Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires (2024)

Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires (1)

When you think of Costco, you probably don’t immediately think of tires— but maybe you should!

That’s because the warehouse club chain delivers members an exceptional tire buying experience at its Tire Centers across the country.

And the service doesn’t stop after the sale. Costco Tire Center has some great deals on maintenance, warranties and anything else you could need after you leave the parking lot.

RELATED:5 things to know before you use Costco Photo Center

Costco Tire Center: What you need to know about prices, appointments, warranties and more

When it’s time to buy new tires, there’s no lack of places you could go— from warehouse clubs to online tire merchants to discount tire shops to independent retailers and more.

But only one consistently delivers the best shopping experience and price when it comes to purchase, installation and lifetime service.

Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires (2)

1. Costco beats all competitors on pricing

Costco will beat anyone on tire prices— hands down. Need proof? Just check out these numbers culled from nearly 50,000 Consumer Reports subscribers who bought tires recently.

Keep in mind that online sellers like Amazon and TireBuyer don't provide or include installation in their quote!

The prices below reflect median price per tire when purchasing four tires at the same retailer. This number includes installation and balancing fees

Costco$166
Tirerack.com$177
Les Schwab Tire Centers$187
Discount Tire$173
Independent retailers$167
Fountain TireN/A*
Amazon.com$124
Tire Barn$183
TireBuyer.com$147
Belle Tire Distributors$168

* N/A indicates that the sample size was too small to accurately calculate a median price.

Visit ConsumerReports.com to see the complete list with full rankings on more than 30 retailers.

2. Scheduling a tire appointment is easy

When you're ready to schedule an appointment, you can do it right at the warehouse or you can do it online.

3. Tire installation is a cut above the rest

Most garages will inflate your tires with compressed air when they install them. But not Costco. The warehouse club uses nitrogen instead.

"Nitrogen retains tire pressure better over time than compressed air, which can positively impact the life of your tires, as well as the fuel economy of your vehicle," Costco notes online.

In addition, Costco installs new rubber valve stems when they service your tires. Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) valve stems and accessories are available for an additional charge.

4. Look for the penny installation deal

Every so often,Costco will discount select brands of tires by $70 to $80 off during different times of the year.

Then, to sweeten the savings even more, they offer installation for just 1 penny per tire. That’s an additional savings of $60 right there!

Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires (3)

RELATED:Costco members can save $130 on a set of 4 Michelin tires now through January 20!

5. The 5-year road hazard warranty protects your wallet after installation

Costco's got your back even after you leave the Tire Center and hit the road. A five-year Road Hazard Warranty protects your wallet from tread wear damage and tire failure.

That means Costco will repair or replace your tires if they’re damaged during standard legal vehicle operation. Of course, you’ve got to show your original receipt and keep up with standard maintenance like rotations, balancing, etc. for the warranty to apply.

But it's nice to know you're protected!You can read the fine print here.

6. Costco offers free lifetime maintenance services on tires

When you purchase and get your tires installed at a Costco Tire Center, you also get a lot of freebie maintenance services thrown in for the life of the tires:

  • Free lifetime inflation pressure checks
  • Free lifetime tire balancing
  • Free tire rotations
  • Free flat repairs

7. The savings on tires alone will more than pay for your Costco membership!

By now you probably get the drift: Costco is a tremendous place to buy tires. In fact, we've includedtires as the #1 thing on our list of items that will single-handedly pay for your Costco membership!

More Costco stories on Clark.com:

The post Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires appeared first on Clark Howard.

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Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires (2024)

FAQs

Costco Tire Center: 7 things to know before getting new tires? ›

The Costco Advantage

Our published retail pricing includes all of the shipping and handling costs associated with your tires. The Installation Package also includes Lifetime Maintenance Services that extend throughout the life of the tires you purchase (some limits may apply).

Is there an advantage to buying tires at Costco? ›

The Costco Advantage

Our published retail pricing includes all of the shipping and handling costs associated with your tires. The Installation Package also includes Lifetime Maintenance Services that extend throughout the life of the tires you purchase (some limits may apply).

Does Costco include alignment with new tires? ›

Costco's tire installation package is pretty comprehensive, but it doesn't include an alignment. What it does offer is tire mounting, new rubber valve stems, nitrogen tire inflation (instead of compressed air), and tire balancing.

How much does Costco charge to put on new tires? ›

Tire Purchase Includes Installation at No Charge

1. Installation only available on tires purchased from Costco Tire Center. Additional component costs may apply.

Do you have to buy all 4 tires at Costco? ›

When purchasing less than four tires, the tire size and tread design must be identical, and the overall circumference between the old tires and the new tires must have a difference of less than 1 1/2 inches. If less than a complete set of tires is purchased, the new tires will be installed on the rear of the vehicle.

Is it cheaper to buy tires at Costco or Walmart? ›

Without a discount, Costco and Tire Rack are very close in price, while Walmart is significantly more expensive. This is not typical (Walmart's tires are usually on par with Costco) and may reflect an old listing price, as Walmart currently doesn't have these tires in stock. Data source: Costco, Tire Rack, Walmart.

Does Costco balance tires not purchased there? ›

Understanding Tire Pricing and Fees

There are no hidden fees; the price is straightforward and affordable. However, for tire services such as rotations or balancing on tires not purchased at Costco, a fee applies. While exact pricing can vary by location, members can expect transparent tire prices and fees.

Does Costco do wheel balancing with new tires? ›

Tire purchase includes installation at No charge. Additional member values included 5 year road hazard warranty, Rotation, Balancing, Inflation checks, Flat repairs, Nitrogen tire Inflation. Installation only available on tires purchased from Costco tire center by Costco members.

Can I bring my own tires to Costco for installation? ›

Costco only installs authorized tire fitments, for safety reasons. This is why we advise that, before purchasing, our customers make sure the tire(s) they select meet the following vehicle manufacturers' Original Equipment (OE) specifications. It must be a size authorized by the vehicle manufacturers.

How long does it take to get tires replaced at Costco? ›

Tire fitting time at Costco can vary depending on the number of customers and the specific services required. The average installation of a single tire can take between 15 and 30 minutes. With a complete set of new tires, you can generally expect the job to be completed in about 45 minutes to an hour.

Does Costco replace only two tires? ›

When you select a pair of replacement tires in the same size and construction as those on the car, you must put them on the rear axle. A single new tire must be paired on the rear axle with the tire having the most tread depth of the other three.

How often should you rotate your tires? ›

On average, how you know when to rotate tires depends on vehicle mileage. Namely, it's a best practice to rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so. This is a rule of thumb, however, and you'll want to double-check with your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific information.

What is Costco's tire warranty? ›

All passenger, performance and light truck tires sold through Costco Wholesale are covered by a 5-year Road Hazard Warranty * protecting customers against tread wear damage and tire failure. Costco Wholesale will repair or replace ** tires damaged during standard legal vehicle operation.

How often should you get an alignment? ›

Typically, it is recommended to get your wheels aligned every 2 to 3 years. However, to ensure the optimal safety of your car, yourself and others around you, it is best to opt for a wheel alignment every time you go to change your oil of the vehicle.

Do Costco tires include wheels? ›

Not all makes, models, and sizes, available. Available at Costco locations with a Tire Center; installation by Costco required. Wheels not included.

Does Costco fill tires for free? ›

I recently had new tires installed at Costco and noticed after I got home that they fill them with nitrogen. Great, but I usually top off my tires when they need it and I have a standard compressor.

Do Costco members get discounts on tires? ›

For example, Michelin is offering $50 off to Costco members when you buy four or more Michelin tires and spend $899.99 or less. For Michelin tire purchases above $900, you'll get $100 off -- $70 from Michelin and $30 from Costco (offer is through Oct. 22, 2023). This is where buying tires at Costco can pay off.

Is there an advantage buying a car through Costco? ›

Offering an exceptional value with low, prearranged pricing on many makes and models, Costco Auto Program makes saving on your next vehicle easy. For even greater savings, applicable manufacturer rebates, incentives and special offers will be added to your Costco member price.

Are Costco Michelin tires the same? ›

Some say they are "seconds", "fake" Michelin's, low quality base materials, etc. I called Michelin and they stated emphatically that the club exclusive tires are of the exact SAME quality as all Michelin tires.

Does Costco match tire prices? ›

Please rest assured that your satisfaction is our top priority—that's why we're always working to bring you brand-name items at the lowest possible prices. However, because we already offer competitive prices at the point of purchase, we do not price match with other retailers.

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