'Over Double': Man Buys Tires Online. Then He's Shocked To See Wildly Different Prices. So Where Should He Buy?

Tires are one of those car maintenance things that seem simple enough—until you see the price differences. It can be hard to know how much to spend on tires and whether it's worth buying them new or used.

An expert has some advice for the uninitiated, in a video with more than 11,000 views, content creator Bill (@bill_retired) breaks down how to avoid overpaying for tires.

"Tires are something else that can be a huge rip-off," Bill says in the video.

His method is simple but effective. First, take a picture of your current tire and zoom in on the sidewall to identify the size. You're looking for numbers like "265 70 R 18"—the bigger numbers that indicate your tire's specifications.

Once you have the size, Bill recommends going online to compare tire prices from different retailers. Check the cost of brand-name tires for your exact size. Then find two or three local installers who will price everything out online.

"And then call them and just make sure that the out-the-door cost on the tires matches the number that you have," he says.

Bill says he’s discovered massive price variations between shops in his own town.

"There is a tire shop that I go to here in town that is about the most competitive of the national guys. The place right across the street from them is over double for the exact same tires, same exact service," he explains.

He's not exaggerating. For his own car, Bill says he found quotes ranging from $360-$400 at one shop to over $800 at another for identical tires and service.

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"You can get so ripped off on tires," Bill says.

He also points out a red flag: shops that heavily advertise "free financing." The place charging him double prominently featured financing options.

"It should be no surprise that the place that was over twice the cost advertises all over their website, all over their marquee, free financing," Bill notes.

"So you just gotta be careful where you buy your tires. Don't spend any more than you absolutely have to," he adds.

How Much Should Tires Cost?

Tire prices vary widely by size and type.

According to Discount Tire, small 12.0-15.0-inch all-season tires for compact cars typically run $80-$150 each, while larger 18.0-26.0-inch tires for trucks and SUVs range from $140-$500 each. Performance tires can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 per tire, depending on specifications.

Consumer Reports found that members paid an average of $212 per tire in their latest survey, with installation costs averaging $31 per tire for those who were charged. But more than half of the respondents received free installation, which is part of the reason choosing the right retailer matters.

Consumer Reports' data shows that 86% of tire shoppers don't negotiate prices, but among those who do, 63% successfully secure better deals. The median savings for successful negotiators was $37 per tire, with more than half saving $100 or more.

Synchrony explains that factors include vehicle type, tire season, performance category, and location-based labor costs, all of which contribute to cost. Installation typically runs $50-$300, depending on your area and tire type. 

Smart shoppers can save by timing purchases around rebates (which tire manufacturers offer regularly), negotiating or price matching, and capitalizing on retailer perks. 

Consumer Reports found that 82% of buyers received at least one free service, with tire rotation (47%), balancing (47%), and mounting (43%) being the most common. These perks encourage loyalty while delivering real savings. Free rotation alone can save hundreds over a tire's lifespan.

Everyone Has a Different Favorite Tire Shop

People who commented on Bill’s post offered suggestions for where to get the best tire deal.

“Costco. Always the best value,” one said.

“Costco. I had Michelins with less than 10,000 miles, got a nail in the sidewall of one tire that couldn't be repaired. Costco gave me 4 new tires for free under warranty,” another agreed.

A third suggested Walmart. “I don't shop at Walmart, but they are most excellent. Costco sux,” they wrote..

“Shop online for the tire you want for the best price, then call Discount Tire and they will match the price. You can make quick appointments, unlike Costco where you are waiting around all day. Great service,” another added.

Motor1 reached out to Bill for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We'll be sure to update this if he responds.

 

 

 

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