TIRE WARRANTY

Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

June 16, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

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.

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

What to Look for in a New Tire Warranty

October 22, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Are you shopping for new tires? This can be a good move on your part, especially if your current tires show signs of wear or have simply been on your car longer than six years. If you buy two tires, your tire installer will place these on the rear of your vehicle regardless of your vehicles drive axle, a safety move recommended by tire manufacturers. If you buy four tires, you can typically strike a better deal as many retailers and manufacturers offer specials including a price reduction for replacing all four tires. For instance, that special could mean $70 off of a set of four new tires or buy three tires and get the fourth one free.

When buying new tires, you will be presented with a limited warranty. Not all warranties are the same and you should know what coverage is being offered beyond the purchase and installation of new tires.

Tread Wear Warranty

A tread wear or tread life warranty is typically offered across the board by tire manufacturers. For instance, if your tires are rated to last for up to 70,000 miles and wear out at 45,000 miles, then you may qualify for a credit toward the purchase of new tires. Expect that an age limit will be present too you may receive no credit if your tires are old.

worn tire — A tire that is ready to be replaced.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your credit is typically only good for the purchase of tires from the same manufacturer. Thus, if you have Michelin tires and these tires wear out ahead of time, your credit may be applied to new Michelins only. Your original retailer, however, may allow you to claim credit to buy another brands tires, but that is at the discretion of the shop.

Rotations and Balancing

Your new tires should be rotated at least once every 6,000 miles to a maximum of 8,000 miles. When purchasing new tires, you may be offered a tire service installation special that includes lifetime rotations and tire balancing. Typically, you will be charged a fee per tire, such as $20 each or $80 for four new tires. These plans are usually worthwhile, and you can recoup your cost after just two tire change outs. Within five years you can save $200 or more choose this option if you expect to keep your car for several years.

Some service plans also include flat-tire repair. Here, you bring your damaged tire to your retailer for repair and have it mounted back on your car. This plan may not cover you if you are far from home, unless you buy your tire from a chain such as Pep Boys, Advance Auto or Wal-mart. In this case you should be able to bring your car to a local store anywhere.

Flat Tire Changing Assistance

Not all manufacturers offer this feature, but if your tire goes flat within the first two or three years after installation, you may qualify for roadside assistance. Typically, you will be offered a toll-free number to call in the event of a flat, with a service professional dispatched to your location to swap out your flat with your fully inflated spare. Always keep a working spare handy, otherwise this assistance is worthless to you.

Your Responsibilities

It is important for consumers to take good care of their tires. Monthly tire inspections can help, with tires inflated to car manufacturer recommendations.

Tires should be rotated and balanced on schedule, and worn tires replaced when there is less than 2/32 inches of tread remaining. You can perform the Abe Lincoln penny test to determine wear. Also, many tires come with wear bands or wear indicators that reveal when your tires need to be replaced.

Tire Considerations

How important are tires to your car? Very much so! Tires are the only thing that separates your car from the ground and tires that are in good shape can certainly help you keep your car under control. A set of four new tires can cost you from $400 installed, a small investment for a vehicle that is worth many times that amount.

Winter Prep: Replace Your Worn Out Tires

November 20, 2008 by admin 1 Comment

Very soon, much of the nation will be in the icy grip of Old Man Winter, a season that promises to supply us with plenty of cold air, ice and snow. If we are fortunate enough, we will have a rather tame few months, with warmer air keeping the worst of the season’s fury at bay.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Regardless of just how this winter turns out, your car should be ready to withstand the worst of nature’s wrath. Your tires, which play a significant role in keeping your car on the road and moving, need to be ready for the months ahead. Not surprising, many drivers just do not check their tires often enough, putting themselves, their passengers and other motorists at risk.

Inspect Your Tires Monthly

You have heard the recommendation before: check your tires at least once a month to find out if they have enough air and are safe to drive on. Regular check-ups can help you determine if your tires need to be serviced or replaced. Most flats can be handled and repaired, but if you have a blowout or most of the tread is gone, then you need new tires.

Worn tires are a hazard, a potential safety problem that can cause an accident, injuring or even killing you. Most states regulate tire wear as a tire with not enough tread depth is prone to skidding, a common enough event during the winter months.

(See Also — 7 Winter Driving Safety Tips)

The Abe Lincoln Test

One way that drivers can determine if their tires are worn and in need of replacement is to invite Abe Lincoln to a test. Specifically, a Lincoln penny placed in the shallow tread groove with his head down, an effort that will reveal whether there is enough tread left or not.

If the top of Lincoln’s head remains visible, then the tire doesn’t have enough tread and should be replaced. Check out our tips on buying new tires for your car.

The Wear Bar Test

Another way to check for wear is to look for those narrow bands that appear inside the grooves crossing the tire’s tread. Wear bars are not seen until the tires have been worn down (hence its name). When the wear bars appear, your tires should be replaced.

Of course, if you are not sure if your tires need replacing or would prefer that someone else take a look for you, most tire stores offer a free brake inspection and check your tires too. Be safe this winter and put “tire checking” on your list of safety items to inspect on a regular basis.

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