Are your tires worn out, and do you feel it is time to replace them? Is this your first time to replace a complete set? It is normal to get a bit nervous when it’s time to replace our tires. We wonder how much the average cost to replace our set of tires is.
The cost of replacing a complete set of tires is highly variable. Many factors affect the average cost of tire replacement, including the brand, the type, and the size of the tire. On top of this, there are other things to consider like installation fees, service fees, disposal fees, and additional add-on fees.
Read on because I will provide you with helpful information that you must know before you replace your tires. I will give you an idea of the different costs you will incur. I will also talk about the ideal time to replace your tires.
Types of Cost You Incur When Replacing Tires
Tire Cost
Generally, you can choose to install inexpensive tires that range from $50 to $100 or around $400 for the complete set plus the add-on charges. You can also get moderately priced tires that range from $100 to $300 or about $900 for all four tires plus the other fees.
If you want to get premium tires, the price ranges from $300 to $1000 each – you can do the math.
Installation Fees
Like the cost of the tire, installation charges also vary. The rough estimate is $15 to $45, depending on the rim size. Yes, the size of the tires to mount also matters.
There is also another cost that you would likely pay while installing the tires – it is called the balancing fee. What is this fee? Balancing is the process of adding weights to make sure that each wheel weighs the same.
Regardless of the tire size, you will incur this cost as this requires labor. The average price for tire balancing is around $15 at most.
Tire Alignment Fee
What is tire alignment, and why is it necessary?
Tire alignment refers to adjusting your car’s suspension, the system that connects to the vehicle’s wheels. It is the adjustment of the tires’ angle which influences road contact.
What problem does it bring if your tires are not correctly aligned? Misaligned tires can result in uncomfortable rides and wear out your suspension faster.
The alignment cost sometimes depends on the type of vehicle. The average price for an ordinary car is around $90 and can go up to $150 for complicated vehicles.
Tire Disposal Fee
Getting rid of old or used tires can be a concern for drivers. Used tires are considered hazardous waste; thus, they need proper disposal. The cost of disposing of old tires can range from $2 to $5, sometimes even higher.
You are paying the tire dealer to handle the disposal of your tires on your behalf.
Road Hazard Protection
Another cost you might incur when replacing your tire is road hazard protection. This protection serves as the insurance for your tires from common road damages.
The price for this plan varies from one tire dealer to another, but the average cost is around $50 for all four tires. This cost is optional, so you can decide not to avail of it.
Some tires include a road hazard protection warranty. But, again, you can ask your trusted tire dealer for these types of tires.
Tire Choices
Budget Tires
The next set of tires for your vehicle depends on your preference. You can decide to go with budget tires if your budget is restricted. There is no problem with buying these affordable brands.
However, I would suggest that you do proper research on the tire you are considering acquiring to ensure that you will still enjoy the performance you are expecting to get.
As you’ve read earlier, the price of these types of tires ranges from $50 to $100 per tire.
Mid-Range or Moderately Priced Tires
These are the brand of tires which price ranges from $100 to $300. As the cost of these tires is a little higher than the budget tires, manufacturers usually boast better performance and higher quality than budget tires. Well, all manufacturers brag about the performance of their products.
I would suggest you read reviews or ask around to confirm the actual performance of the tire you are getting. I would say that the tire price doesn’t matter; the road performance does.
Please read our review on one of the most outstanding all-season tires at a minimal cost, Toyo Ultra Z900.
Premium Tires
As the name entails, premium tires are the expensive tires displayed on the racks of your tire dealers. These are the tires which price starts from $300 per tire and can go up to $1000.
Are there fundamental differences between budget tires and premium tires aside from the price? I reckon that there are significant differences. What are these?
The road performance, the overall quality of the tire, and the tread life are just among the few differences. Premium tires will generally give you better performance than budget tires.
Moreover, premium tires usually feature longer tread life compared to pocket-friendly tires.
The Ideal Time to Replace Your Tires
Generally speaking, tire replacement should happen between five to six years. However, if the tire you acquired wore out fast, you must not wait for five or six years to do it.
You should do a regular check on your tires’ tread depth. If the tread depth is too low, do not compromise your safety – replace your tires. How do you measure if the tread depth of your tires is low? An immediate replacement is required if the depth is at the final 2/32 inches.
There are other ways how to measure tread depth here.
Conclusion
The cost of a set of tires varies depending on your preference. It depends on how much you are willing to shell out.
Replacing your tires involves many possible costs, including installation, disposal, service, and some other add-on fees. Some of these costs are optional such as road hazard protection. However, these costs could be beneficial or help protect your driving experience.
You can decide to go with budget tires or premium tires. It is all up to you. What is important is that you do diligent research about the tire’s performance that you are planning to purchase.