Discount Tire and Wheel is a tire retailer with over 1,000 locations across the United States
Discount Tire and Wheel (operating under the brand name Discount Tire in most states, and America's Tire in California and some other western states) is a privately held tire and wheel retailer. The company sells passenger car tires, truck tires, wheels, and related services like mounting, balancing, and repairs. You can shop in-store, online, or by phone, and the company offers installation at most locations.
The company does not manufacture tires — it buys from major brands like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, and others, then sells them at prices that typically undercut department stores and some big-box retailers. Discount Tire also sells its own house brand tires under the name Pathfinder.
If you are comparing tire prices or looking for a place to have tires mounted and balanced, Discount Tire is one option among several. Understanding how the company structures its pricing, warranties, and services will help you decide whether it fits your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Discount Tire sells name-brand and house-brand tires at prices lower than many competitors, with the option to shop online or in-store.
- The company offers free mounting and balancing on tires purchased through them, and charges a fee if you bring tires from elsewhere.
- Discount Tire provides a road hazard warranty on most tires, which covers damage from nails, glass, and potholes — but the warranty does not cover normal wear or blowouts from underinflation.
- You can return or exchange tires within a set window if they do not perform as expected, though the exact terms depend on the tire brand and your location.
- Discount Tire also sells wheels, performs tire repairs, and offers services like rotation and pressure checks, though prices vary by location.
How Discount Tire Prices Compare to Other Retailers
Discount Tire's pricing strategy centers on volume and direct sales — the company owns its stores rather than franchising, which reduces overhead and allows it to pass savings to customers. On popular tire models, Discount Tire prices are often lower than Costco, Walmart, or independent shops, though the difference varies by tire brand and model.
The company's house brand, Pathfinder tires, are significantly cheaper than name brands and are manufactured by third-party makers. Pathfinder tires carry the same warranty coverage as other tires sold at Discount Tire, but they do not have the brand reputation or longevity track record of established names like Michelin or Goodyear.
Discount Tire does not typically match competitor prices, though it occasionally runs promotions like mail-in rebates or discounts on specific tire lines. If price is your main concern, it is worth getting quotes from Costco, Walmart, and a local independent shop before deciding — the lowest price is not always at Discount Tire, and shipping costs can add up if you order online.
What the Road Hazard Warranty Covers and Does Not Cover
Most tires sold at Discount Tire come with a road hazard warranty included at no extra cost. This warranty covers damage from nails, glass, potholes, and curb damage. If a tire is damaged by one of these hazards and cannot be repaired, Discount Tire will replace it at no charge during the warranty period, which is typically the life of the tire tread.
The road hazard warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, blowouts caused by underinflation, damage from driving on a flat tire, or damage from accidents or collisions. It also does not cover tires that fail because of a manufacturing defect — those are covered under the manufacturer's warranty instead, which is separate.
To make a claim, you bring the damaged tire to a Discount Tire location. The staff will inspect it and determine whether the damage falls under the warranty. If it does, they will replace the tire. If you have paid for the tire in full and it is still within the tread life, you should not have to pay for the replacement, though some locations may charge a small fee for mounting and balancing the new tire.
Mounting, Balancing, and Installation Fees
Discount Tire includes free mounting and balancing on all tires purchased from them. This means the cost of putting the tire on your wheel and spinning it to may support even weight distribution is built into the tire price — you do not pay extra at checkout.
If you bring tires from another retailer or a private seller and want Discount Tire to mount and balance them, the company charges a fee per tire, typically between $15 and $25 depending on the tire size and your location. Some locations also charge for valve stems (the small tubes that hold air in the tire) if you need new ones.
Discount Tire also offers tire rotation (moving tires from one position to another to even out wear), which is often free or low-cost if you purchased the tires there. Pressure checks and air fills are typically free. Tire repairs — patching a puncture, for example — cost between $10 and $20 per tire, though the exact price varies by location.
Return and Exchange Policies
Discount Tire allows returns and exchanges within a specific window, usually 30 days from purchase. If you are unhappy with how a tire performs or if it does not fit your vehicle as expected, you can return it for a refund or exchange it for a different model.
The return window applies to tires purchased in-store or online. If you ordered online and had the tires shipped to a store for installation, the return clock starts when you pick them up or when they are installed, depending on the location. Tires that have been driven on extensively or damaged through use are less likely to be accepted for return.
If a tire fails due to a manufacturing defect — for example, a sidewall blowout that occurs within the first few weeks of normal driving — Discount Tire will typically replace it under the manufacturer's warranty rather than the return policy. The manufacturer's warranty period is longer than the return window and covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Online Shopping and In-Store Pickup or Delivery
Discount Tire's website allows you to search for tires by vehicle make and model, or by tire size. You can filter by price, brand, and tire type (all-season, winter, performance, and so on). Once you select a tire, you can choose to have it shipped to your home, shipped to a Discount Tire store for installation, or picked up at a store if it is in stock locally.
Shipping to your home typically takes 5 to 10 business days, depending on your location. Shipping costs vary but are often waived on orders above a certain amount. If you choose in-store installation, you can schedule an appointment online or by phone, and the store will have the tires ready when you arrive.
Some Discount Tire locations also offer mobile installation, where a technician comes to your home or workplace to mount and balance the tires. This service is not available everywhere and typically costs more than in-store installation. Check your local store's website to see whether mobile service is offered in your area.
Wheels and Additional Services
Beyond tires, Discount Tire sells wheels in a wide range of styles and sizes. You can browse wheels online or in-store, and the company can help you find wheels that fit your vehicle's bolt pattern and offset. Wheels are priced individually, and installation (balancing and mounting) is charged separately.
Discount Tire also performs other services at many locations, including tire repairs, valve stem replacement, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor replacement, and wheel alignment. Not all services are available at every location, so it is worth calling ahead or checking the store's website to confirm.
Some Discount Tire locations offer seasonal tire storage, where you can leave your off-season tires at the store between uses. This service typically costs a small monthly fee and is useful if you rotate between summer and winter tires but do not have space to store them at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tires online and have them installed at a Discount Tire store?
Yes. You can order tires on Discount Tire's website and select "ship to store" at checkout. The store will notify you when the tires arrive, and you can schedule an installation appointment. You pay for the tires online and pay for mounting and balancing at the store.
What happens if a tire goes flat or gets damaged after I buy it?
If the damage is from a nail, glass, pothole, or curb, the road hazard warranty covers replacement at no cost. If the damage is from underinflation, an accident, or normal wear, the warranty does not cover it, and you will pay for a replacement tire plus installation fees.
Does Discount Tire price-match other retailers?
Discount Tire does not have a formal price-match policy. However, the company occasionally runs promotions and rebates on specific tire brands. It is worth comparing prices at Costco, Walmart, and local shops before purchasing, as the lowest price is not always at Discount Tire.
Are Pathfinder tires (Discount Tire's house brand) as good as name brands?
Pathfinder tires are significantly cheaper and carry the same warranty coverage as name brands sold at Discount Tire. However, they do not have the long-term reputation or brand recognition of Michelin or Goodyear. They are a reasonable choice if budget is your priority and you do not have strong brand preferences.
Can I return tires if I change my mind after buying them?
Yes, within 30 days of purchase. Tires that have been driven on extensively or damaged through use are less likely to be accepted. If a tire fails due to a manufacturing defect, it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty instead, which lasts longer than the return window.