What Advance Tire Medley is and who runs it
Advance Tire Medley is a tire retail and installation service operated by Advance Auto Parts, one of the largest automotive aftermarket retailers in the United States. The Medley name refers to their in-store tire department, where you can browse tire options, get pricing, and schedule installation at participating Advance Auto Parts locations.
Advance Auto Parts owns and operates these tire centers directly — you are not working with a third-party installer. This means the same company that sells you the tire also handles the mounting, balancing, and installation work. Most Advance locations that carry tires have this service available, though not every store offers it, so checking your local branch first is necessary.
The service covers standard tire installation tasks: removing your old tires, mounting new ones on your wheels, balancing them, and reinstalling them on your vehicle. Advance also offers tire rotation, repair, and seasonal storage at many locations.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Tire Medley is the tire sales and installation service at Advance Auto Parts stores, not a separate company or program.
- You can browse tires online or in-store, compare prices and brands, and schedule installation at the same location where you purchase.
- Installation typically includes mounting, balancing, and installation on your vehicle, with pricing that varies by tire size and location.
- Advance offers tire rotation, repair, and storage services in addition to new tire sales and installation.
- Not every Advance Auto Parts location has a tire department, so you should confirm availability at your nearest store before visiting.
How to find tires and check pricing
Start by visiting the Advance Auto Parts website or calling your local store directly. On the website, you can enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to see tire options that fit your car. The site shows you available brands, tread ratings, and prices for each option. You can also filter by price range, tire type (all-season, winter, performance), and customer ratings.
Pricing varies significantly by tire brand, size, and your location. A budget all-season tire might cost $60 to $100 per tire, while premium or performance tires can run $150 to $300 or more per tire. Advance frequently runs promotions — mail-in rebates, buy-three-get-one discounts, or bundle deals that include free installation or balancing. Check the current promotions on their website or ask in-store.
If you already know your tire size, you can search by that directly. Your tire size appears on the sidewall of your current tires (for example, 205/55R16) or in your vehicle's owner manual and driver's side door jamb. Entering the exact size ensures you see only compatible options.
Scheduling installation and what happens on the day
Once you have chosen your tires, you can schedule installation online through the Advance website or by calling your local store. Online scheduling shows available appointment times and lets you confirm the date and time when ready. By phone, a staff member will check availability and book you in. Most stores can fit you in within a few days, though busy periods may require waiting longer.
On installation day, arrive a few minutes early with your vehicle. Bring your keys and any paperwork you have about your tires or vehicle. The technician will move your car into the service bay, remove the old tires, mount and balance the new ones, and reinstall them. The entire process typically takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the store is and whether any complications arise (such as stuck lug nuts or wheel damage).
You can wait in the store during installation, or many locations allow you to leave and return at a set time. Ask the staff when you arrive whether waiting or leaving is more practical for your situation.
Installation costs and what is included
Installation pricing is separate from the tire price itself. Advance charges a per-tire fee for mounting and balancing, which typically ranges from $15 to $25 per tire depending on your location and tire size. Larger tires or specialty wheels may cost more. Some promotions bundle installation into the tire price or offer it free during sales events.
The installation fee covers mounting the tire onto your wheel, balancing it, and installing the wheel back on your vehicle. It does not usually include removing and disposing of your old tires, though many Advance locations offer tire disposal for a small additional fee (often $3 to $5 per tire). Ask about disposal costs when you schedule or arrive for your appointment.
If your wheels need repair — such as straightening a bent rim or fixing a leak — that is a separate service with additional cost. The technician will let you know if they spot wheel damage during installation and can quote you for repair work.
Tire warranties and what they cover
Most tires sold through Advance come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty typically lasts for the life of the tire's tread (measured in years or miles, whichever comes first) and covers failures due to manufacturing problems — not wear, punctures, or damage from road hazards.
Advance also sells optional tire protection plans that cover puncture repair, replacement due to road hazard damage, and sometimes tire rotation and balancing for a set period. These plans cost extra but can be useful if you drive in areas with rough roads or debris. Ask about available plans when you purchase your tires.
Keep your receipt and any warranty documentation. If a tire fails within the warranty period, return to Advance with proof of purchase and they will repair or replace it according to the warranty terms.
Tire rotation, repair, and seasonal storage services
Beyond installation, Advance Tire Medley locations offer tire rotation — moving tires to different positions on your vehicle to promote even wear. Rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 7,000 miles and costs $20 to $40 depending on your location. Many tire warranties require regular rotation to remain valid, so keeping records of when you rotate is important.
If you get a puncture or flat, Advance can repair it if the damage is in the tread area and the hole is small enough to patch. Repair costs typically run $10 to $20 per tire. Large punctures, sidewall damage, or multiple repairs may make the tire unrepairable, in which case replacement is the only option.
Some Advance locations also store tires seasonally — holding your winter tires during summer months or vice versa. Storage fees vary by location and usually run $5 to $10 per tire per month. This service is useful if you lack space at home or want to avoid the hassle of swapping tires yourself.
What to do if you have problems after installation
If you notice vibration, pulling to one side, or other issues shortly after installation, return to the store where you had the work done. The technician can rebalance the tires, check wheel alignment, or inspect for installation problems at no charge if the issue is related to their work. Bring your receipt and describe the problem in detail.
If a tire fails or develops a leak within days of installation and the failure is not due to road damage, Advance will typically cover repair or replacement under their service may provide. Again, bring your receipt and the vehicle so they can inspect the tire and wheel.
For warranty claims on the tires themselves (manufacturer defects), contact Advance with your receipt and tire information. They will handle the claim process with the tire manufacturer on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tires online and have them installed at a store?
Yes. You can purchase tires through the Advance website and either pick them up in-store or have them shipped to a location for installation. When you order online, you can select your preferred installation date during checkout. Bring your vehicle at the scheduled time and the store will install the tires you purchased.
Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online or by phone. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated if the store is not busy, but you may face a long wait. Scheduling ahead ensures the technician has your tires in stock and a service bay available at your preferred time.
What if my vehicle has all-wheel drive or special wheels?
Advance can install tires on all-wheel-drive vehicles, but some all-wheel-drive systems require all four tires to be the same brand, model, and tread depth. Ask the technician about your specific vehicle's requirements before purchasing. Special or custom wheels may require additional balancing or handling, which could increase the installation fee.
Can Advance help if my tire is damaged beyond repair?
Yes. If a tire cannot be repaired, Advance will sell you a replacement. If the tire is still under warranty and the damage is due to a manufacturing defect (not a puncture or road hazard), the manufacturer may cover part or all of the replacement cost. Bring the damaged tire to the store so they can assess it and explain your options.
How long does a tire typically last?
Most tires last three to five years or 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on the tire quality, your driving habits, and road conditions. Tire manufacturers typically warranty their products for three to five years. Check your tires regularly for wear and have them inspected if you notice uneven wear, cracks, or bulges.