How to Buy a Cheap Car Tire

Used car tire

Oh No! You just had a tire go flat on the highway. The tire salesman will give you a "deal" on a set of four tires but you only need one. This article will show you how to buy a single cheap car tire.

Instructions

1. Identify out the model and size of your tire. On the side of the tire will be letters and numbers, for example "P235/R75/15". The P stands for passenger car. A T in that spot would mean truck. The difference is the side wall construction and load range. If you have a truck but do not carry heavy loads consider the cheaper tire which will start with a P.

2. Call used tire stores first. They always have the least expensive tires. Always examine any used tire for defects or plugs before you buy. A reputable dealer will give a short warranty (often 1 month). You can buy a cheep car tire here mounted, balanced and out the door for 1/4 the price of a new tire.

3. Call the salvage and junk yards for used tires. Many junk cars come in with low-mileage full-size spare tires. These tires must be taken to a tire shop to be balanced.

4. Consider buying 2 new tires at a time. This sometimes gives you a better price per tire. Some places even offer "buy 3 get one free". That fourth tire is not free they just overcharge you that much on the other three.

5. Look for coupons and seasonal sales. Call these places first to get a base price. While on the phone ask "I am looking for a cheap car tire. What is the best price you can give me?" and "The guy down the road said he would give it to me for $10 less" often works. Ask if they have any "off brand" tires for less.

6. Check discount warehouses for tire specials. They will often sell tires for much less than big name tire dealers. Always ask if the price includes mounting and balancing. This can be a great place to buy a cheap tire.

7. Run away from stores that advertise "tires and brakes". These are almost always the most expensive places to shop for tires. Instead look for places that only advertise tires. The name of the shop should have a major tire maker in it like "******* TIRES". The brake shops often buy their tires from here.

Tips & Warnings

• buy used

• buy from places that only deal in tires

• National chains have lots of overhead and rarely the best price.