New car tyres vs Second-hand tyres: Which are the best?

You've taken your car in for its service, and the results are in. You need to replace all four tyres in order to pass your MOT.

However, payday is three weeks away. What do you do?

Replacing your tyres with a second-hand (or part-worn) set may be tempting. You save money, and you can scrape your car through its MOT for another year. But second-hand tyres can be more trouble than they're worth.

Here's why you should always invest in new.

1. New tyres are safer

83% of second-hand tyres fail to meet legal minimum standards, with 58% having serious safety defects.

Second-hand tyres come with wear and tear. While some of this wear and tear might be obvious, for example, a worn tyre tread, other damage may not be as apparent. This can make buying second-hand tyres a gamble. 

New tyres come in pristine condition, meaning they have better grip on the road and ensure you stay safe when the road is wet.

2. New tyres provide better performance

When you replace your tyres, you expect your car's performance to improve. However, this is not necessarily the case with second-hand tyres, especially if they're worn, patched up, or have been repaired.

New tyres are designed to offer high durability and exceptional performance. This means you see improved fuel economy, better mileage, and experience a more comfortable drive.

3. New tyres are more economical

At first glance, a set of second-hand tyres may seem like a bargain; however, this can be a false economy.

As second-hand tyres are in poorer condition to start with, they won't last as long, meaning you need to replace them sooner. 

Plus, new tyres typically come with a warranty from either the manufacturer or retailer. This means that if something goes wrong with your tyres, you can usually get them replaced at no extra cost. 

You don't get this warranty with second-hand tyres, meaning that if they fail, you have to pay for replacements.

4. New tyres are tailored to your specific needs



Let's say you go to the scrapyard to see which second-hand tyres are on offer. You're not going to get a lot of choice, meaning you might get a tyre that's not the perfect match for your vehicle.

When you buy new, you get a lot more flexibility. You can choose the tyre model and brand of your choice, as well as any additional features. For example, if you want a directional tyre tread that provides better handling in muddy conditions.

At Ablefit we have over 4,000 different tyres on offer, so you'll be spoilt for choice!

Remember that if you're looking for affordable, high-quality new tyres across the Bristol area, Ablefit is here to help. Check out our extensive range and book your fitting appointment online.