Money saving tip when its time for new tires

[JasonF]

This tip seems really simple but its amazing how many people don't realize it. It applies assuming you are replacing your tires with the same model and size. Also if you observe the 5-tire rotation method then this won't help you either.

Simply buy 3 new tires and then remount the brand new tire from your spare onto one of your primary wheels. Then just take one of the worn out tires you are replacing and put that on the spare. There's simply no point in letting a brand new tire rot under the vehicle when a worn out tire will serve the exact same purpose.

Result- buy 3 get one free

Jason

 

[mesa 33]

Not to be a smart @$$ but wouldnt the next time you buy tires ud have to buy 5 since your spare is the best bad tire from your last tire buy. You cant buy 3 and use your spare since its already a older tire. But it would work if every other time you bought 5 to make it work out. But i get what your saying to so i understand that.

 

[JasonF]

I'm only suggesting that you can do this once. Next time you will have to buy 4 new tires as usual. But when tires are $140 each it's nothing to smirk at.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The last time I bought 4 tires, they only came with a rebate. I did not get the 4th one free. I got them from Sears. They charged me a $2 tire disposal fee even though I kept the old ones. I tried to reason with them, but they said that the fee is regulated by the state. Go figure.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I see two problems here.

1. The spare has most likely started to dry rot if it has never been used.

2. The tread paterns will most likely have changed even if you buy the exact same tires which is not the best thing to do. It's also possible the tread compond could change as well causing a difference in wear between the 3 new & 1 old tire (spare)

 

[toypaseo]

My 2¢...

Buy five tires. Replace spare with one of them. Sell old spare tire on eBay

 

[BrooklynBay]

Shipping would cost more than what the tire is worth!

 

[JasonF]

Dan,
That is possible, but a couple years ago I did this on my old 1996 explorer. It had Goodyear RT/S's and sure enough that 8 yr old spare tire was in good shape and worked great for me as a primary tire. The new tires that I bought matched right up to it. Now that was an extreme case, if you make the spare a primary tire the first time your vehicle needs tires, which is usually not more than a few years since it was new, the spare should be in very good condition.

 

[Wrench]

One big problem - Some spares came as factory seconds and should not be used over 45 mph. Better check the sidewall rating before you use that spare.

 

[Wrench]

One big problem - Some spares are speed rated, usually a factory second and should not be used over 45 mph. Better check the sidewall rating before you use that spare.

 

[ma96782]

Why not get free tires....LOL.

FIRESTONE RECALL.......will net you some new ones. (OK maybe a small fee involved).

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=167734

FIERSTONE does it again.:thumbdwn:

Aloha, Mark

 

[Alanslinky]

Brooklyn Bay... I work at sears p/t in CT so I can use the discount. The tire disposal charge is not regulated by the state at all. All they had to do when selling you your tires was click a button to take that charge off. It's just a small little check box in the bottom of the middle of the screen. If i were you I'd go back and ask for your money back. If they still refuse ask to be put in touch with Dennis Spanno... He's the district manager for Auto Centers in the Nj/Ny/CT area.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the advice, but they were purchased on 8-3-04, so I don't think they will give me a refund anymore. They weren't willing to do it in 04 either. They also tried to give me a few "hidden fees" which I had to argue about. The tires are terrific. I wish I could say the same for the store.