What Discount Tire is and how it operates
Discount Tire is a tire retailer with over 1,000 locations across the United States. The company sells passenger car tires, truck tires, and wheels, and also offers services like tire installation, balancing, rotation, and repair. You can shop in person at a physical location or order online for delivery or in-store pickup.
The company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett's investment firm) but operates independently under the Discount Tire name. Discount Tire also owns and operates Discount Tire Direct, which is its online-focused division. Both operate the same way — they source tires from major manufacturers like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental, and sell them at prices intended to undercut department stores and dealerships.
Discount Tire makes money on tire sales and on the services attached to those sales. Installation, balancing, and repairs generate additional revenue. The company does not charge a membership fee to shop there, and you do not need to pre-register or create an account to browse or purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Discount Tire sells tires and wheels from major manufacturers and offers installation, balancing, rotation, and repair services at most locations.
- You can shop online at Discount Tire Direct or visit a physical store; online orders can be picked up in-store or delivered to your home.
- Prices vary by tire brand, size, and season, so comparing the same tire model across retailers is the only way to know if you are getting a discount.
- Discount Tire offers a road hazard warranty on most tires sold, which covers damage from punctures and potholes for a set period.
- The company's return policy allows you to return or exchange tires within 30 days if you change your mind.
How tire pricing works at Discount Tire
Discount Tire's prices depend on the tire brand, size, load rating, and tread pattern you choose. A budget tire from a lesser-known brand costs less than a premium tire from Michelin or Goodyear. A tire sized for a compact car costs less than one sized for a truck or SUV. Seasonal tires (winter, all-season, summer) are priced differently, and prices shift based on inventory and demand.
The word "discount" in the company name refers to the business model — selling high volume at lower margins — not a may provide that every tire is cheaper than everywhere else. To know whether you are paying less, you need to compare the exact same tire (brand, size, tread pattern) across Discount Tire, a dealership, Costco, Amazon, Tire Rack, or a local shop. Prices change weekly and vary by location.
Discount Tire often runs promotions on specific tire brands or bundles (for example, "buy three tires, get the fourth at a discount"). These deals are advertised on their website and in-store, and they change seasonally. Spring and fall are common times for tire sales because those are when people replace worn tires before weather shifts.
Installation, balancing, and other services
When you buy tires from Discount Tire, installation is not automatic — you pay for it separately. Installation typically includes mounting the tire on the wheel, balancing, and valve stem replacement. The cost varies by location and tire size, but generally ranges from $15 to $30 per tire. Some promotions include free installation, so check the fine print.
Tire balancing ensures the tire and wheel spin evenly, which reduces vibration and extends tire life. Discount Tire performs this as part of installation. Tire rotation — moving tires from one position to another (front to back, side to side) — is offered separately and costs less than installation. Rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to wear tires evenly.
Discount Tire also repairs punctures in the tread area of a tire (not the sidewall, which cannot be safely repaired). Repair cost is typically $10 to $20 per tire. The company offers wheel alignment, which adjusts the angle of your wheels to manufacturer specifications. Alignment costs vary but often run $60 to $100 for a four-wheel alignment.
The road hazard warranty and what it covers
Most tires sold at Discount Tire come with a road hazard warranty, which is an optional protection plan you can add at purchase. This warranty covers damage from punctures, potholes, and other road hazards for a set period — usually the life of the tire or up to five years, whichever comes first. The warranty does not cover normal wear, blowouts from underinflation, or damage from accidents.
If a tire is damaged and covered by the warranty, Discount Tire will repair it for free if the damage is repairable (a small puncture in the tread). If the tire cannot be repaired, the warranty pays a prorated amount toward a replacement tire. Prorated means you pay a percentage based on how much tread remains on the damaged tire. A tire with 50% tread remaining would be worth 50% of the new tire's price toward a replacement.
The road hazard warranty costs extra — typically $10 to $20 per tire — and is optional. You decide at the time of purchase whether to add it. If you drive in areas with rough roads, potholes, or construction debris, the warranty may be worth the cost. If you drive mostly on well-maintained highways, it may not be.
Shopping online versus in-store
Discount Tire Direct is the company's online store. You can browse tires by vehicle type, size, and price, read customer reviews, and compare brands. Once you select a tire, you choose whether to have it shipped to your home or picked up at a nearby Discount Tire location. Shipping usually takes 3 to 7 business days. In-store pickup is often available within 1 to 2 business days.
If you pick up online orders in-store, you can have installation done the same day or schedule it for later. If you have tires shipped to your home, you will need to take them to a tire shop for installation — Discount Tire does not install tires you did not purchase from them. Some independent shops and dealerships will install tires you bring in, but they may charge a higher installation fee than Discount Tire would.
Shopping in-store lets you see and feel tires in person, ask staff questions, and walk out with tires the same day if they are in stock. Staff can also help you determine the correct tire size for your vehicle if you are unsure. Online shopping is faster if you know exactly what you want and do not need when ready installation.
Return and exchange policy
Discount Tire allows you to return or exchange tires within 30 days of purchase if you change your mind or the tires do not perform as expected. The tires must be unused and in original condition. If you have already driven on the tires, you cannot return them for a refund, but you may be able to exchange them for a different model or size.
If you purchased tires online and had them shipped to your home, you will need to arrange return shipping or take them to a Discount Tire location. Return shipping costs are typically your responsibility unless the tires arrived damaged. If you purchased in-store, you can return them to the same location where you bought them.
Tires purchased with the road hazard warranty are covered under that warranty for damage, but the 30-day return policy is separate. A tire with a puncture covered by the warranty would be repaired or replaced under warranty terms, not returned under the return policy.
How to find your correct tire size
Your vehicle's correct tire size is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your vehicle's owner manual. The size looks like this: 225/65R17. The first number (225) is the tire width in millimeters. The second number (65) is the aspect ratio, which describes the tire's sidewall height as a percentage of width. The letter (R) indicates radial construction. The final number (17) is the wheel diameter in inches.
You can also search for your vehicle's tire size on Discount Tire's website by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model. The site will show you all compatible tire sizes and available options. Do not guess at tire size — using the wrong size can affect fuel economy, speedometer accuracy, and handling. If you are unsure, ask a Discount Tire employee to confirm the size before you purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Discount Tire price match other retailers?
Discount Tire does not publicly advertise a price-match policy. If you find a lower price elsewhere for the exact same tire, contact your local Discount Tire store directly — some locations may negotiate, but there is no company-wide may provide. The best approach is to compare prices across multiple retailers before purchasing.
Can I buy tires online and have them installed at a Discount Tire location?
Yes. If you order online and choose in-store pickup, you can schedule installation at the same location. Installation is a separate charge. If you have tires shipped to your home, you will need to bring them to a Discount Tire location or another tire shop for installation.
What happens if a tire goes flat after I buy it?
If the flat is caused by a puncture or pothole and you purchased the road hazard warranty, the warranty covers repair or replacement. If you did not purchase the warranty, you pay for repair out of pocket. Discount Tire charges $10 to $20 for puncture repair. Blowouts caused by underinflation or hitting a curb are not covered by the warranty.
How often should I rotate my tires?
Most tire manufacturers recommend rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Rotation extends tire life by evening out wear. Discount Tire offers rotation as a separate service. Some tire warranties require regular rotation to remain valid, so check your warranty terms.
Can I return tires if I have already driven on them?
No. The 30-day return policy covers unused tires only. Once tires are mounted and driven on, they cannot be returned for a refund. You may be able to exchange them for a different model or size, but that is at the store's discretion.