News and insights on all things auto insurance, personal finance, and more.
Solo Driving for Women: Empowering Tips for Safe Travel
Discover essential safety tips and strategies for women driving solo, empowering you to travel with confidence and security.
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Understanding Policy Approval: The Hard Stops in Car Insurance Underwriting
Dive into the various factors that influence a car insurance policy's approval, including the critical "Hard Stops" in underwriting that could lead to policy denial.
underwriting
understanding insurance
How Do Car Auctions Work?
Dive into the world of car auctions! From basics to pro tips, get ready to bid on a new car with confidence.
car auctions
buying guide
buying a car
car buying
A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide: The Costs You’ll Need to Calculate
Learn the key financial costs like down payments, closing costs, and property taxes that first-time homebuyers need to understand and save for.
home ownership
home insurance
When Should You Trade In Your Car?
Discover the ins and outs of trading in your car with this guide, covering the best timing, process, benefits, and potential pitfalls.
Trade in
financing
loans
selling a car
car selling
What Does It Mean When A Car Is A “Lemon”?
Explore the meaning of a 'lemon car', how to spot one, and steps to take if you've purchased a defective vehicle.
lemon car
used cars
car buying
buying a car
buying guide
Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Your Seatbelts
Discover the history, importance, and laws around seatbelts. Dive deep into maintenance tips, the consequences of not wearing one, and more!
seatbelts
car safety
safety tips
road safety
safe driving
How Car Grants Work For Low-Income Families, Veterans, And More
Dive into this guide on car grants. Understand who's actually eligible for these grants, the application process, tips to avoid scams, and more.
car grants
finance
financing
financial scams
financial risks
The Effects Of Speeding Tickets On Your Insurance And Driving Record
Learn about the effects of speeding tickets on your driving record and insurance rates. Discover tips on how to handle them and more.
speeding
tickets
driving record
What Is An Insurance Moratorium?
Discover how insurance moratoriums impact your home & car policies and how to navigate them effectively.
insurance moratorium
natural disasters
risks
Home Insurance Explained
Check out this post on home insurance, covering topics from coverage types to shopping tips, ensuring you get the right protection for your home.
insurance
home insurance
living costs
Vision Insurance Explained
Learn about vision insurance with this full guide, helping you evaluate, select, and maximize your policy benefits for the best eye health.
insurance
vision insurance
How Credit Card Debt Creeps Up On You
Credit card debt is on the rise. Learn about repayment strategies and make sure your credit score truly reflects your financial journey in this blog post.
debt
credit cards
bad debt
bad credit
credit score
Dental Insurance Explained
Navigate the essentials of dental insurance, from coverage specifics to cost considerations, ensuring your smile gets the best support.
dental insurance
insurance
What Is A Catalytic Converter And Why Are They Important?
Explore catalytic converters: their function, maintenance, and importance in your vehicle's performance and legal compliance.
car parts
car theft
car repair
auto repair
auto care
How To Sell Your Used Car Tires
Looking to make extra mula by selling your used car tires? Discover tips on assessing value, selling options, recycling, and more.The automobile industry has grown over the past decade, and so has the demand for tires. But what happens to your old tires when you get new ones? Often, used tires can still have value and if you’re looking to make a little bit of money when replacing your tires—you can always find ways to sell them yourself. Why Should You Sell Your Used Tires? Hey, guess what? Used tires can go for like 30-50% less than the shiny new ones, even if they're still looking pretty sweet. Just because they've done a few laps around the block, they get that "used" tag and BOOM, the price drops. So, if you're hunting for tires, you could snag a killer deal on some gently used ones. And if you're switching out your tires? Think about selling the oldies. Someone out there might just be looking for what you've got and you get the added benefit of making a little cash. Is There Demand for Used Tires? Yes, demand for tires is increasing globally due to several reasons, including population growth, urbanization, and the expansion of the automotive industry (source: GlobalNewsWire). So if we think about this demand at a local level, you can definitely find a buyer(s) for your used tires. Assessing the Value and Usability of Used Tires Before you can sell them, you must understand the worth of your used tires. Are they sellable? If so, how do you price them? First, you’ll need to inspect your tires to see what’s a reasonable price. How Many Miles Do Tires Last? Typically, tires last around 60,000 miles, but this can vary based on the tire's quality, driving conditions, and regular maintenance. If your tires are within this range and still have decent tread, they may be sellable. How to Inspect Tires Knowing how to inspect used tires properly is important for anyone looking to sell them. A detailed inspection will help you determine the tire's condition, wear and tear, and overall value. Here's a step-by-step guide to inspecting your tires: Check the Tread Depth Why it's important: Tread depth affects the tire's grip and overall performance. How to check: Use a tread depth gauge or a penny. Insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is too worn out. Ideal Depth: Most new tires start with 10/32" or 11/32" of tread. Anything less than 2/32" is considered too worn. Inspect for Uneven Wear Why it's important: Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues. How to check: Visually inspect the tire for uneven wear patterns across the tread. Look for Damages and Defects Why it's important: Damages can compromise the tire's safety and performance. How to check: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, punctures, or other visible damages in the sidewall and tread. Examine the Age of the Tire Why it's important: Tires degrade over time, even if they look in good shape. How to check: Find the DOT code on the sidewall, which includes the week and year the tire was manufactured. Ideal Age: Tires older than 6 years should be thoroughly inspected by a professional, as they might not be safe for use. Check the Tire’s Pressure Why it's important: Proper inflation guarantees optimal performance and wear. How to check: Use a tire pressure gauge and compare it to the recommended pressure listed in your vehicle's manual. Consider the Season Why it's important: Season-specific tires (e.g., winter or summer tires) may have different selling points. How to check: Look at the tread pattern and rubber compound to determine the tire's seasonal suitability. We also have a more detailed guide to tire maintenance here. Ways to Sell Used Tires for Cash Selling used tires can be a good way to make some extra income. There are numerous ways to sell, but we'll focus on these main methods. If you’ve inspected your used tires using the methods above and they're still in good condition, you’re now ready to sell them. Sell Locally Use Online Marketplaces: Selling locally can often provide quicker sales and potentially higher profits. Use online marketplaces (e.g., eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace) to see if you can find any buyers. Try A Garage Sale: A traditional garage sale can be a great way to sell used tires, especially if you have other items to sell as well. You can bundle the tires with other old/used car maintenance tools, for example. Go Straight To A Repair Shop: Visit local repair shops (or scrape yards) in your area to see if they’re open to purchasing your used tires. Recycling and Repurposing Recycling and repurposing tires could be an alternative to selling your tires if you aren’t getting any luck. Are Tires Bad for the Environment? Yes, tires that end up in landfills can cause serious environmental issues. They can leach harmful chemicals and take up valuable space. Who Can Recycle Used Tires? Most local recycling centers accept used tires, and some businesses specialize in recycling and repurposing tires. Visit a Tire Recycling Center Visiting a recycling center can give you a first-hand look at the recycling process and help you understand the best way to recycle your tires. Recycle Used Tire Rims For Cash Metal recycling centers often buy used tire rims. The value depends on the type, size, and condition of the rims. Retread Your Old Tires & Prep for Resale Retreading tires can make them usable again. This process involves removing the old tread and applying a new one. Some buyers specifically look for retreaded tires as a more affordable option and this can help you when trying to sell yours. Final Thoughts Selling used tires can be a beneficial way to make some extra money while being environmentally conscious. By assessing their value and usability and exploring various selling options, you can find the method that best suits your needs. From selling locally to recycling and repurposing, there are a ton of opportunities for selling your used tires. Consider your options, evaluate your tires, and start the process that fits you the best. Selling tires may not be for everyone reading this, but you never know if you'll be able to do it unless you try! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Starting the process of selling your used tires might still leave you with some questions. Here are common questions and answers: How Much Can I Make Selling Used Tires? The price can vary widely based on the brand, size, condition, and market demand, but you might expect anywhere from $10 to $50 per tire, sometimes more for specialty or near-new tires. Will Most Recycling Centers Have Disposal Fees? Some recycling centers might charge a small fee, typically ranging from $1 to $10 per tire. It's best to call ahead and confirm with your local recycling center before paying them a visit.
tires
sell used
The Different Types Of Car Accidents
Explore the various types of car accidents, their causes, preventive measures, and more. Stay informed and protect yourself on the road.
car accident
accident
accident settlement
accidents
safe driving
Will My Insurance Cover Car Wash Damage?
Understand whether your auto insurance covers car wash damages. Learn about potential car wash risks, steps to take if your car gets damaged, and how to prevent such issues.
Damage
Car Wash
car costs
car repair
car insurance
What Color Cars Are More Expensive To Insure?
Debunking the myth that car color affects auto insurance rates. Discover the real factors that determine your premiums.
Color
car insurance
car buying
buying a car
car costs
The Types of Car Damage Every Driver Needs To Know
Navigate the complex world of car damage, repair, and insurance with our comprehensive guide. Learn to assess, address, and prevent vehicle damage effectively.
Damage
car insurance
accident
car repair
auto repair
When Does Car Insurance Actually Go Down?
Discover when and why car insurance rates decrease, and learn strategies to reduce your premiums. Stay informed and save money on car insurance.
car insurance
costs
car costs
rates
insurance rates
What Is a Car Insurance Photo Inspection & Why Does It Matter?
Learn what a car insurance photo inspection is, why it matters, and how to navigate the process effectively.
photo audit
car insurance
claims
claims process
Full Coverage Car Insurance Defined
Understand what full coverage car insurance means, when it’s worth it, and how it compares to other types of coverage.
coverage
comprehensive coverage
car insurance
Why Sports Cars Get Charged More By Car Insurance Companies
Explore why sports car insurance costs more than standard cars, factors influencing rates, and tips to save on premium costs.
car costs
car insurance
car tips
How Much Does Fixing A Car Dent Cost & Should I Fix it?
Learn the ins and outs of car dent repair, including DIY methods, professional services, and costs. Make informed decisions to maintain your car's value.
car repair
auto repair
car maintenance
What Is A Lien Holder & How To Add Them To Your Car Insurance Policy
This article covers what a lien holder is, why it's necessary to list them on your car insurance policy, and how to do so. Stay informed and protect your assets.
loan
car payment
lien holder
finance