Looking for Affordable Tires? Head to the Salvage Yard!

Savvy car owners know that we’re the best place to go for used auto parts in Atlanta. Here at our Norcross salvage yard, we buy junk cars and sell the oftentimes gently used parts to customers for use in DIY car repairs, restoring classic cars, etc. But while many home mechanics know the benefits of buying used auto parts, not as many people know that when you buy tires at a salvage yard, you can get great tires for a fraction of the price of new ones! 

Just as a car depreciates the moment you drive it off the lot, buying brand new tires at retail prices means you’re paying a huge markup. If, like many folks, you do DIY car repairs and maintenance to save money, that’s probably not what you want to hear. So, ready to learn why you should buy tires at a salvage yard? Here we go! 

Should you buy used tires from a salvage yard? 

The treads on tires are what create traction on the road; however, those treads wear down over time and tires will eventually need to be replaced. When treads are worn down too low (aka “bald”), your tires have less traction, which puts you at risk of a tire blowout, hydroplaning, or loss of control. 

Typically, the tread on tires will wear down in about three years, but there are many factors that can affect the wear and tear on tires, from inflation level (Driving with low air pressure can cause uneven wear and cause your tires to fail more quickly!) to miles driven and even road conditions. To see if your tires are still good to go, use this simple trick. 

1. Grab a penny.
2. Place the penny into the groove of your tire, upside down with Abraham Lincoln facing you. 
3. If the ridge of the tire tread blocks the top of Abe’s head, your tires still have enough tread left. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are worn out and it’s definitely time to replace them! 

So, should you buy tires from a salvage yard? Only if you want a great deal! Keep in mind that tires are designed to withstand harsh conditions, from road surfaces to temperature fluctuations to severe weather, not to mention the weight of your vehicle itself. Sitting outside in a salvage yard is no problem for them, because it’s really no different than sitting in a driveway or parking lot. 

Oftentimes a car is sold to us because it was totaled in an accident or needs costly repairs, from dead transmissions to crumpled body panels. The tires are rarely the problem, which means someone else’s misfortune can be your lucky day. You can find gently-used tires with hardly any miles on them if you know what to look for, so use the penny trick above and hunt down a deal at U Wrench It! Search our inventory to see what makes and models we have on the lot, and good luck with your DIY car repairs.