Should You Keep the Old Tires After Replacing Car Tires?
2 Answers
You can take the old tires with you after replacing car tires. If the replaced old tires are not severely worn, they can still be used as full-size spare tires. Uses of old tires: Tire Retreading: Tire retreading technology involves refurbishing and processing tires that have been worn or damaged due to other reasons, restoring them to usable condition. Oil Extraction from Waste Tires: The technology for extracting oil from waste tires involves heating, pressurizing, and adding catalysts to refine fuel from discarded tires. If simple and inexpensive equipment is used for this technology, it can easily cause secondary pollution. There are many hidden illegal workshops in remote mountains in China that engage in this practice, and there have been numerous reports about them in recent years. Rubber Powder from Tires for Waterproofing and Leak Repair: Waterproof membranes are mainly used for building leak repairs. Nowadays, most buildings undergo waterproofing and leak prevention work, and this industry is widespread across the country. The demand for waterproof membranes is enormous, and rubber powder is also a primary raw material for this technology, as waterproof membranes are a type of modified asphalt.
I remember when I got new tires last year, the mechanic at the shop reminded me not to just throw away the old tires. If the tread is still deep and there are no cracks, they can be used as a spare tire. I kept one in my car's trunk for emergencies, but over time, it may age and become brittle, so it's important to check it regularly for safety. Most of the time, recycling is the easiest option. Many repair shops or eco-friendly recycling centers accept old tires for free, where they can be shredded into granules for use in playgrounds or running tracks, which is both environmentally friendly and resource-saving. Don't leave them by the roadside to pollute the soil and water—they decompose slowly and can be hazardous. I've also seen people DIY them into flower pots or toys, but make sure the tire is in good condition and securely placed to avoid accidents that could harm children. In short, recycling should be the first choice—it's a habit that can also help lighten the Earth's burden.
