6 Used Items That Can Put Your Safety — and Money — at Risk
There are certain things you just know not to buy secondhand — hats, swimsuits and underwear come to mind. While you might make it a point to steer clear of those items, you’re still open to scoring a great bargain on used goods at a thrift store or random garage sale. After all, if you buy used, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
However, not all used items are good buys — especially if you rely on them for safety. Before you head out to your favorite secondhand store or hit the next yard sale, check out these tips for items you should never buy used, no matter how much more it costs.
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1. Car Seats
Like canned food, car seats expire, and their typical “shelf life” is about six years. An older car seat won’t likely be up-to-date on the latest technology. Plus, the parts that maintain its structural integrity may be worn and fail your child in a crash. If the seat has been in a car crash previously, you may not be able to tell because the damage to the seat and its components may not be noticeable without a thorough inspection.
2. Baby Cribs
Cribs are subject to recalls, which you won’t likely know about as a secondhand owner. For example, a crib made before 2011 could be a drop-side model, which is no longer considered safe by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A used crib could also have loose or weakened parts. Loose pieces could be a choking hazard, and weakened parts of the crib could fall apart, putting your baby in a dangerous situation.
3. Mattresses
Mattresses don’t last forever — only about seven to 10 years — so if you’re buying used, you run the risk of bringing home a mattress that has significantly diminished in quality over time. If that’s not enough to convince you, used mattresses can also harbor dust mites, bed bugs, mold or bacteria (like E. Coli) from the previous owners.
4. Tires
Tires are one of the most important parts of a car, as they provide the vehicle’s traction. When they have been used for an extended period, their tread wears down and can lead to an accident in wet weather conditions. Plus, used tires can have sidewall weathering from excessive UV exposure, low inflation or lack of use, which can result in hairline cracks in the tire that you may not notice.
5. Helmets
Many safety experts recommend replacing helmets every few years or after any impact. By buying used, it’s unlikely you’ll know how old the helmet is. Plus, if the helmet has ever absorbed impact from a crash, the expandable foam inside of it won’t likely be as effective if you happen to get tossed from your bike while wearing it.
6. Laptops
If you’re desperate for a laptop and it’s not in your budget to buy a new one, you may turn to the used market — which can be a big mistake. A used laptop could have problems that prevent you from using it as expected, such as a virus, hardware issues or a weak battery. Plus, you won’t have the option to claim the repairs on a warranty, which means you’ll have to spend even more money on something that may not even work.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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