How Much to Replace a Tire?

How Much to Replace a Tire

Your car’s tires are one of the most important components in your vehicle and if one of them gets flat you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. But, like most people, you probably drive around with a spare so you can easily replace it within a few minutes.

Preparation is the key success when it comes to dealing with a flat tire and you’ll need a few essential tools and components to replace it. If you’re paying someone else to do the replacement for you, expect to fork out at least $100 which is basically the cost of a new tire. The good news is that you won’t have to pay extra for tools like a lug wrench and a jack because those usually come included with your car.

Now, those with a larger vehicle can expect to pay significantly more, especially if you’re getting someone else to change the tire for you because certain extra parts are needed in a large vehicle that are not required in smaller cars.

What is the cost of the tires?

There’s no real ballpark figure for the cost of a tire because it depends on your needs and preferences. For instance, a gently used car tire for a standard size vehicle will only set you back about $20 or less, whereas a new tire can cost as much as $100 to $200. The larger the tire, the more expensive it’ll be.

Typically, 15-inch tires are the most cost-effective option, but if you’re driving a pick-up truck or SUV then you’ll naturally have to pay more since your car will need larger tires.

What is the Cost of Changing the Tires?

We recommend buying your tire from a well-known auto shop so you don’t get any surprises in terms of pricing. Generally, the replacement cost should include the tire. But, if someone’s changing the tire for you then you’ll naturally have to pay a little extra as well.

If you know how to change a tire and aren’t afraid of getting dirty, then you should totally do it yourself. It’s a fairly easy process and all you need is a lug wrench, a jack and the tire of course. You should be done and on your way within a couple of minutes.

Insurance holders with cover will have roadside assistance included in their policy which means they can just call their insurer to get a professional to help them out. Keep in mind that it might take a while before your insurer gets someone to reach you so make sure you’re parked in a well-lit and safe area. Most likely, the roadside assistance will tow you to the nearest repair shop but in some cases, insurers will opt for the cheapest option which could be miles away from your location. That’s why it’s so important to reach through your policy documents to make sure your insurer prioritizes your convenience over theirs.

How Much Do the Tools Needed to Change a Tire Cost?

When you buy your car, it should come with all the tools you’ll need to change a tire. This includes the spare tire, a tire pressure checker, wheel wedges, lug wrench, and a jack. These are the basics but they’re not all essential. You could easily change your tire with just a simple jack which retails for about $35 to $150 on Amazon. A pressure gauge will set you back between $10 and $30, and expect to pay between $10 and $25 for a jack and lug wrench. If you can’t afford a tire wedge, then you can always replace it with a simple brick or stone. Both will work equally well if you find yourself in an emergency.

How Much Does Your Time Cost?

Time is one of the few non-renewable and priceless resources that you have to factor into the equation. Whether it’s the time you take to personally change your tire of if you pay for someone else’s time, it’ll cost you. But, it’s always best to learn to change your own tire because the more practice you get the faster you’ll be, thus saving time and money.

It might take a few practice runs, but changing a tire really isn’t all that difficult. But, if you don’t have the tools needed and you don’t have the skills either, then you could end up paying a lot of money to get it changed.

How Much Does Tire Disposal Cost?

Tire disposal typically costs about $2 to $6 per tire. Since tires are made from petroleum, it’s important to make sure they’re properly disposed of otherwise they will become hazardous waste. The cost of getting rid of your tires will depend on the disposal method. You could pay a tire dealer to get rid of it for you, you could recycle or repurpose it or you can take it to the local dump.

What about Tire Alignment?

Tire alignment will set you back about $90 or so for a regular car, but it can cost upwards of $150 to align the tires of larger and more complicated vehicles. It’s important to get your tires aligned as soon as a misalignment happens in order to avoid burning through fuel and essentially damaging your tires. It’ll cost much more in the long run to fix them than it will to have them aligned. Plus, it’s totally uncomfortable to drive a misaligned car because the steering wheel tends to wobble and it can lead to suspension damage as well, which means extra costs for you down the line.

Dealing with car trouble is not something any of us likes to do. That’s why it’s such a relief to know that there are trained professionals whose job is to make your life more convenient. Should you find yourself in a car emergency, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Contact us to find the right local company for a wide range of services that include towing, tire fitting and tire alignments.