Buying Tyres on Marketplace Could
Cost You More Than You Think...
With the rise of online reselling platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, it’s never been easier to score a set of tyres on the cheap. A quick scroll, a convenient meet-up, and boom – you’re sorted. Or are you?
At Wheel Change U, we’ve seen firsthand how chasing a bargain on tyres can lead to some expensive (and dangerous) consequences. While it might seem like a smart move to save a few dollars upfront, buying tyres on marketplace, from unauthorised sellers, can put your safety, your car, and your wallet at serious risk.
Let’s break down why people do it and why they might want to think twice.
Why People Buy Tyres Online from
Unauthorised Sellers
There are a few common reasons we hear – from people who are buying tyres on Marketplace:
- They’ve just bought new rims and need tyres to match
- They assume all tyres are the same
- They think getting tyres fitted professionally will cost a fortune
- They like the thrill of a “deal”
But here’s the thing: tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. They are not the place to cut corners.
The Hidden Risks of Marketplace Tyres
When you buying tyres on Marketplace or from an unauthorised source, you don’t know where they’ve been, how old they are, or whether they’re even safe to fit. Here’s what we often come across:
- Tyres with invisible internal damage (especially if they’ve been in a crash)
- Cracked or dry rubber that looks fine but fails under pressure
- Incorrect sizing or mismatched sets, affecting handling and braking
- Sidewall repairs that aren’t road legal
- Tyres stored incorrectly, degrading faster than expected
And of course, no warranty, no receipts, and no one to call when something goes wrong.
Customer Horror Stories (Yes, These Really Happened)
One customer bought a “near new” set of tyres off Marketplace. Turns out they were over 8 years old and had been sitting in a hot garage the whole time. One blew out on the freeway two weeks later – taking the bumper with it.
Another fitted second-hand tyres to their SUV before a camping trip. On day two, the tread completely peeled off one tyre. They had no spare and no reception. Luckily, a passing driver helped and we got the call the next day to replace the whole set.
We even had one client who didn’t realise their “cheap” tyres were originally designed for a trailer, not a car. No grip. No stability. No insurance payout when things went wrong.
We’re not making this up – this is what happens when you buy blindly from someone who’s clearing out their garage, not someone who fits tyres for a living.
How to Spot a Dud (Before It’s Too Late) when buying tyres on Marketplace
If you’re ever offered second-hand, when buying tyres on Marketplace, here are the red flags:
- No manufacturing date (check the DOT code on the sidewall)
- No visible tread wear indicators
- Tyres older than 5 years, even if they look unused
- Flat spots, cracking, or sidewall damage
- No clear brand or model name
- Too cheap to be true (because it usually is)
If the seller can’t tell you where the tyres came from, how they were stored, or what they were fitted to – walk away.
Why Choosing a Mobile Tyre Expert is the Safer, Smarter Move
When you call Wheel Change U, you’re getting:
- New, road-legal tyres from trusted brands
- Expert fitting at your home, work or roadside
- Advice on tyre size, safety, and performance
- No stress, no surprises – just safe, quality tyres installed by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing
You wouldn’t trust your brakes or steering to a random on Facebook – so why risk it buying tyres on Marketplace?
Final Thought: A Cheap Deal Can Be a Dangerous Dud
If you’re looking to save money on tyres, that’s understandable. But the cheapest option upfront can often be the most expensive in the long run. Unsafe tyres don’t just cost you in repairs – they risk your car, your passengers, and your peace of mind.