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Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

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When it comes time to replacing tires, you have several places to consider for new ones. Ideally, you’ll swap out the original employment manufacturer (OEM) with the same set, but keep in mind that you have choices, depending on the brand, tire tread, and warranty miles. The following are five places to consider when shopping for new tires.

tire
Pictured: Continental ContiSport Contact 225/45 R 18 Y XL tire.

1. Automotive Dealership

Purchasing tires from a new car dealership is typically the most expensive option. When you go to the dealership you can get high-quality OEM tires. Further, going to the dealership affords flexibility when it comes to scheduling your service.

For instance, there are usually multiple tire technicians working during the day and some dealerships keep their service department open well into the evening. Additionally, most dealerships provide a shuttle service so that you can get to work while your car is being maintained. Moreover, some dealers provide loaner cars you can use while your car is out of commission. However, these special benefits come with a price. In some cases, you can expect to pay significantly more than at other tire retailers.

2. National Tire Chain Retailer

Most cities have numerous national tire chains. When visiting a shop, the service manager will obtain your information. Next, this individual will supply you with a few tire choices. Importantly, they will work within your budget.

Some national tire chains have branded credit cards that you can apply for on the spot. You can then use the card to pay for the work, including the tires, taxes, installation costs, and warranty. You may even find a discount by using this card and in some cases receive rewards each time you use it.

In most cases, you will wait to have your tires installed but generally, you can make an appointment for a time that fits your schedule.

When it comes to replacing tires, the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM)
choice is always a safe bet. Pictured: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox.

3. Locally-Owned Tire Shop

Locally owned tire shops probably won’t have instant credit available. However, they usually accept major credit cards. A local tire shop may have a supply of used tires on hand for purchase. Used tires usually cost much less than new tires.

If financial issues are a concern, you should let them know — a local shop may be willing to work with you, especially if you’re a regular customer. A local shop can order new tires if they don’t have your size tire in stock. You will need to wait for your tires to be installed.

4. Discount Tire Retailer

If you concerned about the cost of new tires, you can use a discount tire retailer. In many cases, you’ll find deep discounts from wholesale distributors. If you have one in your area you, then stop by to learn if the business has your tire size and which brand choices are available.

Typically, you can purchase tires and bring them to a garage to have them mounted and balanced for a separate fee. If they have a contract with a local tire store, they may offer you a discount to take the tires there.

Retread tires were once an option for consumers looking for low-cost replacement tires. As discount chains proliferated, the practice eventually faded. This shop in West Virginia once supplied retread tires. Photo credit: West Virginia Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive,
Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

5. Online Tire Retailer

You can also purchase tires from a wholesale distributor online with the tires shipped directly to your home. You’ll need to find a local garage to have them installed.

This option has become increasingly popular as shipment costs are a reasonable expense. Be certain you understand the retailer’s return policy before you make a purchase.

Let’s Make a Deal

Finding places to purchase tires gives you much to consider. That said, once you decide on a retail option you prefer, you’ll be glad you shopped around. Keep in mind that installation costs, taxes, and an extended warranty will cost you extra.

See Also — Tire Sidewall Code Deciphering 101

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine, except for the Bluefield Retread photo secured from the Library of Congress via Wikimedia. All rights reserved.

Calculating Fair Trade-in Values

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The deal on the new car has been sealed, but there may be one important matter left undone. And that is calculating the trade-in value, what ultimately might clinch the sale or have the buyer changing his mind and leaving your showroom in search of a better offer elsewhere. Once you lose the customer there may be no going back. Here’s how calculating fair trade-in values will turn your shoppers into buyers.

Determine Trade-in Value Early

Dodge ChallengerIt is important for salespeople to determine whether a trade-in will be involved early in the sale. If the customer says that she will trade in her car, then ask for the keys to have it evaluated by your shop. Make it known to the customer that the evaluation is free and that her keys will be returned to her as soon as the appraisal process has been completed. In the meantime, continue with the negotiation.

Obtain the Vehicle History Report

At the same time the shop is reviewing the car, they should obtain the vehicle history report for the car.

It will serve as evidence to the customer if your offer comes in lower than her expectations. For instance, if the car has been in an accident, its value has been diminished even if the repairs were successfully completed. As the dealer, you know that the same vehicle history reports are available to customers, including people who want to buy the car from your inventory. You could lose money if you do not take previous problems into consideration, a fact you must share with the customer at trade-in.

There is another point that dealers must consider when accepting a trade-in. If the car involved is part of a major recall, including one that was initiated due to injuries or deaths, you are the one who will be held liable if something goes wrong, not the customer. That also means if the car is traded in with open recalls, you may lose time acquiring parts to make the car ready for sale.

Establish a Fair Trade-in Value

Lexus ES350Your appraisal team may be able to determine a value simply by examining the car. Of course, that is not enough as the value must be backed by hard data. A service such as NADAGuides.com should be consulted and it may also be the same service used by your savvier customers.

It is important that the information related to the car is precise, going beyond the make, model and year, and right down to the trim level, engine and transmission, mileage, and other details about the vehicle. Take note of the rough, average and clean trade-in prices as well as the retail price. Wherever possible, aim for the average trade-in price when presenting the appraisal to the customer. Adjust if necessary to account for low or high mileage and other factors. This will be your starting point for negotiation.

Present Your Offer

At some point in the car buying process, you will have the appraisal offer in hand to present to the customer. Your company’s policy may be to present the offer as part of overall negotiation, but the customer may want it handled separately.

Regardless of the policy, you will quickly learn if the amount offered has satisfied the customer. There is a very good chance that he’ll hold out for a higher amount. Be prepared to explain how that figure was determined, but don’t be surprised if the customer presents his own data offering different numbers. It is at this point when the business office will get involved.

Making it Fair

Audi A6What one person considers a fair value may be perceived as inequitable by the other, usually the customer. If the difference is a few hundred dollars, you might be instructed to meet the customer part way. It is at this point you need to gauge the customer to determine whether a deal is possible or if the sale is about to collapse.

For the salesperson, he may feel caught in the middle between the car shopper and his business office. The process can become especially difficult if both sides come armed with data and are firm in their positions. Fortunately, your company likely has some steps in place to help close the deal.

One of these steps may be to offer the customer something for free, such as paint or door protection. The retail cost of the item may more than offset the price difference, but only cost your company very little to implement. Do what is necessary to help the customer understand that the trade-in value is fair.

Satisfying the Customer

Your deal will close if the customer is satisfied. If not, you risk having the trade-in taken off the table. And in many cases, the trade will cancel the deal as it usually serves as the bulk of the down payment.

Ultimately, the business manager will either approve or nix the trade-in value. If the car being traded in is something your lot can turn around and sell for a significant profit, then more than likely your manager will bend to the customer’s wishes.

See Also — Dealers: Use Open Recalls to Drive Sales