5 Tips to Save Money on Winter Tires (If You Don’t Have Them or Need to Replace the Ones You Have)

If you own a vehicle and transport your little ones to and from school, appointments, and extracurricular activities, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is up to the task.

 

One of the best investments you can consider if you live in areas with winter weather conditions is winter tires. They used to be called snow tires, but that title is misleading since winter tires are advantageous whenever the temperatures consistently fall below 45°F — with or without snow.

 

Winter tires do cost quite a bit, especially when you factor in installation, balancing, and storage fees. But it’s a non-negotiable expense if you prioritize the safety of your family.

 

Here are five ways you can save some money while getting winter tires for your car.

 

  1. Purchase Winter Tires During the Off-Season

 

While this tip won’t help if you need tires this winter, it’s a recommendation worth considering. Buying winter tires during the off-season, like in the spring or summer, is a good idea. Prices are likely to skyrocket during the fall because of higher demand.

 

Retailers will be more willing to offer discounts towards the end of the winter season, as they try to unload inventory. You can also find rebates, clearance sales, or bundle deals that aren’t offered in the middle of the season. Early purchasing will also give you the opportunity to shop around and get a well-priced set of winter tires for safer driving during the cold weather season.

 

If you think all-season tires are good enough, think again. One source noted that a car driving 30 MPH and equipped with winter tires required 59 feet to stop. Meanwhile, a car driving the same speed and equipped with all-season tires needed an extra 30 feet to stop. 

 

So, winter tires are superior to all-seasons during the winter. They could be the difference between avoiding serious collisions and getting into fender benders with trucks on the highway.

 

  1. Purchase a Set of Winter Tires and Wheels

 

It’s more cost-effective in the long run to invest in winter tires and a separate set of wheels, although the initial cost will be higher. With a separate set of wheels for winter tires, there’ll be no need to re-mount and re-balance the tires every year, which will be a cost savings in itself.

 

You’ll save money when changing tires seasonally if the tires are already mounted on wheels. Mounting and dismantling tires frequently can result in additional wear and tear on the tires and the wheels. This can reduce the lifespan of the tires. That’s one reason having two sets of tires — each already mounted on rims — is a good idea. It’s an expense that’ll actually save you money.

 

  1. Select the Correct Tire for Your Driving Purpose

 

Getting the right winter tire might save you some money. Winter tires are made for deep snow, ice traction, or improved performance on dry pavement when the road is slippery.

 

If you spend most of your driving time in an urban environment, where snow is cleared off the roads efficiently, you might not require the most aggressive winter tire. Mid-range winter tires can be an affordable alternative for those seeking good performance. 

 

You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive winter tire. It’s possible to get exactly what you need without spending an arm and a leg.

 

  1. Rebates, Offers, and Price Matching

 

Tire manufacturers and tire retailers offer rebates for winter tires, particularly when they run promotions. The rebates can help you save a ton when buying winter tires for your car.

 

Another thing worth inquiring about is a matching policy. Some tire shops will match or even lower their price if you show them that a competitor is advertising a lower cost.

 

  1. Take Good Care of Your Winter Tires So They Last Longer

 

Taking care of your tires is one of the most underrated ways to save money. Winter tires, when properly cared for, will last several years. Extending the life of your tires will mean you don’t have to replace them as frequently, which will leave more money in your pocket.

 

You can take good care of your tires by keeping them properly inflated, getting them balanced, and rotating them every time you get an oil change.

 

Storage also matters. To extend the lifespan of winter tires when they’re not being used, it’s advisable to store them in a cool and dry area away from sunlight. Cleaning them prior to storage and stacking or hanging them properly also helps extend their lifespan.

 

While winter tires are a must when it comes to safety, you don’t have to stretch your budget to get them. Consider the five recommendations above to snag a set. When it comes to winter tires, penny-pinching is not what it’s all about. It’s more a matter of being smart and weighing what matters most: safety, performance, and costs. 

 

By adopting a smart strategy, you can confidently navigate the roadways and highways during the year’s most challenging driving season.