Four-tire price math: checkout cost, rebates, road hazard, and mounting

Do the tire math as a complete set, not a single unit price. The real comparison includes four tires, shipping, taxes, mounting, balancing, valve stems or TPMS service kits, disposal, road hazard coverage, rebates, and appointment availability. A cheap line item can lose once the cart is complete.

Rebates are useful when the rules match the purchase. Some require a branded card, a date window, a minimum set size, or a mail-in step. Others apply only to certain tire lines, load ratings, or wheel diameters. Count the rebate only when the shopper can actually use it.

Road hazard coverage deserves the same scrutiny. It can make sense for expensive all-terrain tires, highway towing, or rough-road use. The terms still matter: prorated coverage, repair-first rules, transfer limits, tread-depth requirements, and claim process. Clearer coverage may beat a lower headline price.

Availability is the practical gate. Two matching tires are not enough when the truck needs four with the same size, load index, speed rating, and sidewall construction. The useful comparison is the installed total, the appointment path, and whether the store can supply a complete matching set.