Tire myths that could cost you: What drivers get wrong (and how to get it right)
Tire safety can be confusing, especially when everyone seems to have different advice. From how many tires to replace to whether used tires are “good enough,” misinformation leads many drivers to make choices that can put their safety – and their wallets – at risk. This blog clears up the most common tire myths and shows how Snap Finance can help you get the tires you need now and pay later.
Takeaways:
Replacing only two tires can cause uneven traction and unsafe handling.
Used tires often hide damage that shortens their lifespan.
Snap Finance helps you get new tires, even if you don’t have perfect credit.1
Your friend says you only need two new tires. The guy at work insists used tires are just as good as new ones. Online forums are full of advice – but not all of it’s true.
Tire misinformation spreads quickly, and following the wrong advice can lead to uneven wear, poor traction, or even dangerous blowouts. When safety and cost are both on the line, it’s important to know what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Let’s separate myth from truth – and see how Snap Finance helps drivers get the tires they need with lease-to-own financing.
Myth #1: You only need to replace two tires
It’s one of the most common tire myths: “Just replace the two worst tires.” On the surface, it sounds like a reasonable way to save money – but in most cases, it’s not safe.
Mixing new and worn tires can cause traction imbalances that affect steering, braking, and stability. Even a small difference in tread depth can change how your tires grip the road. This becomes especially dangerous in wet or snowy conditions.
On all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, replacing just two tires can even damage your drivetrain. That’s because the system expects all four tires to rotate at the same speed – when one pair is smaller due to wear, it throws the balance off and strains the mechanics.
If replacing all four isn’t currently in your budget, Snap Finance offers lease-to-own financing that helps you avoid partial replacements. With quick decisions and convenient payments, you can replace all four tires now and pay over time.
Myth #2: Used tires are always a bargain
Used tires may look like a money-saver, but what you see isn’t always what you get. A tire can appear fine on the outside yet hide internal damage, sidewall weakness, or past repairs that make it unsafe.
Many drivers don’t realize that tires have a lifespan. Every tire has a Department of Transportation (DOT) code stamped on the sidewall showing when it was made. If that code shows a date older than six years, the tire may no longer be safe – even if the tread looks deep. Rubber breaks down over time, which can lead to cracks, blowouts, or poor traction.
Used tires also tend to wear out faster and reduce fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll likely replace them sooner. That “cheap” set of used tires can end up costing more in the long run.
With Snap Finance, you don’t have to take the risk. New tires don’t have to mean new debt. With Snap Finance lease-to-own financing, you can take home a safe, reliable set of tires today and pay for them gradually – no credit needed.1
Myth #3: Tread is the only thing that matters
Many people think that if their tires still have tread, they’re fine. But tread depth is just one part of tire safety. Age, sidewall condition, and inflation levels are equally important.
Even with plenty of tread left, a tire can still fail if it’s been exposed to heat, sunlight, or improper inflation for too long. Cracks, dry rot, and bulges in the sidewall can all indicate that a tire is no longer safe to drive on.
Not all tires have the same treads. If you drive in a climate where snow, sleet, and ice are common, seasonal tires are worth considering. Seasonal tires stay flexible in the cold, and they have special tread designs that are optimized for performance in colder temperatures and conditions.
Here’s a simple checklist to keep your tires in top condition:
Check tread with the penny test: if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace.
Inspect sidewalls for bulges, cracks, or uneven wear.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
Regular checks like these help prevent accidents and extend the life of your tires. And when it’s time to replace them, Snap Finance makes it simple to get quality tires without waiting for a big payday.
Myth #4: You can’t finance tires without good credit
Another common misconception is that tire financing requires good credit or a credit card. Many drivers avoid getting new tires because they assume they’ll be denied.
That may not be the case with Snap Finance. Snap’s lease-to-own financing helps shoppers get the tires they need, even with less-than-perfect credit.1 The process is fast, simple, and transparent.
Here’s how it works:
Apply online or in-store — all credit types are welcome to apply.1
Get a decision in seconds.
Take your new tires home the same day.
Make convenient payments based on your payday.
Choose early ownership to save on total lease costs if you complete your lease early.2
Snap Finance approvals are not a revolving credit account. Approval amounts are meant to be used for one transaction that you pay over time. You lease your tires until the end of your agreement. And under the terms of the lease agreement, you can surrender the merchandise. Check your lease agreement for complete information.
Why tire myths matter
Tires are one of the most overlooked safety features on any vehicle. They affect how your car grips the road, how it stops, and how it handles turns. Believing tire myths can cost you more than just money – it can put you and your passengers at risk.
Understanding the truth behind these myths helps you make better decisions:
Replace all four tires when possible for balanced handling.
Skip the used tire gamble and choose reliable, new ones.
Remember that tread isn’t everything – inspect for cracks and inflation.
Know that you may qualify for tire financing, even with less-than-perfect credit.1
By combining smart tire maintenance with convenient payment solutions, you’re setting yourself up for safer driving and longer-lasting tires.
Drive smarter with confidence and convenience
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road, so their condition matters more than most people realize. Don’t cut corners or believe outdated advice that can lead to costly repairs or unsafe driving conditions.
Good tires are an investment in your safety. With Snap Finance, you don’t have to wait or worry about financing – you can get what you need today and pay over time.
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Learn how Snap Finance works
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
1 Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
2 The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.