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Understanding Automotive Concerns

I have never been someone who loves to deal with car problems, which is why I was really stressed when I came across car trouble. I was left wondering what to do about the situation, so I started working with different places to get to the bottom of the issue. I turned to a professional mechanic for help, and it was really nice to find out that my car didn't have any serious problems. I wanted to start a little website all about understanding and resolving automotive issues, since you never know when they will pop up and cause trouble.

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Understanding Automotive Concerns

Identifying Quality Used Tires At A Salvage Yard

by Sophia Banks

Salvage yards serve a useful purpose. These companies help recycle used cars so that the viable components on the cars can enjoy a second chance at life. Landfill waste is reduced, and consumers can pick up quality used auto parts for cheap.

New tires can be a significant investment. Many of the used tires found at a salvage yard can provide you with the traction needed to navigate the road safely. Pick the perfect used tires for your vehicle by looking for these features when perusing a salvage yard in the future.

Determine the tread depth.

Used tires probably won't have full tread left, but many of the tires found at salvage yards still have a lot of miles left in them. Knowing the exact tread depth for each tire can help you evaluate the value of the tire and determine what price you want to pay.

Invest in a tread gauge at your local auto parts store. Use the gauge to compare existing treat against the full tread offered by the manufacturer for each tire you consider buying at a salvage yard. The tread ratio will help you decide how long the used tires will last so that you can secure the best possible deal.

Determine the tire's age.

No matter how much tread a tire has remaining, the age of the tire should be a deciding factor when it comes to investing in used tires at a salvage yard. An older tire is more susceptible to cracks or blow outs since the rubber used to create tires becomes brittle over time.

You can easily determine how old any given tire is by evaluating the writing on the sidewall of the tire. Each tire is required to contain a serial number, and the last four digits of this serial number indicate when the tire was manufactured. The last four numbers represent the week and year of production, allowing you to calculate exactly how old a tire is.

Check for visible defects.

Many factors can affect the way a tire wears during use. Improper vehicle alignment, rough road conditions, and poor driving habits can lead to defects in the tire. You want to ensure that any used tire you purchase has a pattern of even tread wear.

Pay close attention to any cracks or gouges in the sidewall that could be evidence of damage. Tires with visible defects do not make great investments, but there are plenty of perfectly good used tires to choose from at a salvage yard. Contact a company like Fox Valley Iron Metal & Auto Salvage Inc for more information. 

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