The Biggest Myths About Used OTR Tires

When people hear the term “used OTR tires,” they often assume they’re worn out, unreliable, or simply a temporary solution. In reality, a quality used OTR tire can provide excellent performance and significant cost savings when purchased from a reputable dealer.

Let’s separate fact from fiction by addressing some of the biggest myths about used OTR tires.

Myth #1: Used OTR Tires Are Unsafe

One of the most common misconceptions is that all used OTR tires are unsafe. The truth is that a properly inspected tire with plenty of usable tread can continue to perform reliably in demanding environments.

Reputable tire dealers carefully inspect used tires for structural integrity, tread condition, sidewall damage, repairs, and overall serviceability before offering them for sale.

The key isn’t whether a tire is used—it’s whether it has been professionally evaluated.

Myth #2: Used Tires Don’t Last Long

Many buyers assume they’ll only get a few months out of a used tire. While every tire has a different amount of remaining life, many quality used OTR tires still have years of productive service left.

Choosing a tire with sufficient tread depth and minimal wear can provide excellent value, especially for contractors looking to maximize their equipment budget.

Myth #3: Buying Used Means Sacrificing Performance

A used tire doesn’t automatically mean reduced performance.

Many heavy equipment owners purchase used tires after:

• Equipment upgrades
• Fleet reductions
• Project completions
• Tire size changes

In many cases, these tires still have substantial usable tread and perform exceptionally well in the right application.

Myth #4: Used Tires Always Cost More in the Long Run

While buying the cheapest tire available isn’t always the best decision, purchasing a quality used OTR tire can significantly reduce operating costs.

For many contractors, municipalities, mines, and construction companies, used tires offer:

• Lower upfront costs
• Faster return on investment
• Reduced equipment operating expenses
• More flexibility when managing fleet budgets

When inspected properly, used tires often deliver outstanding value per hour of operation.

Myth #5: All Used Tire Dealers Are the Same

Where you buy your tires matters.

A trusted supplier should inspect every tire before it’s offered for sale and provide honest information about its condition. Experienced dealers can also recommend the best tire based on your machine, application, and budget rather than simply selling what’s available.

Working with a knowledgeable supplier helps ensure you’re purchasing a tire that matches your equipment’s needs.

Myth #6: New Tires Are Always the Better Choice

New tires certainly have their place, especially for certain applications or demanding operating conditions. However, they’re not always the most economical solution.

If your goal is maximizing value without sacrificing reliability, a professionally inspected used OTR tire may be the better investment. Many businesses successfully operate fleets using a combination of new, used, and retread tires depending on the equipment and workload.

Finding Quality Used OTR Tires

Used OTR tires can be a smart investment when they’re purchased from an experienced supplier who understands heavy equipment applications. Instead of focusing solely on whether a tire is new or used, focus on its condition, remaining tread life, and suitability for your equipment.

At Goodall Tire, we carefully inspect every tire before it becomes part of our inventory. Whether you’re looking for used OTR tires, grader tires, loader tires, or other heavy equipment tires, our team can help you find the right option to keep your equipment working while staying within your budget.