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How to Actually Make Money Selling Your Used Tires and Rims

That stack of old tires and rims sitting in your garage or yard is more than just clutter; it's a potential source of cash. People are always looking for affordable replacements for a damaged tire or a cost-effective way to upgrade their vehicle's look. However, selling used tires and rims requires more than just posting a blurry photo online. This guide will show you how to assess what you have, price it effectively, and find the right buyers to turn your used rubber and metal into real money.

Problem: Most People Don't Know How to Value or Market Used Tires

The biggest hurdles for sellers are a lack of knowledge and unrealistic expectations. Sellers often don't know how to inspect their tires for safety, determine a fair price, or find the most profitable sales channels. This leads to tires sitting for months with no interest, or worse, selling a potentially unsafe product.

Action Steps: From Clutter to Cash

Step 1: A Thorough Assessment of Your Tires

Honesty and detail are your best friends here. A buyer will inspect the tire, so be upfront about its condition.

• Clean Them Up: A little soap and water can make a huge difference.
• Measure Tread Depth: This is the #1 factor in a tire's value. A new all-season tire has about 10/32" of tread. A worn-out tire is at 2/32". Use a tread depth gauge or the penny trick. If the tread covers Lincoln's forehead, you have a highly sellable tire . State the tread depth in your listing (e.g., "7/32" of tread remaining").
• Identify the Exact Size and Brand: List the full size (e.g., P225/60R17) and the brand/model (e.g., Michelin Pilot Sport 4).
• Check the Date Code: Find the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture (e.g., "4020" is the 40th week of 2020). Tires over 6 years old are much harder to sell.
• Inspect for Damage: Carefully check for plugs, patches, sidewall bubbles, or cracks. A professionally patched tire is still valuable, but a tire with a sidewall bubble is unsafe and should be discarded, not sold .

Step 2: A Thorough Assessment of Your Rims (Wheels)

For rims, fitment is everything. You must provide the technical details, usually stamped on the back.

• Clean Them Thoroughly: Use a wheel cleaner to remove baked-on brake dust.
• Identify Key Specifications: Find the Diameter/Width (e.g., 18x8), Bolt Pattern (e.g., 5x114.3), and Offset (e.g., +45mm). If you can't find this, state the make, model, and year of the car they came from.
• Inspect for Damage: Be honest about curb rash, cracks, or bends. Take close-up photos of any significant cosmetic damage.

Step 3: Creating a High-Quality Listing

• Great Photos are Non-Negotiable: After cleaning, take clear, well-lit photos from all angles. Show the tread depth with a penny or gauge. Show close-ups of any rim damage.
• Write a Detailed Title: Don't just write "Used Tires." A good title is "4 Michelin Defender Tires - 225/60R17 - 7/32" Tread." For rims, "18-inch Honda Accord Sport Rims 5x114.3 Bolt Pattern."
• Be Descriptive: In the ad, include all the details you gathered in your assessment. List the cars the rims will fit if you know. This reduces the number of questions you'll have to answer.

Step 4: Choosing Your Sales Channel

• Facebook Marketplace: Highest profit. Large audience, but be prepared for lots of messages and lowball offers.
• Craigslist: Still a solid option for local deals, especially for buyers who prefer not to use Facebook.
• Local Tire Shops: Fastest cash. You'll get less money, but it's a quick and easy transaction.
• eBay: Best for rare, high-value, or vintage rims where you need a national audience. The cost and hassle of shipping make it a poor choice for most used tires.

Conclusion: Professionalism Pays Off

Selling your used tires and rims is a fantastic way to declutter and make some extra cash. The difference between a quick, profitable sale and a frustrating, fruitless effort lies in your approach. By taking the time to clean, inspect, accurately describe, and strategically price your items, you position yourself as a trustworthy seller and can justify a fair price. Treat it like a small business transaction, and you'll be surprised at how much value is hiding in your garage.