The best tire deals roll around in the fall as retailers make room for new inventory. October is a prime month for bargain hunting, with some of the year’s biggest tire rebates and storewide sales offering as much as 50% off name brands. You can save another 10-15% by having them installed during lower volume winter months rather than spring and summer. Planning ahead allows you to buy at peak discount times; get quotes in September and purchase in October, then schedule lower-cost winter installations.

Buying new tires can be an expensive endeavor, with costs ranging from $100 to over $1000 for a full set. Finding ways to save money on tires should therefore be a priority for most drivers.

One of the best ways to slash tire costs is to purchase them during sale events. But with sales happening throughout the year, how do you know when the best deals are actually available?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the optimal times to buy tires on sale. We’ll look at the tire industry calendar to reveal months where you can expect the biggest discounts.

You’ll also learn insider tips from experts on finding the deepest savings. With the strategies outlined below, you’ll buy tires when selection is plentiful and prices are at their lowest.

Key Takeaways:

• The best monthly sales on tires fall between October and December, when stores are clearing out inventory before the new year. The absolute best deals come around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
• Look out for rebates offered by tire manufacturers in the spring and fall. Rebates can slash an additional 10-20% off sale prices during these seasonal promotion periods.
• Shop end-of-model-year sales in August and September when stores discount current-year tire stock to make room for new models.
• Consider buying previous year’s model tires for added savings, as the differences between tire model years are generally quite small.

When Do Tire Stores & Brands Offer the Best Sales?

Tire retailers and brands follow predictable annual schedules when discounting prices on tires, making certain months definitely better than others if you want to save.

Here is a breakdown of the peak sale seasons to know:

October – December

The single best time of year for tire sales is without question the holiday shopping season from October through December.

With consumers focused so heavily on bargains like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, tire stores join in with major promotional sales on all their inventory.

Brands like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental want to capture end-of-year spending, so they authorize more consumer rebates during this peak fall-winter timeframe.

Between the rebates and seasonal sales, you should have no trouble saving 25-50% off regular tire costs if you buy at the right time within this period. 

In particular, zero in on these prime sale event dates:

• Halloween/October 31st Deals – Stores promote tire sales alongside candy discounts to appeal last-minute to motorists needing new off-season rubber. Sale ads highlight winter tires as weather cools.
• Black Friday/Week of Thanksgiving – Deep discounts that match and beat summer sales. This is the first big post-summer opportunity to buy tires at ultra-low prices before inventory depletes at year end. Sale prices as much as 50% off.
• Cyber Monday – Extends Black Friday online with continued heavy discounts on all tire brands and models. Another chance to stack rebates with 30-40% off already reduced sale prices.
• Christmas/December Holiday Sales – Last burst of discounts before the New Year to attract shoppers with holiday cash in hand. Rebates still available combined with store sales make this an ideal end-of-year savings opportunity.

August & September

August and September mark the end of summer and the transition into fall.

During these months, tire retailers are beginning to receive shipments of new model year tires in anticipation of cooler weather and winter conditions.

This makes late summer a fantastic opportunity to save on outgoing models.

Stores like Discount Tire and TireRack hold end-of-model-year sales to sell down existing inventory before the new models arrive in greater volumes.

Look for sales advertising prior year models at discounts of 25-40% off original prices. When combined with rebates, you may save 50% or more off list pricing.

Another benefit of buying at this timeframe is avoiding shortages of popular sizes that occur later in the fall and winter months when demand is higher.

The selection will still be robust if you shop the changeover from summer to winter tires in August/September.

April & May

April and May are shoulder months where tire retailers tend to promote spring sales to entice drivers who may need new tires after wearing down their existing ones over the winter. Stores also want to boost lagging sales after the busy holiday shopping period.

Manufacturers help spike business by offering consumer mail-in rebates exclusively during the spring.

Goodyear, for example, ran a promotion in April 2022 giving buyers back $100 by mail after purchasing a set of Assurance ComforTred Touring or Assurance MaxLife tires.

Bridgestone and other brands have similarly offered rebates from $50 to $100 off per set during April and May the past few years.

Stack these rebates on top of general spring sales and you can save quite a bit – often beyond 30% off.

While not as steep as Black Friday or end-of-year discounts, the spring rebates coupled with store sales do present nice savings versus other months outside of peak holiday and end-of-summer discount periods.

How to Find the Best Tire Prices Year-Round

Beyond watching for sales during the peak months outlined already, there are other helpful tips for uncovering impressive tire discounts all year:

– Ask stores to price match their own specials or deals from competitors. Most will honor this, allowing you to take advantage of periodic price drops without waiting on certain months.

– Check lesser known regional chains and wholesale clubs like BJ’s Wholesale or Costco for regular sales. Their lower volume means sales may happen outside bigger retail peaks.

– Buying a previous year’s model tire can bring added savings over current year. Differences tend to be subtle and average drivers won’t notice. Call ahead to ask what prior year models may be available at special markdowns.

– Consider buying tires out of season e.g. winter tires in July. Stores are eager to sell what’s not in immediate consumer demand.

– Allow the retailer to substitute another tire if the one you want is out of stock. This flexibility lets them give you a comparable model that may be discounted deeper. 

What Types of Tires Generally Offer the Best Discounts?

While all tire models and categories see price drops during peak sale weeks, certain ones tend to be discounted more. Here is a breakdown:

All-Season Tires

As one of the most popular tire choices, all-season models are widely promoted for savings.

Brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Continental want to keep their all-season tires affordable for the average driver. Expect plenty of rebates and store discounts on top sellers including:

• Michelin Defender T+H All-Season
• Continental TrueContact
• Goodyear Assurance All-Season 
• Toyo Celsius All-Season

Entry-Level Brands

Discount brands like Cooper, GT Radial, SuperMax, and Ironman exist to deliver value pricing to budget-focused drivers. Stores sell them at everyday low pricing.

But during holiday sales and winter rebate periods, you can get unbelievable deals – often under $75 per tire installed. Upgrade brands like Kumho and Falken also see aggressive promotions.

Winter Tires

In regions where winter weather is prominent, snow tires are hugely popular for their cold weather grip.

Consumers flock to retailers once temperatures drop seeking performance rubber. This leads to huge seasonal discounts on leading models like:

• Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
• Michelin X-Ice Xi3
• Continental VikingContact 7
• Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRT

Buy winter tires on sale ahead of the season’s first snowfall and avoid shortages plus higher pricing when demand escalates. Getting them in October is perfect timing.

mud terrain, all terrain

Tires designed for off-road enthusiasts see specialty store promotions aligned with popular activity seasons.

That makes spring and summer prime sale months for all terrain, mud terrain and other rugged designs catering to trucks and SUVs. Including favorites like:

• BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
• Toyo Open Country A/T III
• Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
• Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar

Buying off road tires on sale in spring ensures you’re ready for summer adventures at a big discount versus peak-demand seasons.

When Are the Worst Times to Buy?

Avoiding months when prices are inflated due to market demand or other factors is equally important. Specifically, these are the worst times to buy tires based on higher than average costs:

November & December

While fantastic savings arrive around Black Friday week, prices rise considerably in the weeks thereafter as we get closer to Christmas and the New Year.

Avoid the urge to shop late season unless you see specific sale ads. Retailers know procrastinators pay more at the last minute!

January & February

Post-holiday bargains vanish as the new year starts and traffic remains slow after the spending frenzy ends.

Without major rebates or promotions, January/February offer mostly regular pricing. Wait until at least March and April for better spring sales momentum.

September & October

While fall rebates on winter tires pick up by October, avoid September in the transition between summer and winter sales seasons.

Retailers are focused on moving the last of summer tire inventory. Winter tires don’t yet see steep discounts this early.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan Your Purchase?

Ideally you’ll shop for tires 3-6 weeks before you plan to have them installed. This gives you time to research options, find the best deals, and order your chosen tires to arrive for your intended installation date.

Of course, last minute shoppers can luck out too grabbing the last of holiday markdowns in late December.

But waiting until the week you need new tires risks missing sale pricing, popular sizes selling out, and getting stuck with higher year-round MSRP pricing.

Be proactive and plan around known rebates and promotional periods. The tire prices available at any given time fluctuate widely.

Checking retail ads for sales will make you an informed buyer so you score the savings you deserve.

Things To Consider Before Buying

Buying tires on sale can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to consider several factors before making a purchase.

First, it’s essential to analyze your driving style and determine what you need from your tire, such as comfort, good response, or performance.

You should also consider the type of tire you need, such as all-season, performance all-season, or winter tires, depending on your location and driving conditions.

It’s also important to check the tire size, speed rating, and tread wear to ensure they match your vehicle’s specifications. When shopping for tires on sale, it’s recommended to compare prices from different retailers and check for any additional fees, such as installation or disposal fees.

You should also check the warranty and return policy to ensure you’re getting a good deal and can return the tires if needed.

Finally, it’s important to buy from a reputable retailer or tire shop that can provide personalized service and help you choose the right tire for your needs.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when buying tires on sale and ensure your safety on the road.

Putting it All Together

Equipped with this advice, you now hold valuable insider knowledge for seeking out low tire costs at the most opportune times of year.

Avoid overpaying simply by carefully timing your purchase around predictable industry and retailer sale cycles.

The most diligent savers utilize a combined strategy of buying during major 6 month promotional windows augmented with smart techniques like price matching and negotiating the best bundle discount package.

If saving money matters for affording performance and safety upgrades to your vehicle’s foundation – its tires – then apply these tips to keep more cash in your pocket without sacrificing on quality from trusted brand name manufacturers.

Conclusion

The savings available from buying tires at the right time can make a significant impact, whether you buy an economy set or top-of-the-line touring tires.

By focusing your search during peak industry discount periods, comparing sale prices, and stacking rebates, you can expect to save a minimum of 30% off typical costs.

With high-end tires, savings could reach $200-300 off retail when you buy at the prime moments.

Use the seasonal guides provided above to target your purchase for maximum savings. The holy trifecta for deals are Black Friday, end-of-year December sales, and end-of-model-year August/September clearance pricing.

Combine these sale events with spring rebates for the very best tire prices across top brands like Michelin and Goodyear.

Arm yourself with multiple quotes and negotiate the lowest bundled offer including mounting, balancing, valves, disposal, and any other installation fees.

The additional effort pays off allowing you to reinvest your savings into more important budget priorities.

With some diligence, you can feel confident finding reliable tires at the best bargain cost available all year.