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How to Pay for All-Terrain Tires and Steel Wheels

How to · Auto

How to Pay for All-Terrain Tires and Steel Wheels

Upgrade your truck's rubber and wheels without taking a huge hit to your cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $66.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,200 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.

Owning a truck or SUV gets expensive fast when routine wear items like tires come up. Running all-terrain gear usually costs around $1,200 for rubber and rims, but prices soften in late summer when manufacturers roll out rebate season.

You can haggle the package price with local tire shops before you figure out how to settle the bill. Spreading that cost across a few seasons keeps your savings intact while you gear up for winter.

A zero-percent promo window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance after 18 months, high standard interest rates kick in on whatever amount remains, so set up automatic payments for $66.67 right away.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time your purchase for late summer

    Tire brands run their biggest rebate events in late August and September to clear inventory before winter. Look for stackable mail-in rebates from both the tire manufacturer and the retail shop.

  2. 02

    Match your rims and rubber

    Steel wheels are cheap, tough, and ideal for rough trails. Make sure the bolt pattern matches your hubs and choose an all-terrain tire size that will not rub your fenders.

  3. 03

    Haggle the package deal

    Do not pay full price for installation. Ask local shops to bundle mounting, balancing, and disposable valve stems into your total price if you buy both wheels and tires from them.

  4. 04

    Use zero-interest financing

    Put the total cost on a Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spread a $1200 purchase across that window and you pay $66.67 per month without owing a dime extra.

  5. 05

    Protect your investment

    Get an alignment right after installation so your fresh tread wears evenly. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles and check air pressure monthly to stretch their lifespan.

  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

When is the best time to buy tires?

Late summer and early fall bring heavy manufacturer rebates before winter driving season starts. Memorial Day and Black Friday also yield decent package sales.

Why choose steel wheels over alloy?

Steel wheels cost much less than alloy wheels and flex under hard impact instead of cracking. If you bend a steel rim on a trail, you can often hammer it back into shape.

Do tire shops match online prices?

Many brick-and-mortar shops will match tire prices from major online retailers. Bring a printed quote or link to the store, but remember to account for shipping fees when comparing.

Is mounting and balancing included in the price?

Rarely. Mounting and balancing usually add $15 to $30 per wheel, so always ask for an out-the-door quote that includes labor and shop fees before you buy.