What Discount Tire Co is and how to find one
Discount Tire Co is a tire and wheel retailer with locations across the United States. The company operates both standalone stores and locations inside Costco warehouses. You can find a Discount Tire Co store by visiting their website and entering your zip code, or by checking whether your local Costco has a tire center (many do, and those are operated by Discount Tire Co).
The company sells new tires from major manufacturers, wheels, and tire services like installation, balancing, and repairs. They also carry batteries and some automotive accessories. Discount Tire Co is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, which acquired the company in 2023, though store operations and pricing have remained largely unchanged.
Key Takeaways
- Discount Tire Co sells tires and wheels at prices that are often competitive with online retailers, and you can pick up or have items installed the same day at many locations.
- Installation services include mounting, balancing, and valve stem replacement, and the cost varies by tire size and location.
- You can browse inventory and check prices on their website before visiting, and many stores allow you to reserve tires for pickup.
- Discount Tire Co offers a road hazard warranty on most tires, which covers damage from punctures and potholes for a one-time fee.
- Return and exchange policies allow you to return unused tires within a set timeframe, though the exact window depends on your location.
How to shop for tires at Discount Tire Co
Start by knowing your tire size, which appears on the sidewall of your current tires in a format like 225/65R17. You can also find this information in your vehicle's owner manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Once you have your size, visit the Discount Tire Co website and enter your zip code to see which stores are near you.
On the website, you can search by tire size or by vehicle year, make, and model. The site shows available inventory, prices, and customer reviews for each tire. Many locations let you reserve tires online for same-day or next-day pickup, which saves time if you know exactly what you want. You can also call a store directly to ask about availability and pricing.
If you prefer to shop in person without reserving, most Discount Tire Co locations are open six days a week, with hours typically running from morning through early evening. Bring your vehicle keys so staff can confirm your tire size and check your current tires for wear and damage.
Installation services and what they include
When you purchase tires at Discount Tire Co, installation is not automatic — you pay separately for the service. A standard installation package typically includes mounting the tire onto the wheel, balancing the wheel, and replacing the valve stem. The cost varies based on tire size and location, ranging from roughly $15 to $30 per tire at most stores, though larger or specialty tires may cost more.
The company also offers additional services you can add: wheel alignment, tire rotation, and flat repair. Wheel alignment costs vary widely depending on whether your vehicle has a two-wheel or four-wheel alignment system. Tire rotation (moving tires to different positions on your vehicle) usually costs between $20 and $40 for all four tires. Flat repair is often available the same day and typically costs $10 to $20 per tire.
Installation wait times depend on how busy the location is. Many stores can complete a four-tire installation in under an hour, but during peak times (weekends, seasonal changes) you may wait longer. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is a good way to avoid a long wait.
Road hazard warranty and protection plans
Discount Tire Co offers a road hazard warranty on most tires sold in their stores. This is an optional add-on you purchase at the time of sale. The warranty covers damage from punctures, potholes, and other road hazards for a one-time fee that varies by tire price and size — typically between $10 and $25 per tire.
If a tire is damaged and the damage is covered, you can bring it back to any Discount Tire Co location for repair or replacement at no additional cost. The warranty is transferable if you sell your vehicle, and it lasts for the life of the tire tread (not a set number of years). Keep your receipt to prove you purchased the warranty.
The warranty does not cover normal wear, blowouts from driving on a flat tire, or damage from improper maintenance. Read the terms on your receipt to understand exactly what is and is not covered at your location.
Pricing, discounts, and how to compare
Discount Tire Co prices are competitive with major online retailers, though they vary by location and tire brand. The same tire model may cost slightly different amounts at different stores, so checking the website for your specific location is important. Prices also fluctuate based on sales and promotions, which the company runs throughout the year.
The company occasionally runs mail-in rebates on certain tire brands, offering $50 to $100 back after purchase. These are advertised on the website and in stores. Costco members who buy tires at a Costco tire center (operated by Discount Tire Co) may see different pricing than standalone Discount Tire Co stores, and Costco members sometimes receive additional discounts.
To compare prices fairly, make sure you are looking at the same tire model and size across retailers. Installation costs should be factored in — a tire that costs $5 less but requires $20 more for installation is actually more expensive overall. Use the Discount Tire Co website to get a full quote including installation, then compare that total to other retailers.
Returns, exchanges, and what happens if something goes wrong
Discount Tire Co allows returns and exchanges of unused tires within a certain timeframe. The exact window varies by location — some stores allow 30 days, others allow longer — so ask about the policy when you purchase. Tires that have been installed, driven on, or damaged are not returnable.
If you purchase tires and later find a lower price elsewhere, some Discount Tire Co locations will match that price if you bring proof within a set number of days. Price matching policies vary by store, so ask when you buy or call ahead to confirm.
If a tire fails prematurely due to a manufacturing defect (not road damage), the tire manufacturer's warranty typically covers replacement. Discount Tire Co can help you file a claim with the manufacturer, though the process takes time. Bring your receipt and the damaged tire to the store to start the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tires online and have them installed at a Discount Tire Co store?
Discount Tire Co does not currently install tires purchased elsewhere. You must buy the tires from Discount Tire Co (either online or in-store) to have them installed at one of their locations. If you purchase tires from another retailer, you will need to take them to a different shop for installation.
What is the difference between shopping at a standalone Discount Tire Co store and a Costco tire center?
Both are operated by Discount Tire Co and offer similar services and tire selection. The main difference is that Costco tire centers are only open to Costco members, and pricing may differ slightly. Costco members sometimes receive additional discounts or promotions on tires purchased at the warehouse tire center.
How long does a tire installation appointment usually take?
A standard four-tire installation typically takes 45 minutes to an hour if you have an appointment and the store is not busy. Walk-in times can be longer, especially on weekends or during seasonal changes like fall and spring. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is the best way to minimize wait time.
Do I need to buy the road hazard warranty?
The road hazard warranty is optional. Whether it makes sense depends on your driving conditions and budget. If you frequently drive on rough roads or in areas with many potholes, the warranty may be worth the cost. If you drive mostly on well-maintained highways, you may decide to skip it.
What should I bring when I visit a Discount Tire Co store?
Bring your vehicle keys so staff can confirm your tire size and inspect your current tires. If you have already decided which tires you want, bring a photo of your tire size or write it down. If you are trading in old tires, bring those as well — Discount Tire Co charges a disposal fee for old tires, typically $3 to $5 per tire.