5 Perks of Buying Tires at Costco

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If you're a Costco member, you have the option to buy tires for your vehicle at the warehouse club. Of course, there are many different places you could go when your car needs new tires, so does it make sense to hit up Costco to get back on the road?

For many people, the answer is yes. There are five major perks of buying tires at Costco, and you should consider these big advantages when deciding where to buy.

1. Low prices

Costco tires are often cheaper than other major retailers', including Walmart and major auto shop chains. Best of all, Costco often offers coupons to reduce tire prices further. And the published retail pricing includes all shipping and handling costs, so you don't need to worry about surprise expenses.

That said, Costco doesn't have the lowest prices for every tire model. Be sure to check other retailers in your area to make sure you get the best deal.

2. Easy online appointments

If you want to get your tires quickly, an appointment can be faster than a walk-in -- and you don't even have to call to get one. Costco's tire center easily accepts appointments online . You need to be a Costco member to make an appointment and take advantage of its tire services, though.

The great news is that you can shop for other things at Costco while the tire service department is taking care of your vehicle and getting it ready to drive.

3. Lifetime tire maintenance is included with the installation package

If you opt to have Costco install your tires, you get the added benefit of Lifetime Maintenance Services. These services generally last for as long as you have the tires. The services you are eligible for include:

• Tire balancing
• Tire rotations
• Tire pressure checks
• Flat tire repair

This can give you added peace of mind as you'll know that you won't have to break out your credit card again if something goes wrong with your tires in the future.

4. Costco uses nitrogen rather than compressed air to inflate tires

You may wonder why it matters that Costco fills your tires with nitrogen -- especially since regular compressed air is 78% nitrogen anyway. However, nitrogen-filled tires retain their pressure slightly better over time, and while many shops charge extra for this small benefit, Costco members get it for free.

Regardless of what you fill your tires with, remember that it's important to check your tire pressure at least once per month.

5. Costco offers a road hazard warranty

Finally, Costco's road hazard warranty is a great reason to get your tires replaced there ASAP. With the road hazard warranty, you are covered for a full five years against tire failure and tread wear damage, so long as it occurs during legal vehicle operation and you care for your tires properly.

If you need to use the warranty, you'll be given a credit toward the cost of replacement tires, with the amount determined based on a tread analysis.

With all of these different benefits, many drivers will find that getting their new tires at Costco just makes the most sense for them -- especially since they can check out all of the other great deals at the warehouse club while they wait for their tires to get installed.

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