3 Great Reasons to Buy Tires at Costco

If you haven't gotten tires in a while, you might be shocked at the price. In fact, between February 2020 and February 2024, the price index for tires inflated by roughly 22%, according to data by the Federal Reserve. And while tire prices deflated by about 1.18% in 2023, the price for a set of four tires can still cause some sticker shock.

Thankfully, if you're a Costco member, the warehouse retailer's low tire prices and frequent discounts could give your budget some breathing room. If you're looking for new tires in advance of summer, here's how Costco could help you save.

1. Installation is free

Last year, Costco eliminated its $19.99 tire installation fees. Now, whenever you buy a set of four tires from the Costco Tire Center, you can have them installed for free. Installation includes rotation, balancing, and nitrogen tire inflation, as well as free inflation checks and flat repairs for the life of your tires.

To underscore the significance of these savings, just consider that Sam's Club still charges an installation fee of $20 per tire, while Walmart has an à la carte menu of fees, including $11 for tire mounting, $15 for lifetime balance and rotations, and $5 for tire rotations (prices can vary by location). If you plan on having your tires installed when you buy them, Costco can save you more than $80 off the bat.

2. Free roadside hazard warranty

Costco throws in a free five-year roadside warranty for most vehicles and sets of tires. This warranty protects you financially from tire failures or wear damage incurred through a normal day of driving. If your tires end up failing, Costco will give you a credit equaling the remaining tread at the time of failure. This gives you some peace of mind, knowing you can be compensated if you get non-repairable cuts or punctures while driving.

3. Tire promotions

Every now and then, Costco will run promotions on select tire brands. For example, right now, you can save $100 on a set of four Bridgestone tires priced at $900 or above (you'll save $60 if the price falls below that amount). This offer expires on April 9, 2024, but Costco runs these promotions frequently enough that you'll likely see a similar savings opportunity in the future.

These promotions are usually offered by the brand itself, not Costco, which means you might find similar discounts at other tire shops as well. But what I like about Costco is that it applies the promotion directly to the price, effectively lowering it. In contrast, other tire shops will give you rebates or prepaid cards.

For example, Tire Rack is also offering up to $100 back on a set of four Bridgestone tires. But the money will come to you as a Bridgestone Visa® Prepaid Card. What's more, you'll get $70 for purchasing the tires, plus $30 for using an eligible credit card (like the Bridgestone Tire Rack Credit Card). In short, other tire shops make it more complicated to save money.

All things considered, Costco's tire prices are tough to beat. While you should also compare its prices with other tire shops (like Discount Tire), it's very likely you'll find a better value at Costco. This is even more true if you're an Executive Costco member, as you can earn cash back on your Costco tire purchases. To get started, check out prices for Costco tires on its website, then schedule an appointment at your local Costco.