034

You can hear most anything if you listen... In short, you have been misinformed.

Generally, minor diameter variations between tires aren't a problem until there is enough of a difference to cause anti-lock brake, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive issues. Most modern ABS and traction / stability control systems measure the number of tire revolutions per mile. They have a programmed limit as to how much of a diameter difference between the four tires they'll tolerate before turning a warning light on or causing a problem.

Think about it... how often do all four tires wear at exactly the same rate to exactly the same tread depth all the way across the width of the tread contact patch in the real world?