Tires are one of the most expensive parts of your car, but they are also one of the most important. Winter tires will help cut get you to work and to the store in even the worse conditions. Fortunately there are a few things you can do to try and reduce the cost of tires and with a little smart shopping you can get a great set of winter tires at an affordable price.
Buy Early
Buying tires during the summer can help cut down on cost. Many retailers run sales al summer where you can pick up a set for less than retail, and many will sell their excess inventory at the end of the winter to try and make space for the summer tires. You may also be able to find a store to sell you one or two tires which they have left over. This sometimes means they’ll give you a deal because they have an incomplete set left over.
Consider Buying Used
Used tires are significantly cheaper than new tires. If you’re careful you can get an excellent deal, just make sure they are safe. Used tires will not last as long as new tires, but often the discount is so deep it more than makes up for the need to replace them fairly often. Make sure the tires all have adequate tread. Winter tires with little or no tread will be even worse than summer tires in the snow and ice.
Get a Dealer to Pay
If you’re buying a new or used car then you may be able to convince the dealer to throw in a set of winter tires as part of the deal. Even if the dealer throws them in at cost, you will still end up saving a significant amount off the retail price of a high-quality set of tires.
Size Down
Sometimes buying smaller tires will help with the cost. In the winter, bigger tires are not always better. Thinner tires will cut through the snow better to maximize traction. Smaller tires are usually cheaper. Also, if your car has an unusual tire size, you may also be able to find tires in a more common size which will fit and save you some money. Check with a repair shop as to which tire sizes will fit your wheels and vehicle.
Buy a Second Set Of Wheels
Having a second set of wheels means you can leave the winter tires on them all summer, and switch between your summer and winter tires very easily. While it may seem counter intuitive to buy something expensive to save money, there is a significant cost to mounting, balancing and installing the winter tires and to doing the reverse in the spring. A cheap set of wheels will pay for itself in reduced mounting and balancing costs very quickly, sometimes within a couple of years.
Shop Around
Shopping around is the best way to save those last few dollars. If you can find a great deal at one retailer then see if you can find another retailer who will match or beat it. Some shops will help by throwing in the installation for free if you would like to have them installed when you purchase them.
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