What Discount Tire is and how it operates
Discount Tire is a tire retailer with over 1,000 locations across the United States that sells new tires, wheels, and related services like balancing, alignment, and repairs. The company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and operates under the Discount Tire name in most states, though it uses the America's Tire brand in California and some other western states. You can shop in person at a physical location, order online for in-store pickup, or order online for home delivery in some areas.
The store makes money by selling tires at prices lower than many competitors and by charging for installation and maintenance services. Unlike some tire shops that are part of a larger automotive chain, Discount Tire focuses specifically on tires and wheels rather than general car repair. This means they do not handle engine work, transmission service, or major mechanical repairs, though they do offer services directly related to tires and suspension alignment.
Key Takeaways
- Discount Tire sells new tires, wheels, and installation services at over 1,000 U.S. locations and online, with prices typically lower than full-service automotive chains.
- Installation costs are separate from tire prices and usually include mounting, balancing, valve stems, and tire disposal, but you should confirm what is included before you buy.
- The store offers a road hazard warranty on most tires that covers damage from punctures and potholes for a one-time fee, though coverage terms vary by tire type.
- You can return or exchange tires within a set period if you change your mind, but the return window and restocking fees depend on whether the tires have been installed.
- Discount Tire does not repair tires in-house at all locations, so ask whether your store offers puncture repair before you assume it is available.
How tire pricing and installation costs work
Tire prices at Discount Tire vary by brand, size, and season. The store carries budget brands like Falken and Kumho, mid-range brands like Goodyear and Michelin, and premium brands like Bridgestone and Continental. The advertised price is the cost of the tire itself, not the cost to put it on your car. Installation is charged separately and typically includes mounting the tire on the wheel, balancing it, installing new valve stems, and disposing of your old tires.
Installation costs are not fixed across all locations and depend on tire size and whether you are buying wheels at the same time. A typical installation charge for a single tire ranges from $15 to $25 per tire at most locations, though larger tires or specialty wheels may cost more. If you bring in your own wheels to be mounted with new tires, the cost may differ from mounting tires on wheels you purchase from Discount Tire. Before you complete your purchase, the store should show you the total cost including installation, so you know the final price you will pay.
Road hazard warranty and what it covers
Discount Tire offers a road hazard warranty on most tires sold in the store. This is an optional add-on that costs a one-time fee per tire, usually between $10 and $20 depending on the tire price. If your tire is damaged by a pothole, nail, or other road hazard during the warranty period, the store will repair it for free if the damage can be repaired, or replace it at no cost if it cannot.
The warranty does not cover damage from underinflation, overloading, or normal wear. It also does not cover damage from accidents, hitting a curb, or driving on a flat tire. The coverage period is typically the life of the tire or a set number of years, whichever comes first, though the exact terms depend on the tire brand and type. You should ask the store to explain what is and is not covered before you decide whether to purchase the warranty, because the terms are not the same for every tire.
Returning or exchanging tires you have purchased
If you buy tires from Discount Tire and change your mind, you can return them within a certain window. If the tires have not been installed, you can usually return them within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. If the tires have already been mounted and balanced on your vehicle, the return window is shorter — typically 7 days — and you may be charged a restocking fee to cover the cost of removing and remounting them.
The exact return policy varies by location, so you should ask about it at the time of purchase or check the receipt, which usually lists the return terms. If you want to exchange a tire for a different size or brand after installation, the store will typically charge you for the labor to remove the old tire and install the new one, even if you are within the return window. Tires that have been driven on cannot be returned as new, so the return window is your chance to change your mind before the tires leave the parking lot.
Services Discount Tire offers beyond tire sales
In addition to selling tires, Discount Tire offers wheel balancing, wheel alignment, tire rotation, and nitrogen tire fill. Balancing is often included with installation when you buy new tires, but you can also pay to have existing tires balanced if they are vibrating or wearing unevenly. Alignment adjusts the angle of your wheels to the manufacturer's specifications and is useful if your car pulls to one side or your tires are wearing in a pattern.
Tire rotation moves tires from one position on your vehicle to another to promote even wear, and most manufacturers recommend it every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Nitrogen fill is a service where the air in your tires is replaced with nitrogen gas, which some customers prefer because nitrogen leaks more slowly than regular air. Not all Discount Tire locations offer every service, so you should call ahead or check the store locator on the website to confirm what is available near you.
Puncture repair and when Discount Tire can or cannot fix a tire
Some Discount Tire locations offer puncture repair for tires that have a nail or small hole, but not all stores have the equipment or staff to do this work. If your tire can be repaired, the cost is usually between $10 and $20. Punctures in the sidewall of the tire cannot be repaired safely, and tires with multiple punctures or large holes must be replaced rather than patched.
Before you assume Discount Tire can repair your tire, call the store or visit in person to ask whether they offer this service. If your location does not repair tires, the staff can tell you where the nearest shop that does is located. If you purchased the road hazard warranty, puncture repair may be covered at no cost, so bring your receipt or account information when you visit.
Online shopping and delivery options
Discount Tire allows you to browse and purchase tires on its website and choose either in-store pickup or home delivery. When you order online for pickup, you select a store location and a time window, and the store mounts and balances the tires so they are ready to install when you arrive. Installation labor is not included in the online price, so you will pay for mounting and balancing when you pick up the tires, unless you arrange to have them installed at home.
Home delivery is available in some areas and means the tires are shipped to your address. You will then need to arrange for a separate installer to mount them on your vehicle, or you can take them to a Discount Tire location for installation. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location and tire size. If you order online, you should check the return policy for that order, because online purchases may have different terms than in-store purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tires online and have them installed at a Discount Tire store?
Yes. You can order tires on the Discount Tire website, select a store for pickup, and pay for installation when you arrive. The store will mount and balance the tires before you pick them up, so you only pay for the labor at the time of pickup. Delivery times vary, but most online orders are ready within a few days.
Does Discount Tire match prices from other tire stores?
Discount Tire does not publicly advertise a price-match policy, so you should call your local store or check the website to ask whether they will match a competitor's price. Some locations may negotiate on price, especially if you are buying multiple tires or additional services, but there is no may provide.
What happens if a tire goes flat after I buy it?
If you purchased the road hazard warranty and the flat is caused by a puncture or pothole, the warranty should cover repair or replacement at no cost. If you did not purchase the warranty, you will pay for repair or replacement. Bring your receipt and the tire to the store so they can inspect the damage and determine whether it can be repaired.
Do I have to buy installation when I purchase tires?
Installation is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. If you purchase tires without installation, you will need to arrange for another shop to mount and balance them before you can drive on them. Most customers choose to have Discount Tire install the tires at the time of purchase because it is convenient and the labor cost is known upfront.
Can I return tires if I decide I do not like them after driving on them?
If the tires have been installed and driven on, they cannot be returned as new merchandise. You may be able to exchange them for a different brand or size, but you will pay for the labor to remove and reinstall them. The best time to change your mind is before the tires leave the store, when you have a full refund or exchange option.