Four Tips for Finding the Best Tire Prices

If you think of how you want to spend your Saturday, it probably isn't shopping for the best tire prices. While searching for the best tire prices may take a little bit of work on your part, it will also pay-off in great savings. Here are four easy tips for finding the best tire prices, saving you hundreds of dollars in the process:

1. Comparison shop: The key to finding the best tire prices is to comparison shop. This may mean actually visiting your local National Tire and Battery, Sam's Club, or other tire dealer because tire prices are often not listed online. Taking the time to look at tire prices at several local shops is key and is definitely worth the time investment that you are making. Think of it this way: saving $25 per tire will save you $100 - which isn't bad for an hour or two of work.

2. Look at the hidden costs: While you are comparison shopping, make sure that you ask each retailer to tell you ALL of the costs associated with tire installation. I've had my tires installed at National Tire and Battery twice now and each time I've been dinged with several "additional charges" such as tire installation fees and tire warranty charges. These charges exceeded $25 per tire, which is not included in the tire price quote. When visiting any tire dealer, ask the technician to detail all charges associated with tire installation to make sure that you are comparing each tire retailer equally. To get the best tire price, consider telling the retailer that you don't want the extended warranty and service (especially if you intend to have your tires rotated elsewhere).

3. Shop tire sales: Another way to find the best tire prices is to shop sales. While tire prices often aren't shown online, tire sales are, so browsing for tire sales online is a great way to get started. Note that some retailers may make you open a credit card to get the best tire prices, while others will give you a refund right away. For example, Sam's Club recently offered a $60 rebate when buying four Michelin tires while National Tire and Battery offered a reduced price for Uniroyal tires if you opened a NTB credit card.

4. Consider tire quality: Getting the "best tire price" doesn't necessarily mean buying the cheapest tire. Performance is an important consideration - make sure that the tire life will meet your needs. For the best value, consider buying all-weather tires in snowy climates. Ask whether lifetime tire rotation is free - most retailers will include this service, which can extend your tire life by months or even years.