Where to buy tires and what each option costs
You can buy tires from a tire shop, a general automotive retailer, a warehouse club, an online seller, or a dealership. Each route has different pricing, installation options, and warranty terms. A dedicated tire shop usually charges more per tire but may offer free balancing or rotation; a warehouse club like Costco or Sam's Club typically has lower per-tire prices but requires membership; online sellers like Tire Rack or Amazon often have the lowest advertised prices but charge separately for shipping and installation at a local shop; a dealership usually charges the most but handles everything in one place; a general automotive retailer like Walmart or Firestone falls somewhere in the middle on price and service.
The total cost of four tires includes the tire price itself, mounting (fitting the tire onto the wheel), balancing (adjusting weight distribution), and sometimes a disposal fee for your old tires. Mounting typically costs $15 to $25 per tire. Balancing costs $10 to $15 per tire. Disposal fees range from $3 to $5 per tire, though some shops include this in their service package. If you buy online and have the tires shipped to a local installer, you may pay a separate installation fee of $50 to $100 total, depending on the shop.
Key Takeaways
- Tire prices vary significantly by brand, size, and where you buy, so comparing the total installed cost across at least two retailers saves money.
- You need your vehicle's tire size before you shop; it appears on the driver's door jamb, in your owner's manual, or on the sidewall of your current tires.
- Mounting and balancing are separate from the tire price and add $50 to $100 to your total cost for four tires.
- Warehouse clubs and online retailers often have lower per-tire prices, but membership fees and shipping costs can offset the savings.
- Tire warranties vary widely—some cover defects only, while others cover wear or road hazards—so compare what each seller offers before deciding.
Finding your tire size and understanding tire ratings
Your tire size is printed on the sidewall of your current tires and also appears on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb. It looks like this: 225/65R17. The first number (225) is the width in millimeters. The second number (65) is the aspect ratio, or how tall the sidewall is as a percentage of the width. The letter (R) indicates radial construction, which is standard on all modern tires. The last number (17) is the wheel diameter in inches. You must match all four numbers exactly, or the tire will not fit correctly and your speedometer and fuel economy readings will be off.
Tire ratings tell you how the tire performs in different conditions. The treadwear rating is a number that indicates how long the tire should last—a rating of 500 means the tire should last twice as long as a tire rated 250. The traction rating (AA, A, B, or C) shows how well the tire grips wet pavement; AA is best. The temperature rating (A, B, or C) indicates how well the tire resists heat buildup; A is best. These ratings help you compare tires across brands, but they do not predict exactly how long your specific tires will last, because wear depends on your driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.
Comparing tire types for your driving needs
All-season tires are the most common and least expensive option. They perform reasonably well in dry, wet, and light snow conditions, and they last longer than performance or winter tires. If you live in an area with mild winters and do not drive in heavy snow, all-season tires are usually the right choice. Winter tires are designed for snow and ice and use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures; they cost more than all-season tires and wear faster in warm weather, so they are meant to be swapped on and off seasonally. Performance tires prioritize handling and grip at higher speeds and cost more than all-season tires; they wear faster and perform poorly in snow. Summer tires are designed for dry and wet pavement only and should not be used in freezing temperatures.
If you live where winter weather is common, switching to winter tires for four to six months per year and storing all-season tires the rest of the time can extend the life of both sets and improve safety. If you drive in snow only occasionally or live where snow is rare, all-season tires are usually sufficient. If you drive a sports car or prioritize handling, performance tires may be worth the extra cost and shorter lifespan.
How to compare prices across retailers
Get the total installed price, not just the per-tire price. Call or visit at least two retailers and ask for the price of four tires of the same brand and model, plus mounting, balancing, and disposal. Write down each total. Some retailers offer price-match guarantees, so if you find a lower price elsewhere, ask whether they will match it. Online retailers often advertise lower per-tire prices, but once you add shipping and installation at a local shop, the total may be higher than buying locally.
Check whether the retailer includes services like free rotation or free balancing for the life of the tires. Some tire shops offer free rotations every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, which extends tire life and improves handling. A tire shop that includes this service may be worth a slightly higher upfront price. Warehouse clubs like Costco include free lifetime balancing and rotation with tire purchases, which can offset their membership fee if you buy tires there.
Understanding tire warranties and what they cover
Tire warranties fall into three main categories: defect warranties, which cover manufacturing flaws; wear warranties, which cover uneven or premature wear; and road hazard warranties, which cover damage from potholes, nails, or debris. A defect warranty is standard and usually lasts three to five years from the purchase date. A wear warranty guarantees the tire for a certain number of miles or years—for example, 40,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first. A road hazard warranty costs extra and typically covers repairs or replacement if the tire is damaged by a pothole or puncture.
Read the warranty terms carefully, because they often have conditions. Many wear warranties are prorated, meaning if your tire fails at 30,000 miles on a 40,000-mile warranty, you pay a percentage of the replacement cost. Some warranties require proof of regular maintenance, such as rotations every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or they become void. Road hazard warranties usually exclude damage from underinflation or overloading. Ask the retailer to explain what is and is not covered before you buy.
When to replace tires and how to check tread depth
Tires should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, which is the legal minimum in most states. You can check tread depth with a penny: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and pointing into the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is at or below 2/32 inch and the tires need replacement. Many tire shops will check tread depth for free. Some tires have tread wear indicators—small raised bars between the treads—that become visible when the tread wears down to 2/32 inch.
Do not wait until the tread reaches the legal minimum to replace tires. Traction and braking performance drop significantly below 4/32 inch, especially in wet conditions. If you drive in rain or snow frequently, consider replacing tires at 4/32 inch. Check your tires monthly for uneven wear, bulges, or cracks, which may indicate alignment problems, underinflation, or damage that requires when ready replacement. Underinflated tires wear faster and generate heat, which can cause a blowout.
Seasonal storage and maintenance after purchase
If you buy winter tires and swap them seasonally, store the off-season tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat break down the rubber compound and shorten tire life. Store tires upright if space allows, or stack them no more than four high. Before storing, clean the tires and let them dry completely. Mark the tires with the vehicle position they came from (for example, "front left") so you can rotate them when you reinstall them.
After you buy new tires, check the air pressure monthly and before long trips. Underinflated tires wear faster, reduce fuel economy, and can overheat and fail. The correct pressure is printed on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to promote even wear. Have your wheels aligned if you notice uneven wear, pulling to one side, or vibration, because misalignment causes tires to wear prematurely and can affect handling and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy all four tires at once?
It is best to replace all four tires together so they wear evenly and your vehicle handles predictably. If you replace only two, install them on the rear axle to reduce the risk of skidding. Mixing tires of different brands, sizes, or tread depths can cause uneven wear and handling problems.
What is the difference between a tire and a wheel?
A tire is the rubber part that touches the road. A wheel is the metal disc underneath the tire. When you buy tires, you are buying only the rubber; the wheel stays on your vehicle. Some retailers sell wheel-and-tire packages, which cost more but give you a complete new setup.
Can I buy used tires instead of new ones?
Used tires cost less but carry unknown history—you do not know how they were driven, stored, or maintained. A used tire may have hidden damage or uneven wear. If you buy used tires, inspect them carefully and ask the seller about their age and condition. New tires are safer and come with warranties.
How long do tires usually last?
Most tires last between three and five years or 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on the brand, type, and how you drive. All-season tires typically last longer than performance or winter tires. Check your tread depth regularly and replace tires when it reaches 2/32 inch or sooner if you notice damage or uneven wear.
Should I buy the most expensive tires?
Price does not always equal quality. Mid-range tires from reputable brands often perform as well as premium tires for everyday driving. Compare treadwear ratings, traction ratings, and customer reviews across brands in your budget. A tire that costs less but has a higher treadwear rating may last longer and be a better value.