If you own a vehicle for any reasonable length of time, it is inevitable that your tires will need to be replaced at some point. Everybody loves a bargain and a new set of tires for your car or truck can be really expensive so finding tires on sale is a worthwhile use of your time. Your tires are vital to the safety of your vehicle so while price can be a part of the equation, it cannot be the only determining factor you use to make your buying decision. The tips below will help you get the right tires for your car at a price you can afford.
Know the manufacturer recommendations for your car. By law, every auto sold in the U.S. must have a tire placard affixed. You can usually find it on the edge of the driver side door, on the underside of your trunk lid, or attached to the inside of your glove compartment. These recommendations include tire size, air pressure and maximum load. This information can also be found in the owner's manual.
It is tempting to save money on tires by purchasing used tires, but it is not recommended. Cheap tires and used tires are not the same thing. When you are shopping for tires, the word cheap should refer only to price and not quality. The tires are one of the most important safety features of your car and the only point of contact between the car and the road. It is perfectly reasonable to buy discount tires. Buying used tires is not a very good idea, even if you are not planning on owning the car for that much longer.
Buy New Tires on Sale and Save When Replacing Old Worn Out Tires
Finding the Right Tires for Sale
Finding tires for sale requires very little effort. Finding the right tires at the right price does take some work though. Shop online and do your research over the Internet. You can find and compare local prices with prices from web based tire sellers. Local tires stores and online tire sites often stock the most popular tire brands so if you are looking to find Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, BF Goodrich or Michelin tires on sale you probably can without too much effort. Quality tires from brands that are not as widely distributed such as Hankook, Sumitomo, Dunlop or Pirelli are often easier to find in the size you need online. If you are wondering where to look near you, in addition to the obvious local tire stores, chain retailers that sell tires like Wal Mart and Sears are a good place to look as well. National auto parts stores like NTB and Pep Boys often have decent prices or special offers if you are looking locally. Check discount clubs like Sams Club or Costco as well if you have a membership, but they may not have the selection and expertise to help you if you do not know what you need or want though. The easiest way to find discount tires on sale at the best prices though is to you use your computer. Compare the prices you find locally with prices from online retailers as the results may surprise you. The great deal you thought you were getting from your local tire shop might not be so great. That tire sale you see advertised in your local newspaper could end up costing you money. You can buy tires online and still save money even with shipping and installation included. That is how low the prices online can be sometimes.
Before and After You Buy Tires Online
Online tire retailers often have relationships with local mechanics so you can have your tires shipped to a mechanic near you for installation. You can of course also just get the tires delivered to your house usually by FedEx or UPS then simply bring them with you to get them installed. If you live near a Wal Mart tire and lube center, you can order your new tires online from the Wal Mart website and have them sent to any one of their tire and lube centers for free. When researching prices or when you buy tires online, make sure you factor in the cost of shipping tires plus having them installed locally. Labor, balancing and a fee for disposing your old tires for you are typical charges associated with new tires so do not forget to account for them when checking out discount tires. You will likely find that you still save money when you buy tires online even after all the costs are added up.
Know and understand the warranty that comes with the tires you purchase. There are limitations to what is covered by typical tire warranties so it is important that you are familiar with them. For example, a warranty typically covers only the original purchaser and applies only to the automobile on which the tires were initially installed. You should know the length of time or number of miles for which the tires are covered. Damage caused by road hazards such as potholes and sharp objects in the road is not usually covered, but some manufacturers do make limited guarantees and some tire shops also offer supplemental programs that cover road hazards. Some tires and retailers also have free trial periods or unique return policies so make sure you know about those as well. Being aware of the warranty information can come in handy if your buying decision comes down to the guarantee. You probably would not pay extra for a better warranty or choose the comparable, more expensive tires with the better guarantee if you know you are going to be driving less or getting a new vehicle within the next year.
With so many tire shops, tire websites and discount stores, it is extremely easy to find both tires for sale and tires on sale. Buying tires on sale is a good idea. Buying used tires or shopping based on price alone is not. Buying new tires is something that all car owners are going to have to face eventually so when the need arises for you, it is possible to save some money and still get quality tires. The most expensive tires or the tires with the longest warranty are not necessarily best for you so do your research. Cheap tires that are right for your car and your situation can be found. The best deals are usually available online so start there.