[EvenSimpler]

tire sale on Black Friday?

hello everyone. it's time to replace the tires on my 2013 volt. two of the tires are the original ones while the other two are cheap chinese brand tires. the tread on all four tires is nonexistent and the car is beginning to shake as a result of this (I think?). I am looking to purchase new tires that have a low rolling resistance such as the assurance fuel max or energy saver a/s. since Black Friday is coming up, I wanted to ask the forum the following questions:

1) do tires go on sale on Black Friday?
2) if so, where is a good place to buy them?
3) if not, where can I buy them at a good deal?

 

[FI Spyder]

I asked a customer of mine which was a tire store when was the best time to buy tires and they said in the fall (can't remember exact month). I'm guessing when winter tire season comes into effect they (including tire manufacturers warehouses) want to make room for them. At least that's my theory. As for Black Friday sales there was an interesting article on line about that and a lot of sales are actually prices that are available from time to time year round too cash in on the hype.

 

[Don M]

I've bought from Tire Rack for more than 30 years, but the last 2 or 3 sets have come from Amazon

You can check the delivered prices from TR and use that as a gauge - If you find a better deal elsewhere, you're pretty much guaranteed that you're getting a decent deal

Don

 

[jcanoe]

I have been purchasing tires online from Tire Rack for almost 20 years. Only had a problem one time where they shipped one V rated tire instead of an H rated tire out of four tires purchased. Tire Rack sent a replacement tire and provided me with a return authorization for the tire they sent by mistake. Shipping tires via UPS has become such a common occurrence that they don't even bother to wrap the tires in a plastic bag any more. They will usually band two tires together and slap on a shipping label. I have never experienced a tire being damaged during shipping. One time UPS left the tires outside my garage and the inside of the tires filled up with falling leaves. I had to vacuum out the tires.

When considering the cost of tires don't forget to include the cost of mounting, balancing the tires. Some installers insist on using new tire valves, this can slightly increase your final cost. Tire Rack has a network of installers they work with, your tires can be shipped to you directly or to the installer and the installer will call you when the tires arrive. My only reservation with the Volt is whether to trust the Tire Rack installers with putting my Volt up on their lift. When I need new tires I'll have to decide if I want to take the chance of the installer damaging my Volt.

Not sure about Black Friday sales but Tire Rack frequently runs specials on overstock and end of season (snow tire packages.) Tire Rack has a large selection of tires that fit the Gen 2 Volt, I assume they have a wide selection of tires for the Gen 1 too.

 

[Tommy_D]

If you want deals, buy your tires used. I know it sounds crazy, but if you have ever bought a used car the tires that come on it are, you guessed it, used.

Many times you can find almost new tires (maybe 2/32nds used) for ~60% off new pricing. I picked up some used Pirelli Cinturado P7 Plus with 80% tread life left with no punctures or any issues at all and got them mounted and balanced for 40% the price of doing it with new tires.

Call it a gamble buying used tires, but its equally as risky buying a used car and using the tires that come on it. Actually, it's less risky buying used tires because you get to choose the brand, the quality and the amount of wear.

 

[alfon]

Depending on where you live when the time is due to replace our tires on our 16 Volt I'll buy at Costco. A few weeks ago Costco had a special with Michelin tires, $70.00 off plus free mounting and balancing if you have a citi Visa Costco Card Executive Member if I recall.

I believe to replace our tires, factory Michelin Energy Saver AS, was somewhere in the area of $500.00+ If I recall. So far with nearly 52,000 miles on our 16 Volt Premier the tires are wearing perfectly, just had them rotated yesterday as well. Looks like will be able to get another 10,000 more miles out of them as well. Also I keep all 4 tires at the max. cold pressure of 44 PSI, max. pressure listed on the tires sidewall. I have been keeping the same pressure and same brand (Energy Saver AS 195x65x15) on our 2010 Prius and tire life, on my 3rd set now, is 65,000-70,000 miles. I will not buy any other tire but Michelin, I have learned my lesson.