I have been purchasing used tires for a long time. Since I buy used tires frequently I make it a habit to perform a monthly inspection on all of my vehicles to make sure the integrity of the tires are intact. Over the years I have learned there are a few tools that I can’t live without. These tools are imperative to maintaining, protecting, repairing, and inspecting my tires for safety. The list below shows the exact products that I use and their benefits.
5 Essential Tools for Tires
Tire Tread Gauge
This is a a simple tire tread gauge that can fit in your pocket. Its inexpensive and easy to carry around with you to a junkyard, a tire salvo, or leaving in your glove box. You use it to measure how much wear your tire tread has degraded to figure out when you need to replace your tires. You can also use it to assess how much tread is left on a used tire you are considering buying. This little stainless steel tool works great for cars, trucks, motorcycles, or any passenger vehicles. The gauge is calibrated from 0 to 1inch, and reads in 32nds of an inch.
Tire Pressure Gauge
This is a piston plunger style gauge and guaranteed accurate to +-1% . It is made of solid brass and it has a braided air hose that prevents air leak. One thing I dig is how big the dial face is, its a full 2 inches. It is very easy to read and it glows in the dark. Getting an air pressure gauge with a hose means you don’t have to bend so much when you are checking your tires pressure. Another cool feature is the bleed valve, that lets you easily deflate tires and watch the PSI as you do it.
Air Compressor Kit
I love this air compressor for its ability to take a tire from 15-35 PSI in approximately 90′ seconds or less. It can go to a max of 150 PSI, which is more than most portable air compressors you will find. You can use this for cars, trucks SUVs, vans, RVs, motorcycles, and more. It can, hook up to your battery or your cigarette lighter, but I would recommend using the battery because it is 25A. One of the best features is the 3M extension hose that makes it easy to leave the air compressor in place while you inflate both tires on the same side of the vehicle.
Tire Repair Kit
This 67 piece repair kit is really inexpensive and can help keep your tires safe and in working condition. It is ideal for repairing punctures in any kind of tubeless tire such as cars, trucks, SUV’s, RV’s, motorcycles, lawn mowers, tractors, etc. Its really easy to use and has a good set of picture instructions with it. The plugs are really simple to insert and the tools included are very comprehensive. While I don’t purchase used tires with punctures, plugs, or patches, I do have to repair my own tires when I run over a nail. This set also fits easy in its case under the seat of my truck, which makes it handy. You can also check out the 5 best tire repair kits here.
Fix A Flat
This is such a handy go to product for fixing punctures up to 1/4 of an inch. It will repair and inflate your tire in just a few seconds, with no jacks or any other tire tools required. It applies enough pressure into the tire to get the rim off the ground so you can drive on it. You should use it to as an emergency to get off the road and to a tire repair shop, where they can do a real patch or plug. One thing I love is this stuff is dirt cheap and easy to just throw in your trunk for when you need it. Its formula smells a little funny, but if you get it on you, it washes off with water and isn’t dangerous.
Evaluating Tools For Tires
Like anything online you should read reviews and make sure what you are getting makes sense for the price. Also you should ensure that the product meets your needs. For example if you bought a standard can of Fix-a-Flat for a Semi Truck tire, it’s not going to get the job done. You need to get the larger can for that application. Same applies for the air compressor, you may need something lighter or heftier.
Best Tools For Tires
Those are my best tools for used tires. Whether you need to inflate, repair, check the tread wear, etc. the above list has you covered. If you are not comfortable using any of these tools yourself, you can always go and see a mechanic or check out youtube videos for guidance. If you are a used tire buyer, you should get in the regular habit of inspecting your tires month after month, at least until you know it can be trusted.