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FAQ: IS IT SAFE TO BUY USED TIRES FOR MY CAR?
American Pride Automotive • Jul 12, 2013
Tires that are in good condition thanks to smart driving, suspension maintenance, and regular alignment are a driver’s best friend when it comes to overall vehicle safety. But when tires outlive their tread thickness and become safety hazards for you and your family, it’s certainly time to replace them.
“That’s easy for you to say,” you might be thinking, “but new tires are expensive!” They are indeed. The price of just one high-end tire can be enough to knock the socks off of a cash-strapped person. That’s why many vehicle owners opt to purchase gently used tires from tire centers, auto mechanics, and the Internet.
Used tires are often marked down up to 80%, making them highly attractive to those who need new tires on a tight budget. Some of these used tires are in excellent condition and perfectly acceptable as tire replacements, but as a general rule, we encourage drivers to think twice about purchasing used tires. Unless you know exactly which warning signs to look for, you could make the mistake of buying tires that put you and your family at risk.
If used tires are your only option, here are the aspects of the tire to which you should pay special attention:
Tread. We’ve previously mentioned the penny test for tire tread. If you stick a penny in the tread and are able to see Lincoln’s whole head, that tire is too worn, no matter what kind of discount you’re getting. Also, be sure to buy used tires with an identical tread pattern. This will provide a smoother ride and help ensure that all four tires wear evenly over the years.
Age. If left to sit, even brand new tires age out of usefulness. Since tires are made of rubber compounds, they degrade over time and become dry, cracked and brittle. Pester your tire salesman for the manufacturing year of every tire you view. If the tire is more than five years old, don’t give it a chance.
Tire Sidewalls. While the condition of the tread will be the best indicator of a tire’s viability, you can also learn a lot from its side. Look for cracks, punctures and any other clue of poor treatment and maintenance.
Like we said, your best bet is to go with new tires if you can (Check out our 7 Tire Buying Tips!) Many tire sales centers offer decent financing options and a wide range of products. Whether you choose new tires or a good set of used tires, make sure to treat them well so they last you. This means wheel alignment every 8,000 miles and periodic suspension checks. Call American Pride and we’ll be happy to be of service!
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You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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