Going to the salvage yard is an environmentally and budget-friendly way to buy tires. They can come at a steep discount and cut down on unnecessary waste. If you know what to look for, you can find used parts in top condition. Here are some tips to help get you started. 

3 Tips for Shopping for Used Tires

1. Test the Tread

When the tread wears too thin, driving becomes dangerous. You may lose traction while turning or be unable to stop the vehicle when the road is wet. It also leaves you more susceptible to flats and blowouts. 

Luckily, tread is easy to test with a penny. Find the spot where the tread has worn the thinnest, and insert the penny upside down. It should go past the top of Lincoln’s head. If you can see the top of his head, then the tread has worn too thin to be driven on safely.

2. Check the Age

Old rubber loses its integrity. It starts to crack, which can result in a blowout. To check its age, look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) serial number on the sidewall.

This number tells you when the tire was manufactured. The first two numbers indicate the week, while the last two numbers state the year. For the best results, look for a set that is under six years old. You don’t want to purchase one that is over seven years old, since the rubber will have started to deteriorate.

3. Read the UTQG Rating

Soft tires grip the road better than hard rubber, but they also wear out more quickly. In other words, buying a used soft set won’t save you money, because you’ll only get to enjoy the extra traction for a short while before you need a replacement. 

Luckily, the Uniform Tire Quality Grade rating (UTQG) is located on the sidewall and tells you how hard or soft the set is. Look for a rating of over 200. If you find a rating of over 450, you can expect them to last a long time.

Northwest Auto Parts carries a wide selection of high-quality salvage car parts at fair prices in Anchorage, AK. All of their parts, including their tires, are stored in a state-of-the-art storage facility for protection. You’ll enjoy free delivery and a 101-day, money-back guarantee. Browse their inventory online, visit them to shop, or call (800) 770-6531 with any questions.