Replacing the tires on your car can get costly, so it only makes sense that you'd want to find ways to save. But there are good ways and bad ways to save on car tires. Adhere to these dos and don'ts to save money without purchasing duds.
Do: Be willing to go with a lesser-known brand
There are a few big, well-known tire brands out there, and they charge more for their tires largely because of brand recognition. If you're looking to save, it's perfectly okay to go with a lesser-known brand like Atturo Tires, as long as you first do your research and ensure the brand has a good track record. You can often get the same quality tires from a second-tier brand for about 75% of the cost you'd pay for similar tires from a big brand.
Don't: Buy tires made more than two years ago
Check the manufacturing date on the tires. If the tires were made more than two years ago, they will probably be selling for really cheap, but that's because the rubber can start to break down after this point. The tires won't last as long on your car as ones that were made more recently.
Do: Be open to ordering tires online
You can often get a better deal by buying tires online and then paying a local shop to put them on your car. This is easier than it sounds. Call around to local shops to see how much they charge to mount and balance four tires. Make an appointment, and order your tires. The shop may even allow you to have the tires shipped directly there so you don't have to transport them yourself.
Don't: Buy bargain basement tires
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Sadly, there are some scammers in the tire sales world. If you see tires that usually sell for $100 a piece listed for $30, for example, there's a reason. They may be damaged or beginning to dry rot — in which case, they are really worth nothing at all.
Do: Opt for all-season tires
Some people prefer to use snow tires in the winter and summer tires in the summer. However, you can save money by just buying one set of all-season tires. Unless you live in the arctic tundra, you won't notice much of a difference when driving, and you'll save about half the cost.