Buying used tyres and alloys

Hi,

I'm going to pick up a set of used freelander alloys with a set of nearly new tyres. I was wondering what I should look out for when I pick them up? Is there anything to watch in terms of damage/wear. Is there anything to check on the alloys?

The tyres are General Grabber TR 215/80/r15 - has anyone any experience of these? I intend to use them for general road use.

Many Thanks.

Make sure the tyres have air in

Oh, and make sure the alloys are circular in shape

strange_days said:

Make sure the tyres have air in

Oh, and make sure the alloys are circular in shape

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Any particular method for checking circularity? (if that is a real word).

Get the biggest dinner plate you have in your kitchen, lay it down on a piece of card and draw around it. Lay the alloy on top of it, if its the same size or smaller then you've bought wheels for an RC landy

Roll them down a hill, if they veer off to one side they are duff

strange_days said:

Roll them down a hill, if they veer off to one side they are duff

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funny.

mattiker said:

Hi,

I'm going to pick up a set of used freelander alloys with a set of nearly new tyres. I was wondering what I should look out for when I pick them up? Is there anything to watch in terms of damage/wear. Is there anything to check on the alloys?

The tyres are General Grabber TR 215/80/r15 - has anyone any experience of these? I intend to use them for general road use.

Many Thanks.

Matt

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Christ where to start

I'd never buy second hand tyres. BUT. If I absolutely had to, at the very least.
I'd want to know why they were for sale.
I'd want to know how old they were.
I'd check they were all the same tread pattern and if they weren't I'd walk away.
I'd want to make certain that they hadn't been kerbed so I'd check the rims for evidence of that and if there was a dink in the rim I'd walk away.
I'd also check for even wear and I believe as even as possible tread depth is important for Freebies.
Lastly I'd check the side walls for cracking, bulging and cuts. Pay close attention for any evidence of repairs either in the side walls or in the tread.
In short if there is any doubt at all about anything other than perfect condition tyres (other than normal wear). Walk away!

As for the alloys
See above. even the slightest hint of being kerbed I'd walk away.

Even if the tyre looks perfect you cannot see if it is internally damaged.
Even if the wheel looks perfect you may not be able to see stress fractures.

It's your call.
If you have no children and or never venture on to a Motorway..............

Bromsgrove Defender said:

Christ where to start

I'd never buy second hand tyres. BUT. If I absolutely had to, at the very least.
I'd want to know why they were for sale.
I'd want to know how old they were.
I'd check they were all the same tread pattern and if they weren't I'd walk away.
I'd want to make certain that they hadn't been kerbed so I'd check the rims for evidence of that and if there was a dink in the rim I'd walk away.
I'd also check for even wear and I believe as even as possible tread depth is important for Freebies.
Lastly I'd check the side walls for cracking, bulging and cuts. Pay close attention for any evidence of repairs either in the side walls or in the tread.
In short if there is any doubt at all about anything other than perfect condition tyres (other than normal wear). Walk away!

As for the alloys
See above. even the slightest hint of being kerbed I'd walk away.

Even if the tyre looks perfect you cannot see if it is internally damaged.
Even if the wheel looks perfect you may not be able to see stress fractures.

It's your call.
If you have no children and or never venture on to a Motorway..............

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Thanks for the advice.

It's interesting to point out though that I bought the car second hand - so the alloys on it are also second-hand - as are the tyres that are currently being used. Cant say I've ever scrutinised the tyres or alloys that closely on any second hand car I've ever bought. Not sure the scare tactic re children and motorways is completely needed....but I take your point.

I will find out why they are for sale. I believe I can find out the age of the tyre from the DOT mark (last 2 digits indicate the year of manufacture). As you advise I will be walking away if in any doubt.

Thanks again.

mattiker said:

Not sure the scare tactic re children and motorways is completely needed....but I take your point.

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Scare tactics? :hippie:

Just playin devils advocat


But I take your point

Bromsgrove Defender said:

But I take your point

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How much d'ya charge?

strange_days said:

How much d'ya charge?

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Not enough to entertain strange Surryshire folk

Early alloys won't fit later Freelanders so check before buying if yours is after 2000!

I obviously cant comment on the state of the alloys or the actual tyres fitted to the rims but I can confirm that Grabber AT's are a fantastic tyre both on road & off.

Slightly increased road noise but that about it, work really well in mud etc

OK. I've got them. They looked to be in excellent condition. Alloys are identlical to the ones currently fitted to my freelander so hopefully no problems there. Only a few very minor scuffs and scratches on the alloys - better condition than ones already fitted.

Tyres have no signs of any repairs, not much sign of use, loads of tread. All 4 are more or less even in terms of tread.

My main reservations are:

- They seemed to have some oily substance applied to the outside wall to make them look blacker and newer. No idea what it actually was but I've had a go at cleaning it off. I've seen cars on car dealer forecourts with similar stuff applied- but I've never touched it and didn't expect it to feel greasy. Grease and tyres - bad combo. Even if only on side-wall I dont feel good about it.

- Other thing - the DOT code reveals they were made in 37's week of 2006. Which makes them nearly 6 years old. Which I think is borderline of generally accepted age for tyres....that said there is no sign of any cracking or deterioration that I can see. Also makes me wonder what they've been up to for the past 6 years???

I may run them for a year and then change them.

I paid £150 for all 4....which I think is a good deal - even if I only end up using the alloys for a spare set of tyres. Shoot me down if you disagree - from my reading of other forums, second-hand tyres is a controversial subject.

Your opinions and help are much appreciated.

what year is your Freelander?

Check for embedded nails in the tread and side walls.

Check for side wall tears and rips and rubber cracking.

Check the speed of the tyres - front/ back - suitable for your vehicle ~ ?

Check the valves on each tyre aren't leaking when moved side to side.

Check the alloy casting for hairline cracks on the insides and around the wheel bolt insertion areas - remove dirt to see properly.

Any cracks would indicate possible past 'kerbing' !

Check for balancing weights on the inner alloy wheel rims.

Lastly check they actually fit or are designed for your vehicle!

Freelaner said:

what year is your Freelander?

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I'll check later but I suspect the rear tyres currently in use are possibly as old as the car - they are borderline legal. Hence my new purchase.

mattiker said:

2002. I'll check later but I suspect the rear tyres currently in use are possibly as old as the car - they are borderline legal. Hence my new purchase.

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the alloys should fit ok then

tsam19 said:

Check for embedded nails in the tread and side walls.

Check for side wall tears and rips and rubber cracking.

Check the speed of the tyres - front/ back - suitable for your vehicle ~ ?

Check the valves on each tyre aren't leaking when moved side to side.

Check the alloy casting for hairline cracks on the insides and around the wheel bolt insertion areas - remove dirt to see properly.

Any cracks would indicate possible past 'kerbing' !

Check for balancing weights on the inner alloy wheel rims.

Lastly check they actually fit or are designed for your vehicle!

Click to expand...

Thanks - that's a good list of things to check. Fairly sure they would pass all your checks but I'll give them an even closer inspection later particularly for any sing of hairline cracks. I did notice that non of them had balance weights - so I'm probably going to need to get them done.

Years back I bought a set of old alloys for a volkswagen - they were actually pretty crap. Probably wouldn't have used them knowing what I know now.

Try bolting one on front first, as if they are the wrong offset (old style on post 2000 freelander) they will lock up against the calliper , if you bolt on rear they will still turn but wont be seated on centre of wheel !!!