Selling tyres - how to sell used tyres and wheels
Switched to new tyres, selling your car, or have a set in the basement that does not fit your new car? Used tyres and wheels sell fast when the buyer sees the size, age and tread straight away. Here is what to ask, what to put in the ad, how to photograph them and what to do with the set when you sell the car too.
Where to sell tyres
There are several ways to sell used tyres and wheels. They differ in the price you get and how much effort they take.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Listing (OZNA.SK, classifieds) | Highest price, you set it. | You need photos, answer questions and meet the buyer. |
| Together with the car | No extra work, the car looks more attractive. | You usually get less for the set than selling it separately. |
| Tyre shop, buy-back | Fast. | Buy-back of used tyres is rare and the price is low. |
| Friends, colleagues | No listing needed. | Only if they need exactly your size. |
A listing gets you the most - buyers search by size and compare tread and age. If you are selling the car too, see the section on wheels when selling a car below.
What to ask for used tyres
Used tyres usually sell for half to a quarter of the new price. Approximate prices for a set of 4 based on listings in Slovakia:
| What you sell | Approximate price per set |
|---|---|
| Tyres 15 - 16", standard brand | €80 - 200 |
| Tyres 17 - 18" | €150 - 400 |
| Tyres 19" and up, premium brands | €300 - 600 |
| Wheels on steel rims 15 - 16" | €150 - 300 |
| Wheels on alloy rims 16 - 18" | €300 - 700 |
| Original alloy rims 18 - 19" with tyres | €500 - 900 and more |
What raises and lowers the price
Tread
A new winter tyre has about 8 - 9 mm, a summer tyre about 7 - 8 mm. The closer to new, the higher the price.
Age
Tyres up to 3 - 4 years old sell best; over 6 years the price drops sharply.
Brand and size
Well-known brands and common sizes (for example 205/55 R16) sell faster.
Season
Winter tyres sell before winter, summer tyres in spring. Out of season, expect a lower price.
Full set
4 matching tyres are worth more than 2 or 3.
Search OZNA.SK and classifieds for the same size and compare similar tread and age - that is how you set a realistic price. Tyres and rims on OZNA.SK
How to check condition: age and tread
Buyers care mainly about two numbers - how old the tyres are and how many millimetres of tread are left. You can find both in a few minutes.
Age from the DOT code
The DOT code is on the sidewall; the last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture. For example, 1624 means week 16 of 2024. Manufacturers recommend having tyres checked after 5 years and avoiding tyres older than 10 years.
Tread depth
Measure it with a tread gauge (a few euros at a car shop) in the middle and at the edges of each tyre. The legal minimum in Slovakia is 1.6 mm for summer and 3 mm for winter tyres; experts recommend replacing winter tyres below 4 mm.
Tyre damage
Sidewall cracks, bulges, uneven wear, repaired punctures. If a tyre has any of these, say so in the ad.
Rim condition
Kerb scratches, bends and, on steel rims, corrosion.
What to write in a tyre ad
Buyers search by the size of their car and compare numbers. The more details you give, the fewer questions you get.
- Size and indices, for example 205/55 R16 91H - copy them from the sidewall.
- Season: summer, winter or all-season (3PMSF mountain snowflake symbol, M+S marking).
- Brand and tread model, for example Continental WinterContact TS 870.
- DOT - week and year of manufacture.
- Tread in mm on each tyre, for example 6 / 6 / 5.5 / 5.5 mm.
- Quantity and price per set, not per tyre.
- Rims: material (alloy, steel), size (for example 6.5J × 16), bolt pattern (for example 5×112), ET, centre bore and which cars they fit.
- Tyre pressure sensors (TPMS), if fitted in the rims.
- Damage, repairs and reason for selling.
Sample ad text
For sale: winter tyres Continental WinterContact TS 870, 205/55 R16 91H, 4 pcs, DOT 2022, tread 6 - 6.5 mm, no repairs. On alloy rims 6.5J × 16, 5×112, ET 46 - fit Škoda Octavia, VW Golf. Price for the set €380. Pickup in Bratislava.
How to write ads that sell: How to write a car ad
Photos of tyres and wheels
Six shots are enough for the buyer to see everything important without asking.
The whole set side by side
Main photo, in daylight.
Sidewall with size
Size and indices must be readable.
DOT code close up
Proof of the tyre age.
Tread with a gauge
A tread gauge or a coin in the groove.
Rim outside and inside
Including any scratches.
Each damage separately
Cracks, repairs, scratches on the rim.
Wash the wheels before shooting and use a clean background such as concrete or grass - not a dark basement.
How to photograph a car and details: How to photograph a car for sale
Selling your car? Wheels with the car or separately
If you are selling a car and have a second set of wheels for it, decide based on their condition and value.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The second set fits the car and is in good condition | Include it with the car and mention it in the ad - the car looks more attractive and the buyer saves on a tyre change. |
| The second set is valuable (original alloys, premium tyres) | Sell it separately or offer it with the car for an extra charge. |
| The tyres are old or winter tyres have less than 4 mm | Do not charge extra - give them with the car for free or hand them in for recycling. |
| The rims also fit your next car | Keep them and buy only new tyres. |
In the car ad, be specific: "+ set of winter wheels on 16" alloys, DOT 2022, tread 6 mm". A vague "winter tyres included" will not convince the buyer. When handing over the car, put the locking wheel nut key in the boot too.
The whole car selling process: How to sell a car fast · How much is my car worth
Common mistakes when selling tyres
- No size or DOT - the buyer has to ask and often moves on to another ad.
- "Good tread" instead of a number in millimetres.
- Price per tyre in the title and per set in the text - confusing.
- Selling winter tyres in April - months of waiting or a lower price.
- Dark basement photos without the sidewall and DOT.
- Hidden repairs or bulges - the buyer will see them at pickup and walk away.
Old tyres and storage
Where to take old tyres
Hand them in for free at a collection point (list on eltma.sk), at a tyre shop when changing tyres or at a tyre retailer. The recycling fee was already included when you bought new ones. They do not belong in household waste.
Storage until you sell
Until the set is sold, keep it in a dry, dark and cool place. Tyres without rims standing upright, wheels lying flat or hung. Many tyre shops offer paid storage.
Tyre change and storage in Bratislava: Tyre service Bratislava
Selling tyres in 6 steps
From checking the condition to handing the wheels to the buyer.
Find size, DOT and tread
Copy size and DOT from the sidewall, measure the tread on each tyre.
Wash and inspect
Wash tyres and rims and check for cracks, bulges and scratches.
Take 6 photos
Set, sidewall, DOT, tread, rim and damage.
Set the price
Compare similar listings and state the price per set.
Post the listing
With all the details, ideally before the season.
Hand over the wheels
Let the buyer check the tread and DOT, take the payment and hand over the wheels.
Do you offer tyre changes or storage?
Add your tyre shop to OZNA.SK in the Tyre service category - tyre changes, balancing and storage. Listing is free.
FAQ about selling tyres
How much are used tyres worth?
Usually ½ to ¼ of the new price. A set of 16" tyres from a standard brand goes for about €80 - 200, wheels on 16 - 18" alloys for about €300 - 700 depending on tread and age.
How old can tyres be and still sell?
Tyres up to 3 - 4 years old sell best. Manufacturers recommend a check after 5 years and not using tyres older than 10 years - do not sell those for driving.
How do I find out the age of a tyre?
From the DOT code on the sidewall - the last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture, for example 1624 = week 16 of 2024.
What tread depth do winter tyres need?
The legal minimum in Slovakia is 3 mm, for summer tyres 1.6 mm. Experts recommend replacing winter tyres below 4 mm.
Should I sell the wheels with the car or separately?
If they are in good condition and fit the car, include them - the ad will be more attractive. Expensive original rims or premium tyres are worth selling separately.
Should I sell tyres on rims or on their own?
Complete wheels sell more easily to owners of the same car. If the rims have an unusual bolt pattern, sell tyres and rims separately - you reach more buyers.
When is the best time to sell winter tyres?
From September to November, when people change tyres. Summer tyres in spring, in March and April.
Will a tyre shop buy used tyres?
Buy-back of used tyres is rare and the price is low. You will get more through a listing.
What should I do with old tyres?
Hand them in for free at an ELTMA collection point, a tyre shop or a tyre retailer. They do not belong in household waste.
What should a tyre ad include?
Size with indices, season, brand and model, DOT, tread in mm on each tyre, quantity, rim details and the price per set.
More guides
How to sell a car fast →
The whole process from preparing the car to transfer of ownership.
How to photograph a car for sale →
20 shots, light and phone settings.
How to write a car ad →
Title, description and text templates that sell.
How much is my car worth →
What price to put in the ad.
Tyre service Bratislava →
Tyre changes, prices and storage.
STK and EK →
Prices, deadlines and what they check - tyres included.
Three numbers decide a tyre sale: size, age and tread. Put them in the ad, add six clear photos and list the set before the season - you will sell faster and for a better price.
Published 24 Oct 2026 · Updated 24 Oct 2026
Information only - check the real price against similar listings.
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