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How to Pay for a New Set of All-Season Tires

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a New Set of All-Season Tires

Replace your worn tires before the rain starts by spreading the $900 cost over a year and a half.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $900 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Car ownership is mostly a series of small, annoying costs that eventually lead to a big one. Tires are that big one. They are the only thing touching the road, and they usually wear out right when you do not have a spare grand sitting around. You will find the softest prices in October or April when shops clear out old stock.

Negotiate the price of the rubber separately from how you plan to pay for it. Ask for an out-the-door price that includes mounting, balancing, and taxes so there are no surprises. Once you have that number, we can look at a way to spread the cost over a year and a half.

This is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when the window closes, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time the purchase

    Look for sales in the shoulder seasons, specifically late spring or early fall. Most tire shops run rebates during these months to drum up business before the weather gets extreme. Check the manufacturing date on the sidewall to make sure you are not buying tires that have been sitting in a warehouse for years.

  2. 02

    Get the out-the-door price

    Do not just look at the price per tire on the rack. Ask the shop for a total quote that includes disposal fees for your old set and new valve stems. This prevents a $700 estimate from turning into a $900 bill once you are already in the waiting room.

  3. 03

    Use an interest-free window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If your tires cost $900, you can pay $50.00 per month to clear the balance before the regular rate starts. This keeps your cash in your pocket while you get the safety of new treads.

  4. 04

    Skip the road hazard warranty

    Most shops will try to sell you an extra protection plan for flat repairs. Check your existing insurance or other cards first, as many already offer roadside assistance. Unless you drive through construction sites daily, this is usually an unnecessary add-on.

  5. 05

    Maintain the new set

    Get an alignment when you get the new tires so they do not wear unevenly. Rotate them every 5,000 miles to make sure you get the full life out of the rubber. It is a small chore that saves you from buying another set two years earlier than you should.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is it okay to only replace two tires?

It is better to replace all four, but if you only do two, put the new ones on the back. This helps prevent fishtailing on wet roads.

How do I know if I actually need new tires?

Stick a penny into the tread with the top of the head facing down. If you can see the top of the head, the tread is too thin and you need a new set.

Can I negotiate at a tire shop?

Yes, especially if you find a lower price online for the exact same model. Many local shops will match a competitor's price to keep your business.

What is the difference between all-season and all-weather tires?

All-season tires are built for rain and light heat but struggle in heavy snow. All-weather tires have a rating that makes them safer for actual winter driving while still working in the summer.