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I have been a petrol head for as long as I can remember. Since I was a little girl I have been admiring pretty cars in the street – although the pink girlie cars and retro minis that I loved back then have been replaced with much more technically respectable cars, of course! I remember sitting in my dads car dealers, which was just a little business back then, and playing with all my toy cars whilst my dad got on with selling the real ones.

My favourite car was a blue one. I can’t go into any more depth than that, I am afraid, as there was no brand or name to remember even if I knew what they meant at that age. It was a little metal car, with wheels that were actually made of rubber and which turned. It was painted in the most fabulous blue shade, with a hint of metallic sparkle and, dare I say it, glitter. Even better than the way this pocket sized car looked was the fact that the tiny little doors opened to reveal a miniature set of plastic seats and even a little steering wheel – although I regret to say it didn’t turn!

Playing with this little car no doubt set me off onto a road that led me to where I am today. I would sit and play for hours and hours, driving it up and down the rivets in the carpet of the reception area, and even better was zooming the little blue machine up and down the metal banisters, and sometimes letting it fly off across the dealership, in the throes of gravity! I would even construct multi story car parks out of left over cardboard boxes, and if my dad had some free time he would sit down with me and create something magical. The boxes had windows chopped out, and he used a pair of scissors to create entrances and exits, ramps and pillars, and on one memorable occasion he even gave me a piece of tubing to use as a chute for any cars that wished to leave that way.

It is funny – whilst nowadays it would take a lot more than a length of tubing to keep me entertained (or at least I hope it would!), back then it seemed like the best toy ever known top man, and it could keep me happily ensconced in a imaginary world for hours and hours and hours. And whilst nowadays I would probably think that little blue car is ugly and far too retro, back then it was the start of a budding obsession, and as such I honestly believed that it was the best and most beautiful cars I would ever be lucky enough to see.

I honestly believe that this car is what set me off into the world of automotive bits and pieces. OK, so my dad being a car dealer probably did it too, but really it was playing and seeing the possibilities that made me aware of cars and all that they could be!

Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Car Dealers cars.

The Swiss Auto Show just ended in Geneva yesterday, with over 287,000 new auto entries. Among these new entries, there were a large number of new models and concept cars for the environmentally, and ecologically minded consumers. Even top notch car manufacturers such as Audi, and Porsche are getting into the act with concept hybrid cars. The concept of a powerful engine sports car which also incorporates alternative energy sources seems to be what some manufacturers were attempting - ‘attempting’ being the operative word.

Many exhibitors such as Honda, Toyota and Nissan already offer production ready gas to electric or purely electric engines. Other companies such as Kia have released their hybrid concept cars at this years show with great interest. All of these manufacturers offerings being marketed to family styled/sedan type vehicles. Consumers in Japan and North America have already seen and tested the hybrids presently on the market through Toyota. In Europe however, the auto industry is wondering when consumers will start buying hybrid and electric cars in large enough numbers to make their production profitable.

It seems the European markets loves the idea of alternative fuel vehicles, but are too concerned about its reliability to actually make a purchase. Consumers believe an electric vehicle is great for a spin around the city for range, but not so for family trips. Also, the cost to their pocketbooks still out weighs the cost to the environment. One manufacturer did design a long distance hybrid to address this concern with the Rinspeed UC. It’s still in its concept stage.

Everyone believes that hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are the wave of the future, manufacturers are counting on it. But consumers are not yet sold on the efficiency. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, most hybrids are priced higher than their counterparts; that affects the slow market – duh. In Europe, especially Switzerland, car sharing systems seem to be the alternative to buying an over priced hybrid for their environmental impact. Switzerland has the highest per capita rate of car sharing, or pay as you go ownership with rail companies joining the group with integrated transportation which allows users to take a train to the city and pick up a car share there. It seems people are tired of waiting for the perfect ‘green’ vehicle to arrive and are choosing instead car sharing clubs. In Germany alone, car sharing numbers increased by 15 percent or 158,000 last year and the prospective for next year could reach 1-2 million.

Back here in North America, the market is still in flux. North Americans love their cars and are not ready to put down the freedom the car keys provide and car share. There is too much ego involved with our relationship with our vehicles. Like our European consumer counterparts, we are looking to be more environmentally and ecologically minded. However our wants from our vehicles has not been appeased by the options we have at this point. What it seems to come down to all over the world is the bottom line, price. Until auto manufactures here in North America can build a vehicle which is environmentally sound, and affordable (on par with their gas guzzling counterparts) people will always fall on the side of caution and buy something trusted and affordable. Who can blame us? It’s a worldwide phenomenon; we are on the cusp of a new transportation highway. One which will undoubtedly be referred to years from now as the pre or post gasoline age. It’s an exciting time for all of us if you’re not in too much of a hurry.

Visit www.harrisauto for a great section of new and used cars and trucks, an experienced auto financing department, and unbeatable customer service.

It is an all-too-common sight: a person pulls up to a dealership in a beat-up old jalopy, walks into the showroom, and immediately starts asking the salesperson about safety features on the intended new car. Then, pending the purchase, the person will continue to drive around in a car that may have bald tires, worn-out brakes, a leaky exhaust pipe, a loose steering assembly, and worn-out shock absorbers. Sound familiar?

This is a typical case of misplaced concern: that person (and there are thousands of such people on roads) is genuinely concerned about safety, but will neglect to maintain the current car sufficiently to ensure even a minimum of safety on our roads.

All of the laboratory crash testing and safety improving in automobile and safety improving in automobile engineering in the world cannot make up for a set of brakes which cannot stop a car in lime, for tires so worn-out that the car could skid at the first sign of rain, or a leaky exhaust pipe that is sending toxic fumes into the passenger compartment. Even the so-claimed safest cars on the road are a time-bomb if not properly maintained.

Although this docs cost money (and what are a couple of hundred dollars where human lives are concerned?), a yearly safety inspection, best done in the fall before our worst road conditions hit, can be a life-saver.

Here’s a survivor’s safety inspection list of crucial components: the braking system; front suspension and steering components; tread depth on tires; exhaust components, including the exhaust manifold underhood; windshield wiper blades.

Most cars are equipped with all-season tires. In most conditions, when they’re new, they provide an excellent balance of summer handling and winter traction—but only when they have more than 50 per cent of their tread.

If you drive in snowy areas in the winter, nothing beats a good set of snow tires. They should be installed as follows: on front-wheel drive cars, snow tires go on all four wheels. If one installs them on front wheels only, the rear wheels which have little weight on them, will tend to remain skittish, especially when one is trying to stop on a slippery surface.

The basic cost of producing the car varies very little but, at the retail end, the more fully-equipped version is going to sell for thousands of dollars more. The manufacturer can sell the car for more to the dealer, and the dealer can sell the top-of-the-line car for more to you and me. In other words, the higher the car’s trim level, the more money everyone is going to make when the vehicle is sold—that is, everyone but you.

In some cases, the top-of-the-line model is the one you really want, and may well end up getting. In most instances though, there is a middle ground where one can save lots of money and still get a car that has enough comfort, safety and convenience features to make you feel as if you’ve got more than a monk’s cell on wheels.

For example, as is the case with most cars in the low and mid-priced categories, the Honda Civic hatchback was sold in four versions, the base, the ‘CX’, the ‘DX’ and the ‘Si’. (While the precise details may change over the years, the basic idea doesn’t.)

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Just when everyone thought that things are gaining a sort of credibility for the brand Toyota and sales are returning to the beleaguered company, we find that NASA has been asked to investigate sudden acceleration problems in Toyota cars. The US Regulatory authority has requested NASA to crack the puzzle behind sudden acceleration in Toyota cars.

While not much is known as of now, it appears that the US Regulators are leaving nothing to chance. They want to be sure that the cars are indeed free of any potential flaws that could endanger the safety of occupants and people on the road. It appears that the immediate reason to look for assistance from NASA and National Association of Sciences could be to counter Toyota’s claims that the computer and electronic systems of the cars are working fine. It may sound absurd, but Toyota has blamed sudden acceleration on cosmic rays.

Toyota has been maintaining a stand that its cars have no problems. All controls work fine. And there are no problems at all with the computer software that was originally thought to be the source of all unintended acceleration issues. While analysts will dispute Toyota’s claims and many feel that Toyota is unable to fix the problem in software and is therefore trying to divert attention from its own failures.

Many believe that Toyota’s claims are diversionary and inline with their company’s attempts to scuttle investigations, lawsuits and costs of fixing the recalled cars. The Law, however, needs to allow a chance to Toyota to explain the problem. Hence, the regulatory body decided to seek the help of best technical specialists to try and figure out the problem in the car.

So, on one had we have Toyota that will continue to claim that all is well with its cars and on the other we have the US Regulators who have now involved some of the most intelligent people to try and figure out the issue and bring Toyota to the table.

All this makes the sudden acceleration issue a never ending saga with twists and turns. To the sundry people like me, this investigation is going to be the one that will have many new points being discussed over next few months. And the investigation is not going to be as simple as someone would have thought.

Entire investigation is going to be focused on technical details and technical factors. At stake is the safety of Toyota owners and the people who walk or travel on the road. Also on stake is a corporate brand whose focus will be on trying to defend it over the unprecedented acceleration problems.

Only time will tell if it were the cosmic rays that interfered with the car’s acceleration system or if it was a software problem that caused all the issues. For the technically-challenged folks like me, we can only hope that with NASA coming over to investigate the problem, we can be rest assured that the problem description and the potential solution may not elude us for long.

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Today there are more performance parts available for your Acura, and other high performance vehicles, than ever before. Finding Acura parts or parts for other premium automobiles can be a little bit of a challenge, but once you find the right performance parts, your car and your ego will thank you. There is a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you have found the best performance parts money can buy, for your car.

Considering the Required Skill Set for Do-It-Yourself Mechanics

Deciding on which of a variety of performance parts to choose depends on what type of power you are looking for and if you plan on installing those parts yourself. Everyone has their own level of mechanical ability, and if you decide to install the parts yourself, you will need to be comfortable with your mechanical skills.

For example, installing larger fuel injectors can be a lot of work for the backyard mechanic. To complete an installation of larger fuel injectors, you will need some specialized tools and you will need to have a fair amount of time to dedicate to the project.

Other projects are much simpler and can quickly and easily be completed by the backyard mechanic. For example, if you purchase a high-flow air filter for your car or some rapid-fire spark plugs, you will not need any specialized tools. Installing performance parts such as these does not require a lot of time for most people either.

Increasing Your Horsepower

Some performance parts can result in great gains in horsepower for your car. Some of the types of performance parts you may be considering can include camshafts, high flowing cylinder heads, nitrous oxide, etc. However, you can also add parts that will result in smaller gains, but will provide great payoffs in the long run.

For example, a higher flowing fuel pump may only result in a small immediate horsepower gain, but if you decide to add a larger throttle body at a later time then the high flow fuel pump will be well worth it. These performance parts, much like all of the parts of your car work in sync with each other and adding one without the other may not provide as good of results as you had expected.

Measuring Your Performance Gains

Adding one of these performance parts at a time can be a great option for those who are on a budget. Adding one part at a time is also a great way to measure the horsepower gains that each of the individual parts provide to your car. Further, if you install one part at a time and you experience any operational problems, it is easy to track the problem down to your latest modification. If you add a handful of parts all at once, it can be difficult to determine which one was the culprit.

Whether you are looking for a quarter mile monster, or simply want to have a little more acceleration when entering the freeway, some of these performance parts may be just what you have been seeking to make your car come to life.

Fuel Efficiency Gains

Performance parts can not only add to your horsepower, they can also add to the efficiency of your car. This means that some of the performance parts can actually improve your gas mileage, if you can keep your foot off the gas! A more efficiently operating vehicle will also last longer if you keep it well maintained.

Replacing Factory Parts With Performance Parts

The inevitable reality is that at times you will need to replace some of the parts on your vehicle. Due to general wear and tear, parts will need to be replaced. It makes good sense at these times to upgrade to high performance parts instead of going with the standard factory parts, especially if you are looking for that extra boost in your horsepower.

These performance parts are often better in quality than the factory replacement parts. The cost difference is generally minimal, and when you add in the fact that they outperform the factory replacement parts, it is really no contest. The companies that produce the high performance parts know that you have choices as to which parts you buy for your car. Because of this, they go the extra mile to not only add power, but also to also create parts that are a higher overall quality than the factory parts.

Check out some of the performance parts available for your automobile and get that boost in power that you want.

Quinton Becker writes about cars, trucks and automobiles. To find more car care information, please visit http://automotivewebmasters.com/ Pick up your copy of our free ebook to learn how to get better gas mileage without upgrading your car’s equipment.

When you purchased your Mustang and drove it home, you felt so good, didn’t you? Well now that you have had it at home for some time, you’re ready for a change. Maybe you have noticed a lot of Mustangs looking just like yours. Well in this world today, you will see the same exact car you are driving. It’s inevitable and going to happen. Well there is something you can do about it. It’s all in aftermarket auto parts. Yes, you to can make a change to your automobile. Mustang or not, you can still make that change, its really as simple as adding some aftermarket items, from interior to exterior and even performance items.

One of the best alternatives to stock automobiles is a set of nice wheels and tires. This is one way you can add your personality and give your ride that distinctive look. A few items to keep in mind and that is, the size of tire and wheel you are running on your vehicle now vs. what you want to put on it. There are restrictions to the size of wheel and tire you can mount. So make sure you do some research. There are a lot of forums about wheels and tires as well as you local tire company. All you really need is the make, model and year of your car and the current tire size that is mounted on your vehicle. The last thing you want to do is spend the money on some wheels and tires and find out they won’t fit on your vehicle. Make sure you do some research on the types of materials that the wheels are made of. Some take extra care in keeping them clean, where some do not! I also like to mention to take a look at what type of tire your mounting. Is it going to handle the type of driving that you are doing? Another recommendation is if you change out your wheels and tires, hold on to your stock set and run the stock set in the winter, if you drive it in the winter and if you live in the north.

Interior accessories are always a nice way to add some change to your interior. Mustang has a great billet package. Door handles, door locks, accessory control knobs, shifters, pedal covers and door runners. There are also a lot of different types of instrument panel colors and gauges if you want to get that far into it. Some also go as far as changing out the seats to a more racing style. If this is what you are looking for, they make some nice custom seats available for the Mustang.

Exterior accessories are another alternative to a different look. You can start out with some aftermarket headlamps or tail lights. Or you can get exotic with body kits. Most are performance driven as well. What I mean is most body kits are designed to help in the handling of the vehicle. Rear spoilers are very good at getting some more down force on the rear end. Where front and rear body kits can help out with wind resistance. All change the look and enhances the handling capabilities. Hoods are also a nice way to change the looks. You have the option of changing out the hood complete, or you can order a nice hood scoop already painted and ready to be mounted to your stock hood. Some are functional and some are pure looks. Functional would be for added air intake, like ram air. Keep in mind that most body kit parts need to be painted, so make sure you budget for this. Talk to a local paint shop to get an estimate so you know what it is going to take.

Now we can get into the performance side of it. I know you want to make that Mustang rumble a little, right? Well from headers, to H pipes, cat back systems, and high flow mufflers, you can purchase them all. How about checking out a supercharger. You can upgrade your horsepower greatly and still use it as a daily driver. This gets a little deep as to installation, but most kits come complete with everything you need. And to be honest it really isn’t much of an issue to install yourself. If not a supercharger, then maybe a cold air induction kit. A note on cold air intakes. Make sure you purchase a real cold air kit. This means the air filter typically mounts outside of the engine compartment and or is contained from the engine compartment. I have seem so many people run a short tube off the mass air unit and the filter is under the hood. Well if you think about it, you are pulling hot air into your intake. Not good. You want cooler air. Cooler air, more power! Now don’t get me wrong here, if you build it to run the strip that’s fine, but if you are going to be driving it around all day, get a true cold air induction kit. Most will mount to the fender well area and the filter sits up inside the fender. Do a little research online, many forums have tons of information available. I highly recommend if you never attempted doing any installation on performance parts, go see an authorized mechanic. After all you want to dive your Mustang, not wrench on it all the time.

Aftermarket auto parts for your Mustang or any of your blue oval rides are a great way to make a change. Mustangs are so popular that you almost have to personalize it yourself. Remember to always make sure your purchasing the parts you need for your make, model and year of your Mustang, or any of your rides as far as that goes. There have been so many models of the Mustang that it gets scary. So make sure you do your research and get some ideas, and ask questions! This is one of the best ways to understand what that part is going to do for you before you purchase them.

Robin Hamilton is a Blue Oval enthusiast and has modified several Mustangs in his life time, from early to late model Mustangs. Go out and get your Mustang Aftermarket Autoparts today. Take a look at some ideas for your aftermarket modifications.

If you are like me, you went out and purchased your new Mustang because you wanted it. Plain and simple, you saw it and wanted it so you purchased it. Then your driving down the road and you see the same exact Mustang that you purchased next to you. Wow, what a blow huh. Well with a little imagination and a bit of cash you can be different. You should think about purchasing some aftermarket auto parts. This can set you apart from the rest. A little imagination, your own personality, a little work and your Mustang can be different. There are several aftermarket auto parts for the Mustang these days. Really there are an endless amount of items.

There are a lot of things you can do to tailor your car to your own personality. Maybe you can start by adding some interior accessories. Billet accessories are a great way to enhance the look. Start out with a few items such as dash control knobs, door locks, door handles, running boards. These are always a good place to start, because you can see the results quickly. Then you can move onto exterior accessories like Matrix headlamps, tinted or clear taillights. These are all items you can install very easily and will set you apart from all the other models like yours.

I have always said a nice set of aftermarket wheels are always a great way to express you taste, and all you need to do is purchase them and have them mounted. Also a nice set of tires to go with. Remember to purchase a set of tires that will mount on your wheels, as well as being correct for your type of driving conditions. I normally recommend that you keep you stock rims and tires for the winter months if you drive it year round and live in the north. Then you can look into some aftermarket suspension. Always looks nice to lower it a little. Gives you that great handling and a nice look.

Now here is the part where you may want to have some aftermarket performance add-ons. This is where you enjoy the excitement when you hit the gas pedal. Items such as cat back exhaust systems, headers, cold air intakes, computer chips and even a supercharger. There are a lot of manufacturers that make superchargers that mount directly to you engine and with a little computer programming, and a few items included in the kit, you are whistling down the road. And you can still use it as a daily driver. But you may even think about taking it to the drag strip to see what kind times you can run with it in the quarter mile.

There are a lot of aftermarket auto parts you can purchase and install on your own. A little homework before you start the project and you are good to go. Also a lot of suppliers have detailed instructions on the how to. I find it very satisfying to do the work myself. You get the feeling that you did it all! And it is always a good conversation piece. Although, if you have not attempted anything like this before, I always recommend a professional to do the install.

If you need an idea of where to start or what to do as for aftermarket auto parts, there is an endless amount of tech forums out there for you to explore. Also attend car shows at your local soda shop. Most car show people are willing to share their stories. Go out and get some Mustang aftermarket auto parts today and get going. You can’t go wrong here. Believe me, you will enjoy the benefits of doing so.

Robin Hamilton is a blue oval guy and has many years of experience in the aftermarket auto parts program. If you want to get an idea on how to set your Mustang up with aftermarket auto parts, start today and check out the site. Mustang Aftermarket Autoparts

If you are on the market for a good used car in Canada, you may want to use all of the available resources that can help you get the best deal and buy from a reputable dealer. This helps you avoid any costly mistakes like paying too much for a used car or getting stuck with a model that has problems that can cause headaches for you later on. Here are five helpful tips when looking for a good used car in Canada that will prevent you from going down that road.

Decide what kind of vehicle will best suit your needs

When you are looking for a used vehicle, you are probably looking for a vehicle that will meet the needs of the main people who will be driving the vehicle, plus the road and weather conditions in Canada. It’s better to determine what type of vehicle, such as a compact or an SUV, you need to suit your needs before you ever step foot on a dealer’s lot. Things like safety features, anti-theft devices, sound systems and fuel usage are important characteristics of the car you will buy since you will probably own that car for several years after purchasing it.

Create a used car budget and stick to it

Once you have determined what type of vehicle you plan to purchase, you can do a quick search online to determine the approximate value range of the size and type of car you want. That should give you a fairly good idea what kind of budget you have to work with and how much you may need to borrow to get the used car of your dreams. Be careful when you go start going to dealerships because they will always try to get you to go above your budget - when asked it’s always best to state your budget lower than your actual budget will be.

Get references and research dealerships

Now’s the time to start asking around to family and friends to see what dealerships they’ve purchased used cars from and from whom they’ve had the best success. Be sure and let the dealerships know that you were referred to them by previous buyers and see if they offer any incentives for you to buy from them as well - a good dealership will do that. It’s ok to check with your local commerce department to see if they’ve had any complaints about specific places so that you can avoid them when going through the buying process.

Check the car’s background

Once you’ve had the opportunity to test drive several vehicles in the type and budget that you are looking for, you can jot down the vehicle identification number and check it through the department of motor vehicles or an online service like Carfax to determine if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen, in accidents, used as a rental car, involved in a natural disaster (eg. flood, hurricane) and what it rates as far as emissions if you are concerned about the environmental impact. If the car comes up with something negative that isn’t revealed in the car’s paperwork, bring it to the dealer’s attention and then move on to another dealer - since they run these reports on all vehicles they may be trying to mislead people by not providing that information.

Get the car inspected by a trusted mechanic

Lastly, before you decide to sign the paperwork and buy the car you’ve chosen, have it looked at by a certified and trusted mechanic not affiliated with the dealership. You can even take it to a friend who has mechanical knowledge and ask them to go with you on a test drive to pick up any strange noises or problems with performance. This is a good way to avoid having to visit a mechanic too often after you make your purchase.

Buying a used car in Canada can be a good experience if you are smart and follow the steps above. Once you find that perfect car, the extra time you took to research it will be worth it in the long run.

When looking for used cars Edmonton be sure to check out Derrick Dodge - the largest Jeep, Dodge & Chrysler dealership in Canada. Providing huge selection on used cars and trucks.

To some, buying a car online may seem like an absurd notion, considering that the “try before you buy” aspect is eliminated from the process. However, by using secure forums such as eBay, many car buyers have walked away from the experience thrilled at the outcome – and with a little extra spending cash to spare.

Although it’s true you may get a much better deal, buying a car online is not right for everyone. We’ve examined the pros and cons of online car shopping to help you decide if this option is right for you, as well as listed some great tips to make the process less stressful and more secure.

Pros of buying a car online

When you buy online, you are essentially purchasing a car at wholesale, so you can usually find a good deal. The retail market, associated with dealerships, includes operating expenses that contribute to the final sale price of your vehicle. Because online sellers have lower operating costs, or are motivated to sell quickly, they typically offer vehicles at lower prices.

Cons of buying a car online

One of the biggest pitfalls of purchasing a vehicle online is the unknown degree of risk. Because you are unable to inspect the vehicle in person, it’s hard to know if the car you want to buy has any hidden damage or mechanical defects. You could end up with a bad investment.

Fortunately, most automobile shopping websites feature an option that enables you to browse local listings. Using sites like AutoTrader.com, Cars.com and AutoWeb.com, you can find vehicles near you, so you can still test drive the vehicle, or have it inspected by your mechanic or local repair shop.

In addition, although you may get a lower price for the vehicle you want, prices are generally firm. In most cases, the seller has researched the market and understands what the fair selling price is, so you’ll be less likely to be able to haggle and negotiate.

Tips for buying a car online

- Research the seller and their transaction history. Do they have a history of positive feedback from previous customers? Even if you don’t have many questions about the vehicle, speak to the seller by phone to get a feel for their integrity. Do they seem trustworthy?

- Be skeptical of sketchy payment policies. In most cases, only a small deposit – a percentage of the purchase price – is required to hold the vehicle until final payment. Avoid any seller who pressures you to rush them a payment.

- Consider the logistics of your purchase. Before you buy a car online, add up the costs of any flights, hotels, meals and the driving time it will take for you to pick it up. You should also consider any other shipping and transportation costs, and factor them into the total purchase price of the vehicle.

- Maintain realistic expectations. Be prepared to accept the fact that you are basing your judgment on photos, and even the clearest ones can’t portray everything. You won’t be able to nitpick and haggle over every minor ding or scratch on the vehicle.

- Invest in a Carfax report to determine if the automobile has been in any accidents, and consult the Kelley Blue Book for the current market price of the vehicle.

If you need financing for your new vehicle, an auto loan may be the best option for you. Also, be sure to protect your investment with an auto insurance policy. Legally, you will need at least liability coverage in order to drive it home. And if you still need help with your purchasing decision, check out these additional car buying tips.

Melanie Broemsen is a content specialist at Rosetta, one of the top 10 interactive agencies in the U.S. Broemsen has a degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and more than 10 years of experience in interactive marketing. Visit nationwide.com for auto loans, auto insurance and more car buying tips.

Used tires create big problems for landfills. Because of the materials they are made out of, which are intended to be very durable, they do not decompose. They also take up a lot of space, but 75 percent of the space is ‘void space,’ or useless space. Tires tend to pop to the surface because they fill with methane gas, and this causes even more problems for the landfill company. Tires in landfills are such a menace that 38 states have passed legislation banning used tires from entering the landfills, and this creates quite a problem for people who need to get rid of them. If you have some tires that you need to dispose of, consider these options.

Tire Recycling

Tire recycling is a good option for tires that have no life left in them. Recycled tires can be turned into other useful products. For instance, shredded tires can be used as substrate for playgrounds in lieu of woodchips or gravel, which can cause injury. Steel mills can burn tires in order to replace the carbon lost in steel manufacturing. Whole tires can be used as barriers or for erosion control. Tires can even be stamped and cut to make certain types of clothing, such as rubber sandals.

One problem with tire recycling is that it is not always cheap. You will sometimes have to pay to recycle tires, and if you are looking for a cheap way to get rid of your unwanted tires, you are going to be disappointed. However, before you rule out this option, talk to your local recycling center to see what options in your area are available.

Sell Your Used Tires

Believe it or not, you might be able to sell your used tires. If they are in usable shape, but simply need a patch, a junkyard might be willing to buy them from you in order to repair and then resell them. In fact, you can actually make quite a bit of money selling used tires to the right junkyard if you shop around to find one that will pay a decent price. Some people have used this to bring in a secondary income for their families, placing ads in the local papers collecting other people’s used tires for free, and then reselling them to a local junkyard.

What do you need to know if you want to pursue this option? Start by visiting area junkyards and telling them about the tires that you have. Be sure to be completely honest about the condition, as this will dictate the price. See what they will offer, and then try to negotiate a better price. In general, used tires should bring in 25 to 50 percent of the actual retail value of a similar used tire. If you are not happy with the price, shop around until you find a better one.

You can also check with local repair shops that sell used tires. These places will likely only take the tires if they are in good shape, but most repair shops know how to repair flat tires and make them usable again. Before you begin negotiating a price, visit the shop to find out what they typically sell a similar sized used tire for, and use that number as your negotiating point.

Whatever you do with your used tires, do not throw them in the garbage bin. This is against the law in many states, and is very hazardous for the environment. Take some time to research your options and find a safe, affordable way to dispose of the tires that will not add them to the landfill.

Junk yard selling used auto parts and also buy vehicles for wrecking and scrap. Find used tires, alternators and motors through the UPIC.