It’s impossible to drive safely with one or more bad tires. If you can’t replace the faulty tires, you must call a towing service that can fix the problem for you. However, you also want to avoid getting overcharged by unscrupulous people. How can you ensure you get a fair tire change cost?
How Much Does Tire Replacement Cost?
The average tire change cost doesn’t exceed $200. Most tire replacement jobs cost between $50 and $150.
Various factors can affect the cost of the tire change, increasing or reducing the bill. These include:
- Where your car broke down
- The day and time you called for roadside assistance
- The complexity of the repair job
You usually call a towing service for an emergency tire change. The cost varies between towing companies. Some providers include tire change prices in their towing service. Others charge you a separate fee to replace bad tires.
Picking the Tire Change Service with the Best Bang for Your Buck
How can you determine which towing service suits your needs while fitting your budget? Always consider the following:
- Price
- Reliability
- Response time
- Professionalism
You want a roadside assistance provider that’s affordable, reliable, responds quickly, and works professionally. The following tips can help you find a towing service that can reliably respond to emergencies, such as tire changes in hard-to-reach areas during odd hours:
Look for Positive Customer Feedback
Search for reviews on the towing company’s website and online forums. Satisfied drivers will leave positive remarks about the towing service’s performance and professionalism.
Ensure 24/7 Availability
You can’t predict when one of your vehicle’s tires will need replacement. Therefore, you should choose towing companies that operate 24/7. They can respond to your roadside emergency no matter what time it happens.
Ask For Detailed Quotes
Before you commit to calling for a tow, request a quote with all the details included. You can avoid getting overcharged or price gouged if you know your exact bill.
Inquire About Extra Fees
Ask the towing service if they charge extra for factors like distance and working after regular hours. Some towing companies charge flat rates no matter when or where you call from, but others might apply extra fees if they have to go a long way to reach you.
Check Your Car Insurance Policy
Does your auto insurance cover tire changes? Check your insurance policy to determine if it offers roadside assistance.
Roadside assistance covers various emergency services, such as battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockouts, tire changes, and towing.
If your car insurance policy doesn’t have this feature, ask your provider if they can add it. The additional convenience is usually well worth the extra fee because you won’t have to pay every time you need an emergency tire change.
Tips on Handling Sudden Problems That Need a Tire Change
Sometimes, you can catch a tire problem before it gets bad. Other times, the tire fails without warning at the worst time, such as while you’re driving. If you abruptly need a tire change, the following tips can help you stay safe:
Stay Calm
Don’t panic. If you lose your cool and overreact, you might make things worse. Instead, try to stay as calm as possible.
Use the Hazard Lights
Hazard lights signal other drivers about emergencies aboard your vehicle. Turn on the warning lights as soon as you realize one of your car’s tires has failed and needs immediate replacement.
Move Somewhere Safe
Pull over as soon as possible. The further you are from the road and traffic, the safer you are while waiting for a tire change. A good place to wait for roadside assistance is the shoulder of the road.
Call a Towing Service
Once you’ve gotten out of harm’s way, contact a towing service. Tire changes are one of the services provided by towing companies.
Tell the towing company what the exact problem is and where you are. They’ll dispatch a vehicle with the equipment and specialists who can handle the issue. If they somehow can’t change the tire on location, they’ll tow your vehicle to an auto repair shop that can do the job.
Tips to Save on Tire Service Costs
Want to reduce tire change costs without sacrificing the quality of the roadside service? Here are some tips on how you can avoid unnecessary charges:
Look Up Local Towing Companies
Don’t wait for an unexpected tire change to force you to contact a towing service. Identify the towing companies in your area.
You can also ask trusted acquaintances about their recommended roadside assistance service providers. Alternatively, you can visit online forums and get the opinions of fellow drivers about towing services.
Get Quotes and Compare Prices
Contact each towing company on your list and ask for quotes on their services, prices, and coverage. Pay attention to details like hidden charges. Compare the prices and see who offers the best bang for your buck while also having a reputation for reliability.
Get a Good Membership Plan
Ask the towing companies if they offer membership plans. As a member, you can enjoy discounts on tire changes, toes, and other roadside assistance. The savings from a membership can go a long way.
Looking for a roadside assistance membership that you can depend on for affordable tire services? CarParts+ is for you! Changing tires can be a hassle and expensive, especially if you have to do it while you’re on the road.
Subscribing to CP+ includes tire changing as part of its roadside assistance, making this process easy and hassle-free.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
