Mike’s Car Blog

Replacing tires is one of the biggest expenses of owning a car. It’s also one of the most important ways to protect yourself and your fellow passengers. If you ignore your tires for too long, you run the risk of suffering a blow-out while you’re on the road. And this can lead to a serious accident.

The question, then, is a simple one: Since I do have to replace my tires, how can I find good tires at a good price?

The short answer: Shop around.

Tire dealers can vary dramatically in the amount they charge for new tires. One national chain might charge $150 for a new tire, while one down the street might only charge $120. If you’re willing to shop around, you’ll certainly be able to save a few dollars.

If you don’t feel like driving all over town, you can do your comparison shopping online. The national tire dealerships run their own Web sites. By clicking around, you’ll be able to find any specials that they may be offering. This can save you a trip or two around town.

Don’t forget your local, independent car repair shops, either. Many of them sell and replace tires. And many of them provide good tires at good prices. Remember, independent shops can set their own prices. National chains don’t have that freedom. The difference can sometimes be significant.

You can save money on new tires, too, by shopping among brands. Some brands simply cost less than do others. You might also not need a high-end tire. By going with a lower-end, but still quality, brand, you might be able to save $30 or more per tire. That adds up to some pretty significant savings.

Of course, there’s one route to saving on tires that you don’t want to take: not replacing them at all. It’s tempting to forget about your tires. But your safety, and the safety of your family and friends, truly is riding on them. If you ignore regular maintenance – making sure that your tires are always filled to the proper level – and refuse to change your tires after they’ve eaten up too many miles, you’re putting the ones you love at risk every time they get into your car.

Replacing your tires is an inconvenience. Shopping around to find a good tire at a good price is a hassle, too. But by spending half a day taking care of your tires, you can drive comfortably with the knowledge that you’ve taken the steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.