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How to Buy All-Terrain Truck Tires on a Budget

How to · Auto

How to Buy All-Terrain Truck Tires on a Budget

Get your truck ready for the trails without taking a hit to your checking account this Memorial Day.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,100 before anything else
Across the 0% window $61.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,100 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.

A good set of all-terrain truck tires changes how your rig handles dirt, mud, and highway miles alike. But keeping them properly treaded and maintained isn't cheap, especially when you need a full set of four at once. Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to buy because manufacturers and local shops run heavy rebate promotions to clear inventory.

Before you talk financing, negotiate the out-the-door price on the rubber, mounting, balancing, and disposal fees first. A payment plan is just a tool to spread out the cash flow, not a discount on the price tag. Lock in your best price at the counter, and then figure out how you want to pay for it.

Remember that the 0% intro window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance when those 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates can kick in fast and wipe out any savings you got from the Memorial Day rebates.

The steps

  1. 01

    Negotiate the total price first

    Get quotes from at least three local tire shops or online dealers before Memorial Day weekend. Ask them to match the lowest price and bundle mounting and balancing into the quote. Do not mention how you plan to pay until you have the final out-the-door number locked in.

  2. 02

    Stack the holiday rebates

    Memorial Day weekend brings mail-in and instant rebates from major tire brands like BFGoodrich, Michelin, and Goodyear. Check the manufacturer websites ahead of time to make sure your specific size qualifies for the promo. Submit your rebate claims immediately after installation so you do not forget.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity card window

    If you want to spread out the $1100 cost, you can use the Citi Simplicity Credit Card which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to about $61.11 per month if $1100 is spread across the 18-month window. Keep in mind that approval depends on your credit history and score.

  4. 04

    Set up automatic monthly payments

    Divide your total tire balance by your timeline to make sure you pay it off before the promo period ends. Set up autopay through your bank for at least the minimum monthly amount, but aim to pay more so the balance is zeroed out early. Treating this like a fixed bill keeps you on track.

  5. 05

    Check the alignment before you leave

    New all-terrain tires are a serious investment, and bad alignment will chew through them in a few thousand miles. Ask the shop to check your suspension and alignment specs before you drive off the lot. Paying a little extra for an alignment now saves you from buying another set prematurely.

  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

Are Memorial Day tire sales actually cheaper?

Yes, Memorial Day is one of the four major holidays when tire manufacturers offer the best mail-in rebates and instant discounts of the year. Combine these with shop-specific promotions for the deepest discount.

Should I buy truck tires online or at a local shop?

Buying online can sometimes save you upfront on the sticker price, but you still have to pay a local shop to mount and balance them. Ask local shops to match online pricing so you have a single point of contact if you need a warranty repair or rotation.

What extra fees should I watch out for when buying tires?

Always ask for the out-the-door price that includes state tire disposal fees, valve stem replacements, and mounting and balancing. Shops often quote just the price of the rubber and tack on $100 or more in installation fees at the register.

How long do all-terrain truck tires usually last?

Most quality all-terrain tires are rated for 40,000 to 60,000 miles depending on how much highway driving versus off-roading you do. Rotating them every 5,000 miles is the best way to get the full lifespan out of your investment.