Winter tires are proven to provide more traction in snowy or icy condition, but a set of new tires and rims can cost more than $1,000 depending on the vehicle.

As a result, more auto shops are offering used winter tires at discount prices.

And these companies say that, as long as the tires have undergone the appropriate tests, drivers shouldn’t be worried about safety when buying used.

“We test every tire before we sell it to make sure there (are) no bulges, pinhole leaks, nicks, scrapes -- anything that might render the tire unsafe,” said Corey Stokes, an employee at a used tire centre.

Green Car Tires buys, sells and trades used tires and rims. The company says all used products are tested to ensure they’re still roadworthy.

Tires that are not usable for resale are sent to recycling facilities.

One risk of buying used is that tires that look like they’re in good condition and have lots of tread left may not be fit for the road because of their age, Stokes said. Over time, even tires that haven’t been used on the road begin to dry rot, becoming unstable and prone to blowouts.

Some used tires come from cars in scrap yards that have been damaged beyond repair. Even if a car has been in an accident, the tires could still be salvageable. Others come from owners who have sold their cars and have no more use for their particular model and size of winter tire.

And customers say they’re happy to buy used tires because it means savings of 50 per cent or more.

“I think for the two tires I’m getting today I was supposed to pay a little over $300 and I’m paying $100 today,” said Ndeye Sene, a customer at Green Car Tires.

Used winter tires in good condition should still provide better traction in snow than brand-new all-season tires.

Drivers who use winter tires will also benefit for a five per cent insurance discount from the province starting in January.

With a Consumer Alert from CTV Toronto’s Pat Foran