How to Find Deals on Tires and Buy Them More Affordably
Replacing your tires can be one of the more expensive aspects of vehicle maintenance, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
With smart shopping strategies and a little research, you can find great deals on tires and make your purchase far more affordable.Here’s a complete guide on how to save money when buying tires, where to look for discounts, and other cost-effective options to keep your car rolling safely.
Where to Find the Best Tire Deals
1. Tire Retailers’ Seasonal Sales
Major tire retailers like Discount Tire, Tire Rack, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Pep Boys frequently run sales, especially during:
- End-of-season clearances (spring and fall)
- Holiday promotions (Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day)
- Back-to-school sales (August/September)
These sales often include discounted tire sets, free installation, or manufacturer rebates.
2. Manufacturer Rebates
Brands like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental often offer cash-back rebates when you purchase a set of four tires. You can find these deals on the tire manufacturer's website or through partnered retailers.
3. Warehouse Clubs
Shopping at Costco or Sam’s Club can lead to considerable savings on tires. Membership often includes free lifetime services like:
- Tire rotations
- Flat repairs
- Road hazard warranties
- Air pressure checks
4. Online Tire Stores
Websites like:
- TireRack.com
- SimpleTire.com
- PriorityTire.com
- DiscountTireDirect.com
offer competitive prices, wide selections, and shipping directly to your home or local installer. Many online stores also feature seasonal promotions and bundle deals.
Additional Ways to Save on Tires
1. Shop Off-Season
Buying winter tires in spring or summer tires in fall can yield significant discounts as retailers try to clear out inventory.
2. Look for Clearance or Discontinued Models
Manufacturers occasionally update tread designs, leading to price drops on older versions. Discontinued models can offer excellent performance at a fraction of the price.
3. Consider Used Tires (Cautiously)
Buying used tires from reputable dealers can be a budget-friendly option. However, always check:
- Tread depth (should be at least 5/32" remaining)
- Tire age (preferably less than six years old)
- Signs of uneven wear, patches, or sidewall damage
Avoid purchasing used tires from unreliable sources like roadside sellers.
4. Compare Installation Costs
Some shops offer discounted tires but charge higher installation fees. Always compare the full package: tire cost, installation, balancing, and alignment.
5. Bundle Services
Some tire shops offer packages that include alignment, rotation, and lifetime balancing, which can save money long term.
6. Check for Price Matching
Retailers like Walmart and Discount Tire often price-match competitors, including online stores. If you find a better price elsewhere, ask your local dealer if they’ll honor it.
7. Finance Options and Buy Now, Pay Later
Many tire retailers offer financing or buy now, pay later (BNPL) programs that allow you to spread out payments over several months, sometimes with 0% interest promotions.
Bonus Tip: Maintain Your Tires to Save Money
The best way to reduce the cost of tire ownership is to extend the life of your current tires. Key maintenance practices include:
- Regular tire rotations (every 5,000–7,000 miles)
- Maintaining proper tire pressure
- Checking wheel alignment
- Balancing tires as needed
- Avoiding aggressive driving
Proper care not only extends tire life but also improves fuel efficiency and driving safety.
Final Thoughts
Buying new tires doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By shopping strategically—taking advantage of seasonal promotions, rebates, online deals, and warehouse club benefits—you can secure quality tires at a price that fits your budget.
Whether you’re buying online, from a big-box store, or from your local tire shop, doing a little research can lead to big savings. And remember, keeping your tires in top shape will maximize your investment and keep you safely on the road for miles to come.