Should You Take the Old Tires When Changing Tires?
3 Answers
It is advisable to take the old tires with you after a tire change. Firstly, this prevents unscrupulous businesses from reprocessing and reselling them at low prices to other drivers. Secondly, if the tires are not severely damaged, they can be taken home for reuse, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Situations requiring tire replacement: Check the tire wear indicators: Regardless of the tire brand, wear indicator marks are set in the tread grooves. When the tread depth has worn down to the same level as the raised indicator rubber, it indicates that the tires need to be replaced. Bulging phenomenon: If the tread bulges, it means the local rubber has deteriorated or the pressure is uneven. At this point, the tire may explode at any time, making continued driving very dangerous, so it should be replaced promptly.
I always take the replaced old tires home because I'm very environmentally conscious. Discarding old tires carelessly can pollute the environment—they're not ordinary trash, as the chemicals inside may leach into soil or water sources. The best approach is sending them to recycling centers, and many auto repair shops offer free or low-cost recycling services. Recycled tires can be processed into rubber granules for making running tracks or floor mats, which saves resources and reduces waste. Current environmental policies increasingly encourage this practice, and I see it as a simple way to contribute my part. After bringing them home, I can also find community recycling points to avoid hassle.
As an average car owner, I always ask the repair shop if I should take the old tires when replacing them. Some shops will recycle them as spare parts or offer discounts, which helps save some money; bringing them home is also practical, like turning them into flower pots or using them as bases for kids' toy cars, cutting costs. If they're too badly damaged, I just send them to the recycling center to avoid taking up space. After all, I've already paid for the repairs, so taking the old tires allows for reuse—killing two birds with one stone. I dislike wasting things, so this approach feels wiser.
