Five Other Things You Can Buy From Tire Stores (That Are NOT Tires!)
In your daily hustle, you probably pass by a couple of tire stores. Unless you need tires, you may not give these stores a second glance. However, there are usually dozens of other products available in a tire store that you could actually use. Here are just five things you can find in tire stores that are NOT tires.
Custom Hub Caps and Rims
Custom hub caps and rims are so popular that many tire stores are now carrying a wide variety of these products. It is due, in part, to the "low rider" culture and the "tricked out rides" seen in such TV shows as Count's Kustoms. If you want to add a little pizzazz to your vehicle, then you can shop a selection of hub caps and rims at a tire store.
Portable Tire Gauge
Not sure if your tires are adequately filled with air? Sometimes it is hard to tell if your tires are deflating or if it is just the surface on which the vehicle is parked (e.g., packed snow under a tire can make it look flat). Buying your own hand-held portable tire gauge will help you test the air inflation in your tires no matter where you are or what season it is.
Tire Inflator with 12 volt Cigarette Lighter Plug
Along with the portable tire gauge, you may want to pick up a tire inflator that plugs into your cigarette lighter outlet in your car. These little machines are lifesavers because they use your car's own battery to operate while creating enough air pressure to inflate all four of your tires if you need it. The best part is that you do not have to find a separate outlet to start these little machines, and they fit neatly in a corner in your trunk.
Leak Sealant
If you do not have a spare tire or even a "donut" tire, it's a good idea to visit a tire store and purchase some leak sealant. That way, if your're out on the road and notice a tire that is slowly leaking air, you can apply a temporary fix. The canister attaches to the tire's air valve, and then you press the release button on the canister to push the sealant inside the tire. The chemical fills every crack it can find inside the tire and even fills smaller split areas. When the sealant hardens, it creates a strong barrier on which you can drive short distances, which would allow you to get to a repair shop.
The next time you're running errands, check out your local tire store like Collier Tire Auto & Truck Repair Center and see what options they have to customize your vehicle and make convenient repairs on the road.