3 Reasons Not to Buy Your Tires at Costco

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If you're carefully watching your finances, there's no denying that Costco can be a great place to shop. However, you may want to think twice before heading to the warehouse store if it's tires you're looking for. That's not to say that Costco tires aren't suitable for anyone, but if any of the following points apply to you, shopping around is your best bet.

1. You need fewer than four tires

If you purchase fewer than four tires at Costco, the new tires must match the size and tread design of the old tires, and the circumference of the new tires must not be more than 1.5 inches larger or smaller than the old. If there is a difference, Costco will only install the new tires on the rear of your vehicle, regardless of the drive axle.

The good news is that this rule does not apply to dual-wheel vehicles or those with different-sized tires on the front and rear. However, if your car normally sports four tires of the same size and tread, you'll have to stick with what you have.

In all fairness, Costco's tire policy adheres to sound driving practices. According to CarTalk, putting different-sized tires on your car can create a shaky driving experience. If you must drive on mismatched tires, try to minimize how long you do so.

Still, if two of your tires are in good condition and Costco can't match them, you might want to purchase a pair of matching tires elsewhere to save money.

2. You need tires for a golf cart, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or utility task vehicle (UTV)

If you're looking for tires for a "fun" vehicle, you'll be out of luck at Costco. The retail giant does not install tires for golf carts or ATVs. And if you drive your UTV on the street, Costco will not install those either.

When you need new tires for your golf cart, ATV, or UTV, you'll need to check Costco's competitors.

3.  You naturally assume Costco offers the lowest price on tires and installation

Costco runs so many sweet deals throughout the year that it's easy to believe it always offers the lowest price. That may not always be the case. Tires can represent a significant financial investment, and you'll be money ahead by shopping around for your next set of tires. Here are three things you'll want to consider as you shop:

• Tire cost: What's the price of the tires themselves?
• Installation cost: Costco offers free tire installation, a perk that makes it harder for other retailers to compete.
• Tire disposal fee: The majority of states impose some sort of tire disposal, recycling, or environmental fee for the disposal of tires. This fee is unavoidable regardless of where you purchase tires in one of those 40 states.

You can't be sure if you're landing the lowest possible price until you've checked out a few other tire retailers and factored in any specials they may be running. For example, Tire Barn is currently offering up to $300 in savings on a set of Goodyear tires. If you're working with a tight household budget , $300 in savings can make all the difference.

Of all the things you shop for in life, a new set of tires may be one of the least exciting. However, if you start with Costco and work your way out to other tire stores, you'll at least know you've found a great deal.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .