Buying Used Tires is Risky Business

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- After spending $1,000 on repairs, Paul Cox decided he would save a few dollars by purchasing used tires for the family's minivan.

"The price was $20 plus $5 to mount. It was a great deal," says Cox.

The deal was so good Cox purchased three tires and with them the scare of his life. Cox says, "One of the tires deteriorated while my wife was driving the van."

Cindy Cox says she was terrified.

"I was on the way to Adventure Landing with my children when the tire blew out after four days," says Cox.

She added, "The day before I was on the Interstate going 70 miles an hour, I don't expect them to be new tires, but I expect them to be safe."

The Cox purchased their used tires from one of the many used tire dealers on North Main Street. So did the Rogers Family. Their used tire lost its air 45 minutes after they purchased it and had it installed.

"I told them I wanted a good tire because I have kids, and I'm concern for their safety," says Altar Rogers.

The sidewall on the Rogers' seven-year-old tire was breaking down. The tires the Cox family purchased were identified by a new tire dealer as being 32 years old.

"I was upset," says Cindy Cox.

Steve Browning is an attorney who specialize in Tire Product Cases. "A tire that is 32 years old and still in circulation is rare," says Browning.

Browning says there are no industry standards, but vehicle manufacturers recommend tires be replaced every six years. He says with recycled or used tires, the life of a tire is unpredictable.

"Rubber breaks down, the heat, oxidation, all those things cause the rubber to lose its natural suppleness and it starts to crack and dry rot and it is a prescription for disaster," says Browning.

Browning says it is always difficult to tell where a used tire has been. He says, "What you find is they come from wrecked vehicles, junkyards, storage and they're put back into circulation."

His recommendation is to stay away from used tires, but if you have to buy, check its age and its condition before you buy. Since 2000, tires must have a four digit 'Born on Date' next to the letters DOT.

"The first two numbers are for the week it was made, the second two numbers are for the year," says Browning.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association issued a bulletin for consumers buying used tires.

The RMA says:

Do Not install used tires that have had punctures whether it is repaired or not.

Do not install used tires that have an indication of internal separation or bead damage, tires that have cracks, cuts or splits.

Do not install tires is the DOT identification number is defaced or removed.

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