My Costco hack meant I got new tires installed on my car for free
A woman on says she saved more than $100 at Discount Tire — just by mentioning she had a Costco membership.
The customer, who goes by Pie & Prayer on TikTok, explained in a viral video that she overheard an employee offer another couple a waived installation fee after they debated going to Costco for tires instead.
The employee said, 'Well, Costco waives the installation fee, so we'll match that.'
So Pie & Prayer decided to test it for herself.
'When I got to the counter, I said, 'I heard what you said to the other couple, and I have a Costco card.'
She says the worker looked at her card and waived the fee.
While Discount Tire hasn't confirmed the average cost of its installation fee, Reddit users and other tire shoppers report it typically runs over $100.
Costco members who aren't interested the chain's auto centers can visit one of its gas stations if they purchase memberships starting at $65 a year. The stations, a popular perk, recently extended its operating hours.
Discount Tire offers over 60 tire brands for all types of vehicles, including cars, trailers, and ATVs
Discount Tire is the largest independent tire and wheel retailer US, operating over 1,200 locations across 37 states.
The chain offers over 60 tire brands for all types of vehicles, including cars, trailers, and ATVs.
Nearly all Costco stores have tire centers available for all its members needing installation and maintenance services. Some will be built in the chain's newest stores, one being in its recently opened location in Stuart, Florida.
The perk has attracted new members, but unlike Discount Tire, its employees cannot install tires on every vehicle type, and it will only install Costco-purchased tires.
When it comes to the two stores, multiple Reddit users stated they would visit Discount Tire over Costco any day for a tire change.
'I was tired of long lines at Costco and having to drive few miles and wait at the warehouse for an hour or two to complete the tire installation or seasonal swap,' a post creator wrote.
'I never used DT before and decided to bite the bullet. Everything was completed in 15-20 minutes! Having seen only Costco install/swap tires, this is a record time.'
'The tire center at Costco makes for good reading on many issues and complaints posted here but a total waste of time compared to DT,' another person responded.
Discount Tire is the largest independent tire and wheel retailer US, operating over 1,200 locations
Drivers who are willing to take the Costco risk can visit any of the chain's auto centers.
They can also stop by a Walmart auto care center, which offers services like tire installation, battery testing, and oil changes.
Besides its plans to hike prices and roll out AI-powered 'Scan & Go' technology, Sam's Club has tire and repair centers that gives customers access to 24-hour roadside assistance.
Shoppers can become Sam's Club members online or in store, and watch out for limited-time membership price slashes.
Various other chains have also gotten positive reviews, including Advance Auto, which is in the process of shuttering over 700 locations.
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