Tips for finding new tire deals and why used tires should be avoided.

Tire wear is no minor issue. Worn out treads can affect your safety on the road and vehicle’s fuel efficiency. While buying new car tires is a big spend there are ways to save money.

How much will tires run?

Tire prices range from $50 for a basic option to more than $1,400 for a performance model. Many folks choose tires in the $150 to $200 range. Multiply a moderately priced $150 tire times four and your bill hits $600 before taxes.

In addition to tire price, consider how the tires you choose will affect vehicle handling, ride comfort, noise and fuel efficiency.

A knowledgeable retailer can help you select tires that are sized for your wheels, meet vehicle manufacturer specifications and fit your budget.

Ask about installation costs

On top of the tire price, there may be additional costs for installation. These costs cover labor, supplies and disposal fees for old tires. Some retailers include future air pressure checks, tire rotations and road hazard protection in their installation costs. Ask what’s included when comparison shopping.

If you belong to a warehouse club, check their offerings; some include installation and future rotations with tire purchases for members.

Finding deals on tires

Tire sales are often advertised around major holidays—like New Year’s, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Deals are also commonly offered in the spring and fall, and on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

As with all big-ticket items it’s wise to comparison shop. You may be tempted to simply head to a retailer that’s in a convenient location and has good reviews and an attractive installation policy. However, check out their competitors before you buy. Many tire sellers offer price matching if they can verify that identical tires are sold for less elsewhere.

Online tire suppliers may be a source for tire deals too. Car owners who go this route will have extra logistics to figure out—like where to have the tires installed and where will the tires be shipped. Some installers allow tires to be shipped directly to their shop. An online retailer may have agreements with local shops or offer mobile tire installation. Work out all the details before you click the buy button.

Ask about rebates

Tire manufacturers periodically offer rebates that can help car owners save significant money; many are for $100, and some are up to $200. Chat up your retailer or check the tire manufacturer’s website to see if rebates are available.

Some limited-time rebates are applied instantly at the point of purchase; other times you claim the rebate by filling out an online form or submitting a rebate form by mail.

To take advantage of a rebate, be sure to make your tire purchase and rebate request within the offer period.

What about used tires?

While used tires offer savings of up to 50% compared to new, they come with significant risks.

First of all, you don’t know how many miles they’ve been driven and under what conditions. Were they driven while underinflated or overloaded or at excessively high speeds? These actions could result in internal tire damage that can’t be seen.

Second, there is no warranty with used tires.

A third risk is that if there’s a manufacturer’s recall you won’t be notified.

Fourth, used tires won’t last as long as new ones and you’ll be faced with replacing them sooner rather than later.

Buying used tires simply isn’t worth the risks in our view.

 

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