However, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Tire Center and Costco offer some of the best overall tire-buying experiences including low average prices, free services and convenience.
Generally speaking, you’ll find some of the cheapest selections available at Walmart and online at Discount Tire Direct. “Service after the sale is also really important, especially if you live in a city with lots of potholes.” “Buying tires has never been so cost competitive, so it’s very important to comparison shop,” money expert Clark Howard says. Instead, consider checking out an online tire retailer, a warehouse or even Walmart. If you’re buying tires from a dealership, you’re most likely overpaying. When you’re ready to start shopping, know that where you make your purchase matters. Be sure to check important criteria like wet and dry handling, noise and ride comfort performance among others. You can find trustworthy ratings on Consumer Reports and Tire Rack. Once you know what type of tire you’re shopping for, choose a model that has high ratings and positive user feedback. Because of the way they’re made, they usually have faster treadwear and may take longer to stop in normal conditions compared to all-season tires. Winter/Snow Tires: As you would expect from the name, these tires excel in gripping on snowy and icy roads.They have a more prominent tread for additional traction in a variety of conditions. All-Terrain Tires: These tires are made for heavy-duty use on paved roads and light off-road terrains.They excel in wet and dry handling, but the treadwear and comfort performance may not be the best available. Ultra-High Performance Tires: If you drive a sports car or a high-end sedan, these tires may be the best choice.If you’re fast to hit the gas or slow to hit the brakes, these tires could be a great choice for you. Performance All-Season Tires: Also made with year-round traction in mind, these tires specialize in better handling, grip and braking.They’re known for offering a comfortable ride. All-Season Tires : These tires are made for year-round traction and typically have a long treadwear.Here’s a brief description of a few common types of tires: You’ll want to go with something that makes sense for the car you’re driving and the conditions you’ll be driving in. You’ll most likely want to choose a similar tire.īeyond size and speed rating, there’s a little bit of flexibility in which type of tire you choose. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, you can narrow the selection by knowing your car details and what type of tires you currently have on it. Types of Tires: Which Tires Should You Buy? If you need a price range to aim for, these averages are a great place to start. While you can certainly find more expensive models in each category, these prices cover a range of highly-rated models. Here are the average prices for each of the 10 tire types tested by Consumer Reports: Of course, the actual price per tire will vary based on where you shop, the size of the tire and the type of tire you need for your vehicle.
That means a higher price doesn’t always mean you’re getting a better tire! CR members can view the full survey online, but you can check out the highlights below. And out of the 10 tire types tested, the most expensive models were the highest-ranked in only two. Based on CR’s results and ratings, the average price for a quality tire ranges from $92-$188. Fortunately, you don’t have to buy the most expensive option available to get a good set of tires.Ĭonsumer Reports recently tested 170 tire models including 10 different tire types. And the prices can range from surprisingly cheap to insanely expensive. When it’s time to shop for new tires, you may find an overwhelming number of options.