What should I look for when checking tires on a used car?

Check tread depth, which you can gauge with a tread-depth tool or the penny test, and look for uneven wear on the edges or center, which can signal alignment or suspension issues. Look for cracks, bulges and plugs, and check the four-digit date code on the sidewall, since older tires can be worn out even with tread left. Mismatched brands can be a small negotiating point. Tires are one item on OffLot's lot mode checklist.