Is It Cheaper to Buy All Four Tires at Once?

Often yes—if you need them. Buying a full set of four typically lowers your total “out-the-door” cost thanks to bundle rebates, one-time service fees (like alignment), and promotional discounts, but it’s not universally cheaper if only two tires are worn or your vehicle/drivetrain allows safe pairing. The best choice depends on tire wear, drivetrain (AWD vs. FWD/RWD), promotions, and service costs where you shop.

What Determines Whether Four Tires Are Cheaper?

Several cost and safety factors drive whether purchasing four tires at once saves money versus staggering in pairs. Understanding these helps you compare real, out-the-door pricing rather than just per-tire tags.

• Bundle rebates and promotions: As of 2025, manufacturers and retailers frequently offer $60–$150 off when you buy a set of four, sometimes stacked with store-card bonuses.
• Service fees: Mounting/balancing is charged per tire, but alignment is typically a single fee per visit. Buying twice can mean paying alignment and shop fees twice.
• Uniform wear and performance: A matched set provides consistent grip, braking, and handling—especially important in wet/snow conditions.
• Availability/price stability: Tire prices can fluctuate seasonally. Locking in four at once can avoid a future price bump or backorder risk.
• Vehicle drivetrain: Many AWD systems require closely matched tread depths. Replacing all four can be mandatory to protect the drivetrain.

Taken together, these factors often make a four-tire purchase the better value when all tires are near end-of-life or when rebates apply only to full sets.

When Buying Four Tires Saves Money

Buying a complete set tends to be cheaper—and safer—under common scenarios where incentives and single-visit services compound your savings.

• Your tread is evenly worn or all are at/under 3–4/32 inch: You’ll likely need all four soon; buying now captures set-of-four rebates and avoids a second visit.
• AWD or 4WD vehicles: Many manufacturers advise no more than about 2/32 inch tread-depth difference between tires; a mismatched set can stress the center differential.
• Seasonal sales: Spring, fall, and holiday (Black Friday) sales often target sets of four with the biggest discounts.
• Included extras: Some retailers bundle road-hazard protection, rotations, flat repair, or nitrogen fills when purchasing four, raising the long-term value.

In these cases, the combined effect of rebates, single alignment, and added benefits usually makes the four-tire purchase more economical over the next 2–4 years.

When Buying Two (or Fewer) Makes Sense

There are situations where replacing only two tires is both safe and more cost-effective, especially if your other tires are still healthy.

• FWD/RWD with uneven wear: If two tires have 6–8/32 inch tread left and two are worn, replacing only the worn pair can save money while maintaining safety.
• Budget and timing: If no set-of-four rebate is available now, or you plan to replace the remaining pair soon during a sale, staggering can work.
• Damage replacement: For a single puncture on a relatively new set, replacing one or two may be acceptable if tread depth and tire model can be matched.
• Tire shaving option (rare but possible): High-end shops can shave a new tire to match the remaining tread depth for AWD compatibility; this can be cheaper than four new tires.

If you replace two, always install the new pair on the rear axle for better stability and to reduce the risk of oversteer on wet roads.

AWD, 4WD, and Tire Matching Rules

All-wheel-drive systems are sensitive to rolling circumference differences, which scale with tread depth and model. Failing to match tires can lead to binding, heat, and premature drivetrain wear.

• Follow your owner’s manual: Many brands specify no more than 2/32 inch tread-depth difference across tires or a tight circumference tolerance.
• Replace in fours when in doubt: If the remaining tread is significantly lower than a new tire, a full set protects the drivetrain.
• Shaving or matching: If only one or two tires are new, ensure the model, size, and tread depth closely match the others; consider shaving if offered.
• Rotate on schedule: Regular rotations (5,000–7,500 miles) help keep tread depths even, delaying the need for a full set.

Because repairs to AWD systems can be costly, the upfront savings of buying fewer tires can vanish if mismatched tires cause mechanical issues.

Real-World Cost Comparison (Illustrative)

The example below shows how fees and rebates can make a four-tire purchase cheaper overall. Numbers are typical 2025 mid-range estimates; your quotes will vary. Taxes are excluded for simplicity.

1. Scenario A: Buy four now
   

   • Tires: 4 × $180 = $720
   • Mount/balance: 4 × $25 = $100
   • TPMS/service supplies: 4 × $5 = $20
   • Tire disposal: 4 × $4 = $16
   • Alignment (one time): $120
   • Rebate on set of 4: −$80
   • Out-the-door total: $896

2. Scenario B: Buy two now, two later (one alignment total)
   

   • First visit (2 tires): $360 + $50 + $10 + $8 + $120 = $548
   • Second visit (2 tires): $360 + $50 + $10 + $8 + $0 alignment = $428
   • No 4-tire rebate applies
   • Combined total: $976

3. Scenario B, if you end up aligning twice
   

   • Add $120 to the second visit: $428 + $120 = $548
   • Combined total: $1,096

In this illustration, buying four saves about $80–$200 compared with splitting the purchase—mainly due to the rebate and avoiding a second alignment.

How to Get the Best Price

With a few checks and timing tactics, you can capture the lowest out-the-door cost whether you buy two or four.

• Measure tread depth: Replace at 3–4/32 inch for wet safety; check tire age (6–8 years is a practical limit even with tread remaining).
• Time your purchase: Watch for spring/fall and holiday promos; warehouse clubs and major brands frequently discount sets of four.
• Request out-the-door quotes: Include mounting/balancing, TPMS parts, disposal, alignment, road-hazard coverage, and taxes.
• Stack offers: Combine manufacturer rebates with retailer promos and store-card bonuses when possible.
• Match the rear axle: If buying two, install them on the rear; keep the same model/size/speed rating across an axle.
• Consider alignment packages: A lifetime alignment package can be cheaper if you keep the vehicle several years.

Comparing complete quotes and syncing your purchase with promotions typically yields the best savings, especially on full sets.

Summary

It is often cheaper to buy all four tires at once when you need them, thanks to set-of-four rebates and single-visit service costs, and it delivers safer, more consistent handling. However, if only two tires are worn and you drive a FWD/RWD vehicle, replacing just two can be more economical—so long as you mount the new pair on the rear and maintain close tread matching. For AWD/4WD, matching all four is frequently required to protect the drivetrain, making a full set the wiser financial choice. Always compare out-the-door quotes, factor in promotions, and align your purchase with sales cycles.

How much does it cost to mount and balance 4 tires at Walmart?

The cost to mount and balance four tires at Walmart depends on whether the tires were purchased from Walmart or are “carry-in” tires, but generally ranges from $40 to $80+ total for the service if they are carry-in tires. For carry-in tires, expect a cost of roughly $10-$15 per tire for mounting and $10-$20 for balancing. If you buy tires from Walmart, they may offer a lifetime balance and rotation package, or you’ll pay less for basic mounting and balancing. 
Estimated Costs for Carry-in Tires (Tires Not Purchased at Walmart)

• Mounting: ~$10-$15 per tire 
• Balancing: ~$10-$20 per tire 
• Total for 4 tires: Approximately $40 to $80, plus potential fees for valve stems and tire disposal. 

What’s Included (or Not Included)

• Carry-in service: Walmart may have a specific carry-in fee if you bring your own tires. 
• Tire installation package: Some packages at Walmart include lifetime balance and rotation for an additional cost per tire. 
• Fees: You may also need to pay for valve stems, tire disposal, and potentially a road hazard warranty. 

Tips for Checking Costs

• Call your local store: Tire services and costs can vary by location, so it’s best to contact your specific Walmart Auto Care Center. 
• Request an estimate: You can ask for a breakdown of all charges on the final bill to understand the complete cost. 

What’s a good price for all four tires?

If you’re looking to replace all four tires on your car, you can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $1,000. Of course, tire prices vary depending on the type of tire, the size of the tire, and the brand. So, if you’re looking for exact numbers, it’s best to do your own research or speak to a tire specialist.

Is it okay to replace only two tires?

Yes, you can replace two tires at a time, but you should always install them in pairs on the same axle (either front or rear) for two-wheel-drive vehicles, and place the new tires on the rear for better vehicle stability and control. For all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, however, it is recommended to replace all four tires at once to prevent potential damage to the drivetrain from mismatched tire diameters. 
For Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Vehicles

• Install the new tires on the rear axle . This provides more traction and reduces the risk of oversteer or fishtailing, which happens when the rear tires lose grip. 
• Never replace just one tire on an axle . You should always replace tires in pairs on the same axle. 
• Match the new tires: to the existing ones in terms of brand, size, and tread pattern to ensure consistent handling and grip. 

For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Vehicles

• Always replace all four tires simultaneously . 
• Prevent drivetrain damage: by ensuring all tires have the same size, brand, model, and state of wear. Mismatched tire diameters can stress and damage the vehicle’s differentials and transfer case. 

Why the Rear Axle is Key 

• When you have new, grippier tires on the rear, the vehicle is more stable and less prone to losing control.
• A car is less likely to spin out if it understeers (front wheels lose grip) than oversteers (rear wheels lose grip). Installing new tires on the rear promotes understeer, which is a more manageable driving situation.

How much should I pay for 4 used tires?

Used tires can usually be found from $30 to $180, while also being 30-50% less expensive than newer versions of the same model or tire.