At some point, your automobile is going to need one or more of its tires replaced – so, if you’re trying to watch your budget, you might want to look into getting used rims, instead of new ones. Many times, you can find some great deals at your local “family” tire shops, or at wrecking yards where you “pick and pull” the car parts you need, yourself.

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 main thing to remember is that a car’s wheels should always be the same size. For the rear of the car, as long as a tire is in decent condition as far as tread goes, and it’s the same size as the rest of your tires, it should work fine for you. However, there are slightly different rules of thumb for the front wheels. Because the front tires affect the way your car handles on the road – and the wrong ones can damage your vehicle, and even cause an accident, in some cases – you want any new tires you get to also have exactly the same tread as the rest – and if possible, also be of the same brand.

In inspecting used tires, keep some important things in mind as to the condition of the tread it has left. Examine each one carefully – before you buy it – and look for dead giveaways, like multiple dry cracks in the rubber, AND if there is any rubber MISSING from around the belts. Also, make sure that no part of the steel belt is showing through. These are clues that the tire is worn out, and not safe, and is one you want to stay away from. And, if you find a wheel that has already been “patched” multiple times, this is one whose shelf-life is 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.

And, if you’re female, and you don’t have any experience in automotive repair, then take your dad or spouse along with you when you go tire shopping. At the family run operations, it isn’t such a big deal if you’re by yourself, as they should have staff there that have a good handle on the tire business, and will be happy to help you find what you need.

However, things change when you go to one of those “pick and pull” places, and you are on your own as far as locating, pulling, hauling, and installing the wheels are concerned. So, by this, it’s easy to see that if you don’t know what to look for as far as “drivability” in a wheel versus “non-drivability” is concerned, you might just drive yourself into a big mess.

So, in your quest to find quality used wheels and tires for your automobile, you see there are a few factors to be considered before you just go out and buy any old tire. You don’t have to be an expert in the field of automotive to be able to choose the correct wheels and tires.