Retreaded tires have gotten a bum rap. Many people might be surprised to find out that retreads are even used anymore. The truth is retreads are commonly used by the U.S. postal service, taxi cab companies and commercial airlines. Nearly have of all replacement truck tires are retreads. If you are surprised to find retreads used so extensively then you probably believe the myth that retreaded tires aren’t as safe as new tires. Fact is, retreads are just as safe and perhaps a little safer due to being inspected more rigorously before being retread. Many people, when they see strips of tires along side on in the road assume they are retreads that have separated from tires. But most of those so called “road gators” have never been retreaded. Tread separating from a tire is called by poor tire maintenance and has nothing to do with whether the tire was new or retreaded. While it might seem logical that a retread would not last as long as a new tire, retreaded tires last anywhere from 100 to 75% as long as a new tire. The difference isn’t because the retread itself fails but is due to retreads often starting with less tread depth, or being narrower then a new tire because of the condition of the tire casing. Retreads are made in the same way as new tires; only difference is that retreads reuse the casing (base of tire that tread is attached to). For those who think that tire retreads are only made from cheap tires, you will be happy to know that radial, both steel belted and non-steel belted as well as high performance tires can be retreaded. Because high performance tires are usually manufactured with cap plies the original tire casing takes retreading even better. Cap plies are extra layers of polyester fabric used to help secure tire components together at high speeds. One myth was uncovered by Harvey Brodsky, Managing Director of TRIB (the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau) at the Mid America Truck Show in Louisville, Ky. Brodsky was repeated told by truck drivers who used retreads that it was common knowledge that retreads shouldn’t be inflated to the same degree as new tires. But the truth is that retreads can and should be inflated to the same level as a new tire would be. As is often the case in other matters, people are absolutely sure that what they know about retreads is true, but it often isn’t. The fact of the matter is that retreaded tires are a way to save transportation costs. Retreads can be expected to perform as well as tires that have never been retreaded, when maintained in the same manner. Source: http://www.retread.org/ Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil

Driving with kids in the vehicle isn’t always easy. They have a tendency to get bored when they are just sitting and doing nothing. Be one step ahead of the plan the next time you are traveling by providing your child with games and fun things to do when you are on the road.Pack a fun bag.Before you leave the house, have your child help you pack a duffel bag with some of their favorite items. Include books to read, coloring books, crayons, word puzzles, and hand held games. Providing a variety of toys to occupy your child while driving will ensure that they have plenty of ways to entertain themselves. Get musical.There are many fun things to do when you involve music. Take turns with your child picking out fun songs that the two of you can sing together. You can even turn on the radio and play name that tune or sing along with the musician.”What do you see?”"What do you see?” is a very fun game for kids on the road. It also encourages them to pay attention to their surroundings. All you do to play this game is take turns describing something that you noticed as you were driving. This can be something inside your vehicle, the scenery, other cars, and anything else that your eyes notice. Take turns guessing what the object is. The winner gets to pick the next object to describe.Play the alphabet game.The alphabet game is a great way for kids to pass the time while traveling. Start with the letter “A” and find something on the road that has that letter in it. This can be on license plates, billboards, road signs, or businesses that you pass along the way. When the letter is found, move to the next one in the alphabet. Once “Z” is reached, start over at “A” but with a different theme. This time, find objects such as cars, colors, or animals along the roadside that start with that letter. What are you taking on vacation?This is another fun memory game that will occupy your kids while you are driving, hold their attention, and help them enrich their brainpower. Each person will take turns listing things in alphabetical order that they would take on vacation. For more fun, start each turn by saying, “I am going on vacation and I am taking”. For advanced players, recite all the things that were said before hand. See how long the game will last before someone forgets an item that has been named.There are so many questions and so little time.Take this time on the road to get to know your kids. You can occupy your child while driving by asking them questions that will make them think. The questions can vary from trivia to imaginative play. Try a few of these or create some of your own.* If you could have three wishes what would they be?* How would you spend a million dollars?* If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?* Who is your hero?* If you could be a color/an animal/ a car, what would you be?Reward your child for their efforts.As a reward for winning a game that is played, treat your child to a roadside adventure. Stop at an area attraction along your route and go explore it together. It doesn’t matter if it is an ice cream shop, a little museum, or a park- kids will love the chance to get out and stretch their legs and burn off a little energy before heading on down the road.The possibilities are endless when you are traveling with your kids. Use your imagination and you will be pleased with all the fun activities that you and your child will come up with to occupy them while traveling. Before you know it, you will be at your destination and your kids will be begging you to drive around the block a few more times so that they can keep playing all the fun games! Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11