Kyle’s Corner (FYI) Saving big money on tires

February 17, 12:08 PMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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In a tough economy, who wants to spend money replacing
vehicle items like tires? No immediate gratification and not
even something that is very visible to help with social bling!
However, if you want to drive a vehicle a few years until the
economy gets sorted out; tires are actually a good investment,
and at least you know what you are getting!

A good time to buy tires is before your vehicle needs them.
Then you can look for sales on tires. When you locate the
right deal (you can make an offer to buy a set of tires for a
specific price), purchase the tires and work it out that “will
balance and install at customer’s request” on the receipt. This
will enable you to get a good tire buy, but have the installation
when you need it such as just before winter or before inspection,
etc.

The tires can be held at the place of sale, put in your trunk, or in
your garage. Just make certain that the “will balance and install
when customer requests” is clearly stated on the receipt and that
it is signed and dated by the tire store manager. It is a good idea
to have the tires installed within six months or less of the purchase
date.

Today’s all season radial tires are generally of good quality
across the board. Therefore, unless you have a specialty vehicle
or an interest in a specialty tire brand, the general brands are of
comparable quality.

So, how might a tire purchase be carried out? You go into a
a tire store and inform the “sales person” that you need a new
set of tires, the employee goes to your vehicle and identifies
the tire size, and about an hour later your vehicle has a new
set of Michelin tires that cost you $681.59 or more! Not!

Now here is what you really do! You look at the tires that are
on your vehicle and note the type of tire tread and you write down
the tire size. Next, you keep your eyes open for tire sales in your
local newspaper and as advertised when you are out and about.
Visit some tire stores that are running sales and inform the
sales person of the type of vehicle you drive and the size of
tires you need. If the deal is not good enough, simply inform
the sales person that you would like to continue looking, after
all, you do not need the tires immediately!

Lets say that you have identified a good price on a set of
four tires rated at 50,000 miles, possibly visit another tire
store and talk to the manager to see if the price can be
matched on tires you like better (a better brand or a 60,000
mile tire, etc.). If the manager cannot match the price, possibly
make an offer to buy the tires for say $25-$50 over the
competitor’s price.

Some things to keep in mind include asking the sales person
if the ride quality and noise level of the tires are reasonable (this
is usually an issue on only less expensive tires). Look at the
tires that you might buy to see if the tread is appropriate.
Also, look at the temperature and traction ratings – "A" ratings
are the best! Do not specify “your” price and then let the sales
person move you into another tire unless that tire is equal to
or better than the tire you want. Also, consider if lifetime
balancing and tire rotation are included in the price. Bargain to
get these services included at your specified tire price.

To get a better tire deal, you need to make yourself an
informed consumer. Is it worth the effort? Well, imagine
pulling out of the tire store with a bill of $341.58 rather than
the 681.59. It is possible!

The following link: Understanding Tire Side-Wall Information:
will get you up to speed on what all the numbers and letters
mean on tires.

In these tight times, save money and drive your vehicle longer. You can do it!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com.