What Discount Tire America Is and How to Use It
Discount Tire America is a tire retailer with locations across the United States that sells new tires, wheels, and related services like mounting, balancing, and repairs. You can visit a store in person, call ahead to check inventory, or browse their website to see what's available before you go. The company operates company-owned stores and also franchises under the name "America's Tire" in some regions — both operate the same way from a customer standpoint.
When you arrive at a Discount Tire location, staff will help you find tires that match your vehicle's size and your budget. They can mount and balance new tires the same day in most cases, and they also handle repairs like patching punctures and replacing valve stems. You pay at the register before you leave, and your vehicle is ready when the work is done.
Key Takeaways
- Discount Tire sells new tires, wheels, and services like mounting and balancing at physical store locations and through their website.
- You need your vehicle's tire size, which you can find on the sidewall of your current tire or in your owner's manual, to start shopping.
- Most stores can mount and balance new tires the same day, though wait times vary by location and how busy they are.
- Discount Tire offers a road hazard warranty on most tires sold in-store, which covers repairs or replacement if you hit a pothole or nail.
- You can check local store hours and inventory online before visiting, and calling ahead can reduce your wait time.
Finding Your Tire Size and Choosing What to Buy
Your tire size is printed on the sidewall of your current tire in a code like "225/65R17" — the numbers tell you the width, aspect ratio, construction type, and wheel diameter. You can also find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Write down this size before you visit or call a store.
Discount Tire stocks tires at different price points, from budget brands to premium manufacturers. Staff can explain the differences — a more expensive tire often lasts longer, handles better in wet conditions, or comes with a longer tread-life warranty. You can also read customer reviews on their website to see how specific tires perform. Once you choose a tire, the store will tell you the total cost including mounting and balancing, which typically adds $15 to $30 per tire depending on your wheel size.
What Happens During Mounting and Balancing
Mounting is the process of putting the tire onto your wheel. Balancing is adjusting the weight distribution around the wheel so it spins evenly at highway speeds — without balancing, you may feel vibration in the steering wheel or seat. Discount Tire does both services in-house at most locations.
The work usually takes 30 minutes to an hour per vehicle, though this varies based on how many customers are ahead of you and whether your wheels need any repairs before the new tires go on. If your wheels are bent or corroded, staff will let you know and explain the cost to fix them. You can wait in the store or leave and come back — ask the staff how long they estimate the job will take.
Road Hazard Warranty and What It Covers
Discount Tire includes a road hazard warranty on most tires sold in their stores. This warranty covers repairs if you puncture a tire by hitting a nail, pothole, or other road debris. If the tire cannot be repaired, the warranty covers a replacement at no charge during the first year, and at a prorated cost in years two through five (the exact terms depend on the tire brand and your location).
The warranty does not cover damage from underinflation, overloading, or normal wear. If you get a flat, you can return to any Discount Tire location with your receipt, and they will assess whether the damage is covered. Keep your receipt and the warranty paperwork in your vehicle so you have them if you need to make a claim.
Tire Repairs and Other Services
Beyond selling new tires, Discount Tire repairs existing tires by patching punctures, replacing valve stems, and fixing slow leaks. These services cost less than buying a new tire and can extend the life of your current set. You can walk in without an appointment for repairs, though you may wait depending on how busy the store is.
The store also sells wheels, performs wheel alignments at some locations, and can install custom wheels you bring in. Call your local store to confirm which services they offer, because not every location provides every service.
Visiting in Person Versus Ordering Online
You can browse tires and prices on Discount Tire's website and see which models are in stock at your nearest store. Ordering online and picking up in-store is an option at many locations — you pay online, then visit the store to have the tires mounted and balanced. This approach lets you compare prices and read reviews at home before committing.
Visiting in person lets you talk to staff about which tire is right for your driving habits and budget, and you can have the work done when ready if the store has your size in stock. Call ahead to confirm they have what you want and to ask about wait times, especially on weekends when stores are busier.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring your vehicle keys, a valid form of payment (cash, debit card, or credit card), and your vehicle's registration or proof of insurance if you want to leave the vehicle with staff while you wait elsewhere. You do not need an appointment for tire sales or repairs at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm they have your tire size in stock will save you a trip.
If you are buying new tires, know your tire size before you arrive. If you are getting a repair, bring the vehicle with the flat or damaged tire. Staff will inspect the tire and tell you whether it can be repaired and what the cost will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tires online and have them shipped to my house?
Discount Tire does not ship tires directly to customers for home installation. You must pick up tires at a store location or have them shipped to a store for mounting and balancing there. This is standard across most tire retailers because mounting requires specialized equipment.
What if I need tires but do not know my vehicle's size?
Call your nearest Discount Tire store and give them your vehicle's year, make, and model — staff can look up the correct tire size for you. You can also find the size yourself on the sidewall of your current tire, in your owner's manual, or on the sticker inside your driver's side door.
How long does the road hazard warranty last?
The warranty typically covers repairs at no charge for the first year and at a prorated cost for years two through five, though the exact terms vary by tire brand and location. Ask staff for the warranty details when you buy your tires, and keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
Can I return tires if I change my mind?
Return policies vary by location. Most Discount Tire stores allow returns within a certain number of days if the tires have not been mounted or driven on. Call your store to confirm their specific policy before you buy.
Do I need to make an appointment for tire repairs?
No, you can walk in for repairs like patching a puncture or replacing a valve stem. Wait times depend on how busy the store is. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan when to visit.