The Tire Wire

Barrett-Jackson, the annual car collector event that gathers auto lovers from around the nation, is held this week in Scottsdale, AZ. Being located just miles from the extravaganza, it’s hard to miss the pile-ups of tricked-out and souped-up classics making their way into the tents. This year’s event will auction off a record fourteen charity vehicles.

Some of the beauties on show and up for auction include a stunning 1934 Ford Custom Coupe, a 1957 fire red Ford Thunderbird and a cream-puff yellow 1954 Roadster. Even a “Popemobile” – a 1999 Vatican vehicle from General Motors – is up for sale.

Barrett-Jackson is such a spectacular attraction because every car has been maintained beautifully, demonstrating the quality craftsmanship of the original manufacturers and the dedication of their owners to preserve the iconic look and feels. The show is a representation of the inherent American fascination and appreciation for the automotive industry.

In a time when cars are more often criticized than celebrated, it is nice to have events like Barrett-Jackson that bring us back to our original love: good, old-fashioned, show-stopping cars.

The next Barrett-Jackson event on the calendar is “The Road to Paradise” in Palm Beach, Fl the week of April 9th.

The Tire Wire wants to know,

which manufacturer of tires and wheels have been your go-to brand over the years?

Are you more concerned with performance handling or longevity? Do you switch out your treads seasonally? Do you prefer a smooth ride or rough terrain?

Let us know what you look for in a brand and which tires have moved you!

Ohio is the latest environmentally conscious state to join the mission for a greener world from the ground up: The city of Lima is working towards securing a road project through the state department of natural resources that proposes using asphalt made with ground scrap tires for new and improved city roadways.

Asphalt rubber has been around for several years, and its utilization is continuing to grow throughout the country. Benefits of an asphalt upgrade in Lima include a 900-tire landfill reduction, four year increase in roadway lifespan, reduction in asphalt cracking, and decrease in traffic noise and emissions. Approximately 12 million tires have already been recycled for roadways, with California and Arizona using the most for highways.

Although the project sounds like an easy win for the Ohio city, the $150,000 grant was rejected the last time the city applied and there are no guarantees it will be passed this time around. There are a few drawbacks to asphalt rubber that may be to blame: bad smell, smoke, sticky material base and high costs to implement. However, as the 2 to 3 billion abandoned scrap tires continue to stockpile, the risk of tire fires increases, which poses serious environmental threats.

For individuals concerned with tire recycling, most tire retailers will accept your old treads. You can also check with local recycling facilities and solid waste management agencies, but it is not common for companies to buy scrap tires.