Waukesha's #1 Choice for Used Tires
Waukesha Auto Salvage With Quality Used Tires
We don't know the statistics on how many Wisconsin drivers get tickets for worn-out tires, but we're pretty sure the highway patrol won't let you off with a lecture on the dangers of driving around on baldies. If you're looking for an affordable way to drive safely in Wisconsin's changing climate, a set of quality used tires from B&M Auto is a great option.
Shop online or contact us for help locating the exact tires for your vehicle.
What Tread Depth is a Tire Considered Worn Out in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin considers tires worn out when 2/32” of an inch of tread remains.
(2) Every tire shall have at least 2/32 inch tread depth in every major tire groove measured at 2 points no less than 15 inches apart.
But let's get real here: 2/32" is just the legal minimum. If you’re driving on wet, snowy or ice-covered roads with just 2/32” of tread, you're asking for trouble. The tire will have little resistance to hydroplaning and virtually no traction in snow.
What is the Lowest Recommended Tread Depth to Avoid Hydroplaning?
If you’re concerned about hydroplaning on wet highways, 4/32” is about as low as you want your treads. Anything less and the tread isn’t deep enough to channel water out through the grooves in the tire fast enough. Your tires end up floating on top of the water (hydroplaning).
What is an Adequate Tire Tread Depth for Winter?
For adequate traction, you need enough tread to “bite” into that sloshy glop--at least 5/32”. Some manufacturers of snow tires even consider 6/32” the limit and have wear bars in the tread pattern to let you know when the tires have reached that point.
How to Check if You Need New Tires
If you don’t have a tire tread depth tool, you can easily check your tread depth using just a penny and a quarter.
Penny Method
Hold a penny, Lincoln’s head facing down, in a tread groove. If Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, you have more than 2/32” of an inch of tread remaining. If Lincoln’s head is just touching the top of your tread, or the tread is below his head, you need to replace your tires.
Quarter Method
Another coin often used to check tread depth is the quarter. Holding it so Washington’s head faces down into the tread: if you see part of his head covered, you have more than 4/32” of tread left.
It’s important to test tread depth in different parts of the tire: on both inner and outer grooves and in spots at least 15 inches apart (moving around the tire's diameter). Realize you're under the minimum or need a second opinion? Give us a call and we'll help you sort it out!
Hear From Our Customers
“Outstanding customer service, quick shipping, and very reasonable prices. They did an outstanding job of packing up my parts, keeping all bolts packaged together, and wrapping everything well enough to ensure a damage free arrival. I can't recommend B&M enough!”
- Sean F.
“From my experience, I would give this place 6 stars, not 5! The sales rockstar whose name rhymes with mine had a quote and eta in under 3 minutes. Pick up and payment went smoothly. I would recommend this place for getting the parts you need!”
- Benjamin C
What to Look Out For in a Used Tire
- Tread depth: Bring along a tire tread depth gauge and check the depth in the middle of the tire and the outside edges. Take measurements at several points around the circumference of the tires. Steer clear of any used tires with a tread depth of 2/32” or less anywhere on the tread. (New tires have a tread depth of 10/32" to 12/32", so if you find used tires with this tread depth it's a major score.)
- Damage and Defects: Look and feel for any signs of tears or damage on the inside and outside of the tire. A flashlight will help you spot any tire plugs on the inside of the tire, but you’ll be able to feel dimples or small impressions where patches or plugs have been used to repair a puncture. You’ll also want to inspect the bead of the tire for any signs of breakage or damage.
- Dry Rot: As tires age, they often develop small cracks in the rubber on the sidewall. This is dry rot. If you see cracking, the tire is too old to be trusted on the road.
Milwaukee Drivers Save On Quality Used Tires From B&M Auto Sales & Parts
If your tires aren’t passing the penny test, check with B&M Auto Sales & Parts. We have many sets of low-mileage tires in many sizes. Besides the dozens of tires we have in stock, we can find just about anything you may need quickly.
Every tire we sell goes through a rigorous inspection beforehand to ensure it’s road-worthy. Like all the recycled auto parts we sell, we back our tires with a 90-day warranty, a 15-day return policy and a 30-day exchange policy. If there’s a problem after mounting them, we’ll make it right.
Get Help Searching for the Right Tires for Your Car
You can try an online search for used tires using our parts locator tool, but for the most up-to-date results, it’s best to just tell us what you need and let us track it down for you. With our access to the ADP Hollander Interchange computer network, we’re linked to over 2,300 other auto recyclers all across the country—and chances are good we can find anything you might need.
Providing Used Tires for Southeastern Wisconsin Drivers
B&M Auto sells used tires for drivers out of Brookfield, Franklin, Greenfield, Milwaukee, Muskego, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis and beyond.
