Facebook Marketplace Tires Lead to Costly Lesson
Online Tire Purchases Carry Significant Risks
A social media user’s recent experience highlights the potential pitfalls of buying used tires, particularly through online marketplaces like Facebook. What seemed like a bargain quickly devolved into an unexpected expense.
A Costly Gamble on Used Rubber
Wyatt (@wyattalton), a TikTok user, shared his cautionary tale about purchasing four used tires for $500. The seller claimed approximately 70% of the tread life remained, and a quick visual inspection by Wyatt seemed to confirm this, finding them “not too bad.”
video/7529584162362150199">@wyattalton
Please be careful, it's way to easy to get swiped. Be smart with your money or end up how I am with 4 unusable tires🤷♀️ #f150 #trucktok #fyp #rig #tires som original – 𝓔𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓪 ❥
Upon taking the tires to Discount Tire for mounting, a critical flaw was discovered: bulges on the tire crowns rendered them impossible to balance. Mechanics informed Wyatt that the tires were unsafe and recommended purchasing a new set.
“Don’t be a dumb[expletive] like I was and buy used tires off Facebook Marketplace,”
—Wyatt
He expressed his frustration, stating, “After wasting $500 on these, I had to buy new tires anyways. Don’t buy used [expletive] tires off Facebook Marketplace.” He urged others to be vigilant, adding in the caption, “Please be careful, it’s way too easy to get swiped. Be smart with your money or end up like I am with four unstable tires.”
The Hidden Dangers of Pre-Owned Tires
Buying used tires might seem like a way to save money, but it carries significant risks. According to Chapel Hill Tires, these include safety concerns, obscured histories, the absence of warranties, and potential for fraud.
Tire wear patterns are inherited from the previous owner. Even tires with seemingly good tread depth can possess internal damage or age-related deterioration. J.D. Power reports that old tires, which can develop internal cracks and separation of steel belts, are prone to failure and loss of vehicle control.
Furthermore, purchasing tires from private sellers means forfeiting any manufacturer warranty, leaving the buyer unprotected against defects.
Expert Advice and Consumer Caution
United Tires advises against buying used tires due to known safety issues. Minor damage can escalate into serious problems like tread separation or sidewall blowouts. While some individuals have reported positive experiences with used tires, verifying their true condition is difficult without professional inspection.
Consumer feedback on platforms like TikTok shows mixed reactions. Some users suggest that while big tire retailers might be strict with used tires, independent shops may be more accommodating. However, others caution that technicians at smaller shops might lack adequate training.
Ultimately, acquiring tires from sources like Facebook Marketplace is a gamble. While savings can be realized, the risk of ending up in Wyatt‘s situation—needing to purchase new tires shortly after a used tire purchase—remains substantial.
