Tire balancing costs between $37 to $55 per tire and that's just one service fee you'll face when buying components separately. Is it cheaper to buy rims and tires together? The answer is yes, and we can prove it with real numbers. Right now, you can save $85 on orders over $1,800 at select retailers.
We carry the best selection of wheel and tire packages at the lowest prices. When you purchase wheels and tires as a complete set, shops offer significant discounts that simply aren't available when buying separately. This bundled approach delivers better deals while ensuring perfect fitment for your vehicle. Economy tires for smaller cars start between $50-$100 per tire, while basic steel wheels range from $50-$150 each.
Budget-conscious drivers will find that purchasing a complete wheel and tire set often costs less than buying tires alone. This becomes especially important for seasonal changes snow tires cost more than regular tires, and running them during summer weather causes unnecessary wear.
We'll show you exactly how wheel and tire packages save money, what's included in these deals, and how to get maximum value when upgrading your vehicle.
A wheel and tire package delivers a complete, ready-to-install solution for vehicle owners. Rather than selecting wheels and tires separately, these packages provide everything you need in one convenient purchase.
Wheel and tire packages arrive fully assembled and ready for immediate installation on your vehicle. The core package includes tires already mounted, balanced, and fitted on wheels, with valve stems installed. You simply bolt them onto your vehicle and tighten the lug nuts no additional mounting required.
Most packages include essential components that would otherwise cost extra:
Installation hardware: Free lug nuts or bolts (depending on your vehicle application) and hub-centric rings come standard with most packages.
Professional services: Many retailers provide precision mounting and Hunter Road Force balancing using non-lead weights at no additional cost.
Valve stems: These critical components maintain proper tire inflation.
Center caps: Included with most packages, though some specialty applications may offer them as optional accessories.
TPMS sensors: If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, many packages offer compatible sensors that can be installed during assembly.
For vehicles with existing TPMS, purchasing new sensors as part of your package ensures accurate tire pressure monitoring after installation. Some retailers offer wheel locks as optional add-ons to protect your investment from theft.
The difference between purchasing a wheel and tire package versus buying components separately comes down to convenience, compatibility, and value.
Packages eliminate compatibility guesswork. When you purchase wheels and tires separately, you risk mismatched components that don't work well together. Package providers ensure perfect fitment between the tire and wheel, plus compatibility with your specific vehicle.
Time savings matter significantly. Instead of selecting components individually and arranging mounting and balancing services, everything arrives ready to install. This approach eliminates extra trips to tire shops and reduces installation time considerably.
The financial benefits extend beyond the initial purchase price. A complete tire and rim assembly typically costs less than buying the same components separately before considering mounting services and valve stem installation costs. Many retailers offer discounted package deals that include mounting, balancing, lugs, centers, and valve stems.
Installation costs remain identical whether you're installing just tires or a complete wheel and tire package. This means you get wheel installation at no additional labor cost when purchasing as a package.
Many online retailers offer free shipping for complete wheel and tire packages. Some provide special discounts, such as $85 off orders over $1,800, making packages even more attractive for budget-conscious drivers.
The numbers don't lie. When you compare actual costs, wheel and tire packages consistently deliver better value than separate purchases. We've analyzed pricing across the industry, and the savings are real.
Shops offer substantial discounts when you purchase wheels and tires as a complete set. These packages typically include mounting, balancing, lugs, centers, and valve stems at no additional charge.
Real-world price comparisons show significant differences. A set of 35-inch Super Swampers with Weld wheels averages around $1,972 delivered from mail-order sources, compared to approximately $2,000 at local shops. BFG/Eagle Alloys packages range from $1,089 to $1,228 through mail-order companies, versus $1,300 locally.
Mail-order purchasing saves approximately $50-$150 per set representing more than 10% of the total cost. These savings become even more meaningful with higher-quality tire and wheel combinations.
Installation charges remain identical whether you're installing just tires or a complete wheel and tire package. You effectively get wheel installation at no additional labor cost when purchasing as a package.
Smart shopping strategies maximize your wheel and tire package savings:
Start shopping early: Begin searching before you desperately need new tires. Having 4/32" tread remaining gives you time to shop for deals.
Negotiate pricing: Most consumers (86%) don't attempt negotiation, yet among those who do, 63% succeed in getting better deals with median savings of $37 per tire.
Leverage seasonal timing: Winter tires typically go on sale in early fall and late spring, while summer tire prices drop in early spring.
Look for bundled services: Free mounting, balancing, and tire rotation are common perks when purchasing packages.
Consider online retailers: They often offer free mounting, balancing, and shipping on package deals.
Tire manufacturers regularly offer rebate programs for purchasing sets of four, sometimes providing $100 or more in savings. Monthly rebates typically refresh at the beginning of each month, so timing your purchase pays off.
Free services enhance value significantly. Approximately half of consumers receive complementary tire rotation (47%) and balancing (47%), while 43% get free mounting. Since tire balancing alone costs between $37-$55 per tire, these services represent considerable savings.
Buying tires without rims may appear less expensive initially, but this approach often costs more long-term due to hidden expenses.
Mounting costs add up quickly. Putting new tires on existing wheels requires professional mounting and balancing, adding $60-$150 annually for seasonal changes. This process increases wear on tire beads and sidewalls while risking damage to your existing wheels.
Purchasing just tires works well in certain situations. If your current wheels remain in excellent condition and you don't plan seasonal tire changes, this approach may suit your needs. It also opens access to a broader range of tire options and potentially attractive deals.
For those concerned about upfront costs yet wanting the benefits of separate wheel sets, financing options make complete packages affordable. Many retailers offer 0% APR financing and discounts up to $400 on wheel and tire packages. Find your discount wheel and tire package options to maximize your investment while minimizing long-term costs.
The most economical choice depends on your specific circumstances. If you keep your vehicle long-term or change tires seasonally, the initial investment in a complete package typically pays for itself within 2-3 years through reduced service costs.
Cost savings tell only part of the story. The practical advantages of purchasing wheels and tires together deliver real benefits that make vehicle ownership easier. These everyday conveniences often matter more than the initial price difference.
Wheel and tire packages arrive ready to bolt onto your vehicle. The tires come professionally mounted, balanced, and inflated to the correct pressure. You remove your current wheels and install the new pre-mounted assemblies no technical mounting or balancing required.
The installation process is straightforward:
Break lug nuts loose before raising the vehicle
Support the vehicle with jack stands
Remove old wheels and install the pre-mounted set
Tighten to proper torque specifications
Professional mounting makes a difference. Shops use specialized machines that apply thousands of pounds of pressure for proper bead seals. Their computerized balancing equipment ensures perfect weight distribution.
Purchasing wheels and tires together guarantees proper fitment for your vehicle. This eliminates mismatched components that cause premature wear or safety issues. A matched set provides significant safety advantages by preventing uneven wear that leads to failures and blowouts.
Complete packages let you confidently change wheel or tire sizes while maintaining compatibility. This becomes crucial when upgrading from original equipment, as the package ensures accurate fitment.
Wheel and tire packages eliminate multiple trips for selection, mounting, and balancing. This convenience becomes valuable during peak seasons when tire shops stay backed up for days or weeks.
For seasonal tire changes, dedicated wheel sets eliminate mounting and balancing twice yearly. This saves $60-$150 annually in service costs while reducing wear on your tires and wheels.
Image Source: vorsteineroffroad.com
Certain driving situations make wheel and tire packages the smart choice. Understanding these scenarios helps you decide when the investment makes sense for your specific needs.
If you change tires seasonally, dedicated wheel sets eliminate hassle and save money long-term. Winter tires pre-mounted on their own wheels make changeovers quick and straightforward. This approach protects both your tires and wheels while making seasonal swaps a simple process.
When temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C), it's time to install winter tires. Switch back to all-season tires when temperatures stay above 45°F to prevent premature wear of softer winter compounds. Dedicated wheel sets eliminate the $60-$150 annual cost of mounting and balancing for these changes.
Off-road enthusiasts get maximum value from purpose-built wheel and tire combinations. These packages provide improved traction and durability for challenging terrain while ensuring proper component matching.
When upgrading trucks or Jeeps, tire size determines rim requirements. Choose 15" or 16" rims for 33-inch tires, at least 17" rims for 35-inch tires, and 17"-20" rims for 37-inch tires. Specialty combinations like Super Swampers cost around $2,000 at local shops, but mail-order packages often save approximately $50.
Separate rim sets work well in specific situations. Dedicated winter wheels protect your premium summer wheels from road salt and harsh conditions. This preserves expensive wheels from corrosive winter damage.
Additional rim sets also extend tire life by reducing handling frequency. The initial investment of a few hundred dollars pays off over time, especially for alloy wheels.
Remember that tire retailers often charge separately for mounting tires onto wheels and then installing them. Wheel and tire packages typically include mounting, balancing, and installation hardware at no extra cost.
Image Source: Rim Ringz
Choosing the right wheel and tire package starts with understanding your vehicle's exact requirements. We'll guide you through the essential steps to ensure you get perfect fitment and maximum value.
Your vehicle's specifications determine which packages will work safely and correctly. Find these critical measurements on the driver's doorjamb sticker or in your owner's manual. The bolt pattern, offset, hub bore, and load index must match your vehicle's requirements exactly.
The load index tells you the maximum weight each tire can safely support when properly inflated. Getting these specifications wrong can cause rubbing issues, premature wear, or even safety problems. At Performance Plus Tire, we have the most advanced and comprehensive custom wheel fitment search engine in the world to ensure perfect compatibility.
Online retailers typically offer better pricing than local shops, with savings around 10% on most packages. Mail-order packages often deliver substantial savings - popular combinations like 35-inch Super Swampers with Weld wheels average $1,972 delivered versus $2,000 locally.
Local tire shops provide advantages that online retailers cannot match. You get expert recommendations, same-day installation, and ongoing support for any issues that arise. Consider your priorities when deciding between online savings and local service.
Many retailers include valuable services at no extra cost with complete packages. Find your discount wheel and tire package options that include mounting, balancing, and installation hardware. Some shops offer precision Hunter Road Force balancing as a standard service.
Extended warranties protect your investment against scratches, flats, and road damage. These warranties provide peace of mind, especially for expensive wheel finishes that can be costly to repair or replace.
Wheel and tire packages deliver real savings for most vehicle owners. We've shown you the numbers bundled packages typically save 10% or more compared to separate purchases. These packages eliminate compatibility concerns while including valuable services like mounting and balancing at no extra cost.
The practical advantages go beyond just saving money. Pre-mounted assemblies make installation simple, guarantee proper fitment, and reduce wear on both tires and wheels. For drivers who change tires seasonally, dedicated wheel sets eliminate the $60-$150 annual expense of remounting tires twice yearly.
Wheel and tire packages make the most sense for specific situations. Off-road enthusiasts get purpose-built combinations designed for challenging terrain. Winter drivers enjoy quick seasonal changeovers without risking damage to premium wheels from road salt exposure.
Online retailers typically offer lower prices than local shops, but both options have distinct advantages. Local tire professionals provide expert recommendations and same-day service that online stores cannot match.
Always check your vehicle's exact specifications before making any purchase decision. Pay attention to bolt patterns, offset, hub bore, and load ratings to ensure safety and prevent costly compatibility issues.
Wheel and tire packages represent the smart choice for most drivers. They save money upfront through bundled pricing, reduce long-term costs by eliminating frequent mounting fees, and simplify vehicle maintenance. Whether you're upgrading for performance, preparing for seasonal changes, or replacing worn components, a complete package offers the best combination of value and convenience.
At Performance Plus Tire, we have experienced technicians who can help you select the perfect wheel and tire package for your specific needs. Our expert team is ready to help you find the right combination that delivers both style and performance at a price you can afford.
Buying wheels and tires together typically saves 10% or more compared to separate purchases, with packages including free mounting, balancing, and installation hardware that would otherwise cost $60-$150 annually.
Bundled packages offer significant cost savings - Mail-order combinations average $50-$150 less than local shops, plus eliminate separate mounting fees of $37-$55 per tire.
Pre-mounted assemblies simplify installation and guarantee compatibility - Everything arrives ready to bolt on, eliminating fitment risks and reducing installation time dramatically.
Seasonal tire changers benefit most from dedicated wheel sets - Avoid $60-$150 annual remounting costs while protecting premium wheels from winter road salt damage.
Online retailers typically beat local prices by 10% - Though local shops provide expert advice and same-day service that online stores cannot match.
Always verify vehicle specifications before purchasing - Check bolt patterns, offset, hub bore, and load ratings to ensure safety and prevent costly compatibility issues.
For drivers who change tires seasonally, upgrade for performance, or simply need replacements, wheel and tire packages deliver the optimal combination of savings, convenience, and long-term value protection.
Generally, yes. Buying wheel and tire packages can save you around 10% compared to separate purchases. These packages often include free mounting, balancing, and installation hardware, which can save you $60-$150 in annual service costs.
Pre-mounted packages simplify installation, guarantee proper fitment, and reduce wear on both tires and wheels. They arrive ready to bolt onto your vehicle, eliminating compatibility risks and significantly reducing installation time.
Wheel and tire packages are particularly beneficial for seasonal tire changes, off-road enthusiasts, and those upgrading for performance. They eliminate the need for frequent remounting and provide purpose-built combinations for specific driving needs.
Online retailers typically offer prices about 10% lower than local shops. However, local tire shops provide expert recommendations, same-day service, and ongoing support that online retailers cannot match. Consider your priorities when choosing between the two options.
Before buying, always verify your vehicle's specifications, including bolt pattern, offset, hub bore, and load index. This ensures safety, prevents rubbing issues, and optimizes performance. Also, look for packages that include free services like mounting, balancing, and extended warranties for added value.
