How to Finance Tires

If you need a set of tires for your car but don't know if you can afford them right now, you'll be happy to know that, fortunately, most tire distributors offer financing options that will allow you to purchase your tires now and pay over time. Tire financing also allows car and truck owners to upgrade to a higher-quality tire to save wear and tear on their vehicles. A little preparation and a few simple steps can have your car or truck rolling on a new set of tires soon.

  • Before you head to the tire store decide how much you can afford in monthly payments as well as how much you want to spend in total.

  • Research tire distributors for selection and financing options. This includes local distributors as well as online sellers. Online tire distributors often have a wide selection of merchandise available but might not offer the same deals as local sellers, so it's worth checking both. Also, be sure to check on shipping costs with online sellers, because this cost might be financed into the total and make a significant addition to your payments. Brick-and-mortar stores typically offer installation, but if you're buying online, you'll also need to consider the cost of hiring someone to install the tires unless you plan to install them on your own.

  • Select a tire distributor that meets your needs. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. Online tire distributors generally make themselves available for questions via both email and phone, while local sellers can usually be reached with an in-person visit or a phone call.

  • Choose a financing option. Most tire distributors offer financing options that allow you to spread your payments over 3, 6 or 12 months. A fourth option is to apply for the distributor's credit card to pay for the tires. Typically, these credit cards offer low-to-no interest financing options as long as you pay off the tires within a specified time---typically 6 to 18 months.