Tyres and brakes reveal both immediate cost and how a compact EV has been used. Inspect all four corners as one system and match every fitted part to the candidate's market, axle loads and installed wheel package. Price the car only after confirming legal tyre specifications, usable tread, wheel condition, TPMS operation, brake state and destination availability. The useful outcome is a documented decision that another person can review, not a confident-sounding conclusion detached from the vehicle.
Use this with: used-vehicle inspection checklist, maintenance and parts plan and landed-cost guide. These pages close adjacent questions without replacing this check.
Short answer
Price the car only after confirming legal tyre specifications, usable tread, wheel condition, TPMS operation, brake state and destination availability. The handover file should list fitted sizes and ratings, measured condition, warning status, replacement needs and any parts travelling with the vehicle.
A tyre can have deep tread yet be unsuitable because its age, damage, load or speed rating, mixed construction or repair history is wrong. Instead, rank confirmed facts, seller-stated claims and open items separately so price comparison does not hide technical uncertainty.
01Read tyres, wheels and alignment clues+
Begin by fixing the evidence boundary. Read tyres, wheels and alignment clues. For this inspect decision, retain the source, date, VIN or candidate reference and the conditions under which the observation was made. Seller wording should remain distinguishable from independently observed evidence.
Price the car only after confirming legal tyre specifications, usable tread, wheel condition, TPMS operation, brake state and destination availability. If the evidence conflicts, pause the comparison and request a clearer record rather than averaging incompatible claims. This matters because the handover file should list fitted sizes and ratings, measured condition, warning status, replacement needs and any parts travelling with the vehicle.
02Verify TPMS and friction brakes+
Next, compare the record with the physical vehicle. Verify TPMS and friction brakes. For this inspect decision, retain the source, date, VIN or candidate reference and the conditions under which the observation was made. Seller wording should remain distinguishable from independently observed evidence.
Price the car only after confirming legal tyre specifications, usable tread, wheel condition, TPMS operation, brake state and destination availability. If the evidence conflicts, pause the comparison and request a clearer record rather than averaging incompatible claims. This matters because the handover file should list fitted sizes and ratings, measured condition, warning status, replacement needs and any parts travelling with the vehicle.
03Plan destination replacements+
Treat uncertainty as a line item, not a reason to guess. Plan destination replacements. For this inspect decision, retain the source, date, VIN or candidate reference and the conditions under which the observation was made. Seller wording should remain distinguishable from independently observed evidence.
Price the car only after confirming legal tyre specifications, usable tread, wheel condition, TPMS operation, brake state and destination availability. If the evidence conflicts, pause the comparison and request a clearer record rather than averaging incompatible claims. This matters because the handover file should list fitted sizes and ratings, measured condition, warning status, replacement needs and any parts travelling with the vehicle.
Start with the candidate, not an online fitment table
Official specifications can show a market example—such as 215/60 R17 on one Atto 2 EV specification—but the tyres installed on a China-market Yuan Up or another Atto 2 version still require direct verification. Photograph all sidewalls, record production codes, size, load and speed ratings, tyre brand and model, and note whether the axle pair matches. Check cuts, bulges, cracking, shoulder wear and previous puncture repairs with the tyre properly inflated.
Use wear patterns as questions, not diagnoses
Feathering, inside-edge wear or a steering wheel that sits off-centre can justify alignment and suspension checks, but a photograph alone cannot identify the cause. Inspect rims for bends, cracks, poor repairs and corrosion at sealing surfaces. Confirm that wheel bolts, locking key and lifting equipment are present where specified. A road test should record vibration, pull, steering return and noise at more than one speed.
EV regeneration does not remove the brake inspection
Regenerative braking may reduce friction-brake use, which can also leave discs corroded or calipers underused. Measure pads and discs where access permits, inspect hoses and fluid evidence, and test for smooth, straight braking without warning lights. Confirm TPMS warning behaviour rather than assuming valve sensors are present. Price tyres, sensors and brake parts in the destination before treating a low purchase price as delivered value.
Primary reference points
Official material is a starting reference, not a substitute for candidate verification.
Close the file with visible open items.
The handover file should list fitted sizes and ratings, measured condition, warning status, replacement needs and any parts travelling with the vehicle. Record who will resolve every outstanding item and whether it affects purchase, shipping, arrival or later ownership. A replacement candidate receives a new review even when the colour and advertised trim are identical.
- Read tyres, wheels and alignment clues: confirmed / seller stated / open / not applicable
- Verify TPMS and friction brakes: confirmed / seller stated / open / not applicable
- Plan destination replacements: confirmed / seller stated / open / not applicable
Buyer questions
What should be confirmed first for What Tyre, Wheel and Brake Checks Matter on a Used Yuan Up?+
Price the car only after confirming legal tyre specifications, usable tread, wheel condition, TPMS operation, brake state and destination availability. The answer must remain tied to one VIN, market version and destination rather than a generic listing.
Can a seller statement replace inspection evidence?+
No. A seller statement can identify a claim, but condition, charging and installed equipment should be supported by dated records or direct observation where practical.
Does this guide guarantee destination registration?+
No. The handover file should list fitted sizes and ratings, measured condition, warning status, replacement needs and any parts travelling with the vehicle. Current customs, tax, registration and electrical requirements must be confirmed with competent destination advisers.