Discount Tires

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There are a few things to know before purchasing discount tires. After all, this item is primarily about protecting your safety and maintaining the good condition of your car, so you don’t want to scrimp too much. However, there is a way to combine safety and savings.

Things to Consider

Before scouting for discount tire deals, remember these helpful tips:

  • Buy the correct tire for your vehicle’s frame and weight capacity. The most accurate location of this information is inside the driver’s door frame and, if you have factory-installed tires, on the tire itself.
  • All-terrain tires are helpful. However, depending on your location, you may still need a set of winter tires.
  • Purchase a full set or, at the very least, a pair of tires. This way, you have a proper pair to rotate evenly. A single tire will have a different wear, and can affect your traction and braking ability.

Where to Find Discount Tires

There’s no easy way to estimate the cost of discount tires, because the final tally depends on the type of vehicle, brand-name vs. less-advertised tire manufacturers, and special mounting and balancing requirements.

On average, most passenger car discount tires will fall into the $25-$60 range; mid-size SUV and light truck tires somewhere between $50-$80; and larger SUV and trucks $80 or more per tire. Mounting and balancing varies from $13 total upwards of $40, with deals to be found where you purchase the tires.

Online

Discount Tires Direct. This site offers free shipping within the contiguous 48 states, special financing, and a function that allows the purchaser to find an installer nearby. All major brands are featured, as well lesser-known models, with reviews provided for each.

The Tire Rack. This site is for the more detailed tire purchaser still wanting a good deal. Breakout is easily done by make, model, and year of vehicle, and anticipated purpose, such as high performance vs. all-terrain passenger. Also has a “find an installer” function.

Retail

Independent garages and tire centers. Sometimes manufacturers strike up promotional deals with independent shops to help build a customer base. If it’s a name-brand shop such as Firestone or Goodyear, watch for clearance specials, especially in the spring and fall.

Warehouse stores. Even with the required annual membership fee, many warehouse stores have great deals on tires, plus the mounting and balancing. What’s more, many warehouse clubs offer free rotation and balancing for the life of the tire.

“Big Box” stores. Places like Sears and Wal-Mart often get bargains with tire manufacturers in the hopes of bringing the customer in for additional items. Compare sales circulars for a month or so before setting out to buy discount tires.

Retread Tires

Another option for discount tires is to purchase retread tires. Retreading is a process of removing the worn tread, or exterior, of a tire, and applying a new tread to the tire casing.

Industrial transportation systems have been using retreaded tires for decades. School buses, airplanes, large trucks, and farm equipment normally use retreaded tires. In fact, in 1993, President Clinton signed a law in the United States that required all government vehicles to be outfitted with retreaded tires. The misconception is that these tires are substandard to new tires for passenger vehicles. However, they have proven to be just as reliable and safe as new tires.

Retread tires can cost approximately 30 to 50 percent less than a brand new tire. Unfortunately, it is still not a common alternative for most passenger cars. Consumers will have better luck finding retreads for light trucks and recreational vehicles.

For more comprehensive information about retreaded tires, or to find a retailer of retreaded tires near you, visit the Tire Retread Information Bureau website.

Preserving Your New Tires

Here are a few simple maintenance pointers that help extend the life of your discount tires and conserve fuel:

  • Keep tires properly inflated. The recommended air pressure is on the sidewall of every tire.
  • Check regularly for nails, rocks, and other items. You many not have a flat, but that doesn’t mean something hasn’t lodged in the tread.
  • Only use tire-specific cleaning products. Some chemicals can advance rubber cracking.
  • Set up a schedule for rotating and balancing. Check your vehicle’s manual for guidelines.
  • Avoid hot-rodding. How you drive can really affect the wear and tear on your tires, so don’t peel out or pop curbs.

 


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