Cheap Tires - Could They Be Safe?

By Donald Hendrick

As expected, some people might wonder if you should even think about economizing on your tires. Most people do, of course, but only by searching for sales or coupons or rebates. They don't go too crazy about it. I realize, because that is simply the manner in which I used to think about it. Itseems to be a safety feature, something you don't need to be cheap with. But since I'm a bit of a tightwad, especially as my age increases, I've begun to search into it. Actually, it could have been the previous set of tires that caused it. Over six-hundred dollars for four pieces of rubber on a measly little Kia Rio. Every time I inspect the receipt I can't discover how I spent that much!

Now back when the wife and I rode motorcycles we regularly bought tires online. This saved us a little money, plus our club president worked for a garage and could mount them for us somewhere between cheap and free. Unfortunately that is a lot harder to do with car tires. By the time your chosen discount tire place does their mounting and balancing and lifetime replacement warranties you've lost all your savings and then some, plus the shipping costs. Wheels, yes. Tires, no, not so much.

Nevertheless we are going to need cheap tires like we've never needed them before. We just got a new monster truck. OK, so it's not *really* a monster truck, however it seems like it, especially compared to the Kia! Crewcab, longbed, 4X4, 1-ton pickup. That's just insanely large in our eyes. And it sported really big fat tires too. And what in the world possessed us to buy a really large truck? Well, because we needed something large enough to haul a 5th wheel RV trailer. Yeah, more tires. So we will eventually be rolling down the line with eight tires. Maybe now you can realise why the whole thought of cheap tires is appealing to me!

And speaking of expensive, have you ever priced truck tires before? WOW those are expensive! So I've been doing some reading and researching and investigating. Hey, it's what I do. So far I like the tires at TreadWright.com. They sell retreads, much like most of the fleet and big-rig trucks use. I could replace my existing tires for $87 each. Impressive! I enjoy the reviews that Petersen's Offroad and 4-wheel Magazine did about them.

And while we're talking about reviews, these tires are secure. American Airlines changes 25,000 tires per year, and most of those are retreads. They recap the main gear tires 5-9 times along with the nose-gear tires 3-15 times. Strangely enough, they suffer more wear from taxiing around the runway than during the actual landings! So consider that. Airplanes use retreads. Why wouldn't you put them on your vehicle?

About the Author:

Donald Hendrick is an off-road enthusiast who enjoyes writing about used tires, truck tires and saving money!. This article, Cheap Tires - Could They Be Safe? is available for free reprint.

Motorcycle Safety - Staying Safe On Your Motorcycle

By Matt LeClair

Motorcycle safety should be a concern for every motorcyclist because the truth is that they are at a major disadvantage when it comes to other vehicles on the road because they are the smallest on the road. Many other danger factors exist on top of that. If riders want to be a safe as can be, then there are a number of safety concerns that should be addressed.

One thing that you should always do before you head out on any ride is make sure all of the major items have been checked over. This is done to be certain the bike is in good riding condition.

Many different components, parts, accessories, safety items should be checked before every ride. These items include tires, brakes, lights, fluids, gauges, and a number of other items. Anything that is considered to be an important part used for safe operation should be checked.

Changing the oil is an important event that needs to take place either once or twice a year in order to keep the motorcycle operating efficiently. You may have to change the oil more often than that depending on how much you ride throughout the year.

Motorcycle safety can also be maintained when riders use common sense and always ride to the best of their ability. Safe driving techniques are a must when on the motorcycle, and riders should make a habit of driving defensively. Riders are at a disadvantage as it is, so anything that can be done to maintain safety on the road is desired.

Riders can take the motorcycle rider course from time to time if they feel they need to re-learn some of the important skills that are needed to drive safely. Another option is to simply go online and review some of the rider tips and techniques that can be found.

Lastly, if you want to maintain a high level of motorcycle safety, then you'll want to make sure you have the right protective gear like leather motorcycle jackets, motorcycle helmets, gloves, chaps, boots, goggles or eye wear, and more.

About the Author:

Check out more motorcycle safety information and check out the low prices on leather motorcycle jackets at Motor Medley.