10 Things to do With Your Tires After You Buy New Ones

In today’s tough economy, tires are an investment that should last several years. But what can be done with your old tires when it is time to buy new ones? Many tire retailers can recycle or dispose of your tires for you. But they are your tires, so if you’d rather not see your former tires end up as part of a tire fire, there are so many fun and useful options to repurpose your tires.

1. Potato Planter- Stack old tires and use them as a garden-less way to plant potatoes. Great for apartments or city living, there is no digging, and the potatoes will grow up the height of the tires. When leaves sprout just above the dirt, simply stack another old tire on top, fill with more dirt, and let the spuds keep growing!

2. Tire Swing- Who doesn’t love tire swings? From young to old there is a kid in all of us that enjoys the simple fun that comes from swinging on an old tire. For this you will need a tree and some basic supplies. You can use an old tire and heavy-duty rope, or go more modern by hanging the tire horizontally and attaching bolts and chains.

3. Bike Rack- For a no-chains-needed bike rack, old tires can work in a pinch. Bury the tires to about half way down, making sure to weight and cover them completely, to avoid any slippage. Space about 6-12 inches apart (depending on the size of bikes) to easily set bikes in Autel Maxisys Elite, without falling over. For tire bike rack and more repurposed tire projects:

4. Playground- Kids outdoor playgrounds can be expensive when bought as a kit, but tires can be repurposed into fun and cost saving playground toys. Create a tire obstacle course by securing tires together and into the ground. Kids can play on, climb, and jump on tires, as long as they are secured firmly to prevent accidents Autel MaxiIM IM608.

5. Tire Mulch- Speaking of playgrounds, kids play areas, gardens, patios, and other outdoors spaces, used tires can be turned into tire ‘mulch’ which can provide a safe, cushioned, and cool ground cover. Tire mulch is bits and pieces of used tires with the inner mesh removed. Cooler than sand or gravel, softer than wood chips, and safer than asphalt, not to mention much less expensive to maintain than grass, tire mulch provides a smart and cost effective alternative for outdoor areas.

6. Shooting Range- Another unique and interesting way to repurpose tires is stacking them and filling them to use as a backing for target practice. Not recommended for city areas, and in you may need to check with local city planners and building requirements to set this up. However, for rural areas, it is a safe and smart alternative to typical concrete, rock, and wood. For instructions and pictures:

7. Shoes and Accessories- No, seriously. If you are looking for the most creative ways to repurpose old tires, and you are extra crafty, try looking into tire fashion. There are many options to turn old tires into soles for shoes and sandals, as well as ways to creatively make wallets, belts, bracelets, watchbands, and other items out of used tires. And if used tire fashion isn’t your style, keep in mid there is a current market for such items online, or at local farmer’s markets.

8. Furniture- Now that we’re thinking outside of the box here, recycling tires into furniture has so many versatile uses. From outdoor patio furniture, to indoor accent tables, chairs, and even sinks- tires are sturdy enough for multiple uses. The sky is the limit on this one. If you can imagine it, there is a way to turn the tire into something else entirely. Tire rubber may not be the most comfortable seating option, but that is exactly what cushions are for, right?

9. Outdoor planters- Maybe after turning your old tires into patio furniture, you can add a little bit of extra flair and color to the patio or garden by using the old tires as planters for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The tire will keep the soil cool and moist, and help keep the plants in one safe, contained area.

10. Tire Palm Tree- If you have run out of ideas for all of your used tire needs, then maybe try your hand at some tire art. The easiest (as it would seem) would be creating a tire palm tree, cutting the tire apart, and shaping them as palm ‘leaves’, and spray painting them green. There is also the added bonus of no extra tree care. Or if you are really creative, check out some tire sculptures by master artists, all made from repurposed tires.

For more used tire ideas check out:

Now go out there and get some new tires so you have your old ones to do something creative with!

Rick Benson is Indepentent Tire Dealers automotive industry blogger. Independent Tire Dealer has many locations located throughout Missouri and Kansas. Including tire dealers in St.Louis.
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