Out the door, four new tires cost the price of four tires plus mounting, balancing, any valve stem and disposal charges, and tax. The tire size sets most of the number. Call Columbus Tire Shop in Columbus with your size and ask for a written total rather than a per-tire price.
What should an out-the-door quote actually include?
An advertised per-tire price is only the first line. The number you pay is the sum of everything below, so ask for it written, as one total.
- The four tires themselves
- Mounting them on your wheels and balancing each one
- New valve stems, if the quote adds them
- Disposal of the old tires
- Any shop or environmental fee
- Sales tax
Why does the same car get such different quotes?
Size is the big lever: larger wheels and wider tires cost more per corner. After size comes the tier of the tire, meaning a budget line against a premium one, plus the speed and load rating your vehicle calls for.
Special cases add to the total. Tires that are run-flat, or wheels that need extra care when mounted, can push the price above a plain set for the same car.
Is the cheapest set the best deal?
Not automatically. A set that wears out sooner or grips poorly in rain costs more per mile, even if it was cheaper to buy. Ask for two options side by side, one budget and one step up, and compare the out-the-door totals rather than the sticker prices.
I'd also ask whether road force balancing is worth adding if you have had a vibration that ordinary balancing did not cure.
Can I get a price over the phone?
Yes, if you have your tire size ready. It is printed on the sidewall of your current tires and on the sticker inside the driver's door. Ask for the total to be quoted with mounting, balancing and fees included.
Do I pay per tire or for the set?
Quotes are usually given per tire, but you pay for all four plus the installation items. Ask for the combined figure so there are no surprises at the counter.
Do I need an alignment with new tires?
Not always, but it is worth asking about if your car pulls to one side or the old tires wore unevenly. Wear on one edge is a sign the alignment was off.