How Much Do New Car Tires Cost?
Your ability to get where you need to go rides on your four tires. Tires last a long time—about six years, on average—so it's easy to forget about tire maintenance and replacement. But it's not something to let slide. The quality of your tires can impact your stopping distance, fuel economy and vehicle performance. In the worst-case scenario, neglecting your tires can be deadly. In 2022, more than 500 people were killed in tire-related crashes in the U.S.
However, with planning and awareness, you can stay safe on the road and save money at the same time. Here's everything to know about getting new tires, including when you need them and how much you can expect to pay.
On average, you can expect a new set of tires to last about six years. However, there are lots of variables that impact your tires' lifespan. People who drive a lot or have performance tires on their vehicle may need new tires every three or four years.
People who drive less often can have tires that last much longer—although all tires should be replaced within 10 years of their manufacture date because the rubber begins to break down at that point.
Here are some factors that impact how long tires last:
- The type of tire you buy. Most all-season tires can last for 55,000 to 85,000 miles, or about four to six years (based on the national yearly average driving amount of roughly 13,500 miles). Performance and all-terrain tires generally don't last as long.
- How far you drive. Tires wear with use; their lifespan is not necessarily based on time. If you drive twice as far as the average American, you can expect to replace your tires twice as often.
- Whether you use seasonal tires. If you change your tires during the winter, you can expect a longer lifespan because each set of tires is doing fewer miles each year. Remember, all tires should be replaced 10 years after manufacture, even if they're not showing signs of wear.
- Your tire maintenance routine.Regularly rotating your tires and keeping them inflated to the right pressure can extend the life of your tires. In fact, keeping your tires properly inflated can extend their life by about 4,700 miles or a few months!
The cost to purchase new tires for your vehicle varies widely, from $50 to $1,000+ per tire. However, on average, you can expect to pay $460 to $1,280 for a set of four new tires. There are lots of factors that impact tire cost, including:
- The type of vehicle you drive. In general, small tires are less expensive, while tires for SUVs and trucks are more pricey.
- The season of the tire. All-season tires are the cheapest and most versatile option. Winter tires are slightly more expensive, and summer tires are generally the most expensive.
- Tire performance. Performance or sport tires are more expensive than standard tires. Comfort tires (which offer a smoother ride) and all-terrain tires (good for off-roading) are also more expensive than standard tires.
- Location. The labor cost for installing new tires is generally $50 to $300, but it will vary based on your location as well as the type of tires you're buying. If you live in a high cost-of-living area, you'll likely pay more for labor.
Here's what you can expect to pay, on average, for different types of tires:
| Tire type/size |
Cost per tire |
| 12- to 15-inch tires (sedans and some small SUVs) |
$80 to $150 |
| 16- to 20-inch tires (sedans, SUVs, some trucks) |
$100 to $400 |
| 18- to 26-inch tires (SUVs, trucks, campers, etc.) |
$140 to $500 |
| All-season tires |
$50 to $870 |
| Winter tires |
$60 to $1,310 |
| Summer tires |
$80 to $1,490 |
| Touring tires (for a smooth ride and reduced noise) |
$50 to $430 |
| All-terrain tires (for off-roading) |
$100 to $1,450 |
| Performance tires (for speed, handling and fast stops) |
$50 to $1,490 |
If you have a flat tire that can't be repaired, you might try to replace just one tire. However, in most cases, the best practice is to replace all four tires at once. That's because having one new tire with older tires can leave your vehicle unbalanced. This is especially important if you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
If the rest of your tires are less than 30% worn, you may be able to get away with replacing just one tire. However, in most cases, you'll need to replace two or four tires to avoid performance issues. While replacing all four tires is a bigger cost up front, it can save you money in the long run.
Since there's a huge variation in how long tires will last, pay attention to the signs that you need new tires. These signs will tell you when you need new tires much more accurately than a date on the calendar.
Changes to your car's performance, a decrease in fuel economy, a longer stopping distance and physical changes to your tires can all indicate that it's time to buy new tires. Here's how to know for sure.
One of the best ways to know that your tires need to be replaced is by looking at the tread. Tread is the part of the rubber that touches the road. It's cut with grooves that allow water and debris to pass by the tire while keeping the tire connected to the road.
Over time, the tire tread wears down. Tire manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced when the tread reaches 1/16 of an inch. However, even at 4/32 of an inch, your tire performance starts to suffer and stopping distances increase. You may want to consider replacing your tires then. Most people can't eyeball 1/16 of an inch, but there's an easy test to see if you need new tires. The test can be done with a penny or a quarter. Hold the coin in your fingers with the "head" side facing you and the top of the head pointed toward the ground. Insert the coin into a tire groove. If you can see the top of the president's head, you need new tires. If the top of the head is covered by tread, your tires still have life left.
In addition to reduced tread, there are other physical signs that your tires need to be replaced. These include:
- A bubble or bulge within the tire rubber
- Uneven wear, including tread on one side of the tire that is much thinner than tread on the other
- Cracks, fading or other signs of damage to the rubber
If you need new tires, you might notice that your vehicle is vibrating or making unusual noises. This is caused by the tires being out of balance. Sometimes it can be fixed with an alignment or tire rotation, but other times it means you need a new set of tires.
Tires are linked very closely with your vehicle's performance. When you need new tires, you may notice changes, including:
- Increased stopping distances
- Increased fuel consumption
- Less responsive handling, especially on wet roads
New tires are critical for your safety and your vehicle's performance. The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for four new tires and regular tire maintenance, including tire rotations (which should be done every time you get an oil change). Learn more and apply now.
