A retired man named Bill has shared an easy way to check if you’re getting ripped off when buying new tires. His method involves checking your tire sidewall and comparing prices online before visiting any shop. This advice is helpful because tire pricing can be confusing and unclear for most car owners.
Bill, who shared his tips in a popular TikTok video, warns that tires can be a major scam. He’s serious about how much prices can differ between shops. For his own car, Bill got quotes ranging from $360 to $400 at one local shop, while another place across the street quoted him over $800 for the exact same tires and service. That’s more than double the price for identical products and installation.
According to Motor1, Bill explains that you can easily get ripped off on tires if you’re not careful. He found his regular tire shop to be competitive with national chains, but the place directly across the street charged twice as much for the same tires and service. This shows why you shouldn’t just walk into the first shop you see.
Bill’s method can save you hundreds on tire purchases
The money-saving trick starts with knowing exactly what you need. Take a picture of your current tire and zoom in on the sidewall to find the big numbers showing tire specifications, like “265 70 R 18.” Once you have that exact size, go online and compare prices for brand-name tires across different retailers.
“And then call them and just make sure that the out-the-door cost on the tires matches the number that you have,” he advises.
The final important step is calling these shops to confirm the out-the-door cost matches your research. Getting the confirmed final price matters because it includes installation fees, disposal fees, and taxes that might not be shown upfront.
Bill also warns about a red flag to watch for: shops heavily advertising “free financing.” He noticed the shop charging him double prominently featured financing options everywhere, suggesting their base prices are inflated.
Tire prices vary widely based on your vehicle and tire type. Smaller all-season tires for compact cars typically cost $80 to $150 each. Larger tires for trucks or SUVs, ranging from 18.0 to 26.0 inches, generally run $140 to $500 each. Performance tires can cost over $1,000 per tire depending on specifications. Just like how costly dealership repairs can catch owners off guard, tire costs require careful attention to avoid overpaying.
Installation costs also matter significantly, usually ranging from $50 to $300 depending on location and tire type. Smart shoppers save money by using retailer perks. Over half of surveyed customers received free installation. Most people don’t negotiate prices, but those who do succeed 63% of the time, often saving $37 or more per tire. Learning one simple negotiation technique can make a significant difference in your final price.
Always look for valuable free services like tire rotation, balancing, and mounting. Free rotation alone can save you hundreds of dollars over your tires’ lifespan. People commenting on Bill’s video shared their favorite places to buy tires.
Some recommend warehouse clubs like Costco for best value and warranties. Others suggest Walmart or using Bill’s method to shop online, then calling Discount Tire to match prices with quick appointments. Making smart financial decisions when it comes to vehicle maintenance pays off in the long run.
Published: Dec 22, 2025 01:53 pm