Why are Tires so Expensive? (Optimize Your Tire Expenses)
Posted by Priority Tire on Dec 9th 2022
Car tires are crucial in this modern world. Everybody is looking for good quality products at cheap prices. But, the prices have went straight up in recent years and nobody knows why.
"How much are car tires?" is the most frequent question people ask these days.
In this article, you can find the answer. We are going to help you to choose your new tires wisely, depending on your needs and budget.
The Costs of Making a Car Tire
The cost of car tires is high because they need to be made using not just rubber, but also steel, some durable materials for longer service life, and nylon. These raw materials must protect the tire's sidewall from external damage, which improves performing abilities.
Research Done by the Tire Manufacturer
When we talk about the tire price, we have to know that making a new tire model includes a lot of time and testing.
This process starts with a weather handling test, which includes safe year-round, summer, or winter weather performance. Also, hydroplaning resistance research is an important aspect to test as well. Testing processes also include checking braking and cornering abilities and testing noise and vibrations during the ride. However, the most necessary part is knowing for which vehicle the tire is being made. It all takes time and results in higher manufacturing costs.
These tests and research must provide perfect results before it becomes a final tire product, as it has to be approved for production.
The Tire Manufacturing Process
The brand can start its manufacturing process when the testing is done. If the testing approved the tire for production, they can go forward with this process. But, what does that mean?!
Well, making tires has a lot of steps, including using large machines for production. Additionally, the cost of these enormous machines is very high, which it dictates how much are tires going to be in the end.
The Size of the Tire
The size of the tire also sets how expensive are tires. Small passenger car tires use less materials during the manufacturing process, while SUV and light truck tires use more materials due to their size.
On the other hand, industrial and tractor tires are the most expensive tire models available on the market. These vehicle tire sizes can weigh from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds which costs a lot. This is one of the main reasons why are tires have such high price points.
The picture below shows the difference between the passenger/light truck and commercial truck tires. Passenger and light truck tires need less natural rubber (19%), while truck tires utilize at least 34%. There are more synthetic polymers passenger and light truck tires (24%), but truck tires only include 11%. But, commercial truck tires are bigger, so they need more steel (21%). These are just some of the differences between these three tire types. Even small changes can make a lot of difference in the tire's price.
Tire Performance and the Technology Behind It
What do performance and technology have to do with the price of a tire? The simple answer is: a lot.
For example: some tires are made for high-speed performance. This means that they have a better grip on the road and prevent heat build-up along the tread area. There are models that are better in winter and wet conditions. They feature bigger tread elements, wide grooves, and durable rubber compounds to achieve this.
These differences make the tire cost vary. So, the answer to ''Why are tires so expensive?'' is because of the production costs related to tire size, performance, and testing done before and during the manufacturing process.
Why are Tire Prices Going Up?
One of the major reasons why do tires cost so much is that the material prices raise every year. The price of rubber, nylon, and steel becomes more expensive, which increases the car tires' cost as well.
The costs related to shipping and exporting are going up as well. The fuel and energy prices are also raising, which leaves its affect on the price of the tire.
However, famous brands and great marketing also higher the costs of the tires and these are the main reasons that the tire's prices are high.
How to Buy a Set of Tires and Save Money?
When you are searching for and want to buy tires, you should know the difference between cheap and expensive tires. During the search process, always compare different websites, prices, and local shops before you decide which one to buy.
So, how can you save money when buying tires?
Well, many people think expensive tires are better than cheaper ones, but cheap tires can also leave a dent in your wallet. For this reason consumers should utilize smart practices when shopping for tires.
Comparing different tire prices and following the discounts and promotions is a good way to start. Also, taking care of your tires by driving carefully and buying a tire set with a tread wear warranty can save you from further headaches. These small tricks can save you money, without sacrificing your driving safety.
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Compare Prices Across Tire Shops
You should compare prices in various tire shops. The same models can have two or three different prices on various websites and shops. So, take your time when you are trying to find the best tires for your vehicle, as it is going to help you to save money.
Lots of online tire shops have a different price rangess. They compete with each other to offer the best price for their customer. Reducing prices as low as possible often brings more people to their websites.
These shops have great offers for specific tire categories. Some of them provide great prices for car tires, while others go with a lower price for some specific brands, performance categories, or tire sizes.
Look for Tire Discounts and Promotions
Another way to save money is to look for tire discounts and promotions. There are a lot of promotions available when you buy a set of 4 tires or if you get a few things for the vehicle as well.
During the search take a look at the specific promotions the websites offer. Some of them promote great seasonal discounts for summer or winter tires, it all depends on the current season. Also, there are a great holiday promotions that can help you save a few bucks. Try looking for tires around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Independence Day.
Additionally, at Priority Tire, we also provide special prices for first-time buyers or customers who join our membership. By following our website, you will be able to see lots of promotions and specific brand and model discounts.
Buy Tires with Long Tread Life
Tires with longer service life and usability could last up to 100,000 miles or you can use them for 6 to 7 years. These are mostly all season tires, which means that you only need one set of these tires, which can help you save money.
If you don't need to replace tire sets often, you can reduce tire costs over time.
Some tires come with a longer tread life, which is optimized by different tire technologies. They lower resist irregular wear formations with their stable and wide footprints and wear-resistant compound, which lengthen the service life.
When you are searching for a tire with a lengthened tread life, take a look at reviews to find out how reliable the information about the tire is. Does it really last longer or it is just a marketing trick?
Expensive brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Pirelli offer elongated tread lives with some models, but their prices are higher. Yet, you can find a cheap alternative that costs less, but it can come with risks. The trick is to find a reliable tire set for less.
Tire Warranty Can Make All the Difference
You are probably asking "What is a tire warranty?". Many tires come with a limited treadwear (mileage) warranty, meaning that the manufacturer will refund you the price of the new tire if the tread wears out before it's supposed to.
This can be a good reassurance for you, in case your tire is going to have some issues.
A mileage warranty presents the estimated tread life of a tire. This is a certain mileage that the tire can be used for before it wears out. If it wears out too soon, the manufacturer will offer a refund. You are eligible for a refund if the tire has an even wear down to its 2/32" of tread. Keep in mind that only original owners can receive this refund if the tire prematurely wears out.
It is important to choose a tire with a treadwear warranty because it enables you to predict how long the tires will last.
Get Some Used Tires
If you have a dilemma as to how much to spend on tires, but you are also looking for a more budget option, then you should buy used tires. They are mostly cheaper, but most of them can be used as new ones.
But, if you going with this option, make sure that you check that tire correctly. Also be sure that it does not have some external damage and how much tread life is left on it.
Drive Carefully
A very important thing in this money-saving part is to drive carefully. The best thing you can do is to avoid potholes and other types of road hazards that can damage the tire.
Take care when accelerating, cornering, and braking during the vehicle's performance. Harsh driving can significantly shorten the tire's service life and usability.
To protect your vehicle, you should avoid driving with a flat tire. If this happens, you are risking rim damage, as instead of just fixing a tire, now you will need to replace both the tire and the rim.
Additionally, the tire should always be properly inflated. This urges even tire wear, which lengthens its tread life. Be careful when parking to not damage the tire's sidewall as it can be sensitive. Avoid potholes, which can cause as punctures, cuts, and tearing.
FAQ
How Much is a Set of Tires?
There are a lot of new tire models on the market, which can dictate the cost of tires. But, how much 4 new tires cost depends on the size, brand, road hazard resistance, and installation cost of those tires. The average cost of 4 tires for your vehicle is around $400 to $1,500.
How Much does it Cost to Make a Tire?
There's no concrete information, but it mostly depends on the manufacturer, sizes, and performance. On the other hand, there can be a few differences between cheap vs expensive tires, which are directly connected to the manufacturing process.
Are Expensive Tires Worth It?
Most expensive tires are not made equally. This does not mean that they are not worth the price. Expensive tires offer you better handling, durability, and longer-lasting tread life. These tires also promote a comfortable ride, which further improves their performance.
