Replacing the tires on your car is an unavoidable expense. Still, there are ways to make sure you’re getting the best available deal.
In this article, I’ll take a close look at Discount Tire Direct, which I found to be an affordable online tire store. I researched the process and pricing at Discount Tire Direct to get an idea of what you can expect when buying your tires from the online retailer.
5 Things To Know About Discount Tire DirectDiscount Tire Direct is an online tire store that’s been in business for over 25 years. On the website, you’ll find tires and wheels from 60 manufacturers. Among those, you’ll see major brands including BFGoodrich, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear and Yokahama.
While you’ll find a great selection and prices, there are some key differences to keep in mind between ordering your tires online and buying them in-store. Before you order your next set of tires, consider these five things to know about Discount Tire Direct:
Below, you’ll find detailed information about Discount Tire Direct including how to place your order, how the prices compare to other tire centers, where to have your tires installed and ways to maximize your savings.
When you first visit Discount Tire Direct online, you’ll see the option to shop by vehicle, size or brand. For most of us, shopping by vehicle is the easiest way to find a selection of tires that will fit your car. To get started, click “shop by vehicle” and enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, trim and tire size. (You should be able to find the intended tire size for your vehicle in the owner’s manual.) You can see below where I’ve added a Toyota Camry and have the option to add more vehicles.
Source: www.discounttiredirect.comOnce you’ve entered your vehicle’s information, you’ll be able to browse tires, wheels and accessories that fit. Discount Tire Direct also offers tire and wheel packages.
After you’ve made your selection, you’ll be able to enter your billing and shipping information. If you plan on getting your tires installed by a local professional, you can have your tires shipped to the installer (just be sure to call ahead of time and let the installer know).
Still, Discount Tire Direct recommends that you have your purchases shipped directly to your door.
When you’re ready to submit your payment, you can use an American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa card as well as PayPal. Discount Tire Direct also offers year-round financing promotions.
As you shop for tires at Discount Tire Direct, you’ll find a great selection, low prices, free shipping and more. Unfortunately, you won’t find many perks such as installation or tire maintenance. Keep in mind that you will have to schedule and pay for these services separately after.
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2. How Much Do Tires Cost at Discount Tire Direct?Compared to other stores, Discount Tire Direct offers low-to-average prices on tires with a median per-tire price of $161 according to Consumer Reports. For my 2017 Toyota Camry, tire prices ranged from $85 to $245 in December 2022.
To get a better idea of how Discount Tire Direct’s selection compares to other tire retailers, I looked up the prices of two specific popular tires at each store.
Then, I checked out the range of prices and availability of tires for two popular vehicles.
In the table below, you’ll see prices for a Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack 215/55R17 tire that fits my 2017 Toyota Camry and for a Michelin Defender LTX M/S 20″ tire that fits the popular Ford-F150. Prices are accurate as of December 2022.
| Cost of Bridgestone Turanza 215/55R17 Tires | Cost of Michelin Defender LTX M/S 20” Tires | Price Range for Tires That Fit a 2017 Toyota Camry | Price Range for 18” Tires That Fit a 2020 Ford-F150 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | $216.99 | $262.99 | $136.99 to $250.99 (18 options) | $234.99 to $295.99 (9 options) |
| BJ’s Tire Center | $216.99 | $262.99 | $133.99 to $285.99 (39 options) | $221.99 to $297.99 (14 options) |
| Tire Rack | $216.99 | $262.99 | $115.07 to $245.17 (110 options) | $184.25 to $349. 99 (91 options) |
| Sam’s Club | $256.96 | $262.99 | $94.62 to $256.96 (51 options) | $157.62 to $304.44 (33 options) |
| Discount Tire Direct | $217 | $179 (T+H)* | $85 to $245 (125 options) | $85 to $245 (139 options) |
| Walmart | $216.99 | $267.15 | $72.29 to $242.96 (169 options) | $136.20 to $328.99 (218 options) |
If you choose to have your tires installed at one of the company’s partner brick and mortar stores you’ll find that the installation prices average around $24 per tire. However, you can probably find cheaper installation at Walmart, Costco, or BJ’s Tire Center. Walmart is the only tire center among these four that will install tires purchased elsewhere.
In addition to great prices, Discount Tire Direct says it also offers price matching if you find a better, advertised deal on an identical item. To get the price match, you can call a sales specialist or submit a lower price online.
Just click the “Found it Lower?” link by a product’s price on the website. Once you submit your information and a link to the lower advertised price, the company’s website says you’ll be contacted within a business day with Discount Tire Direct’s offer.
Finally, be sure to check out the promotions page to take advantage of current deals and rebates. At the time of writing, there were 7 offers, rebates and instant savings available. Among those was a rebate for up to $100 and an instant savings offer of $110.
3. How Long Does Shipping Take?According to Discount Tire Direct’s shipping policy, you can expect fast and free shipping with your order. The company primarily ships via ground services and has warehouses throughout the country. To ensure the fastest possible delivery time, your order will likely be shipped from the warehouse closest to you.
Customers in the 48 contiguous states will receive free ground shipping on all in-stock tires and wheels according to the website.
If you need expedited shipping, the additional cost will be calculated during checkout for next-day or second-day shipping.
For more information on Discount Tire Direct’s shipping policy, including information on shipping to Hawaii and Alaska, visit the company’s website.
4. Where To Have Your Tires InstalledOf course, you can’t have your tires installed by an online tire center. Instead, Discount Tire Direct has several brick & mortar partners that can install your tires for an additional fee.
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According to Discount Tire Direct’s website, “The installation of your tires and wheels can vary in price based on the installer you decide to use. Discount Tire offers the most competitive pricing at the highest quality industry standard, but you can use any installer you prefer.”
Before deciding where to have your tires installed, be sure to call the tire center ahead of time to find out exactly how much tire installation will cost.
If you live near more than one installer, it never hurts to call a few of them and compare prices before placing your order.
To find partnering installers near you, including Discount Tire stores, enter your ZIP code online.
5. Discount Tire Direct’s Return Policy and WarrantyAccording to Discount Tire Direct’s website, all tires come with the standard manufacturer’s warranty which covers workmanship and material defects.
Additionally, you can purchase “Certificates for Repair, Refund or Replacement” that cover your tires for up to three years regardless of a road hazard or wear as long as they have at least 3/32″ of tread depth. When I shopped around for tires that fit my car, the certificates ranged in price from $8-$15 per tire. Of course, this price can vary based on tire brand, type and size.
But the standard manufacturer’s warranty should be enough to cover your tires. In fact, Consumer Reports argues that tread life warranties are next to useless, and money expert Clark Howard never buys extended warranties.
“My position on extended warranties remains the same always,” says Clark. “I don’t like them, and I don’t buy them at any store.”
If you aren’t completely satisfied with your order, you will have 30 days from the date of purchase to return it. You’ll have to call Discount Tire Direct at 1-800-385-3322 to get a return label. At that time, you’ll also be able to make arrangements for your return, and packaging materials are available upon request. If you use the tires at all, you can’t return them.
You can find more information on the company’s return policy online.
Final ThoughtsOverall, Discount Tire Direct is a great place to shop for tires online. You’ll find a great selection of popular tire brands and low prices, on average, compared to brick and mortar tire centers. The shipping is fast and free, but you will have to schedule and pay for installation separately.
If you decide to purchase your tires from Discount Tire Direct, follow these tips to maximize your savings:
In addition to these tips, be sure to check out Discount Tire Direct’s Learning Center. There, you’ll find helpful articles and videos on how to take care of your tires so that they’ll last as long as possible.
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Car maintenance is an essential aspect of owning a vehicle.
Tire rotations are one of them, which you can get at all Discount Tire stores.
So, how much is a tire rotation at Discount Tire?
Tire rotations at Discount Tire costs around $15. Also, if you need a Discount Tire wheel balance or tire rotation for the tires bought from them, it’s free.
Go to any Discount Tire stores, and you’re all set and ready. So, now you know the service price for a tire rotation at Discount Tire.
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In most stores, the tire rotation service fee is about $24-$50. Some auto shops might even charge you upwards of $120. You usually pay with how much additional services you’re getting.
You’ll get a slightly lower price at $15 per tire in a Discount Tire shop.
However, if you purchase your tires there, you’ll get free rotations for the tires.
Promos like these are usually the case as well in other auto-shops. But, the $15 price at Discount Tires is still substantially better than the more expensive price points.
You also have the option of using a coupon when you want to get lower prices on other services. So, save those coupons and get more services at a budget-friendly price.
What’s better than a cheap tire rotation? A free one! Through various Discount Tire services, you’ll get them at no additional charge.
If you bought your tires or wheels at Discount Tire, they’d offer you a free tire rotation or balance. Even buying new wheels should cost less.
Just bring your vehicle there and follow some instructions, and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to bring your receipt for some extra proof that you bought your tires at Discount Tire.
Yes, But before rotating those tires at home, you should know whether your tires are classified as directional or non-directional tires.
Switching your front tires with your rear tires and vice versa is the way to rotate directional tires. The tires you exchange must be on the same side.
Instead of rotating a directional tire with the same side pattern, you should employ a criss-cross pattern when rotating a non-directional tire.
Tools needed:
Step 1: To maintain safety throughout the procedure, make sure that you apply the parking brake.
Step 2: On your wheels, remove all of the lug nuts. Doing this makes removal simpler when your car is raised,
Step 3: With a jack, elevate your car and use jack stands or blocks to maintain its raised position. Then, repeat on the other sides and rotate according to a tire’s directional or non-directional characteristic.
Some people use four jacks to lift their car off the ground completely, but I don’t recommend this because it can lead to accidents.
Step 4: Upon completion. Slowly descend your car while ensuring that all the lug nuts are secured as tightly as possible. You’re done at that point!
When should I opt for a tire rotation in Discount Tire?
Discount Tire recommends always opting for a Discount tire free rotation every 6,000-8,000 miles. Doing this ensures that your wheels are in excellent shape and wear evenly.
While you’re there, consider also balancing your wheels or checking your tire pressure so you’ll get the most out of your tire maintenance needs.
However, the best way is to still check your owner’s manual for more accurate information.
Can I do tire rotations by myself?
The short answer is yes. Tire rotations can be an essential part of personal car maintenance. Not only would this save you money, but it can expand your knowledge on how to take care of your car correctly.
How long does a tire rotation take?
Tire rotations won’t take much from your day. Typical tire rotations without complications should only take about an hour at auto shops. However, if you do tire rotations by yourself, it could take a bit longer than usual, depending on your car maintenance skills.
How long can you go without a tire rotation?
Most tire manufacturers recommend rotating your tire every six months or every 7,500 miles of distance. Doing this ensures your tires are in optimal shape, so performance is not compromised.
What happens if I don’t rotate my tires?
Typically, tires can last 60,000 miles of travel, provided they are well maintained and away from hazards like sharp objects or rough roads.
If you neglect tire rotations from your service maintenance, the uneven wear and tear could cause your tires to lose 17% of their life, roughly 10,000 miles.
Worn tires can also pose a danger when driving. The lack of traction can severely affect your handling, especially on wet surfaces. Drive safer, and don’t forget to rotate your tires.
To sum it up, tire rotations are a cheap and highly effective car maintenance method. Moreover, there isn’t a downside to doing them; the most you can lose is an hour of your time.
Tire rotations stretch the life of your tires and make for safer driving conditions on the road. So take an hour or two out of your weekend to do them yourself.
Or, make a trip to Discount Tire for a pro to do it for you.
Either way, you can’t lose with tire rotations. I hope this article has shed some light on the itching question, “how much is a tire rotation at Discount Tire?”
0003The promise of a low price is the main trick of the scammers. Some motorists are so afraid of falling for their bait that any offer with a discount is considered a potential fraud by default. But let's not confuse reasonable savings and the search for a fabulous freebie.
Never heard of fake tires. So we consider the probability of buying wheels welded at some underground factory to be minimal.
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Selling used tires for the price of new ones is also very difficult. Even the minimum mileage quickly deprives them of the “hairs” left after opening the form at the factory, and the color marking on the tread (used to identify the model in the warehouse when the sidewall with all the inscriptions and markings is not visible).
On the Internet, you can find a video of how craftsmen cut a new tread on almost bald rubber, but even in this case it will not pass for a new one.
Illegal imports (if it matters to you) in Russia are going to be eradicated with the help of special labels on each tire. They will not be on the "gray" import, which will give it away. So far, the system has not started working, but as soon as this happens, it is worth waiting for a price increase: manufacturers will compensate for the additional costs. However, even without this, inflation and the falling ruble exchange rate make car shoes constantly grow in price.
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Discount may be due to slow wheel sizes. Please check carefully what you order. It often happens that Internet search engines provide links to similar sizes, and not just strictly specified by you. The easiest way to miss this way is with the width or height of the profile.
Buy it, put it on your car, and you will "enjoy" the grinding against the wheel arches in every turn. In addition, you will not pass inspection on such wheels.
Also, when searching via the Internet, be sure to pay attention to the number of offers. If there are only one or two of them, this may mean either unofficial deliveries (except for one tire store, no one imports), or a very old model (stocks are being sold). In both cases, you will get problems finding a replacement wheel if you damage yours badly. It remains to rely only on online platforms for private ads.
The most common reason to give a discount is the age of the tires. The date of manufacture is indicated on each tire with a four-digit code. The first two represent the week, the second two represent the year. So, index 2319stands for 23rd week of 2019.
Many buyers are sure that they need to buy fresh tires, and even a few months of difference in the date of manufacture plays a role.
There are independent studies on this topic, and comments from manufacturers, and legislative acts. The numbers in them do not match exactly, but are close.
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Thus, the Russian GOST speaks of a guaranteed service life of five years. This means that during this period the tires are known to be safe and do not lose their basic properties. Note: we are talking about structural integrity and driving performance, provided that the tread has not worn out to the limit. With intensive use, of course, you need to look at the state of the working surface, and not nod at the years prescribed by law.
That is, tires can be conditionally considered “new” for up to five years. Although buying tires "in years" without mileage is worth it carefully. If it was stored under the sun in summer and under a layer of snow in winter, it is no longer serviceable.
Age from five to eight or nine years old - borderline.
Relatively few wheels survive to such years, retaining an acceptable tread depth. Age-related diseases are already possible here, such as rubber delamination or loss of cord stiffness. Tires will either visually show that it is time to write them off, or hint at this by beating while driving.
Well, after nine or ten years, the recommendations are unequivocal: to throw out. But such "dinosaurs" are not found in stores. It is unlikely that you will be offered tires that are more than two or three years old.
Good luck saving you!
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In September 2021, car tire prices increased by 28% compared to January, according to a report by Avto.ru analysts, which was received by Gazeta.Ru. Experts advised not to wait for new tires to become noticeably more affordable by the end of the summer or winter season, as the constant price increase offsets small discounts.
Summer tires have risen the most since the beginning of the year — by 40%, winter tires — by 31%, and all-season tires — by 14%. A sharp increase in prices for summer tires was recorded on the eve of the warm season, and in September they increased by a record 6.2% for the year (relative to August). Winter tires became cheaper by 1.5% in February, but then they gradually became more expensive, and in September the price tags immediately increased by 8% (relative to August).
The prices of summer and all-weather tires in the secondary market remained almost unchanged, experts noted, but winter tires fell sharply in mid-summer. The number of offers for the sale of new tires has increased by one and a half times in nine months. Offers with winter used tires became less and less since February, but in August there were more sales ads. Since January, the number of advertisements for the sale of summer tires has increased and peaked in April (one and a half times more than at the beginning of the year).
“It turns out that it is best to look for tires on the “secondary” either in the corresponding season (summer - in summer, winter - in winter), or in the “off-season”, when there are the most offers. During such periods, you can find the most profitable options. But the demand is also maximum in the "off-season". Peak user activity occurs in the middle of spring and autumn, and directly in summer and winter, the number of ad views drops by 3-4 times relative to the maximum indicators,” the experts noted.
Also, according to the survey results, two-thirds of Russians have two sets of wheels ready, so they do not have to use the service or tire service to "change shoes". Only 10% of respondents are ready to give tires for storage for money. At home or in the country, 2.5 times more motorists store rubber, and 5.5 times more in the garage.
This is 2.5 times less than those who store rubber at home or in the country, and 5.5 times less than those who leave it in the garage. Less than 20% of drivers change their wheels in advance depending on the time of year, and most often respondents put winter wheels on after the first frost.
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