Best Time Of Year To Buy Car Tires May 2026

Start shopping when your tread depth reaches 4/32" (the quarter test). Waiting until the legal limit of 2/32" (the penny test) forces you into an emergency purchase at whatever price the nearest shop is charging.

The biggest wins come when you stack a retailer's instant discount (like at Discount Tire ) with a manufacturer's mail-in rebate (often available on brands like Michelin or Bridgestone ). best time of year to buy car tires

While only 14% of shoppers attempt to negotiate, roughly 63% of those who do are successful in lowering the price at local shops. Start shopping when your tread depth reaches 4/32"

Often cited as having the year's deepest discounts, with potential savings of $200 to $250 off a set of four tires. While only 14% of shoppers attempt to negotiate,

As "National Tire Safety Month," October sees major promotions on winter and all-weather tires to encourage early installation before the first snowfall. You can also find deep discounts on summer tires as shops clear them out. Holiday & Event Peaks

Generally, the best months to buy car tires are . These months align with major seasonal transitions where retailers aggressively clear old inventory to make room for upcoming weather-specific stock.

Retailers clear out remaining winter inventory. This period often coincides with tax refund season, triggering "Buy 3, Get 1 Free" deals and high-value manufacturer rebates ranging from $70 to $150.