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At some point, your automobile is going to need one or more of its tires replaced - so, if you're trying to watch your budget, you might want to look into getting used custom wheels, instead of new ones. Many times, you can find some great deals at your local "family" tire shops, or at wrecking yards where you "pick and pull" the car parts you need, yourself.

But how do you make sure that what you're getting in a tire is really a great bargain - as far as its overall condition and how it might affect your safety, and that of your car, is concerned? Well, keep reading to find out.

To begin with, it's important that your cars tires be the same size. Concerning the rear ones - as long as the used wheels and tires are the same size and have adequate tread, you should be alright in putting them on your car. But as far as the front tires are concerned, in addition to being the same size as the rest, the tread on both should be as close as possible. Moreover, try to get both in the same brand, if possible.

In inspecting used tires, keep some important things in mind as to the condition of the tread it has left. Examine each one carefully - before you buy it - and look for dead giveaways, like multiple dry cracks in the rubber, AND if there is any rubber MISSING from around the belts. Also, make sure that no part of the steel belt is showing through. These are clues that the tire is worn out, and not safe, and is one you want to stay away from. And, if you find a wheel that has already been "patched" multiple times, this is one whose shelf-life is over.

If you're on your own as far as having to check the tread yourself, there is an easy, and fun, way to do it. Just take a common Lincoln-head penny, and insert it into the tread, all over the tire, in different locations. Make sure the penny has the head of Lincoln facing down. If you can't see his face or head because it's covered by tread, then the odds are that this is a good tire. But if any part of his face or head is showing, back away from it - and look elsewhere.

If you are a girl, then you probably aren't an expert in the field of automotive. In this case, it's a good idea to have your spouse, or boyfriend, accompany you when you're shopping for used tires. It's not so crucial at one of the "family run" tire shops, as they have people on staff that know about tires, and will help you with what you need.

However, things change when you go to one of those "pick and pull" places, and you are on your own as far as locating, pulling, hauling, and installing the wheels are concerned. So, by this, it's easy to see that if you don't know what to look for as far as "drivability" in a wheel versus "non-drivability" is concerned, you might just drive yourself into a big mess.