Oct, 23 2025
Tire Cost Estimator
Calculate your total tire cost including installation, alignment, and disposal fees. Based on 2025 Canadian tire pricing data.
Tire Selection
Purchase Options
Total Cost Estimate
When budgeting for a new set of four car tires (the rubber rings that keep your vehicle gripping the road), the first question is usually the price tag. In 2025 the average car tires price can swing widely depending on size, season, brand and where you shop.
What Determines the Cost of a Set of 4 Tires?
Four main factors drive the price you’ll see on the showroom floor or online:
- Tyre type - All‑season, winter or high‑performance models each carry a different price premium.
- Size and load rating - Bigger diameters, wider widths and higher load indexes mean more rubber and more engineering, which raises the cost.
- Brand reputation - Premium manufacturers such as Michelin, Bridgestone or Pirelli charge more for their research‑backed tread designs.
- Retail channel - Buying from a dealership, a big‑box retailer, or a specialty online shop can add or shave off up to 20%.
Typical Price Ranges by Tire Type (2025)
Below is a snapshot of average prices you’ll encounter across North America for a four‑tire set. Prices are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) because regional taxes and import duties affect the final number.
| Tyre type | Typical size (e.g., 205/55R16) | Average price per tire | Total for 4 tires |
|---|---|---|---|
| All‑season | 205/55R16 | $120‑$180 | $480‑$720 |
| Winter (stud‑less) | 215/60R17 | $150‑$210 | $600‑$840 |
| Performance | 225/45R18 | $200‑$300 | $800‑$1,200 |
| Off‑road / SUV | 265/70R18 | $170‑$250 | $680‑$1,000 |
Breaking Down the Numbers: How Size Impacts Cost
Imagine two cars: a compact sedan that uses 195/65R15 tires and a midsize crossover that needs 225/55R19. The larger set contains more rubber, a higher‑rated sidewall and often a tougher tread compound. In 2025 the price per inch of diameter can add roughly $8‑$12, while each extra millimeter of width nudges the cost up $3‑$5. If you’re comparing two models, multiply those increments by the four tires you’ll buy to see the real impact on your wallet.
Top Brands and What You Get for the Money
Here’s a quick glance at the most common brands you’ll encounter and the value proposition they bring:
- Michelin (premium performance and longevity) - 20‑30% higher price, up to 70,000 km tread life.
- Goodyear (balanced all‑season options) - Mid‑range pricing, solid wet‑road grip.
- Continental (advanced safety tech) - Slight premium, strong braking performance.
- Kumho (budget‑friendly) - Lower cost, suitable for light‑use vehicles.
Where to Buy: Dealership vs. Big‑Box vs. Online
Each channel has a trade‑off. Dealerships often bundle installation, balancing, and a limited warranty, but they may add a 10‑15% markup. Big‑box stores like Canadian Tire or Costco can shave off $30‑$50 per tire and usually include free mounting and disposal of old tires. Online marketplaces (e.g., Tire Rack, Kal Tire) give you the widest selection and frequent discount codes, yet you’ll need to arrange installation yourself - either at an independent shop (add $15‑$25 per tire) or through a mobile fitting service.
Hidden Costs You Should Budget For
Don’t forget these extras when you calculate the total outlay:
- Mounting & balancing - $15‑$30 per tire if not bundled.
- Valve stems - $5‑$12 each; required for a proper seal.
- Disposal fee - $2‑$5 per old tire, mandated in many provinces.
- Wheel alignment - $80‑$120 recommended after a new set.
How to Get the Best Deal in 2025
Follow these three steps to lock in the lowest possible price without sacrificing quality:
- Identify the exact tire size (e.g., 205/55R16) from your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual.
- Compare at least three sources - a local dealer, a big‑box retailer, and an online shop - using the price ranges shown above.
- Negotiate installation and warranty terms. Many retailers will match a lower online quote if you agree to have them install the tires.
Seasonal sales (Black Friday, end‑of‑summer clearance) can also shave 15‑25% off the sticker price.
Sample Cost Calculation
Let’s walk through a realistic scenario for a 2025 Honda Civic equipped with 205/55R16 all‑season tires.
- Base tire price (mid‑range brand): $150 each → $600.
- Mounting & balancing (included at Costco): $0.
- Valve stems (included): $0.
- Disposal fee (free at Costco): $0.
- Wheel alignment (recommended, done at a nearby shop): $100.
Total cost: $700. If you bought the same set at a dealership with a 12% markup and paid for installation, you’d be looking at roughly $860.
When to Replace Your Tires
Even the best rubber wears out. Keep an eye on these signs:
- Tread depth under 1.6 mm (measure with a penny or tread‑wear gauge).
- Visible sidewall cracks or bulges.
- Vibration or pulling while driving, indicating uneven wear.
- Age - most manufacturers recommend replacement after six years, regardless of tread.
Replacing a tire set early can prevent unsafe conditions and expensive roadside assistance.
How much does a set of four winter tires cost in Canada?
Winter tires typically run $150‑$210 per tire for common passenger‑car sizes, so a four‑tire set usually falls between $600 and $840 before installation.
Is it cheaper to buy tires online and have them installed locally?
Yes. Online retailers often list lower base prices. Add $15‑$30 per tire for mounting and balancing at a local shop, and you typically still save 10‑20% versus a dealership.
Do I need to replace all four tires at once?
It’s best to replace all four for even handling, but you can mix a new pair with two good‑as‑new tires if the tread depth difference is less than 2 mm and the tires are the same size and type.
What warranty should I look for on new tires?
Most premium brands offer a 6‑year treadwear warranty or a mileage guarantee (e.g., 70,000 km). Verify that the warranty covers premature tread wear, not just manufacturing defects.
Can I negotiate tire prices at a dealership?
Dealerships often match a lower quoted price from a competitor if you’re willing to have them do the installation. Bring printed quotes and be ready to walk away.
Quick Recap
In 2025 a typical set of four car tires costs anywhere from $480 for basic all‑season models up to $1,200 for high‑performance units. Size, brand, seasonality and purchase channel are the biggest price drivers. By comparing sources, watching for seasonal sales, and budgeting for mounting, alignment and disposal, you can keep the total under $800 for most midsize vehicles.