Are you thinking of making a road trip? Or maybe you need some new tires just for driving around town.

We just took care of that on our Yukon last week ~ in preparation for a LONG road trip we are leaving for on Friday… 25 – 30  hours in the car with 4 kids – I need to be prepared. For everything. Even the possibility of snow along the way.

We spare NO chances when it comes to driving our family around – and when you have a large truck, tires certainly are a little more of an expense as compared to an average car.

For those of you in a cooler climate, Winter Tires are incredibly important – here in Arizona, the heat will wear down your tire quickly, so it’s always best to double check them before it heats up – after all, they’re hitting that hot pavement for at least 6-7 months of the year.

When I suggested buying new tires 3 weeks ago to David, he shrugged it off – going back to the last time we bought tires, it wasn’t him who actually did the shopping – it was me. He might change oil in the truck and tinker at the mechanical things, but tires are all on me – I’m more than happy to make that purchase.

He hates buying tires. 

Shop Warehouse Stores

Costco and Sam’s Club are always a viable option for tires – make sure you check the prices and rebate offers they are offering when you are shopping around.

We thought Costco was extremely cost effective compared to Discount Tire – they do first come first serve appointments on weekends, but the week requires an appointment – which is difficult to get if you are needing tires sooner rather than later.

Buy in the Off Season

Tires don’t go on sale all too often – but if you are looking at picking some up, March/April is a great time – when people are looking at buying spring/summer tires – so sometimes you can find a cheaper price on the winter varieties.

Shop Online

Online retailers like Tire Rack and Discount Tire Direct are BOTH great ways to save – you can take advantage of sales and rebates that might get you a better price than the local tire shop.

Always check the price of shipping and installation:  Tire Rack will ship to Installers for FREE, but you will pay for Installation too.. so weigh the difference to buying those same tires in store.   Discount Tire Direct offers FREE shipping but you will pay for Install. 

Both sites are a great way to check reviews and ratings of tires before you buy, and both offer generous rebates/sale promotions.

Take Advantage of Rebates

MOST retailers offer rebates for tires they sell – even if you purchase online at Discount Tire Direct OR Tire Rack.   You may see rebates in April (before Memorial Day – which signals the kickoff of summer) or Labor Day (before Cold weather hits) from both Discount Tire Direct and Tire Rack, and rebates scattered throughout the year at Discount Tire.

They can really make a huge difference on your decision as to which tire to buy.  Oh – make sure you send the rebate in too! 

Buy what you NEED, Not what you Want

Don’t let your dream of a fast race car or super hopped up truck with fancy spinners determine what you buy- let your pocketbook decide. Only get what you absolutely need – especially if you are on a budget. It’s easy to want the bigger and more extravagant tires for your truck, or in my husband’s case – racing tires (really… he loves his cars!) but be practical and determine the true nature of your driving.

Are you driving around town & highway? Regular driving with the family or to work doesn’t really require you buy the most expensive. Usually the normal every-day tires will do just fine.

Lastly – Maintain, Maintain, and Maintain

Keep a log book in the glove box to note the miles at which you picked up tires, and commit to taking your vehicle in for balance and rotation frequently – Discount Tire is a GREAT place for this.

You’ll find your tires will last a lot longer than if you let it slide ~ likewise, keep a gauge in the car and check the air pressure every week when you fill up with gas.  

Tires are an expense that you can PLAN for – definitely not an emergency!  With that in mind, it’s wise to have a Tire Slush Fund set aside for your automobile so that when that time comes, have the money set aside. You’ll find it to be more relieving than pulling money out of your emergency fund when you could have planned ahead.

I recommend setting up a Checking Account OR a Money Market for JUST your auto expense – tires, etc. – take a few minutes to set up a regular withdrawal from your checking account in the amount of $25 – $30 each month (if not slightly more) and commit to that.

You’ll find that slush fund to be an incredibly helpful asset when you do have to purchase your tires. Can’t afford to set that $25 – $30 aside?   Check out our 14 ways to save more Money and incorporate some of those ideas to help you with your goal.