When buying a used vehicle, it is easy to focus on the things you can see immediately — the paint, interior, touchscreen and overall appearance. But some of the most important parts to inspect are the ones responsible for keeping you safely on the road: the tyres and brakes.
Worn tyres or poorly maintained brakes can turn a seemingly good used-car deal into an expensive repair bill. More importantly, problems with either can affect the vehicle’s safety.
So, how do you check the tyres and brakes on a used vehicle? Start by inspecting the tyre tread, sidewalls, wear pattern, age and pressure. For the brakes, look for warning signs such as grinding, squealing, vibration, pulling to one side or a soft brake pedal. If anything looks or feels unusual, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before buying it.
A few minutes of careful checking can tell you a lot about how well a used vehicle has been maintained.
Why should you check tyres and brakes before buying a used car?
Tyres and brakes are wear components. They naturally deteriorate as a vehicle is driven, and replacing them can be expensive depending on the vehicle.
A seller may have cleaned and polished the car so it looks excellent, but that does not tell you how much life is left in the tyres or brake components.
For example, a car with four nearly worn tyres and brakes approaching the end of their service life could require a substantial amount of work soon after purchase.
That cost should be considered when deciding what the vehicle is really worth.
How do you check the tyres on a used vehicle?
Start with a visual inspection of all four tyres.
Do not inspect only the front tyres. The rear tyres can be in a very different condition, particularly if the vehicle has experienced alignment or suspension problems.
Look at:
- Tread depth
- Uneven wear
- Cracks
- Bulges
- Cuts
- Punctures
- Sidewall damage
- Tread condition
- Tyre age
- Matching tyres
Compare all four tyres rather than assuming they are in similar condition.
How much tyre tread should a used car have?
In Australia, tyres must meet legal requirements regarding tread depth and overall condition. A commonly referenced minimum tread depth for light vehicle tyres is 1.5 mm across the required tread area, but you should not wait until a tyre reaches the legal limit before replacing it.
A tyre can have legal tread remaining while still being old, damaged or unsuitable for safe driving.
Many tyres have tread-wear indicators built into the grooves. These can provide a quick visual indication of how close the tyre is to the end of its usable tread.
If the tread is approaching the indicators, budget for replacement rather than assuming the tyres are good for many more kilometres.
How can you tell if tyres are worn unevenly?
Uneven wear can provide clues about the vehicle’s alignment, suspension or previous maintenance.
Run your hand gently across the tread and look at the pattern.
Watch for:
- More wear on one edge
- More wear in the centre
- Feathering across the tread
- Cupping or scalloped wear
- Different tread levels between tyres
For example, excessive wear on the inside edge of a tyre could indicate an alignment or suspension issue.
Uneven wear does not always mean there is a serious mechanical problem, but it is worth investigating before buying the vehicle.
Should all four tyres match?
Ideally, tyres should be appropriately matched for the vehicle and fitted in a suitable configuration.
It is possible to find a used car with different tyre brands or tread patterns, particularly if individual tyres have been replaced over time.
Different tyres are not automatically a reason to walk away, but significant differences between tyres may warrant closer inspection.
For some vehicles, particularly those with all-wheel drive, tyre matching can be especially important.
If you are unsure, ask a tyre professional or mechanic whether the current setup is appropriate for that particular vehicle.
How do you check the age of a tyre?
Tyres have a date code on their sidewall that can help identify when they were manufactured.
The exact marking can vary, but many tyres use a four-digit date code. The first two digits represent the production week and the last two represent the year.
For example, a code ending in 2319 would generally indicate production in the 23rd week of 2019.
Age does not automatically make a tyre unsafe, but older tyres deserve closer inspection because rubber can deteriorate over time.
If a used vehicle has very old tyres, even with reasonable tread remaining, consider having them professionally assessed.
What does cracking on a tyre mean?
Cracks in the tyre sidewall or tread can indicate deterioration.
Small surface cracks can develop as rubber ages and is exposed to sunlight, heat and environmental conditions. More significant cracking can indicate that the tyre should be replaced.
Do not ignore visible cracking simply because the tread looks good.
If you notice cracks, especially deep or extensive ones, have the tyres inspected before driving the vehicle regularly.
How do you check for tyre damage?
Look closely at each sidewall and the tread.
Check for:
- Cuts
- Bulges
- Punctures
- Exposed cords
- Embedded objects
- Sidewall damage
- Previous repair marks
A bulge in the sidewall can indicate internal structural damage and should be treated seriously.
If you see a significant tyre defect, do not assume it is safe simply because the tyre is holding air.
What tyre pressure should a used car have?
Check the recommended tyre pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
You can usually find this information on a label inside the driver’s door area or in the owner’s manual.
Do not rely solely on the number printed on the tyre itself, as that may indicate a maximum pressure rather than the vehicle’s recommended operating pressure.
Incorrect tyre pressure can affect handling, braking, fuel consumption and tyre wear.
If you are inspecting a used car, checking the pressures can also give you an idea of whether the seller has been maintaining the vehicle properly.
Can tyre condition tell you how a car was driven?
Sometimes.
Tyres can provide clues about the vehicle’s previous use.
For example, heavy or uneven wear may suggest alignment, suspension or driving issues. Very worn front tyres on a front-wheel-drive car may simply reflect normal wear, but they still need to be assessed.
You should not make assumptions based on tyre condition alone.
Instead, use it as one part of the overall inspection.
A vehicle with worn tyres, uneven suspension wear and poor maintenance records deserves more scrutiny than a vehicle with evenly worn tyres and a well-documented service history.
How do you check the brakes on a used car?
Start by looking through the wheels if the brake components are visible.
You may be able to see the brake disc and part of the brake pad.
Look for obvious problems such as:
- Deep grooves in brake discs
- Heavy corrosion
- Cracks
- Uneven disc surfaces
- Very thin brake pads
- Brake fluid leaks
- Excessive rust
A visual inspection cannot tell you everything about the braking system.
The best way to assess brakes is to combine a visual inspection with a careful test drive and professional inspection.
How do you know if brake pads are worn?
Brake pads become thinner as they are used.
On some vehicles, you can see the pad material through the wheel spokes. However, visibility varies considerably between vehicles.
Some brake pads also have wear indicators that alert the driver when replacement is approaching.
If you cannot clearly see the pads, do not try to guess their condition.
A mechanic can inspect them properly and determine how much usable material remains.
What do worn brake discs look like?
Brake discs can develop wear over time.
Look for deep scoring, grooves, excessive corrosion or an uneven surface.
A small amount of surface rust can be completely normal, especially if a vehicle has been sitting unused or exposed to rain.
Heavy corrosion or significant grooves are different.
Brake discs can also develop a noticeable lip around their outer edge as they wear.
However, the condition of a brake disc should be assessed alongside its thickness and the manufacturer’s specifications rather than by appearance alone.
What does it mean if the brakes squeal?
Brake squeal can have several causes.
Sometimes it is caused by normal brake characteristics, moisture or light surface contamination. In other cases, it can indicate worn brake pads or other brake-related issues.
If a used car produces persistent or unusually loud squealing during braking, ask the seller about it and have the brakes inspected.
Do not automatically assume that every squeak means the brakes need replacing, but do not ignore a persistent noise either.
What does grinding when braking mean?
Grinding is much more concerning than an occasional squeak.
A grinding noise can indicate that brake components are severely worn or that metal components are contacting each other.
If you hear grinding during a test drive, have the vehicle inspected before considering the purchase.
Continuing to drive a vehicle with seriously worn braking components can increase repair costs and create a significant safety risk.
Why does a car pull to one side when braking?
If a vehicle consistently pulls left or right when you apply the brakes, there may be an issue that needs investigation.
Possible causes can include brake imbalance, a sticking brake component, tyre problems, alignment issues or suspension faults.
It is not possible to identify the exact cause simply from the steering behaviour.
A qualified mechanic should inspect the vehicle before you buy it.
A car that does not brake evenly should not be treated as a minor inconvenience.
What does a soft brake pedal mean?
A brake pedal should feel reasonably firm and consistent.
If the pedal feels unusually soft, spongy or sinks significantly when you apply pressure, there could be a problem with the braking system.
Possible causes can include air or moisture in the brake fluid, hydraulic issues or other faults.
Do not buy a vehicle with a suspiciously soft brake pedal without having the braking system professionally inspected.
Brakes are one area where saving money by ignoring a problem can be particularly dangerous.
Should you test the brakes during a test drive?
Yes, but do it carefully and in a safe location.
During the test drive, pay attention to how the car responds when braking normally.
Notice whether:
- The vehicle stops smoothly
- The brake pedal feels consistent
- The steering remains stable
- There are unusual noises
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- There is excessive vibration
- The brakes feel weak
Do not perform aggressive emergency braking simply to test the car.
A normal, controlled test drive can reveal a lot, while a professional inspection can provide much more detailed information.
What causes steering wheel vibration when braking?
Vibration through the steering wheel during braking can sometimes indicate issues with the front braking system, although other suspension or wheel-related problems can produce similar symptoms.
Warped or uneven brake discs are commonly associated with braking vibration, but diagnosis should be left to a qualified mechanic.
If you feel noticeable vibration every time you brake from higher speeds, make a note of it and have the vehicle inspected.
It may be a relatively straightforward repair, but you should know the cost before buying.
How much does it cost to replace tyres and brakes?
There is no single price because costs vary significantly between vehicles.
Tyre prices depend on factors such as:
- Tyre size
- Brand
- Performance rating
- Vehicle type
- Availability
Brake costs can also vary depending on whether you need pads, discs, callipers or other components.
A small hatchback may be relatively inexpensive to maintain, while a large SUV, performance vehicle or luxury car can require significantly more expensive parts.
When inspecting a used car, find out what needs replacing and obtain a realistic quote rather than guessing the cost.
Should worn tyres or brakes stop you buying a used car?
Not necessarily.
Worn tyres and brakes are normal maintenance items on used vehicles.
The important question is whether you understand their condition and the cost of replacing them.
If a car is priced appropriately and needs $1,000 worth of tyres and brakes, you can factor that expense into your buying decision.
However, if the seller claims the vehicle is in excellent condition while the tyres are severely worn and the brakes require major work, that information should influence how you view the overall deal.
Can a mechanic inspect the tyres and brakes before purchase?
Yes, and this is strongly recommended for any used vehicle you are seriously considering.
A professional inspection can assess the condition of the tyres, brake pads, discs and related components more accurately than a quick visual check.
A mechanic can also inspect the suspension, steering, wheel bearings and other systems that may be connected to tyre or braking problems.
The inspection fee is usually small compared with the potential cost of buying a vehicle with significant hidden problems.
What other parts should you check with the tyres and brakes?
Tyres and brakes should not be inspected in isolation.
Look at the suspension and steering components as well.
Uneven tyre wear can sometimes indicate suspension or alignment problems. Braking vibration can also be related to wheel, suspension or steering issues.
During a used-car inspection, it is worth checking:
- Shock absorbers
- Suspension bushes
- Steering components
- Wheel bearings
- Wheel alignment
- Brake fluid
- Brake lines
- Wheels and rims
A vehicle’s safety systems work together, so a problem in one area can sometimes affect another.
What are the biggest tyre and brake red flags?
If you are inspecting a used vehicle yourself, pay particular attention to these signs:
Tyres
- Very low tread
- Deep cracks
- Sidewall bulges
- Exposed cords
- Severe uneven wear
- Very old tyres
Brakes
- Grinding
- Strong vibration
- Pulling while braking
- Soft or sinking brake pedal
- Very thin brake pads
- Deeply scored brake discs
- Brake warning lights
One minor issue does not necessarily mean you should walk away.
Several serious problems, however, could indicate that the vehicle has been poorly maintained and may require more work than you initially expected.
What should you ask the seller about tyres and brakes?
A few simple questions can give you useful information.
Ask:
When were the tyres last replaced?
How much tread is left?
When were the brake pads or discs last replaced?
Has the vehicle had any brake problems?
Has the wheel alignment been checked recently?
Are there any current warning lights?
If the seller has service invoices or maintenance records, ask to see them.
A seller who can provide clear maintenance history gives you more information than someone who simply says, “Everything is fine.”
Should you buy a used car with cheap or mismatched tyres?
Not automatically.
A vehicle fitted with inexpensive tyres may still be perfectly safe if the tyres meet the required specifications and are in good condition.
However, mismatched or poor-quality tyres can be a reason to investigate further.
Check the tyre specifications, condition and suitability for the vehicle.
If you are unsure, ask a qualified tyre professional.
Remember that tyres are the only part of the car that directly contacts the road, so their condition deserves serious attention.
What is the best way to check tyres and brakes before buying?
A good approach is to use three stages.
First, inspect the vehicle yourself. Look at the tyre condition, tread, sidewalls and visible brake components.
Second, take a controlled test drive. Pay attention to braking feel, noises, vibration and whether the car pulls to either side.
Third, arrange an independent inspection. A qualified mechanic can check the components you cannot properly assess yourself.
This combination gives you a much clearer picture than relying on the seller’s description or a quick test drive alone.
Tyres and brakes are easy to overlook when a used car looks great on the outside, but they can tell you a lot about the vehicle’s condition and upcoming maintenance costs. Check the tread, sidewalls and wear pattern, listen for unusual brake noises and pay attention to how the vehicle behaves when stopping. If you are seriously considering the car, an independent inspection is one of the best ways to avoid unpleasant surprises. A used car does not need perfect tyres and brakes to be a good purchase, but you should know exactly what condition they are in and what replacing them is likely to cost.
If you are in Mentone, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
100 Church St, Brighton VIC 3186
www.brightoncarremovals.com.au