How do I replace a tire cheaply?

**ChristineLynne** · 08-16-2005, 11:43 AM

I ran over a big honking piece of concrete in the road and blew out my tire today. I doubt it's patchable, though I'll ask.

Assuming it's not, what's the most frugal way to replace a tire?

Thanks!

**Katybird** · 08-16-2005, 11:53 AM

I think that getting a nice used tire would be the most frugal. There are lots of places that sell used tires and if you find a reputable one you can get a bargain.

**PrairieRose** · 08-16-2005, 08:48 PM

You might also ask about "re-treads". These are re-conditioned tires. Another idea is to call the auto salvage in your area. You might have to go and look and even take the tire off yourself but you might find a match to the tires you have for really cheap. Otherwise, you could go to Sam's or Costco and replace it for a bit less than the tire stores usually sell them for.

**baronmom** · 08-16-2005, 11:11 PM

I am sorry, but cheap tires are not the best idea as far as I am concerned. If you truely don't have the money to buy them, then by all means do the best you can and get a good "used" tire. However, in my opinion, if you can truely afford a decent tire, then that is a good way to spend the money. No one can put a price on the safety of you or your family. I don't buy top line tires, but I also don't buy the cheapest ones either. In the end, you will end up spending more money as the tires wear out. Not to mention, the handling of your car depends on your tires. I would try the Costco, BJ's or Sam's Club for options. They do offer a better deal on the tires that they carry. Definately shop around before you buy. I was amazed at the difference in price at the different stores. Also, I learned a lesson when I was shopping for tires. Some model fords use very odd sizes that are expensive to replace. You can use different size tires (I went up one size for our Escort Z2) I don't know what type of car you drive so that may not be a problem for you. Do ask questions. Good luck with what ever option you go with.

**SHOPGIRL** · 08-17-2005, 12:07 AM

I agree with baronmom. Buy a new tire. There are good deals out there. You can probably get a new one for around $40-$50. Also, if you buy it at Walmart, they have a service plan that is great. They'll fix the tire if there is a flat or they will replace the tire less wear on the tread. I've purchased two sets of tires from Walmart, the first was good. The second set I bought a more expensive tire, and seemed to attract nails so I was being serviced frequently. They even replaced the tire when I told them that I didn't want the tire fixed anymore. It was no charge to me. My last set I bought was at Belle Tire.

The two areas of the car to spend money on are the tires and the brakes. You really need good tires if it is a car you drive all the time.

**ChristineLynne** · 08-17-2005, 09:17 AM

Thanks for the info. My friend mentioned yesterday that Wal-Mart has that great service plan - that might be the way to go. I will call around today and get some prices, then go out and buy.

And I even have that one-day pass to Sam's from the freebie board, so I can find out if their price is better!