Buy Tires on Sale in Iowa: But Not Until You’ve Read This Guide!

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Driving and buying tires in Iowa

Iowa may be known for its cornfields but it has so much more to offer for both locals and visitors. It’s a wonderful state to drive around, visiting the famous covered bridges in Madison County, or enjoying some of the great wildlife and outdoor activities. With all the driving you’ll do in the “Hawkeye State” you need to check your car is roadworthy, with tires in good condition. This guide from the tires professionals down at UTires.com covers the ins and outs of driving in Iowa.

Before you hit the open road, always remember to check your tires. If their tread is looking a bit worn or they’ve seen better days, head on over to the United Tires online tire outlet to discover every brand of tire you can think of, suitable for any vehicle you might possibly drive. Stocking in 60,000 tires and rising, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find the ideal tires for your ride, and get free shipping by FedEx right to your Iowa location.

The most popular cars and tires in Iowa

The most popular car model

Chevy Silverado*

*Source: K92.3

The most popular color of the car

Black*

*Source: iSeeCars

The most popular tire model

Goodyear Wrangler SR-A

*Source: utires.com sales department

The average budget to buy 2 used tires

$122.59

*Source: utires.com sales department

Iowa tire shops and key auto facilities

Antique Car Museum of Iowa

200 E 9th St, Coralville, IA 52241

41.6813105

-91.5646749

costco

Costco Tire Center

2900 Heartland Dr, Coralville, IA 52241

41.6961222

-91.6210939

Bridgestone Agricultural Tire Factory

4600 NW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313

41.6427299

-93.6252354

costco

Costco Tire Center

7205 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

41.5623854

-93.8082607

Kinney Pioneer Museum

Suite G, 9184 265th St, Clear Lake, IA 50428

43.1499659

-93.3397986

Schildberg's Antique Car Museum

107 E Iowa St, Greenfield, IA 50849

41.305395

-94.4621309

Iowa Speedway

3333 Rusty Wallace Dr, Newton, IA 50208

41.6770353

-93.0132317

walmart

Walmart Auto Care Centers

3601 29th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

41.9468218

-91.7204903

walmart

Walmart Auto Care Centers

3201 Manawa Centre Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

41.2273404

-95.8443381

Knoxville Raceway

1000 N Lincoln St, Knoxville, IA 50138

41.325134

-93.1133045

Bridgestone Bandag Retread Equipment Factory

2000 Bandag Drive, Muscatine, IA 52761

41.4478139

-91.0262489

National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum

1 Sprint Capital Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

41.3275571

-93.1123698

Did you know that…

Iowa’s streets are “unbelievably crooked”!

You may think of Iowa as being rather flat, with long, straight roads that go on to the horizon, but it’s also home to one of the most crooked streets in the world! Known as ‘Snake Alley’ the street can be found in the small town of Burlington, on the banks of the Mississippi River. The cobbled street curves up a hill with a 21% gradient, linking a shopping plaza with the downtown area. Snake Alley even makes it into Ripley's Believe It or Not with the designation of “unbelievably crooked”.

Key cities of Iowa

Des Moines Cedar Rapids Davenport Sioux City Iowa City

Shop Tires by Size or by Car

Automotive Iowa at a glance

Iowa is a very safe state both to live in and for motoring and was even voted the best state to drive in in 2020 according to an article from CNET Cars. This is in part down to the great roads and the lack of traffic jams and problems.

Driving around the state is generally a pleasure with friendly and helpful locals and great roads. If you’re around in the fall there’s beautiful colored foliage to match anything on the East Coast, but with a fraction of the crowds, and if you’re a history (or movie) buff you’ll love driving to the famous covered bridges of Madison County.

Car manufacturing history

Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cars, but the state has a fascinating history when it comes to car manufacturing.

The Mason Motor Car Company was founded in Des Moines in 1906, using the talents of a German immigrant named Frederick Duesenberg. The company was owned by Edward Mason and produced the Mason Touring in 1906, before being bought by the washing machine entrepreneur Frederick Louis Maytag I. The company continued to make cars until 1915 when they sadly shut their doors.

The Colby Motor Company was founded in Mason City, Iowa in 1910, and went on to produce a number of innovative cars that were designed for speed, basically inventing the racing car. However, the business folded in 1914, after having produced less than 1,000 cars. A Colby engine was unearthed very recently, and this rare piece of automotive history can now be found in the Kinney Pioneer Museum, in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Both companies enjoyed some success in the early days of car manufacturing but went out of business due to competition from larger manufacturers. Nevertheless, the legacy of these two companies lives on in Iowa.

Tire manufacturing in Iowa

As well as cars Iowa is also home to the world’s largest agricultural tire factory, the Bridgestone Plant in Des Moines, where they make Firestone Tires. The factory has been operating since 1945 and nowadays specializes in producing tires for agriculture, forestry, off-road, and construction.

To find more Bridgestone Tires, Firestone Tires, and many many other brands of tires, at the lowest prices visit the United Tires online tire outlet.

Choosing the right tires for driving in Iowa

Where to buy new tires in Iowa?

Many people think of the big chain stores like Costco and Walmart when it comes to looking for a tire shop, Iowa City, or anywhere else in the state. And there are branches of these two retailers in many of the larger cities of Iowa, ideal if you like shopping in person. But for those in the know, shopping for tires online is the way of the future. You’ll get a far larger selection of brands, and specialist tires, and can generally save quite a bit of money. One of the largest, and fastest-growing shops for tires online is United Tires. They stock more than 5,000 new tires and even more used tires, with a fantastic returns policy and a price match promise, ensuring that you’ll always save money when you shop there. In fact, they even have a special section for people on a budget, with a selection of great new tires for under $100.

Costco Tire Center

7205 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
2900 Heartland Dr, Coralville, IA 52241

Walmart Auto Care Centers

3601 29th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
3201 Manawa Centre Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
3036 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
4151 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
525 Brandilynn Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
1798 Old Stage Rd, Decorah, IA 52101

Where to buy used tires in Iowa?

Iowa citizens know the value of a good set of tires, especially after a hard winter or two. But they also respect value for money and quality in their purchases. This is why used tires make sense in this state, where most people choose to have a second set of tires especially for the winter season. This can get pricy, which is where United Tires comes in. Before selling any used tires they get thoroughly checked, for quality and safety using specialized, professional equipment, and then again with the eagle eyes of the tire professionals.

When shopping for used tires with United Tires you’ll benefit from:

Delivery across Iowa with, FedEx, completely free of charge
A comprehensive hassle-free warranty
Loads of tips and advice on tire selection from the team
Matching a better price you find elsewhere
Options to search by car model, tire size, and much more

And you’ll also discover that great customer service doesn’t end when a company goes offline. Have a chat with our team and ask questions about the best tires for Iowa or for your car or truck. You can find us on our Live Chat online or talk to us toll-free: 1-888-566-6214.

Buy new or used tires: United Tires shops

Address:

2720 W Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60612

Tel:

312-212-0546

Address:

3613 N Harlem Ave, Chicago IL 60634

Tel:

312-212-0546

Benefit from the comfort of online shopping: choose the affordable new, used, or driven once tires on our website. Submit your order before 12 p.m., and it will be shipped on the same business day. Always free of charge, by FedEx.

What tires do you need for Iowa weather?

If you live in Iowa, you know that the weather has some real extremes. Our summers can be baking hot and our winters are snowy and icy. Not forgetting the tornados that strike on a yearly basis. That's why putting the right tires on your car really matters.

All-season tires are a good choice for most of the year, but winter tires are an extremely good idea when the weather turns icy. Some people do manage with M&S all-season tires in the winter but they only really work if you can avoid driving off the main, plowed routes, for a good chunk of the winter.

When choosing winter tires you might go for specialist snow tires or ice tires or studded tires depending on where you like to drive and the vehicle you’re in. Winter tires are manufactured so they grip onto the road better even when there’s lots of ice and snow, so you're much less likely to slip and slide around. The treads on these tires are also deeper which means they can even help to clear snow from the roadway. So if you're ever driving in Iowa during winter weather, make sure you have a set of winter tires on your car. That way you can be sure you'll get where you're going safely.

And if all that sounds far too daunting, don’t fret. If you give United Tires a quick call we can talk you through the process of selecting the specific winter tires you need to keep you and your family safe. Give us a call on 1-888-566-6214 or use our Live Chat feature.

Best-selling tire brands in Iowa*

*Source: utires.com sales department, 2021

Buy top tire brands and more at our online tire outlet

The most popular tire sizes in Iowa*

*Source: utires.com sales department, 2021

Shop tires by season

DRIVERS’ IOWA GUIDE: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Hit the road in style and comfort after reading the UTires guide to driving in Iowa. Covering diverse topics from scenic drives to those unspoken rules of the road, we’ll get you where you’re going.

Live traffic report

Seasonal tire changeover

Iowa gets some pretty extreme weather so most Iowans choose to have a second set of tires for their winter driving. Here are some details about what tires you might want for the time of year!

All-season tires

Speaking with locals, some people do manage to drive all the time using all-season tires, that have an M&S mark, which means they can cope with some mud and snow. But this is only really an option if you stay on suburban streets and major highways, that get plowed and salted regularly. If during the winter season, you’re going to have to drive on smaller side roads or state roads, or even have a hilly drive, then this is not a great option. You’re liable to get stuck sliding backward on a hill, or even worse, skid or get stuck in the snow.

Winter tires

Locals generally like to have winter tires on their vehicles ready for the snow and ice, from November to March. Winter tires give you improved traction, handling, and braking in snow and ice. They typically have deeper tread depths than regular tires and are made from a soft rubber compound that remains flexible in cold weather. Some winter tires also feature metal studs that can provide additional grip on icy roads.

While winter tires are not required by law they can be a wise investment for Iowan drivers. There are a variety of different types of winter tires available, so it is important to select the right ones for your vehicle and driving needs. Studded tires provide the best traction on ice but can damage paved surfaces. Non-studded winter tires are quieter and offer better handling on dry roads but may not perform as well in extreme icy conditions. Tire chains should only be used as a last resort on very icy or snowy roads.

When used properly, winter tires can help you safely navigate even the most challenging driving conditions.

Tire chain and studded tire rules

In Iowa, you are allowed to use both tire chains and studded tires but there are strict regulations around their use. Studded tires can only be used from November 1 to April 1 and tire chains can only be used for reasons of safety when the roads are snowy and icy, and using them will prevent you from skidding.

Driving Laws

We all need to abide by the laws of the country and the state, and here are a few traffic and driving laws you’ll need to know in Iowa:

Young drivers:, You can get a Minor School License at 14 years and 6 months of age, which allows you to drive to school unaccompanied. You have to be 16 to get an Intermediate License though.
Speed limits: The maximum speed you can go in Iowa, even on a highway is 70mph. On unpaved roads, the limits are between 50-55mph.
No drinking: The maximum legal blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% but there are also automatic harsher penalties if your BAC is over 0.15%.
Cellphones: While texting as a driver is banned for everyone, you can use your cellphone hands-free as long as you’re not a novice driver.
Handicapped parking permits: It’s a criminal office in Iowa to use the handicapped parking permit or plates of a person who has passed away.

All the relevant driving laws for Iowa can be found in the Official Drivers Manual from Iowa DOT.

Unspoken Road Rules

Most of these unspoken rules of the road are to do with winter driving, especially for those of you who have come from warmer states.

Firstly, watch out for hills in winter, especially with traffic lights at the top. Locals know to be cautious if you have to stop facing upward on a hill in heavy snow or ice. If you have proper winter tires on they should give you enough traction to get up the hill but if you are using all-season tires there may not be enough traction to do a hill start and you might have to roll back down the hill and try again. So on that point - avoid stopping close behind anyone on a hill in winter too!

Here’s another handy tip - if you haven’t driven in snow and ice before, when the first snow comes take your car to an empty parking lot. There you can practice losing control of your car and handling it properly so that if it happens on a road with other traffic you won’t panic!

Another piece of useful winter driving advice from Iowans is to keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car, in case you get stuck in the snow for a while. A good kit might contain snacks and water, a cozy blanket, a flashlight, some extra gloves and socks, a little shovel, and a scraper for your window.

You can find more winter driving tips on the Iowa State Patrol website.

Parking rules

Here are five key things to remember when parking in Iowa:

Winter parking: In winter check you’re not parking somewhere that’s scheduled for snow removal.
Fire hydrants: The area within 5 feet of a fire hydrant is a no-parking zone.
Stop signs: Parking closer than 10 feet from a stop sign is also forbidden.
Double parking: No double parking is allowed, even if you’re only stopping for a very short while to let out a passenger.
Railroad crossings: Parking is prohibited within a large 50 feet distance from a railroad crossing.

Window tint laws

Tinting car windows is a common practice to give you more privacy and to keep your vehicle cooler in hot weather. But it’s important to always obey the law when it comes to choosing and applying your tint. Here are the rules as they pertain to the state of Iowa:

Windshield and front side windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to get in.
Rear and rear side windows: Tint of any darkness is allowed.
Colored tints: Any color of tint is allowed.
Medical exemptions: There are no medical exemptions to allow darker tint.

All the state tinting laws can be found in this document from the Iowa DOT website. Want to know everything about the tinting industry today? Learn about the hottest trends, read news and articles about tinting.

Roads and highways

With a small population and a great road network driving in Iowa is a breeze. Here are some of the main roads and highways you might encounter.

Interstate highways

Interstate 80 is the longest interstate in Iowa at 402 miles going from Illinois to Nebraska. It begins in Davenport and continues westward through Des Moines before heading southwest to Council Bluffs.
Interstate 29 comes from Missouri and runs through Council Bluffs and Sioux City northward to the South Dakota border.
Interstate 35 runs north-south through Iowa, coming from Missouri before passing through Des Moines and continuing north to the Minnesota border.
Interstate 74 starts in Davenport leaving Iowa a couple of miles later when it heads eastward into Illinois.
Interstate 380 is a 73-mile-long spur interstate that connects Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo.

US Highways and State Routes

There are over 3,600 miles of US highways in Iowa as well as a large system of state highways that are managed by the Iowa DOT. In fact, there are almost 1,000 numbered state highways and 24 main US highways going across the state.

Scenic routes

Many people think of Iowa as flat and dull, but that is far from the truth. The state is littered with smaller roads and scenic byways making for many days of beautiful driving.

You’ll find a full list of the best scenic byways in Iowa on the Official Travel Iowa website.

Fun facts

Here’s a funny law from Iowa - it’s illegal to sell an RV or a car on a Sunday!

It was 1883 before Iowa got its first official road which went from Iowa City to Keokuk.

The first-ever official road map of Iowa came out in 1919.

Despite being an icy state it took until 1953 for salt to be used to remove ice on the roads, a technique that was pioneered in New Hampshire 15 years earlier.

Shop by tire type

Best tires for Iowa

Wherever you live there are a number of factors you need to take into account before you shop for tires and here’s how they apply to Iowa:

What type of vehicle do you drive? In Iowa, the most popular vehicles are pickup trucks so truck tires are very much in demand here. Although there’s also a need for car tires, SUV tires, and tractor tires, all of which you can find on the United Tires website with discounts of up to 50% off.
What is your driving style? For the majority of drivers, for most of the year, all-season tires are great. But some people do enjoy driving high-performance vehicles and need anything from performance tires all the way to extreme performance tires.
What is the climate like where you live? The weather in Iowa can be dramatic! Hot summers might call for summer tires, especially if you like to drive fast. Cold icy winters make winter tires, snow tires, or ice tires a sensible buy, especially if you get them from United Tires with free FedEx delivery.
Do you often drive off paved roads? If the answer to this question is yes then you’ll want some treads that grip onto mud, dirt, and rock. You can choose from all-terrain tires, off-roading tires, and mud-terrain tires.

Buy tires in Iowa and save up to 50%!

When you’re in the market for some used tires, Iowa, you’ll find a fantastic range of tires (60,000 and counting) at the lowest possible prices on the United Tires website. Some of the tires are available with 50% discounts and all of them have a price match policy. We take a lot of time, daily, to check the prices of the tires we sell (using our special software) so that we can be certain we’re giving you the best prices available. And if you discover a lower price, tell us and we’ll match it.

Not only do you get great deals on used tires, which have been triple quality checked for safety, but you’ll discover new tires and even the very nearly new tires we call once-driven tires (because of exactly that - they’ve only been out on the roads once).

FedEx is our trusted shipping partner and all tires are sent to your home or business premises for free.

Selecting tires can seem like a huge task, especially when there are so many to choose from, but after a chat with our helpful sales associates, you’ll understand what tires you should buy to meet your budget and keep your family safe. We’re contactable toll-free at 1-888-566-6214 or if you prefer to type there are various ways to connect with us online.

Other tire websites

Set of 4 used tires

Tread Depth

0/32

11/32

Average Price

$546.65

Based on pricing for set of 4 new 245/55/18 on other tire websites

Other
tire
websites

Based on pricing for set of 4 new 245/55/18 on other tire websites

Set of 4 used tires

Tread Depth

0/32

9/32

11/32

Average Price

$246.65

Based on pricing for set of 4 used 245/55/18 on utires.com

Savings
$215.65

Based on pricing for set of 4 used 245/55/18 on utires.com

You can always find great deals like that in our used tire shop — both offline and online. Outfit your ride with a spare, with run flat tires, with tires for pretty much every kind of vehicle and occasion! Shop for tires now and get the best deals in Iowa!

Useful Links

FAQ

Where to buy tires in Iowa?

Iowans have a lot of smaller cities, many of which will have a local tire shop with a small selection of popular tires. The larger cities are home to Walmarts and Cosctos which stock some tires at reasonable prices. But for convenience and especially if you are looking for discount tires near me, the best place for tires is the United Tires online shop. With used tires from $50 and new tires from $100, you’ll find exactly the tires you want at the lowest possible prices.

What tires are best for Iowa?

For most drivers, all-season tires are a good pick for most of the year. They give you a good ride in most types of weather and are designed to last for many miles. But in winter, strongly consider putting a set of winter tires on your vehicle as they will keep you much safer on frozen or snowed-in roads. Then you can switch to summer tires as it heats up, giving you great handling on the hot pavement.

Truck tires are another popular option for Iowa drivers, who are huge fans of pickup trucks. They provide excellent traction and durability, making them ideal for driving on rural roads or even some off-road conditions.

Do I need winter tires in Iowa?

While not everyone in Iowa uses winter tires, they are highly recommended. While all-season tires are made to perform well in a variety of conditions, they are not optimized for winter weather. Winter tires grip the road better and their deeper treads can help to clear snow and ice. As a result, winter tires can provide a significant safety advantage when driving in Iowa during the winter months. While they are not required by law, they are definitely worth considering if you want to be as safe as possible on the roads.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Where to buy tires in Iowa?

What tires are best for Iowa?

As anyone who has driven in Iowa knows, the state sees a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. From hot summers to cold winters, Iowa can be tough on tires. That's why it's important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. For most drivers, all-season tires are a good pick for most of the year. They give you a good ride in most types of weather and are designed to last for many miles. But in winter, strongly consider putting a set of winter tires on your vehicle as they will keep you much safer on frozen or snowed-in roads. Then you can switch to summer tires as it heats up, giving you great handling on the hot pavement. Truck tires are another popular option for Iowa drivers, who are huge fans of pickup trucks. They provide excellent traction and durability, making them ideal for driving on rural roads or even some off-road conditions.

Do I need winter tires in Iowa?

Shop tires by terrain

Need help

In making the right choice?

Our team of professionals is here to help. Let us know your concern and we will quickly solve it. Just give us a call or go to our live chat.

Call us: 1-888-566-6214