An Overview Of Buying Used Wheels For Your Automobile

At some point, your automobile is going to need one or more of its tires replaced – so, if you’re trying to watch your budget, you might want to look into getting used wheels, instead of new ones. Many times, you can find some great deals at your local “family” tire shops, or at wrecking yards where you “pick and pull” the car parts you need, yourself.

But what should you look for in a used tire, so you can be sure that your “bargain” price includes quality – as far as safety and the performance of your car is concerned? Keep reading for a brief summary:

The first thing to remember is that your wheels should all be the same size. If you are purchasing tires for the rear of the car, as long as it is the same size and is in good shape, you should be fine. However, in getting them for the front of the vehicle, they should also have the same tread – and, if at all possible, be the same brand as well. This is because having mismatched tires on the front of your car can alter the way it handles on the road, damage your axles – and in some cases, even cause the vehicle to flip over while you’re driving on the road.

In inspecting used tires, keep some important things in mind as to the condition of the tread it has left. Examine each one carefully – before you buy it – and look for dead giveaways, like multiple dry cracks in the rubber, AND if there is any rubber MISSING from around the belts. Also, make sure that no part of the steel belt is showing through. These are clues that the tire is worn out, and not safe – and is one you want to stay away from. And, if you find a wheel that has already been “patched” multiple times, this is one whose shelf-life is over.

If you’re not quite sure if there is enough tread left on a tire, there is another way to check it yourself, with the common Lincoln head penny. You just take the penny – with President Lincoln’s head facing downward – and insert it into the tread in different locations around the tire. If the tread covers his face and head, the tire has plenty of life still left, and it’s probably safe to buy. But if you can see the president’s face or head – put that tire down, and keep looking.

If you are a woman, and don’t have much experience in anything automotive, it might be wise to take your spouse, or a male friend along with you, when you go to check out tires. The Mom and Pop used tires shops should have staff on site who are knowledgeable in the tires they stock, and can answer questions about what will work best for your car.

However, this is not the case at those “pick and pull” places you visit. There, you are on your own as far as any service goes. YOU locate the wheels you want, YOU pull them from the junked car, YOU haul them up to the checkout counter to pay for them – and YOU take them home, and install them on your car. So, as you can see, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could be headed for disaster.

So, in your quest to find quality used wheels for your automobile, you see there are a few factors to be considered before you just go out and buy any old tire. You don’t have to be an expert in the field of automotive to be able to choose the correct tires, you just have to educate yourself a bit, beforehand, so you don’t waste time or money on wheels that are just as bad, or worse, than the ones you’re replacing.