Last Updated on 28.08.2024 by hrushetskyy

Selling your used tires is smart not only from a profit perspective but also because it hugely impacts environmental protection. Today, with impressive technological advancements, the tire retreading market is experiencing big growth and plays an important role in reducing landfill waste. If you’re looking for companies that buy used tires for retreading and reselling, you’re definitely on the right path. This Guide lists the major market players in both categories and gives you valuable tips on selling your used tires for the biggest profit. 

2024 U.S. market of retreaded tires

The U.S. retreading industry is booming, processing 13 million tires annually, and is estimated to grow by $815 million between 2023 and 2028! Leading companies actively invest in research and development, implement technological innovation, and set the stage for more growth. Retread tires are a safe and conscious choice that helps make our planet’s environment a little (or much?) better. Hazardous landfill waste, polluting soil, and water are significantly reduced, making our neighborhoods safer and more pleasant to live in.

What categories of tires can be retreaded? Pretty much all of them: summer, winter, all-season, truck, specialty—you name a few!

Who can sell tires to retread? Pretty much anyone. However, some buyers may only purchase in bulk, so read on to find the perfect one for you.

Leading companies in tire retreading

When it comes to tire retreading, several companies are leading the pack. Each caters to different market segments and tire types, from cars and sedans to heavy-duty trucks, including those with various tire rims. Let’s see who they are.

Retreading companies, direct purchasing from the U.S. drivers

A&A Tire &Wheel–all scrap tires
The company’s main office is in Dallas. It accepts tires of most types in relatively good condition. A seller should discuss the types and quantities of tires they have beforehand, as the company’s demand may change. After the firm’s staff inspects the tires, they will tell you the estimated price.

Corporate Tire–used semi-truck tires
The East Coast company buys used semi-truck tires of different sizes and conditions. It promises to salvage 60% of your old tires, even if they are considered scrap. However, Corporate Tire doesn’t accept tires that are damaged beyond repair. Their main focus is the US, but they also buy and sell worldwide.

Tire Management—used tires of certain sizes
The company buys only used tires that can be restored. It is interested in tires of certain sizes: find more details here. It will also purchase Dayton, Unimount, and Budd wheels without serious damage. The company buys tires in large quantities, and the price depends on the quality of the items a seller has.

Auto&Tire Works—all used tires and rims
This Denver-based company buys used tires and rims of all types and sizes. The tires must be in sufficient condition to be retreaded, and the rims don’t have to be irreparably damaged. The quantity of tires accepted depends on the type and demand, and so is the price.

Leading tire brands specializing in retreading

Corporate tire giants have established buyback programs that repurchase used truck tires from the market to repurpose them through retreading. These programs are not just environmentally driven; they offer cost-effectiveness benefits to the companies by reducing the need for producing entirely new tires, thus saving on raw materials.

  1. Bandag LLC, Bridgestone Corporation subsidiary

Bridgestone’s subsidiary, Bandag LLC, is prominent in the tire retreading market. With decades of experience, Bandag is known for its advanced retreading processes and high-quality retreaded tires. It primarily specializes in commercial and industrial vehicles.

  1. Michelin Retread

Michelin Group utilizes retreading as a key component of their tire lifecycle management. It employs retreading to maximize the tires’ lifespan while maintaining an industry leader’s highest performance and safety standards. Michelin’s focus on sustainability includes incorporating recycled materials into new tires and reducing waste.

  1. Goodyear Retread

Goodyear offers innovative retreading solutions, such as UniCircle® and Precure retreads. Spliceless UniCircle® retreads accent the uniformity and balance, and Precure retreads are focused on tires for various applications. 

Sell your used tires online: reliable platforms

Specialized websites

  • Tire-Trader.com
    Join this service to sell used truck tires and tire casings. It cooperates with many American and Canadian tire stores, buying and selling tires across both countries.
  • SellMyTires.com
    This is a classified ad listing site where you can post your own advertisement with a photo and a full description. The membership is free, and there are no limits on the type, size, or condition of tires.

Online marketplaces

  • eBay
    eBay offers to sell used tires in almost any condition for almost any purpose. Take good pictures of the item and write as much information as you can about its condition. Choose between two selling options—auction and buy-it-now (fixed price) – and wait for bids or an order.
  • Amazon
    Amazon offers a convenient selling process, and comparison rates for any tire model, and your item can be on the list. You can sell there as an Individual or a Professional: the two selling plans have different fees and features you will get in return.
  • Craigslist
    Craigslist works in a different way: you have to post a free ad for your item to get a seller’s attention. The service also provides convenient forums where you can discuss the used tires category.
  • Facebook Marketplace
    Convenient marketplace for selling pretty much everything, showing relevant categories of goods sold in your location. Log in to your account, click the Marketplace icon, and add a listing. 

Preparing your tires for reselling

Before you can sell your used tires, you need to prepare them for sale. The first step is to inspect them carefully. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Tread depth: Deeper treads indicate less wear and higher quality.
  • Visible damage or objects embedded in tires will deteriorate the tire’s condition and lower its resale price.
  • Uneven wear may reveal vehicle alignment or suspension problems, reducing the tire’s value and retread potential.
  • Age of the tire: Newer tires can add to a vehicle’s value, while older tires usually decrease it. 
  • Condition of the tire: Ensure the tires are in good condition with casings capable of withstanding the retreading process.

How to inspect tires before selling them?

To make sure someone would buy your tire, check they don’t have the following issues:

  • Holes, cracks, repairs on the casing
  • Cuts, excessive wearing, and other damage on the bead
  • Cord or wire exposure
  • Major cracks on any part of the tire.

Also, pay attention to:

  • The brand and model of the tire
  • The age
  • Whether the tire has been recalled.

Finding the right buyer

Once your tires are ready for sale, the next step is finding the right buyer. You can choose between local selling options or online websites that specialize in selling used tires.

For instance, Craigslist, which is popular in many cities, offers the benefits of cash selling, with payments, and avoiding shipping concerns due to in-person transactions. On the other hand, when selling used tires on eBay, it’s important to consider shipping by either offering local pickup or specifying that the buyer is responsible for shipping costs. Choose the platform that best suits your needs.

How to find companies that buy used tires near me? 4 Steps

  1. Look for local used tire buyers in local online resources or big databases like Retread.org. Keep in mind that some companies can help you with transportation, while others prefer to pay extra cash to those who bring in tires on their own.
  2. Call the companies you are interested in, discuss their conditions, and describe the tires you want to sell. Remember to negotiate the price per tire and the transportation to the facility.
  3. Sell in bulk. You want to make a good profit, so selling a few tires at once makes sense. Your initial research will help you determine the best buyer and the most attractive price.
  4. Partner with local tire shops. Partnering with local tire shops can be a great way to boost profits from selling used tires. They have a steady demand for used tires, so it makes total sense to pop in and discuss the potential deal.

How much do companies that buy used tires pay?

Your tire condition, suitability for popular vehicle models, and designation influence the price you can expect for a set of used tires. 

An average used passenger car tire with enough tread and no serious issues costs from $3 to $10, depending on its type and state. For example, if you possess a large truck tire or a highly demanded model of a tire manufactured by a good brand, you can expect to sell it for $40-$60.

To sum up, a full set of used tires may sell for up to $250 or even more, but the final price will be directly affected by the tire’s model, popularity, brand, age, and condition. 

Maximizing profits from used tire sales

Maximizing profits from used tire sales is all about strategy. Choose the right platform, set the right price, and create a compelling advertisement!

  1. Capture good pictures of the tires
  2. Write an accurate description to attract buyers’ attention
  3. Set a competitive price based on the condition of the tires
  4. Be responsive and promptly reply to inquiries

Environmental impact of tire retreading/reusing

Both tire retreading and reusing significantly lessen environmental pollution. We get tires’ extended lifespan, reduced energy consumption, and natural resource conservation.

The tire retreading process is less resource-intensive than the manufacturing of new tires. Therefore, it consumes less energy and lowers carbon emissions. Plus, it conserves oil, with each retread using approximately 14 gallons less oil than manufacturing a new tire.

Key benefits of retreaded tires:

  • Efficient use of otherwise wasted material: approximately 75% of their composition is post-consumer content.
  • Cost-effectiveness: retreaded tires are typically less expensive than new tires.
  • Comparable performance to new tires: these tires have similar traction and durability characteristics.
  • Safety and reliability: when properly maintained and inspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can used tires be sold? 

Yes, used tires can be sold for a fraction of the price of new tires, providing an economical option for buyers and a source of income for sellers.

Is there a demand for used tires? 

Yes. The global demand for tires is rising due to factors such as population growth and increased automotive industry activity, which suggests a potential market for selling used tires.

How much can used tires be sold for? 

Used tires can typically be sold for anywhere from $3 to $10 per tire, but the price can be higher for specialty or nearly new tires.

Can used tires be sold online?

Yes, you can definitely sell used tires online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. It’s a convenient way to find buyers and make some extra cash!

What factors affect the price of used tires?

The price of used tires is affected by factors such as their condition, suitability for popular vehicle models, whether they are specialty tires, and the selling platform. These factors can significantly impact the overall cost.

How can I maximize my profits from selling used tires?

To maximize your profits when selling used tires, choose the right selling platform, set a price based on fair market value, and create a compelling advertisement to attract potential buyers. Good luck!

What can I do with old tires that can’t be retreaded?

You can give old tires new life by repurposing them for use in your home, garden, or community projects. Instead of simply discarding them, consider donating them to creative reuse initiatives for alternative projects.

What is the environmental impact of tire retreading?

Tire retreading has a positive environmental impact as it reduces energy consumption, conserves oil, and minimizes the number of tires disposed of in landfills. This helps in conserving natural resources as well.

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