Tire Trade-in: How Much Credit Do Tire Stores Give For Used Tires?

If you’re looking to trade in your old tires for some new ones, you’re probably wondering just how much credit tire stores will give you. The answer? It varies. Some stores offer a set amount of credit for each type of tire, while others take into account the brand and condition of the tires.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what factors go into determining how much credit a store will offer for used tires, as well as some tips on how to get the most value for your trade-in!

Key Takeaway

• Tire stores typically offer between $10-$60 in store credit for slightly used tires, although the exact amount can vary depending on the condition and type of the tires.
• Worn tires can negatively affect the trade-in value of a vehicle as they are a safety concern and most dealerships will deduct from the trade-in value if new tires are needed.

How Much Credit Do Tire Stores Give For Used Tires?

If the tires meet the store criteria, then a trade-in credit may be available. For example, a smaller passenger tire in good condition may be worth $30, while a larger truck tire in poor condition may only be worth $15. The credit can then be applied towards the purchase of new tires.

Most tire stores will give you a credit for your used tires, but the amount of credit varies depending on the store. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to bring your tires into the store and ask. Generally, the credit is based on the type of tire, its condition, and its size.

A good used tire should have a tread depth of at least 4/32 of an inch. The tire should also be free of any cracks, cuts, or punctures. If the tire has been repaired, the repair should be done professionally and should be no more than 2 inches in diameter.

The sidewalls of the tire should be free of any bulges or deformities. Finally, the tire should be properly inflated. When inspecting a used tire, it is important to keep these criteria in mind.

Most tire shops will buy used tires if they are not more than three years old, the tires have no visible damages(tears), and the tires pass a company criteria test which each shop has.

Some stores also have special trade-in promotions where you can get an additional discount on new tires. So if you’re looking to upgrade your tires, be sure to check with your local tire store to see how much credit they’ll give you for your old ones.

See also: What Would Cause a Back Tire To Lock Up? (Explained!)

Do Worn Tires Affect Trade-in Value?

Worn tires indeed impact the trade-in value of a vehicle, as they represent potential additional costs for the dealership and safety concerns for future owners.

When assessing a vehicle’s trade-in value, dealerships consider several factors, including the condition of the tires.

Tires in poor condition or showing significant wear can decrease the trade-in value. This is because worn tires are seen as a liability.

They may pose safety risks and will likely need to be replaced before the vehicle can be resold, which adds to the dealership’s costs.

As a result, the dealership may offer less for a vehicle with worn tires to offset these additional expenses.

It’s always a good idea to ensure your tires are in good condition before attempting to trade in your vehicle to get the maximum possible value says Viking Motors.

Factors That Affect The Amount of Store Credit Given For Used Tires

The amount of store credit given for used tires is influenced by factors such as the tire’s condition, brand, size, and the store’s specific policies.

Tire Condition

The condition of a tire significantly impacts its trade-in value. Tires in excellent condition, with plenty of tread remaining and no signs of damage or excessive wear, can command higher trade-in values. Conversely, tires that are worn out or damaged will likely have minimal trade-in value, if any.

Tire Brand

The brand of the tire can also affect the amount of store credit you may receive. Premium brands tend to hold their value better than budget brands, meaning you could potentially get more credit for a used tire from a well-known, reputable manufacturer.

Tire Size

Tire size can play a role in determining the trade-in value of a used tire. Larger or specialty tires may fetch a higher trade-in value because they often cost more to purchase new. On the other hand, smaller or more common tire sizes might bring in less credit.

Store Policies

Finally, each tire store has its own policies regarding trade-ins. Some stores may offer more generous trade-in values than others.

Additionally, some stores may only accept certain types of tires for trade-in, or they may have specific requirements regarding the condition of the tires they will accept. It’s always best to check with the store directly to understand their particular policies.

Why Is Tire Trade-In Value So Low?

Tire trade-in value is typically low due to factors like an oversupply of used tires in the market, the cost-effective ability of dealers to replace tires, and the condition of the tires.

Oversupply of Used Tires

The value of used tires in the trade-in market is significantly influenced by supply and demand. There’s an oversupply of used tires on the market, which naturally drives down prices.

With a vast number of used tires available, buyers have numerous options, making it challenging to secure a high price for your used tires.

Dealers Can Replace Tires More Cheaply

Car dealerships often have partnerships or bulk deals with tire manufacturers or distributors, allowing them to replace tires at a lower cost than individual car owners.

This means that they may not value the condition of your tires as highly as you might expect when considering a trade-in, as they can easily and cheaply replace worn or substandard tires.

Condition of the Tires

The condition of your tires also plays a significant role in determining their trade-in value. If your tires are worn out, damaged, or not suited for the season (like winter tires in summer), their value decreases.

Dealerships must consider the safety and usability of the tires for future owners. Worn or damaged tires will need replacement, which is a cost that dealerships will likely factor into their trade-in offer.

Profit Margins

Finally, dealerships are businesses seeking to maximize profits. When they provide a quote for a trade-in, they’re looking to make a profit on the resale.

If they quote a high price for the trade-in, it could reduce their profit margin when they resell the vehicle. Therefore, they might quote a lower trade-in value to increase their potential profit.

How Do I Sell My Set of Tires?

Selling a set of tires involves preparing them for sale, determining a fair asking price, advertising the sale, and negotiating with potential buyers.

Preparing Tires for Sale

Before you sell your tires, ensure they are in good condition to attract buyers. Clean them thoroughly to remove dirt and grime, highlighting their best features.

Check for any damage or excessive wear that could reduce their value or interest to potential buyers. If necessary, have them professionally inspected to assure buyers of their quality and safety.

Determining a Fair Asking Price

Investigate the current market to determine a fair asking price for your tires. Consider factors such as the brand, size, type (all-season, winter, summer), tread depth, and overall condition.

Compare your tires to similar ones currently for sale to get an idea of what buyers might be willing to pay. Remember, your asking price should be competitive but also fair to both you and the buyer.

Advertising the Sale

Promote your tires through various channels to reach potential buyers. Online platforms like social media groups, online classified websites, and auto parts forums can be effective places to list your tires for sale. Be sure to include clear photos and detailed descriptions in your ads to attract serious inquiries.

Negotiating with Potential Buyers

Once you start receiving inquiries, engage with potential buyers professionally. Be prepared to negotiate on the price, but also know your bottom line.

Provide potential buyers with as much information as possible about the tires, and be honest about their condition. This will build trust with the buyer and increase the chances of a successful sale.

FAQs

Do tire shops give store credit for slightly used tires?

Some tire shops may offer store credit for slightly used tires, but this is not a universal practice. The amount of credit you can receive can vary widely, typically ranging from $10 to $60 per tire depending on the condition, brand, and size of the tires.

Do all tire stores offer trade-in credits for used tires?

No, not all tire stores offer trade-in credits for used tires. Some stores may charge fees to recycle old tires instead. It’s best to check with the specific store about their policies regarding used tires.

Can I get a trade-in credit for used tires at Discount Tire?

Discount Tire may offer trade-in credit for used tires if certain criteria are met. However, the exact terms and conditions can vary, so it’s recommended to reach out to your local Discount Tire store for specific information.

Is it better to sell used tires myself or trade them in at a tire store?

In some cases, you might get more money by selling your used tires yourself, such as through an online marketplace. However, trading them in at a tire store can be a convenient option if the store offers a reasonable amount of credit.

Does the amount of credit offered for used tires vary by tire size?

Yes, the amount of credit offered for used tires can vary based on their size. Larger or specialty tires may fetch a higher credit amount than smaller or common sizes.

Can I expect to receive a significant amount of credit for my used tires?

Most tire stores do not offer substantial credit for used tires. The amount you can receive will likely be significantly less than the cost of new tires. However, some credit is better than none, especially if the alternative is paying a fee to dispose of the tires. Always check with the specific store to understand their policy.