What is a Buffed Tire?
2 Answers
Buffed tires, also known as branded tires, are non-warranty products. These could be substandard products identified during factory self-inspection or even qualified products that are shipped as branded items to avoid warranty claim complications. Generally speaking, aside from factory-rejected tires with actual defects, buffed tires from other channels maintain the same quality as genuine tires but lack warranty coverage. Factory-rejected tires with minor flaws are termed 'utilizable tires' by manufacturers, typically exhibiting small defects like uneven rubber distribution, excessive dynamic balance deviation, or stitching issues - these imperfections are often visually detectable.
I've been driving long distances for nearly a decade and have encountered regrooved tires a few times. They're essentially used tires that have been professionally buffed and had their tread patterns re-cut, making them look like new tires but at a significantly lower price. I once bought a set in an emergency and found their wet braking performance noticeably poor: they tended to skid and lose grip. Later, I learned my lesson—regularly checking tire pressure and wear indicators is essential, and I always use a professional tire pressure gauge before hitting the highway. For beginners, these tires are usable but come with higher risks. Safety-wise, it's better to prioritize new tires with original manufacturer certification. The advantage of regrooved tires is cost savings and environmental friendliness, but don't sacrifice driving stability for the sake of cheapness, especially during the rainy summer season—replace them in advance.
