Money Tight? Consider Purchasing Used Wheels
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 wheels 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.
Before you buy any tire, you will need to inspect it, in order to check out its overall condition. Look for the obvious signs of over wear and tear, such as, numerous cracks in the rubber, or a LACK of rubber around the tire belt. Also, you want to make sure that no part of the steel belt is visible. If you notice any of these things, the tire shouldn’t be an option for you. And, if you see a wheel that has multiple patches on it, definitely forget about it – its days are 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 girl, then you probably aren’t an expert in the field of automotive. In this case, it’s a good idea to have your spouse, or boyfriend, accompany you when you’re shopping for used tires. It’s not so crucial at one of the “family run” tire shops, as they have people on staff that know about tires, and will help you with what you need.
But, if the place you go happens to be the junkyard – it’s a whole different ballgame. You alone, are responsible for finding your own tires, disengaging them from the often-rusty vehicle once you find them, hauling them to the check out, and then installing them on your car, yourself. So, it should be clear that if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could be asking for trouble.
So, remember that you can find good used car rims for your car. Learn what to look for, before you buy rims.
