4 Perks Of Buying Tires At Costco

Whether you want to buy snacks in bulk or save money on discounted electronics, Costco can be a great place to shop. After all, it's well-known for offering a range of household products, such as kitchen staples, laundry supplies, and even landscaping tools. But in addition to that, Costco does offer great deals on car parts and accessories. Think of automotive essentials such as a portable jump starter, motor oil, and batteries.

In contrast, it isn't a secret that there are vehicle products that you should think twice before buying from Costco. But you'll be interested to know that some automotive products can save you a lot of money when purchased there. For instance, if you want to replace your car tires without splurging on your credit card in one go, Costco's tire center can work well for you.

For sure, tire replacement is not something that drivers look forward to. It can be inconvenient and expensive. And that's why many drivers often opt for the most affordable options available, such as those offered by Costco. In fact, when it comes to tire services, Costco has built a great reputation on offering more than just low sticker prices. Ahead, we'll break down the reasons why buying tires from Costco might be a better option than purchasing them from rivals.

If you've been to any Costco warehouse for bulk household items, you know how amazing their prices can be. In fact, shoppers usually head to Costco expecting to save on everyday essentials, and the same principle applies to tires, as well.

When it comes to tires, their prices may vary depending on brand, location, size, and season. However, when you compare Costco tire prices to the competition, you'll discover that it's competitive — especially during promotional rebates. Their prices might not always be the cheapest upfront. However, when you factor in the bundled services included with each purchase, you'll notice that Costco's tire prices offer strong value for money, especially when exploring popular major brands like Bridgestone or Michelin. 

At Tire Rack, for instance, the Michelin Defender LTX Platinum LT265/60R20 tire will cost around $1,159 for four tires. At Costco, you'll just have to pay $1,088 (including discounts) for the same tires. You'll notice this difference even more when you account for the extras. When you purchase tires through sites like Amazon, you'll have to visit your local tire shop for mounting, balancing, and tire rotation — services that can cost you extra money. However, at Costco, you won't need to pay for these services (as long as you're a member), as they're already included in the purchase price.

Replacing worn-out tires is just one of those things that you want to be careful with. Otherwise, one mistake can easily compromise your car's safety, potentially leading to collisions or loss of control. Of course, there are plenty of mistakes you might make when changing your vehicle's tires — say, skipping post-installation checks or replacing tires on the same axle with different-sized tires. But if you shop for tires from Costco, they will address these risks by following strict safety standards — and this is across all their tire centers.

For starters, when you purchase new tires at Costco, they'll deliver only manufacturer-approved tires. Besides that, when it comes to installation, they will only use the proper size tires. Not only will this approach preserve your car's performance and efficiency, but it'll also protect your car's drivetrain and handling.

Besides tire size, Costco also has clear rules about where they place your tires. Sure, it's possible to replace one tire — though it's not advised. That said, when you take your car to Costco for one tire replacement, they'll prioritize installing the new tire on the rear axle. And if you're replacing two tires, they will both go on the rear axle as well. Of course, this approach might surprise many, but having tires with deeper threads at the rear axle will reduce the chances of hydroplaning or oversteering.

There's no denying that tire replacement is one of those services that will leave you grinding your teeth. After all, the buying process might be stressful, not to mention the installation process. Costco, however, simplifies the whole process in a way that other retailers don't. From the moment you make the payment, everything is designed to be convenient and easy (as long as you're a member).

If you want to set up a tire replacement, for instance, all you need to do is check into Costco's tire center portal and make an appointment. After that, if you're a member, you'll have the opportunity to choose the time and location that works best for you (all without needing to wait in line or make calls).

Now, shopping tires from other retailers like Tire Rack will require you to visit your garage for mounting and balancing. Sure, the same will happen when you purchase at Costco; the only difference is that you'll have to visit Costco's tire center, which is found within the premises of their warehouses. For drivers who value efficiency, this convenience means you can easily combine errands — such as picking up bulk household items or groceries — while your tires are being replaced.

Another obvious advantage of buying tires from Costco is the warranties offered. Again, new tires can be pricey. So, as a buyer, you'll want at least some return on the investment. After all, unexpected issues can become costly, especially if you're not protected. With that said, when compared to other major players, such as Discount Tire, Costco's warranty coverage is difficult to beat.

When you buy tires from Costco, you'll not just get the manufacturer's standard warranty. You'll also benefit from Costco's five-year road hazard warranty at no extra charge. That means if you hit a sudden pothole or run over a sharp piece of debris that punctures your car, you'll not have to cover the repair costs on your own. Instead, Costco will handle the repair and replacements (without charging you extra) as long as the damage falls within the warranty terms.

But that's not all. Unlike other competitors that treat this kind of protection as an upsell, Costco includes it as part of the tire package. Plus, the warranty works hand in hand with Costco's nationwide network of tire centers. That means, if you run into a puncture, you're not tied to your local home store. You can visit any Costco tire center and get help when you need it.