3 Reasons to Always Buy Your Tires at Costco

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It costs a whopping $12,182 a year, on average, to own a vehicle today, says AAA. And when you factor in the cost of loan payments, auto insurance , and maintenance, it's easy to see why.

Part of maintaining a car through the years is making sure your tires are in good condition -- and replacing them once that's no longer the case. Driving around on worn tires could not only result in less fuel efficiency, but it could also put you in danger (think a serious loss of traction control during a storm). So it's just not worth doing.

You may be used to buying tires from a local auto shop. But did you know that Costco sells tires?

It's true. Thanks to Costco's tire centers, which are generally conveniently located adjacent to the store, you can drop off your vehicle, grab lunch at the food court, do some shopping, and pick up your car with brand-new tires in a single trip. But convenience aside, here are three reasons to buy your tires at Costco.

1. You can benefit from competitive prices

Costco strives to offer competitive prices on all of its inventory. And that extends to tires.

The cost of tires at Costco will depend on the type you get. But in addition to Costco's everyday affordable prices, it's possible to capitalize on a promotion for even more savings.

For example, right now, Costco is offering $40 or $60 off a purchase of four or more Michelin tires, among other deals. So it pays to see what options you have based on your vehicle type.

2. You get free lifetime maintenance and repairs

As a vehicle owner, you don't just have to pay for new tires. You might also have to pay to keep them in good condition.

Not if you buy them from Costco, though. Your tire purchase comes with a free five-year road hazard warranty. This means that if you get a flat or puncture a year or two after driving off with your new tires, Costco won't charge you for a fix. Your Costco tire purchase also includes free lifetime maintenance, such as rotations, balancing, and inflation checks.

3. You can score 2% back on your purchase with an Executive membership

Executive members at Costco can earn 2% cash back on their purchases, which is why many people opt to pay the higher membership fee. Certain purchases, like gasoline, are not eligible for that 2% back. But tires purchased from Costco qualify. If you're going to spend the money on new tires for your car, you might as well get some money back in the process.

You can't expect to buy a new car and have its tires last until you drive it into the ground. That's just not realistic. Since you're going to have to replace your tires at some point, you might as well look into doing so at Costco, especially if you're already paying for a membership. And in some cases, it could even be worth joining Costco for access to the store's tire center alone.

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