Is it worth buying new tires?

All cars will eventually need new tires. Since you want to budget accordingly, it’s important to know how much does it cost to replace your tires? 

A set of four new tires can cost between $500 to $1500 depending on what type, car, quality, and location. You may save $50 if you buy cheap tires. However, some vehicles can cost you $1500 and more to get new tires.

This guide will discuss the various factors that affect the price of a new tire. A few helpful tips may be included to save you some cash.

How much does it cost to replace your tire?

1. Tire Size

You will spend most of your money on the right size tire. There are many sizes of tires available, and they can be used for different purposes. A compact vehicle will get the lowest prices, sometimes $50 per tire.

High-performance vehicles such as large pickup trucks and specialty off-road cars will cost more. It is a good rule to remember that the bigger the tire, the higher you should pay. 

2. Brand

There are as many types of tire brands available as sizes. While many tire shops only carry one brand of tires, others stock a variety of brands.

While you will pay less for the brand name, it is worth considering the quality. If you need to change the tires prematurely, will it be worth it if you can save money? Quality tires will offer a longer warranty than cheaper tires.

While you may pay more for premium brands such as Michelin or Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, it is worth the investment. You know you are getting high quality tires that will keep you on the road.

RELATED: Six Worst Brands of Tires You Should Avoid

3. Installation Cost

The average tire shop does not charge a lot for the installation of tires. The job itself doesn’t take long and the price can often be included with the cost of the tires.

The average cost of a tire installation in a shop is between $20-40. You might find a warehouse or club that charges less. 

4. Tire Disposal

You don’t get to leave your old tires with the shop without paying a price. They must also pay for them to be recycled. This cost is passed on to the customer.

Tire disposal fees average between $2-10 per tire. These fees can be saved if you decide to dispose of your tires yourself. 

5. Road Hazard/Warranty Protect

You can add additional warranty protection to your regular tire price. Road hazard coverage covers your tires in the event of a puncture or blowout. 

You must choose carefully who to road hazard through. Not all companies are going to follow through on the agreement, leaving you paying for protection that doesn’t matter when something actually goes wrong. 

6. Wheel alignment

You will need to have your wheels aligned before you install the new tires. Properly aligned tires will ensure that your tires last for as many years as possible.

The cost to align your wheels will vary depending on the number of jobs needed. However, you can view this as an investment that will ensure your tires are reliable. 

How to save money on tires

1. Look Around

It is important to shop around. Even though the tires are identical, you can get prices at one place and find a different price elsewhere. 

Be aware of the following costs when shopping. The cost of tires and installation costs, as well as any additional fees will be displayed to you. Ask for the “out the door” price, so you can compare it apples-to-apples.

Related: How much do rims cost?

2. Look out for Sales

A sale can be a good time to get great deals. Of course, it’s not always convenient to wait for the next sale, but if you have some time before the tires need to be changed, this is a great way to save.

Tire shops offer a variety of sales throughout the year. Tire shops offer discounts and deals such as Buy 3 Get 1 Free. You can predict when a tire sale will be near you by identifying the holidays that correspond to them.

3. Benefit from Rebates

Tire shops don’t often make a whole lot on the tire, so discounts can be limited. Manufacturers are willing to give rebates all year.

You can also find rebates online. Most rebates will be sent by mail. Additionally, the tire shops have the inside scoop on what’s available, so be sure to ask. 

4. Ask about takeoffs

It’s not always wise to purchase used tires, but the takeoff is something entirely different. These tires were installed brand-new and only used for a couple of days before the customer decided they didn’t want them.

It could be that the client didn’t appreciate the ride or simply decided they wanted something better. Either way, the tire shop will offer the replacement tires at a discounted price, so be sure to ask what’s available, especially if you use a popular tire size. 

5. Get All-Season Tires

You might need two sets of tires if your climate is cold and snowy. In these areas, most people use both summer and winter tires. Two sets of tires can cost you a lot more, particularly if you want to change them.

If you aren’t actually driving in the snow, it might be better to use all-season tires throughout the year. While these aren’t going to get you through deep snow, there’s no sense spending more for something you don’t need. Consider your options, and decide if one set is enough.

RELATED: 10 Best All-Season Tires – Review & Buyer’s Guide

FAQs about new tires