Introduction
If you’ve ever cleaned out your garage and stumbled across a stack of old tires, you might have asked yourself, “Will tire shops buy used tires?”
I found myself in exactly that situation a few months ago. I had four used tires in decent shape just sitting there, taking up space. I didn’t want to throw them away, but I wasn’t sure if they were worth anything either.
What I learned from that little project ended up being super helpful, and today, I’m going to share everything with you.
From where to sell used tires for cash, to how much you can expect, to what happens if your tires are too far gone — here’s the full story.
My Experience: Selling My Used Tires
It all started when I changed all four tires on my old Honda.
The original tires still had some life left — not perfect, but definitely not trash either. I thought, “Someone could probably use these.”
So, my first move was obvious: check if tire shops buy used tires.
I grabbed my phone and typed “tire shops that buy used tires near me” into Google.
A few local shops popped up, so I started calling around.
And here’s what I found: Some shops DO buy used tires — but they’re picky.
Do Tire Shops Buy Used Tires?
Yes, but not all of them.
Most used tire shops will only buy tires that:
- Have at least 50% tread left
- Aren’t older than 5–6 years
- Have no sidewall damage, punctures, or patches
- Match common sizes (the more popular the size, the easier to sell)
When I called around, about half the shops said they might buy my tires if they were in good shape.
Some others offered tire recycling instead, which is still better than dumping them illegally.
Tip: Always be honest about the condition of your tires when calling.
Tire Shops That Buy Used Tires Near Me
After a few phone calls, I found a small used tire shop about 20 minutes from my place.
They specialised in buying and selling second-hand tires.
The guy on the phone was super friendly. He asked:
- Brand of tires
- Size
- How much tread was left
- Any damages or repairs?
I answered everything honestly, and he said, “Bring them by I’ll take a look.”
Important: Not all shops will guarantee a buy over the phone.
They usually need to inspect the tires in person first.
Where to Sell Used Tires for Cash
Besides shops, there are a bunch of other ways to sell used tires for cash.
Here’s a simple table of what I found:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Used Tire Shops | Quick sale | Might pay less |
| Online Marketplaces | Better prices | Takes longer |
| Scrap Yards | Accept all tires | Low pay for damaged tires |
| Auto Shops | Some buy to resell | Not all shops participate |
| Direct Sale (Facebook, Craigslist) | Highest profit | Takes effort |
I ended up listing a second set of tires on Facebook Marketplace later.
It took about two weeks, but I got a better price there compared to what the shop offered.
We Buy Scrap Tires for Cash
Now, if your tires are worn out (like, barely any tread left), shops probably won’t want them.
But don’t worry some places run “We buy scrap tires for cash” programs.
Scrap buyers use old tires for:
- Playground surfaces
- Rubberized roads
- Mulch for landscaping
- Energy recovery
It’s not big money think $1–$5 per tire but it’s way better than paying someone to dump them!
In my case, one tire had a big sidewall bubble, so I took it to a scrap dealer who paid me $3 for it.
How Much Do Tire Shops Pay for Tires?
Let’s talk real numbers.
How much do tire shops pay for tires?
Here’s the range I found during my adventure:
| Tire Condition | Expected Pay |
| Like-New Tires (80%+ tread) | $20–$40 each |
| Good Condition (50%–79% tread) | $10–$25 each |
| Barely Usable (below 50% tread) | $5–$10 each |
| Scrap Tires (damaged) | $1–$5 each |
When I sold my Honda tires, the shop gave me $15 per tire — not bad for something I thought I’d have to toss!
Tire Recycling Near Me
If your tires are too old or damaged to sell, recycling is a responsible choice.
I found a “tire recycling near me” center listed by my city’s waste department.
Some recycling centers will even pick up old tires for a small fee. Others let you drop them off.
Fun fact: Old tires are being used for building materials now — pretty cool, right?
Recycling makes you feel good, keeps junk out of landfills, and sometimes even puts a few bucks in your pocket.
Used Tire Shop: An Easy Option
Looking back, selling to a used tire shop was the fastest and easiest move for me.
Sure, I might have gotten a few bucks more selling online.
But if you’re like me, and don’t feel like haggling with strangers, tire shops are the way to go.
A used tire shop knows what they’re looking for, gives you a quick price, and you’re done.
Final Thoughts
So, will tire shops buy used tires?
Yes but not every shop and not every tire.
If you’ve got decent tread left and the tires aren’t ancient or damaged, there’s a good chance you’ll get some cash.
If not, you still have options like scrap buyers, recyclers, or selling directly online.
From my own experience, calling around first saved me a lot of wasted trips, and getting those old tires out of my garage felt amazing. (Not to mention a little extra money in my pocket!)
Next time you’re wondering where to sell used tires for cash, remember:
You’ve got more choices than you think — and some of them are pretty sweet.