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Have you ever wondered why car tires come rated with load index, mileage, and speed rating? Because, unlike SUVs and trucks, cars are more prone to off-roading. In short, there’s a greater possibility of car tires wearing out fast.
Car tire mileage warranties are between 30,000-100,000 miles. But tires can give in before that for several reasons. Rough driving, frequent off-roading, weather, and the tire quality in general are to blame. That brings us to tire replacement, which is downright expensive. Luckily, there are ways car owners can save money when replacing tires.
Go for a Rent-to-Own Option
Buying tires and wheels demands upfront payment. Sometimes, it can be hundreds of dollars, which may be way beyond vehicle owners’ cash-in-hand or credit limit. That’s where a wheel and tire financing service helps, especially with a rent-to-own option. It’s a more realistic choice for all good reasons.
- You end up paying a lot less than traditional wheel financing.
- You don’t need a high credit score to qualify.
- There’s no additional interest when you pay off the amount in 90 days.
Always Choose to Replace a Single Tire
Over the years, salespersons have tricked car owners into buying a full set of tires. While it helps them earn extra commissions, it adds to your expenses. Don’t fall for the trap. In most cases, there’s only one tire that needs replacing. The remaining three can still roll over miles.
Back at the tire shop, you will hear all sorts of logic for buying a full set- tread patterns, speed ratings, negative mileage, and preventing tire wear. In reality, it doesn’t matter. Buying a full set of new tires barely makes any difference in mileage or saves you gas. So, always consider replacing one tire at a time, and you can save a lot.
Consider Buying Used Tires
While buying new tires is always a good idea, old tires aren’t bad either. A new tire costs around $150-160, including mounting, installation, and balancing. In contrast, a used tire costs you way less, around $25-45.
Some car owners might wonder whether an old tire is worth buying. While they are no match for a new one, they still have plenty of juice left to last for at least another 500 miles. And here’s where it gets interesting. When you fall into the habit of buying used tires, you discover unit prices and save more.
However, make sure you replace a used tire with another for every 20000 miles. Understand one simple fact as a vehicle owner. The possibility of owning a vehicle for the rated mileage of tires is low. Say you plan on driving your current vehicle for another two to three years. So, buying a new set of tires with a 90,000-mileage rating is never a wise call. Instead, buy used tires to last up to 30000 miles and invest the money saved towards purchasing a new car.
Pro Tips to Boost the Longevity of Car Tires
Saving money when replacing car tires doesn’t have to be difficult. From rent-to-own to buying used tires, you have more than one option. Nevertheless, always take good care of your tires to boost longevity. Here are a few tips:
- Rotate your tires every 10,000-15,000 miles. If they show signs of misalignment, you can rotate more frequently.
- Always keep tires aligned to avoid wearing out faster. If you tread differently daily, you might need tire alignment every week. Generally, you should get tires aligned every 25000 miles.
- Never ignore flat tires. Many car owners fill the air in a flat tire to get the job done and roll it back to the garage. They keep doing this again and again, which deteriorates tire health. After some time, replacement becomes the only option. Instead, whenever you have a flat tire, always fill the air, drive to the nearest gas station, and get it fixed. If you mend a flat tire on the spot, you don’t need to replace it sooner. A standard leak patching costs $10-15, which is easy on your pocket.
- No matter how much you drive, always check your air pressure and keep it filled to the recommended PSI. It helps reduce roll resistance and saves gas.
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