How much does it cost to change all four tires

How Much Does It Cost To Get New Tires?

At some point, every car requires new tires. Since you want to budget accordingly, it’s important to know how much does it cost to replace your tires?

In this guide, we cover the varying factors that influence the new tire price. We also give you a few tips that may help you save some money.

How Much Do New Tires Cost?

A new set of four tires will usually cost you between $400 and $1500, depending on the type of tire, vehicle, quality and where you get them installed. If you choose cheap tires, you may be able to spend $50 each, but on some vehicle types, you can easily spend $1500 or more on a new set of tires.

Now that we have the quick answer to the general cost of new tires, let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect the cost.

Factors Affecting Cost to Replace Your Tires

1. Tire Size

The biggest factor affecting your expense will be the size of the tire you need. You can find tires in all sizes, meant for a multitude of purposes. If you have a compact car, you will have the cheapest tires available, maybe even $50 each.

Of course, high-performance cars, large pickup trucks, specialty off-road vehicles, and SUVs will naturally cost more. A good rule of thumb is that the larger the tire is, the more you can expect to pay for it.

2. Brand

There are just as many tire brands as there are sizes. Many tire shops specialize in one budget brand and carry a multitude of name brands.

You will spend far less to go with the no-name brand, but you need to think about the quality. After all, if you save money today by choosing this brand, does it really pay off if you have to replace the tires again prematurely? You may also get a much longer mileage warranty with quality tires, than with inexpensive tires.

If you choose a premium tire brand such as Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, you will of course pay much more, but you know that you will get quality tires that last a long time and keep your vehicle on the road.

RELATED: 6 Worst Tire Brands to Avoid Buying

3. Installation Cost

Most tire shops do not make a lot of money on the tire installation. The job itself doesn’t take long and the price can often be included with the cost of the tires.

On average, you can expect most shops to tack on about $20-$40 per tire for the installation. However, if you visit a warehouse club, that expense could be even less.

4. Tire Disposal

You don’t get to leave your old tires with the shop without paying a price. These shops must pay to have them recycled, so that cost gets passed down to you.

On average, the tire disposal fees will be between $2 and $10 per tire to dispose of them. If you would rather save this money, you can get rid of them yourself.

5. Road Hazard/Warranty Protection

On top of the regular price paid for your tires, you may choose to add some extra warranty protection. With road hazard protection, you are covered if your tires get a hole or blow out.

However, you must be careful who you choose to get road hazard through. Not all companies are going to follow through on the agreement, leaving you paying for protection that doesn’t matter when something actually goes wrong.

6. Wheel Alignment

When your new tires are installed, you will need to get a wheel alignment. Having properly aligned tires ensures that they last as long as possible.

You might pay between $75 and $200 to have the wheels aligned, depending on how many need to be done. However, this money can be seen as an investment, ensuring that your tires continue to provide reliable transportation.

How to Save Money on Tires

1. Shop Around

The most important factor is shopping around. You can call one location and get a price on a particular set of tires and the cost is completely different somewhere else, even though they are the same tires.

When you are shopping around, keep a couple of costs in mind. You will have the cost of the tires, the cost of installation and any fees that the company charges. Ask for the “out the door” price, so you can compare it apples-to-apples.

RELATED: How Much Do Rims Cost?

2. Watch for Sales

You can get a great deal if you shop during a sale. Of course, it’s not always convenient to wait for the next sale, but if you have some time before the tires need to be changed, this is a great way to save.

Throughout the year, tire shops will offer various sales. You can take advantage of a Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal or enjoy a certain percentage off. Most tire sales correspond with holidays, so you can tell when one might be around the corner.

3. Take Advantage of Rebates

Tire shops don’t often make a whole lot on the tire, so discounts can be limited. However, the manufacturers are happy to offer rebates throughout the year.

Most of the rebates are through the mail but can be found online. Additionally, the tire shops have the inside scoop on what’s available, so be sure to ask.

4. Ask about Takeoffs

It’s not always wise to purchase used tires, but the takeoff is something entirely different. These tires were installed brand-new and only used for a couple of days before the customer decided they didn’t want them.

It could be that the client didn’t appreciate the ride or simply decided they wanted something better. Either way, the tire shop will offer the replacement tires at a discounted price, so be sure to ask what’s available, especially if you use a popular tire size.

5. Use All-Season Tires

If you live in a cold climate where a lot of snow falls, you might have two sets of tires. Most people in these regions use summer and winter tires. With two sets of tires, you have a lot more money out, especially every time you need to have them switched.

If you aren’t actually driving in the snow, it might be better to use all-season tires throughout the year. While these aren’t going to get you through deep snow, there’s no sense spending more for something you don’t need. Evaluate your options and see if you can stick to using one set all year long.

RELATED: 10 Best All-Season Tires – Review & Buyer’s Guide

New Tires FAQs

How long should tires last?

The lifespan of a tire will depend on the type of tire, the type of driving you do, and the climate. Generally, tires last between 50,000 and 80,000 miles and 6 years. If you drive a lot in city traffic and brake a lot or live in a hot climate, your tires may wear out sooner. If you often drive around with low tire pressure or a bad wheel alignment, they may also wear down sooner.

When should you change tires?

If your tire tread depth is close to 2/32” or under, it’s definitely time to replace them. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6 years, regardless of the number of miles driven. This is because tire rubber degrades over time, even if the tires are not used. Tires that are more than 6 years old should be inspected by a professional to determine if they are safe to use.

Can I replace two tires instead of four?

If your car is two-wheel-drive, it’s fine to replace two tires on the same axle instead of four, although you need to consider that your car will handle differently with two new tires than with four. If you are replacing two tires, it is best to put the new or best tires on the rear axle, as this will improve traction and stability.
On many 4WD and AWD cars, however, the diameter of the tires must match, otherwise, you can damage the transmission or the differential. Therefore, it is recommended to replace all four tires on 4WD cars, and it’s a requirement for many car brands like BMW and Audi.

How do I find the right tire size?

You need to read the tire dimensions on your old tires and take them to the tire shop. You can also call your authorized dealer or check your owner’s manual if the wheels are stock.

How Much Do New Tires Cost?

One of the most asked questions at Les Schwab is about the price of new tires. People want to know what a set of four tires will cost them. The price of a new set of tires depends on the type of vehicle you drive, how much comfort you want, ride quality, noise level, tread durability, and traction features, which can include seasonal tires and tires for specific terrain. Here’s how to understand the cost of your next set of new tires and why the Les Schwab Best Tire Value Promise saves you money with free peace of mind tire protection and a warranty that won’t cost you extra.

The Basics of Tire Pricing

Price is a big factor for any purchase. While some online retailers might have the tires you want at a price you like, you run the risk of getting the wrong type of tires for your vehicle and driving needs. Plus, you'll need to find someone to mount them to your wheels, balance them, install them on your vehicle, and dispose of your old tires. This takes more of your time and adds to the overall cost of getting new tires. Then there are tire manufacturer warranties or other premium services to consider.

When you purchase passenger or light truck tires at Les Schwab, we mount them for free, rotate those tires for free, re-balance them for free, offer free flat repair and air-pressure checks, as well as give you a free best-in-the-industry warranty that even includes road hazard protection at no extra charge. More on that warranty in a bit.

Tire Price Comparisons

On new tires, the price can range greatly. Tire size, which is directly tied to the vehicle you drive, affects the price. You’ll typically need a larger tire for a pickup than you would for a car. Tires are also priced based on the amount of rubber used to manufacture them as well as the manufacturing technology and features. For example, an electric vehicle (EV) will require performance tires with a higher speed rating and load capacity, which can cost more than a set of standard all-season tires.

As with any purchase with varying levels of price and performance, there are trade-offs to consider. These can include comfort, control and traction, tire life, durability, fuel economy and the cost of a set of tires. You might even consider replacing just two instead of all four tires to save money. However, doing so can impact vehicle safety, performance, and longevity. See our article on replacing all four tires on an AWD vehicle.

If you’re looking for maximum fuel efficiency, we can help with our article on how to choose car tires.

Weather and Traction Needs Affect Cost

Looking for snow tires? Depending on what you drive, maneuverability in the snow can add to the price of tires. That’s because today’s snow tires are highly engineered and packed with technological breakthroughs designed to keep you and your family safe on the road, whether that’s bare pavement on a well-maintained interstate or a snow-covered, winding motorway through the mountains.

Check out our guide to buying tires for help pinpointing the type and size of tire you need. These can include all-season tires, all-weather tires, winter/snow tires, mud terrain, as well as all-terrain tires, performance tires, highway tires, traction tires, and specialty tires.

How to Factor in Warranties

Another factor to consider when evaluating the price of a new set of tires is the warranty and other after-purchase services. The tread life on a set of tires can range up to 80,000 miles and beyond. Some places might charge extra for the warranty, but at Les Schwab, that’s part of our Best Tire Value Promise.

Our freebies include a world-class warranty, free lifetime tire and mileage care, and free peace of mind tire protection, including flat repair, rotations, rebalancing, replacement, safety checks, brake inspections, and visual alignment checks at any Les Schwab location. From Colorado and Wyoming to the West Coast, you’re never far from one of our stores – or the road services we deliver. We even offer free tire disposal when you replace your old tires at Les Schwab.

Run Flat Tires

Many of today’s new vehicles come with run-flat tires. Most of the time, these cars don’t have a spare, making run-flat tires the important difference between being stranded on the side of the road or being able to get to a repair shop. However, they can be more expensive than standard tires.

Les Schwab Has Experience and Expertise

When you’re ready to shop new tires, our pros are here to help. Stop by your local Les Schwab and we’ll take a look at your current tires, make recommendations for your next set, and show you all the options that best fit your driving needs.

Learn More About Tires

Tire fitting and wheel balancing

Is it time to switch from winter to summer tires? Come to our car service to change tires by prior online appointment.

Shesteryonka car services are equipped with modern Italian balancing equipment RAVAGLIOLIM and a tire changer CORCHI , which allows tire fitting for wheels ranging in size from 12 "to 30", including low-profile tires and Run Flat tires.

In addition to tire fitting and wheel balancing, you will receive high-quality services for all types of repairs, including puncture and side cut repair, as well as washing and cleaning wheels. Service centers "Shesterenka" have the status of certified services that have the right to perform tire fitting and wheel balancing.

Name of work	Cost of work
	R12-14	R15		R16		R17-18		R19+ comm. transport
	R12-14	light	implemented	easy	implemented	easy	off-road	R19+ comm. transport
Wheel - remove/attach	90	100	120	110	150	140	170	170
Wheel - balancing	90	100	120	110	150	140	170	170
Wheel assembly	80	90	100	90	130	120	130	150
Wheel - removal	80	90	100	90	130	120	130	150
Wash wheel	50	50	50	50	70	70	70	70
Wheel - inflation	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25
Chamber - repair	50	50	50	50	50	-	-	-
One wheel conversion (excl. freight cost)	340	380	440	400	560	520	600	640
4 / 6 wheel conversion (without cost of freight)	1360	1520	1760	1600	2240	2080	2400	2560/3840
Tire - repair (harness installation)	150	150	150	150	150	150	150	150
Tire - repair (mushroom installation)	150	150	150	150	150	150	150	150
Tire - repair (installation of cord patch)	250	250	250	250	250	250	250	250
Tire - repair (side cut up to 3 cm)	250	250	250	250	250	300	300	300
Seat - cleaning	25	25	25	25	25	50	50	50
Seat - sealing	40	40	40	40	40	60	60	60
Disc check (balance)	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50
Copper grease treatment of the hub (1 wheel)	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50
Installing a non-return valve	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25
Pressure sensor installation	200	200	200	200	200	200	200	200

Please note that the price is indicated in rubles and is valid at the time of publication. You can get more complete information by contacting the managers of the Shesteryonka service centers.

Certificates of Shesterenka service centers

Mix tires or change the whole set?

Almost every car owner, when replacing tires on his car, faces some difficulties: to change the entire set or just a pair of tires, what type of tires to choose and whether it is possible to mix tires from different manufacturers. Continental experts tried to bring clarity to the resolution of these issues.

Of course, the situation when all tires wear out equally and at the same time confirms that the conditions and type of driving, together with the timely maintenance of the car, perfectly matched its technical characteristics. And the answer to the question posed here is obvious - change all four tires to a new set of tires recommended by the automaker. But such a picture, alas, is rare, especially in Russian realities, due to the influence of numerous factors.

Even in the case when the tires are worn unevenly, and there is a need to replace only part of the tires, the best solution would still be to buy a whole set of new tires. This guarantees the necessary safety on the road. The only downside to this approach for most drivers is the cost. And if, in order to save money, you still decide to replace only half of the wheels, then pay attention to the recommendations below:

When replacing only two tires, new tires must be installed on the rear axle , and not to the front, no matter how strange it may seem to domestic motorists, especially owners of front-wheel drive cars. The fact is that worn tires naturally provide less traction, and when mounted on the rear axle, they reduce the resistance to skid, and this leads to uncontrollability of the car on wet or slippery surfaces. Installed on the front axle, worn tires do not have such a noticeable effect on the stability and controllability of the vehicle.
When choosing a tire model, it is better to buy the same that were installed when the vehicle was originally equipped. Thus, the size, design and tread pattern will fully match the replacement tires, guaranteeing better handling and driving safety.
2 new tires from the same category as 2 used tires that you do not plan to change at the moment may be a suitable option. In this case, the appropriate size and speed index of the new rubber must be mandatory. This is especially suitable for those car owners who want to get those. characteristics different from the factory, for the use of tires in specific climatic conditions. So, for example, for the northern territories of Russia, studded tires will be the most suitable option in winter conditions, and for cities with a milder winter climate, Scandinavian-type friction tires with improved grip on dry and wet roads are suitable.
The choice of tires in the direction of lower performance will be wrong! The only case where this can be justified is an emergency and short-term replacement in an emergency.
The main rule that every driver should remember is that tires should not be mixed on any vehicle, unless permitted by the car or tire manufacturer. It is also not recommended to install tires with different tread patterns, designs or sizes, unless the automaker specifically provides for the use of different wheels on the front and rear axles. In no case should you mix winter tires with all-season tires, and even more so with summer ones, as well as install ordinary tires interspersed with tires made using the RunFlat technology, which provides for the movement of the car with a complete loss of pressure in the tire.

In conclusion, we add that non-compliance with the above recommendations can lead to an imbalance in the car at the most inopportune moment, especially in bad weather. Do not forget that tires perform an important function in ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers. Therefore, it is best to use tires that are identical in every detail, including the model, size, tread depth, and tire brand.