Used Tires Topeka KS

Used Tires Topeka KS Dealers Shops Repair 

 

Let's face it. Buying new when it comes to tires for your vehicle is the best choice but sometimes economy out weighs safety and used tires are the more practical option. The NHTSA has a wealth of information on when to replace old tires as well as rating and other recommendations. Damn new tires are expensive. And while it is true that there are probably millions are vehicles being driven on tires that should have been retired (no pun intended) long ago there are plenty of good used tires that have many miles left in them that can get you a good distance down the road. Some vehicle owners think tires should be replaced every couple of years no with out regards to the actual miles driven. Other times unsuspecting drivers are conned into getting their tires replaced by unscrupulous tires dealers looking to make a quick sale. Whatever the reason you stand a good chance of finding your next set of tires at a reasonable price and still maintain a decent level of safety.



 Okay just exactly what should you be looking for as far as safety is concerned when purchasing used tires? There's the obvious such as examining the tread and the wear to make sure everything looks good. Remember that the depth of the tread must still meet minimal standards whether the tire is brand new or bought used. Many people use the tried and true penny test to determine if there is enough tread depth left in the tires for them to perform safely. However the penny is not the only coin you can use to determine tire tread safety.

Quarter Tire Tread Test 

You will need a good old fashioned Washington Presidential quarter to perform this test. The new state quarters will not work.  For this test Washington's head works just like good old Honest Abe's head only better. If the top of Washington's head is covered this means those used tires you are looking at have a minimum of 4/32"of tread remaining. This should give you an adequate amount of tread for stopping. However keep in mind that different tread depths can have a huge impact on your driving safety.

Stopping Distances With Worn Tread

A new tire with a tread depth of 10/32" gives excellent handling and stopping capability in normal road driving condition. Even more important is how well tread depth comes into play in adverse conditions such as wet pavement. Used tires with a tread depth of only 2/32" which is the legal minimum tread depth allowable  can take almost twice the amount of time and double the amount of surface area covered to come to a complete stop as new tires. Important factors to keep when selecting your next set of tires. Even if you cannot afford new tires paying a few dollars extra for used tires with a little more tread can literally be a life saver.

What To Look For When Buying Used Snow Tires

Old man winter presents his own set of driving challenges. Most of the same factors that go into buying regular used tires also come into play when purchasing tires for winter driving. The are however a few additional driving caveats to keep in mind. Since these types of tires are used for seasonal driving they may be stored for extended periods of time. Before buying snow tires take special care to examine the bead area and sidewalls for cracking or other damage. This may be a sign that the tires where not stored properly. Remember that having  winter tires on your vehicle is better than not having them during the winter season even if they are used. Just make sure to inspect them carefully and purchase them from a reputable place if at all possible. All kinds of information on tires such as buying, maintenance, factors related to aging and labeling as well as fuel efficiency can be found at SaferCar.

Where Is The Best Place To Buy Used Tires

You can buy your used tires locally or online. The same care and inspection will need to be in place wherever you buy your used tires although buying used tires online does present it's own set of unique circumstances. When you buy used tires locally you have a chance to visually inspect them. If you know what to look for you have a good chance of not getting taken. Newspaper ads, Craigslist and word of mouth are some of the ways to buy tires locally. Probably the route to go when buying a used tire in your area is to go to a local tire shop that you have a working relationship with. Case in point. The other day I had a tire going flat and took it to my local tire shop. The guy knows me, treats me right, never sells me anything I don't need. In other words I trust him. He said the tire couldn't  be repaired. My tires were getting worn but still had some miles left on them. I told him I didn't want to put one new tire on. He said that wasn't a problem. He knows I'll be back when I need new tires. He found me a used tire and slapped it on. I never gave it another thought. This brings up a good point. I have found in my own personal experience that it is best to work with one trusted merchant even if I can get something cheaper somewhere else. Developing a relationship is priceless.

Is It Possible To Buy Used Tires Online

Yes it is possible to buy used tires online. Some of these are company sites and others are sites that allow individuals to advertise their used tires for sale. It can be  more difficult to make sure you are getting a safe used tire online simply because it is difficult to inspect what you are purchasing. so be careful, use good judgement and only deal with reputable sites.

How Long Can You Drive On Bald Tires

Uh, not very long. Safety concerns aside some people think they can save a few dollars by stretching out their tire usage. But if a tire is under the legal tread depth limit of 2/32" you can be ticketed. There goes you money savings. But that should be considered the least of your worries. Driving on bald tires is extremely dangerous both for you, those riding with you and other vehicles you meet as you travel down the road. The grip your vehicle maintains with the road is seriously compromised when you are driving with little or no tread. Hydroplaning and the inability to stop in wet conditions are just two of the real risks you run when driving on bald tires. Steering can also be compromised. And in the summer months when it is hot and the pavement has heated up you run a greater risk of a blowout. Bottom line. If you have to purchase a good used tire fine. But a bald tire. There's no excuse for putting yourself or others in danger. Don't do it!

Are Buying Used Tires Worth It In The Long Run

There has been much information given here. In the end it is a personal choice each vehicle owner must make concerning whether to buy new or used when it comes to a tire purchase. Often times this boils down to money. After all who wouldn't want something new (tires) versus used? The is no doubt that a brand new set of quality tires will protect you and your family (as well as those you meet) better than used tires as you head down the open hi way. Still there are good used tires at tremendous price savings if you know where to look. Every day good quality tires are removed from vehicles that have been in accidents or have become permanently disabled for whatever reason. By knowing what to look for you can save money and remain safe behind the wheel. Have a safe and happy driving day!