Reader Mail

Dear QuickPE,
I recently purchased a used automobile (2001 Chevy Cavalier) from an online classifieds site. The seller was able to provide all of the maintenance records and the vehicle seemed to be in great working condition. There was minimal rust, and the paint was in good condition.
About three weeks later, I noticed a strange noise coming from the rear passenger tire. I pulled over to the side of the road and found that the previous owner had replaced the original factory tire (P195/70R14) with TV actor Max Wright. Although the car still rides fairly smooth, I'm concerned about the reliability of has-been TV stars when used as tires.

John (Duluth, MN)

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Dear John,
Your letter is not the first I've received in regards to this issue. Protection of the environment plays an increasingly larger role in the automotive industry, and is apparent in the use of innovative manufacturing processes, renewable materials, and as of late, "green" after-market parts. The recycling of tires is nothing new. Many products on the market are produced from discarded tires such as mulch, playground equipment, and attractive front yard flower beds. But now companies are looking at the tires themselves and coming up with friendly alternatives to petroleum based rubber.
It should come as no surprise that our nation's landfills are becoming over-crowded with the familiar faces of past celebrities. Many dealerships and tire shops have begun making the switch from traditional rubber tires to television stars. It's not uncommon to find a '98 Volvo cruising the highways on a reconditioned George Gaynes or the cast of Charles in Charge hanging on the wall of a NTB.
It should be noted, however, that not all actors and actresses from the 80's are appropriate for use as vehicle tires. Many exceeded their usefulness while on television, and are now considered to be road hazards. Of these potential dangers are Alan Thicke, Delta Burke, and Tony Danza. Additionally, caution should be used when combining actors on the same vehicle. For example, a Mark Linn-Baker and a Bronson Pinchot can lead many vehicles on a collision course with wackiness.

QuickPE