Tips to Save Big on Vehicle Tires – A Money-Saving Guide
Buying new tires can feel like a dreary task to many as they are some of the most expensive vehicle maintenance items today. Not only are they critical in your car’s functioning, but they also offer an added layer of comfort and security. While it isn’t always wise to go for the cheapest tire model available, there are some ways in which you can save money while purchasing new tires. Check out a few below.
Regular service and maintenance
Regular servicing and maintenance of your tires can help you get the maximum life out of them, thus saving you money in the long run. Listed below are a few aspects regarding tire maintenance one needs to keep in mind.
Rotating and aligning
Rotating your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles or every six months is necessary to ensure they wear out evenly from all sides. Doing this ensures balanced handling while driving and increases tire life. Without proper alignment, tires can wear out quickly and unevenly. Having proper four-wheel alignment is essential for the longevity of your tires. Cars tires with different wear life, tread patterns, and sizes require more frequent alignment services .
Repairing flats
Instead of buying new tires whenever the existing one starts to leak, try to get the flats repaired. Tire stores offer plug and patch services that can be availed for anywhere between $0 to $15, depending on the location and type of repair required. Having your tires repaired can help you save much more than buying a new tire each time.
Maintaining air pressure
Ensure that your tires are filled with air to the maximum pressure limit specified on the sidewall. This can help prevent roll resistance and improve mileage.
Comparing options
Before purchasing a new set of tires, it is essential to consider a few crucial details. This ensures you get the best deal possible and do not fall victim to any hidden upcharges. These factors include the cost of the tires, sales tax, shipping, mounting and balancing charges, new valve stems, disposal of old tires, and relearning or resetting the tire pressure monitoring system. When trying to save money on tires, don’t just check prices at one retailer and make your purchase. Make use of a strategy called competitive shopping. For this, collect multiple written quotes from three or four different retailers, and use the lowest bids against the others to avail of the best possible price.
Shopping during the sale season
Tire companies offer great discounts during the sale season. You can expect brilliant deals on tires in April, October, and during Black Friday sales. Shopping during these sale seasons can help you get the best tire deal. Although you may not need new tires during the sale, proper planning can help you get your preferred brands and models and save big bucks in the process. Another great way to save money is to look for tire advertisements in the mail or your daily newspaper. These often carry special deals which can help you get new tires at a reasonable price. However, be sure to read their fine print to ensure that the sale applies to the type and size of tires you’re looking for, and check whether the deal includes only the tire prices or other add-ons such as balancing, disposal fees, etc.
Paying for what you need
Some tires may cost more than others as they come with extended warranties, such as a ‘free’ road hazard warranty, which differs from a manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties cover accidental damages such as glass punctures or pothole blowouts. However, if you already have these warranties covered with an auto club or a supplemental wheel and tire protection plan, there is no need to pay for these additional warranties on your new tires. Make sure that you only pay for what you truly need.
Using coupons and rebates
Many online and brick-and-mortar retailers offer coupons, mail-in rebates, and more. Since there isn’t a massive markup on tires, sales are far and few in between. However, stores generally offer rebates to meet their purchase requirements. Usually, rebates are sent through the mail and can take a few weeks to process. One can also find them on the seller’s websites or in circulars. Another great way to save some money on tires is by using 30-day low-price guarantees, as many retailers try to match a lower advertised price on the same model and make for up to 30 days after the date of purchase.
Choosing all-season tires
People often change from summer tires to winter tires in areas that experience lots of snow. However, keeping and maintaining two different sets of tires can get expensive. If you live in areas with more temperate climates or where snow is rare, you can get by with just one set of all-season tires, which can help you save money in the long run.
Looking beyond brand names
Most of us need quality, long-lasting tires. Many famous brands are known for their tire quality, but these can be expensive. It is essential to look beyond the brand name and check its performance and durability. Other important factors that need to be considered are their speed rating, load index, treadwear rating, and warranties. Measure these factors up to your needs, and then find the right fit for your vehicle instead of blindly choosing well-renowned brands to save money on your purchase.
Although tires can be one of the most expensive vehicle purchases, they are just a point of contact between the road and your vehicle. That is why choosing the best quality tires based on your needs is wise. By keeping these tips in mind, you can save big on your next tire purchase and maximize their performance in the long run.
