15 Things to Know Before Visiting a Costco Tire Center (Your Full Guide)

Are you planning to take your car for a tire change at a Costco Tire Center? Going for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect. To make your visit stress-free and ensure you get the best value for your money, here are 15 things you should know before visiting a Costco Tire Center. 

15 Things to Know Before Visiting a Costco Tire Center

1. Only Costco Members Can Access Costco Tire Centers

Costco Tire Centers are available to members only. That means even if you bought your tires from Costco, you still need to be a member to access the Tire Center.

That said, you can easily purchase a membership card either online or in-store. A regular Gold Star Membership will be enough. It will cost you around $60 per year, and you can expect to get your money’s worth in discounts, free shipping, and more. 

2. Not Every Costco Location Has a Costco Tire Center

It might be tempting to pop by your nearest Costco to get your tires changed, but not every location has a Tire Center. So to avoid disappointment, it’s best to check if there’s a Costco Tire Center at your chosen location.

You can use Costo’s warehouse locator tool to search for the closest store with a Tire Center. Just enter your city or zip code, apply the “Tire Center” filter, and click the search button. Then you will see a list of all the Tire Centers stores near you.

3. Prices at Costco Tire Centers Are Low, But Not the Lowest 

Costco Tire Centers offer some of the most competitive tire prices on the market. However, that doesn’t mean their prices are always the lowest. Therefore, if you want to make sure you get the best deal, it’s a good idea to compare Costco’s prices with other stores before making a purchase. 

Even though you can occasionally find a better deal at other retailers, no one can beat Costco when it comes to installation. Generally, it costs just $18.99 per tire to get them installed at a Costco Tire Center, which is much lower than their competitors’ prices. 

On top of that, Costco occasionally runs their “1 Cent Install Deal”. You can get your tires installed for just $0.01 each during this promotion. So make sure to keep an eye out for it if you want to save an extra $60. 

4. You Can Save More If You Choose the Right Time

Timing is the key when it comes to getting the best deal from Costco Tire Centers. That said, you can get the lowest prices on tires between September and December. That’s because Costco runs its biggest tire promotions around those months. 

Costco also holds special events throughout the year where you can get discounted tires. So, check back regularly to see if any special offers are available. 

5. You Can Find a Variety Of Brands at Costco Tire Centers

Costco Tire Centers carry a variety of renowned brands, including Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich. With these brands, you can find a wide selection of tires for almost any vehicle.

6. You Can Order Tires and Set Appointments at Costco Tire Centers Online

You can order your tires online and even set an appointment to get them installed at a Costco Tire Center. To do so, just visit the Costco website, select your vehicle type and tire size, choose the tires you want, and proceed to checkout.

There, you will see all available Tire Center locations near you. Select the one where you want to get your tires installed, fill out the details, and place your order. After that, you will be redirected to costcotireappointments.com, where you can set an appointment with a Tire Technician. 

7. You Can Save Plenty of Time at Costco Tire Centers 

The Reason Costco offers low prices at its Tire Centers is because of its efficient operations. The entire process, from ordering to installation, is designed to save you both time and money. Online booking, online ordering, you name it! Costco Tire Centers have it all.

If you were to pay a regular in-store visit, it would take a lot longer. Plus, you’d have to wait in line for an appointment or wait all day for your tires to be installed. 

8. All Tires Sold at Costco Tire Centers Have Warranties

Playing safe is always a good idea. That’s why Costco Tire Centers offer warranties on all their tires. Most brands come with the manufacturer’s warranty, which typically covers defects in workmanship and materials for up to 5 years. 

Costco also offers an additional road hazard warranty, which provides coverage against accidental damage caused by potholes and other road hazards. So, make sure to ask about it if you’re interested in getting extra protection for your tires. 

9. All Tires Sold at Costco Tire Centers Have Free Lifetime Maintenance

On top of warranties, Costco Tire Centers also offer free lifetime maintenance. This includes flat tire repair, checkups, tire rotation, and balancing services. You can get this service at any Costco Tire Center once you purchase your tires.

10. Costco Tire Centers Do Not Perform Alignments

One thing to keep in mind is that Costco Tire Centers do not offer wheel alignment services. That’s upsetting, considering that it is a crucial part of vehicle maintenance. Therefore, if you need your wheels aligned, you will have to look for other automotive service providers. 

11. Costco Tire Centers Do Not Service All Vehicles

Another bump in the road is that Costco Tire Centers do not service all makes and models. That said, if you drive a regular car, truck, or SUV—you should be good. However, their services do not extend to golf carts and other vehicles with smaller tires.

12. Costco Tire Centers Will Only Install Tires Purchased from Them

If you want to get serviced at a Costco Tire Center, you have to make sure you bought your tires there. That’s because the technicians will only install tires that were purchased at a Costco Tire Center. Plus, if you already have a membership, buying tires elsewhere would be expensive. 

13. Some People Become Costco Members Just to Access a Costco Tire Center

It’s no secret that Costco offers some of the best deals on tires. It’s one of its most popular services, and it has become so popular that some people become Costco members just to access the Tire Center. Not only do they get discounts on tires, but they also get access to other exclusive deals and services. 

Plus, there are no disposal fees, valve fees, or rotation charges. All these benefits make it worth becoming a Costco member and taking advantage of their Tire Center services. 

14. You Can’t Cancel Your Order at a Costco Tire Center

Once you submit your order, it’s done for good. There’s simply no cancellation option on the website. So, make sure you double-check your order before placing it. And, if you’re in doubt about whether or not you should place the order, it’s best to wait.

15. You Can Get a Refund at a Costco Tire Center

Although you can’t cancel your order, Costco does offer refunds. This applies to all orders placed within the last 90 days. So, if you don’t like your new tires or ordered the wrong ones, simply take them back to the Tire Center, and they will issue a full refund. 

Conclusion

Costco Tire Center it’s a great place to buy and service your tires. There’s a great tire selection, low prices, free maintenance, and other bonuses. Provided you’re aware of the things we listed, you should be able to make the best decision for your vehicle. So, with that in mind, we hope you have a pleasant experience at the Costco Tire Center!