Most drivers buy tires when they need to. On the other hand, auto-enthusiasts, like classic car collectors and racers, buy tires when they want to. So there’s a difference in the motivation but no disparity in the shopping process.
Are certain months better for tire purchases than others? When is the best time to buy tires? Some experts claim that fall is best to purchase all-season tires, and summer is the prime season for snow tires. Both seem like perfectly valid assumptions. They are only partially correct, though.
You should shop for the right deals when you’re looking to buy tires. I ran a Google search for “best deal on tires” and found that as of January 22nd, 2022, Walmart is selling quality tires starting from $24.82. In addition, you can save up to $120 on the tire deals offered by Sam’s Club. The offer includes Goodyear tires, Pirelli, and BF Goodrich tires.
At Discount Tire Direct, you save up to $80, with up to $100 off Goodyear tires with a mail-in rebate. Tire prices having a discount is something no one predicted will happen. But today, it is a reality.
Best Time To Buy Tires? When They Are on Sale
There are countless opportunities throughout the year for purchasing tires on sale. I cannot remember the last time there wasn’t a tire sale of some kind or another nearby. So, drive around your hometown and check for yourself. Tire dealers and automotive shops tend to hang large banners when they run a sale. I guarantee you’ll see at least one of the following:
- Buy Three Tires, Get One Free
- $100 Mail-in Rebate
- Instant Savings. Valid until (Insert Date)
Though not guaranteed, you can usually find retailers or tire manufacturers’ sales in April or October. These are change of season times when common sense drives car owners to look for better tires. I wouldn’t recommend waiting for one of these sales if you need new tires, especially if you have expired tires. But it’s not a bad idea to check for deals when that time of year comes around.
There’s also the internet. You can find some of the best deals there. Buying tires online from an online tire retailer is a relatively seamless experience. Stick with a tire brand you know and shop on multiple sites for the best prices. There are a lot of good online deals out there. Stay away from private party sales, though. Buy only from reputable tire dealers like Tire Rack or direct from the manufacturer.
Buy New Tires When Your Treads Are Worn
The best time to buy tires is more about the situation than the time of year. Some people change all four tires when they purchase a new vehicle. It’s a good bet that the wheels haven’t been attended to in a while if you pick out a car with several thousand miles on it. Other folks like to switch it up with new rubber and rims. Finally, some car owners buy tires because they have no choice.
Worn tires are an excellent example of this. Worn tire tread is a safety hazard. To find out if your tires fall in this category, buy a tire tread depth gauge online. You can find them on eBay for 99 cents.
If the depth of your tire treads is 4/32″ or less, it’s time to buy new tires. However, don’t wait until they wear further. If your car has worn down tires, you may find yourself unable to stop in the rain when the light turns red.
This is the most common scenario retailers see when consumers come in to buy tires. State Inspection stations will fail a vehicle with insufficient tire tread. But unfortunately, some drivers fail to pay attention while their sticker is still valid. That is how accidents happen.
It’s best to check your tire tread regularly and buy new tires before they reach the danger zone. You can use a tire tread wear indicator to see how worn out your tires are.
The Best Time To Buy Snow Tires Is in Summer
Just because there is no consistent data on this doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea. If you live in an area that gets snow and freezing rain in the winter, you’ll be better off with a sturdy set of winter tires. You can purchase winter tires on sale during the summer. Shop around and pick them up when the prices are low. You don’t have to mount them right away.
Summer is also an excellent time to buy all-season tires. July and August are the slowest months for automotive repair shops. Sure, folks go on vacation and need their cars tuned up, but the nasty weather in late fall and winter cause accidents, the lifeblood of repair and body shops. So you can almost always get good deals on tires at these places during the summer.
The closer you are to the manufacturer, the better the price. If you buy Goodyear tires at a Goodyear service center, they’ll be cheaper. Third-party shops charge more. You’ll also want to watch out for hidden costs. Ensure your quoted price includes mounting, balancing, and disposal of your old tires. Get it in writing before they put your car on the lift.
Warehouse Stores And Manufacturers Rebates
Perhaps the most optimal time for you to buy tires is when you can get the best deal. Warehouse stores like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club always have a wide selection of brand-name tires. This means their prices are lower and members pay up to 15% less than what retailers charge. Warehouse stores also periodically offer coupons to reduce the cost further. Those discounts should show up automatically when you make your final purchase.
Another great way to save is to search online for manufacturer’s rebates. Then, visit the “tire sales and deals” page of TireRack.com to see the latest updates on these. For example, Goodyear offered up to $200 in rebates on a select set of four tires with the Goodyear credit card.
Hankook and Kumho are both offering $75 rebates. The names and numbers change daily, but there are usually savings available. Always check for manufacturer’s rebates before buying your new tires.
Now that you know the best time to buy tires, maybe you’re wondering when is a good time to buy other essentials. If so, you may also enjoy our article on the best time to buy appliances.
