How to Save on Tire Replacement to Get You Moving
I don't know about you, but tire replacement is a dreaded time of year. On average, tires can cost between $50 to $200 a piece, which means you could be spending nearly $1,000. For people with specialty tires, the cost is even higher. Fortunately, you can take steps to make the inconvenience of tire replacement less of a blow.
One of the simplest ways to save money on tire replacement is to only replace the tires that absolutely require a replacement. When you don't replace all of them at once, you'll have less of a financial burden. Keep in mind that this may not be a feasible solution for everyone. Sometimes, you have no other choice but to replace all four tires at once.
Your front tires usually wear out first, especially if you don't rotate your tires regularly. Therefore, you may only need to change the front tires now and can postpone changing the back tires.
Ideally, you should place the two new tires on the back and place the old tires on the front. You'll protect the newer tires from the wear and tear of being in the front, for one. Secondly, you'll have the newer tires in the right position if you'd need to swerve in the event of an emergency situation.
You should keep in mind that you should never buy only one tire. Always buy them in pairs, so you can replace one tire on each side. You may still buy one at a time and save the tires for a change until you can afford to replace both.
If you're concerned about tire replacement, you could always look toward your owner's instruction manual for recommendations.
Shop In October Or April
If you can hold off buying tires until October or April, do so. These months of the year are when tires tend to go on sale.
There's a reason that the sales are around these times. Companies are trying to target customers who are looking for seasonal tires. For instance, the October sale is to encourage customers to buy tires for the winter months.
On the other hand, the April sale is for when the weather is warmer. The tire companies realize people want to travel and enjoy the nice weather in spring and summer, so they take advantage of the demand.
Quick and affordable tread test
Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re good to go. If you can see all of his head, it’s new tire time.
Consider Buying Tires Online
The Internet can save you time because you don't have to go from one store to another to find the tires you need and to comparison price shops. Instead, you can go online and search various stores. You can find the exact tires in the correct size for your vehicle.
You can also comparison shop based on price online easily when you have access to a variety of stores.
Fortunately, companies can ship the tires right to your home. In some cases, the store may have you order them to their location. However, this is still more convenient than shopping in stores for tires.
Use a Credit Card
Open a credit card and use it to pay for the cost of your tires. As long as you're making minimum payments or paying the credit card off as necessary, a credit card can benefit you. You'll not only have the capital for what you need, but you'll also boost your credit in the meantime.
Additionally, you can select credit cards that offer you rewards for how much money you spend. How it works is you receive more money back when you spend more money. Therefore, it's enhancing your savings even further.
Get a Short-Term Loan
If you feel like you're a bit strapped on cash, you can take out a short-term loan for the cost of the tires. You pay a monthly fee just like you would with any other loan. You'll have the money upfront for all four tires and the cost to place them. You'll also build up your credit by paying it off on time.
You may choose an installment loan. With this particular type of loan, you borrow all the money at one time. You then sign an agreement that requires you to make monthly payments over a designated amount of time.
Keep in mind that you can choose between an unsecured loan and a secured loan. With a secured loan, you back the loan with your property. With an unsecured loan, you don't have to have a property to secure the loan. Also, keep in mind that the payment terms will vary based on whether you have an unsecured loan or a secured loan.
Don't Just Look For the Top Brands
It can be quite appealing to shop the top brands because they have the most advertising. They also claim to be the best and have the highest-quality and longest-lasting tires. While this is true that these brands are known to last, at least some of them, you may be overlooking a vital factor. There are quality brands for less that aren't well-known names.
If you're not sure which brands to choose that still offer quality, you could perform an online search. Review the different brands out there. See what they're known for and see how they compare to other brands. You can find a great deal of information by reviewing what other people think about the products.
Think About Used
Not everyone runs tires until they're completely shot. On the other hand, sometimes, a vehicle has brand new tires but sustains a car accident or deals with another issue that renders the vehicle undrivable. Or, maybe someone purchases a new vehicle after placing tires on their old one.
No matter what the case may be, you can find used tired at your local junkyard. They're still quality tires, and they're name brands. However, these tires are used, so they can sell them to you for significantly less than brand new ones.
If you decide to purchase used tires, make sure you comparison shop. Take a look to make sure that tires aren't too worn. You should also make sure that the tires were worn evenly.
Find Cheap Installation
Whenever you're buying tires, make sure you take into consideration the cost of installation. One place may claim to have the lowest priests on tires, which will draw you in. However, once they have you in, they'll surprise you with a mighty high installation fee.
Watch for Price Matching
Let's say you find a price on tires that you're satisfied with, but it's not in your local area and they won't ship. You can use this price to get tires at a local company that'll price match. Often, you can find discount tire places that price match sales prices.
Consider a Membership
Some places that offer tire rotations and other services have special discount programs for their loyal customers. You too can become a loyal customer and enter into their program. You'll get a discounted price for the tires and/or service.
Plus, you can use a credit card or take out a short-term loan if you needed to do so.
Tire Companies Have Black Friday Deals
It's no shocker that you can find some of the best prices on Black Friday. If you can wait until Black Friday for tires, you might want to consider it. You'll save yourself a great deal of cash.
Plus, you can use your credit card or loan to pay it off.
Look Online for Coupons
Some coupon sites will offer coupons for car parts, tires, and services. It's worth a shot to try and search for coupons. You may be able to take 15, 20, or more percent off your original price.
final thoughts
New tires are necessary to keep you safe. However, sometimes, the expense comes at an inconvenient time. You can take steps to find deals, get money off, or finance if you can't afford the entire cost upfront. It could help you to only buy one tire at a time or only change two tires at a time.