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

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Shop Tires on Sale in Rochester: choose from more than 90,000 options

Driving and buying tires in Rochester

Whether you live in Rochester or are simply spending time in the city on vacation, it’s worth getting to know how to get around efficiently by car. This detailed guide, brought to you by United Tires, details all the essentials you need to drive safely around “The Flower City”. Whether you’re looking for information on scenic city drives, key highways, and byways, rules of the road, or local parking regulations, we’ve got you covered! And, of course, if you’re looking to buy new or used tires for your vehicle, we have plenty of expert advice to share.

United Tires is one of the most popular tire websites in the world with an inventory of over 60,000 tire options. Filter your search by size, model, brand, car make, season, terrain, or performance. Customer feedback tells us that our website is one of the most user-friendly and intuitive around! Shop with us and save up to 50% on your next set of treads, plus enjoy free FedEx shipping right to your Rochester doorstep! If you’d like to speak to somebody directly, call our toll-free 24/7 customer service helpline at 1-888-566-6214, or simply press the Live Chat button on our website.

The most popular cars and tires in Rochester

The most popular car model

Honda CR-V

*Source: iSeeCars

The most popular color of the car

White

*Source: iSeeCars

The most popular tire model

Michelin Defender LTX M/S*

*Source: utires.com sales department

The average budget to buy 2 used tires

$146*

*Source: utires.com sales department

Rochester tire shops and key auto facilities

walmart

Walmart Auto Care Center

2150 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14624

43.1338026

-77.691339

walmart

Walmart Auto Care Center

1490 Hudson Ave, Rochester, NY 14621

43.1943164

-77.5988607

costco

Costco Tire Center

350 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14620

43.1141228

-77.6179871

Goodyear Auto Service

2040 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14626

43.2081547

-77.6846565

Rochester Auto Museum

140 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604

43.1568614

-77.610773

Finger Lakes Drive-in was opened in 1947!

Finger Lakes Drive-in is Rochester’s oldest continually running drive-in. Opened on July 15th, 1947, it continues to play movies to large audiences while maintaining its classic drive-in feel. This single-screen outdoor theater is the perfect place to park up, recline the seats in your vehicle and enjoy an old-school movie night.

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Automotive Rochester at a glance

Easy Flower City driving

The city of Rochester in New York state has a population of around 200,000. Located in the northwest of the state, alongside Lake Ontario, it’s a cultural place that was nicknamed ‘The Flower City’ because it was home to the world’s largest seed company back in the 1850s

With such a low population, driving in Rochester is a breeze compared to in larger, bustling cities. Drivers in Rochester are only subjected to mild traffic conditions. One 2021 survey showed that drivers only experienced an 11% increase in traffic on the roads during the morning and afternoon rush hours. This translated to just a 3-minute time increase per 30-minute journey.

Rochester experiences low levels of traffic congestion, because its highway system, was originally designed to accommodate a much large population. Its lucky residents have access to a highway system designed for a population of 350,000+, not 200,000 people.

If you’re really sensitive to getting stuck in any amount of traffic, then it’s best to avoid being on the roads during Rochester rush hour which is 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Outside these hours you can expect relaxed, free-flowing traffic and very few tailbacks. The most congested streets to avoid during rush hour are Main St, Andrews St, I-490/ Inner Loop, Monroe Ave, and East Ave.

Off-Roading

Surrounded by beautiful open countryside, Rochester residents like to explore the surrounds of the city by car. For those who regularly take these adventurous kinds of road trips, we recommend browsing our range of all-terrain tires or rugged terrain tires. For vehicles that are rarely driven on bitumen roads, you might opt for a set of off-road tires.

At United Tires we sell one of the widest selections of tires online and offer personalized 24-hour sales advice through our toll-free at 1-888-566-6214 and also via our online Live Chat function.

Choosing the right tires for driving in Rochester

Where to buy new tires in Rochester?

Although a small city, “The Flower City” has a good selection of major tire outlets including one Costco Tire Center and two Walmart Auto Care Centers. But if you’re hoping to purchase tires from the comfort of your living room, our website has over 5,000 new tires to choose from. Enjoy shopping from the comfort of your home or office, and a free FedEx delivery to your door in Rochester!

Costco Tire Center

350 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14620

Walmart Auto Care Center

2150 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14624
1490 Hudson Ave, Rochester, NY 14621

Where to buy used tires in Rochester?

There are plenty of reliable locations for used tire shopping on Rochester. But if you’re looking to save a bit of money, shop online on our website for high-quality, top-brand tires that still have great tread left. Save yourself some legwork by buying reliable used tires online from the comfort of your living room. Relax in the knowledge that:

Every used tire we sell is put through a rigorous 2-step quality assurance process. This involves them being checked both by tire experts and state-of-the-art automatic equipment
We have tires for all types of surfaces, from mud-terrain tires to all-terrain tires or rugged terrain tires
To enjoy great discounts and the highest quality, buy our driven once tires, which like their name suggests have only been used once. Prices for these tires start at less than $45

Looking for discount tires near me? Remember that we deliver fast and free with FedEx, straight to your door, so there’s no long wait for your order. Want to speak to one of our sales support staff? Call 1-888-566-6214 toll-free or contact us via our website.

Buy new or used tires: United Tires website

For the best deals in Rochester, shop new or used tires online on our website and benefit from the comfort of your home or office, and a super-fast delivery right to your Rochester doorsteps!

What tires do you need for Rochester weather?

Located in the western part of New York state, Rochester experiences warm, cloudy summers and freezing cold winters, with plenty of ice and snow on the ground throughout. With temperatures ranging from mild to extremely cold, it’s not surprising that a seasonal tire change is recommended towards the end of fall.

Through spring, summer, and fall, Rochester drivers are recommended to drive on all-season or summer tires that offer great grip and traction on hot, dry, or wet roads.

When heading into the colder months of the year, it’s important to check the tread on the outside of your tires, as well as the pressure inside them. Seasonal changes in temperature, particularly severe ones, can cause tire pressure to drop. When Rochester temperatures drop by 10 degrees, your tire pressure drops by 1 pound. This can result in poorer traction on the roads and potentially more likelihood of an accident. Take your vehicle to the nearest garage to adjust your tire pressure accordingly.

Come winter, we recommend that you switch over to winter tires or snow tires, both of which will stop you from sliding and crashing on icy or snow-laden roads. Purchase a new set to tackle Rochester’s snowy winter season on Utires.com and save up to 50%. With over 60,000 options to choose from you’re guaranteed to find a set to fit your budget.

Shop for used tires under $50, new tires under $100, or tires that have only been driven once. Our unique categorization means shopping online for tires has never been easier. Plus, enjoy free door-to-door FedEx delivery with any online purchase.

Shop tires by season

Best-selling tire brands in Rochester*

*Source: utires.com sales department, 2022

Buy top tire brands and more at our online tire outlet.

The most popular tire sizes in Rochester*

*Source: utires.com sales department, 2022

DRIVERS’ ROCHESTER GUIDE: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

While there may not be as much traffic on the roads in Rochester as there is in other major metropolitan cities in the US, it’s still important to know local laws, and unspoken road rules and have an understanding of the highway network.

Live traffic report

To avoid congestion on Rochester’s roads during major events, roadworks, or rush hour, consult the following live traffic reports:

Seasonal tire changeover

The city enjoys warm, partly cloudy summers and long cold and snowy winters. During the year, the average daily temperature varies between 18 °F and 80 °F.

January is Rochester’s coldest month, with overnight temperatures regularly hovering around 16 °F. Between Christmas and early March, it’s common for snow to lay on the ground, although there are periods when it thaws. Rochester’s cold winters mean it’s necessary for residents to change their tires seasonally to ensure their vehicle is able to contend with some variable and challenging driving conditions.

There is no particular date that Rochester residents should switch over from all-season or summer tires to winter tires. A better gauge is to track the average daily temperature and once it consistently falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time for the switchover. At this point, all-season or summer tires won’t achieve adequate grip on the road and it’s time to switch them out for heavier-duty treads.

Cold Weather

United Tires offers its customers over 60,000 options of new and used tires for all types of vehicles. Our winter tires start from less than $45, helping you drive safely for less in those snowy, cold months.

For motorists planning to drive on extremely icy and slippy roads during winter, studdable tires offer a great solution. With these tires, studs can be screwed into predrilled holes in the tread and removed when necessary. Studdable winter tires provide exceptional traction on icy roads but can be removed for less treacherous driving conditions.

Driving Laws

Before driving on Rochester roads it’s good to familiarize yourself with the state rules of the road. Here are some of the most important ones to be aware of:

Respect the speed limit: To avoid receiving a hefty fine, always obey the posted speed limit. The posted speed limit for Rochester is 35mph in the city center and 35mph outside the city limits.
No using a cellphone: Texting or talking on a cellphone while driving is an offense in Rochester. If caught, police will issue a ticket immediately.
16 years to drive: The minimum age to drive a motor vehicle in New York State is 16.
Remember red lights and stop signs:Always stop at a red light or a stop sign. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $200.
Drink alcohol responsibly: It’s illegal to drive in NY State with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.8%. Drivers who are breathalyzed and found to be over the limit will incur a mandatory fine of between $500 and $1,000.

Unspoken Road Rules

Drivers in and around “The Flower City” commonly drive 5 to 10 miles above the speed limit, making it difficult to resist doing the same yourself. Be aware however that if caught traveling at just 1mph above the speed limit, police are able to stop you and give you a fine. To avoid fines, it’s best to stay in the slow lane and always adhere to the speed limit, despite the behavior of those around you.

Avoid crossing multiple lanes of a highway in one maneuver. Take a cautious approach and cross slowly and carefully from one lane into the next, always checking your windshield mirror and side mirrors as you go.

Always give an appreciative wave to another driver if they let you into the flow of traffic or simply let you in ahead of them. In cities like Rochester in the US, this is an obligatory, not optional custom.

Parking rules

Parking spaces in New York’s third-biggest city are generally plentiful and easy to come by. Parking meters are also much more affordable than in New York City and Buffalo. Here are a few pointers to help you park with no hitches in Rochester:

Parking meters are in service from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Pay for metered parking using coins, credit cards, and a cellphone app (surcharges apply for the credit card and app payment options).
Parking metered spaces are free from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. as well as on Sundays and all city public holidays.
For special events such as parades, festivals, fireworks, or during street construction, parking may be prohibited and meters bagged.

All the city parking information can be found on the City of Rochester’s website

Window tint laws

With a cold climate for much of the year, window tinting is not absolutely necessary in the city of Rochester, however many drivers choose to tint their car windows in order to minimize the sun's strong rays during the summer months. For full regulations, visit the New York State Department of Motor vehicles website.

Windshield and front side window tint regulations in Rochester In NY State, the windshield and front side windows cannot block more than 30% of the light passing through. Legally 70% of light must be allowed to come through the windshield. This also applies to the rear window unless the vehicle has outside rear-view mirrors on both sides.

Rear side window regulations in Rochester

If the vehicle is classified as a station wagon, a coupe, a sedan, a hardtop, a hatchback, or a convertible, then the rear side windows must also allow at least seventy percent of light from the outside to pass through the window.

Exemptions to window tinting laws are made for certain medical conditions.

Find out about the hottest tinting trends, new products from the best brands, pro-tips, and much more!

Roads and highways

Like many small cities in the US, Rochester is a car-focused city, with many families owning not one, but two cars. While public transport is available, many residents rely on their cars and the local roads and highways to travel to work. In total, 10 state highways pass through the city of Rochester, but the following three are the most significant:

Interstate 490: This is an auxiliary interstate highway that’s an alternative route to the New York State Thruway. The highway is made up of the southernmost portion of the Inner Loop, a ring road around the interior of Rochester. I-490 connects with I-390 and New York State Route 390 (NY 390) on the western side of Rochester.
Interstate 590: The I-590 is a 5.07-mile stretch of interstate highway that runs north-south and serves the southeastern suburbs of Rochester. The highway is an offshoot route of I-90; the connection between the two is made via both I-390 and I-490.
Inner Loop: The Inner Loop is a ‘C’ shaped freeway in downtown Rochester. Constructed in the early 1950s when the city's population was 30% more than it is today, the inner loop was originally a complete loop. In 2014, the eastern section of the loop was closed and replaced with a surface street. Today, overall usage of the Inner Loop has reduced as people continue to migrate away from the inner city.

Toll Roads

Like many other cities in New York state, Rochester has its share of toll roads and bridges that must be paid for in advance of travel, to avoid hefty fines. In recent years, New York state has removed the Rochester-area thruway toll booths and replaced them with a cashless payment system. Cashless tolls reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, are more environmentally friendly, and allow for non-stop travel on New York’s toll roads, bridges, and tunnels.

Find out more about New York’s cashless toll roads by visiting the New York State Thruway Authority website.

Fun facts

Rochester is home to a well-respected auto museum that houses an impressive collection of muscle cars and classic cars. Established by Rochester businessman, Bob Bartosiewicz, every car has been preserved or restored so that its in immaculate working order. The collection even includes a Rochester-made hearse that was constructed in 1929. This is an essential stop on a trip to Rochester for any serious car enthusiasts. For more information visit the Rochester Auto Museum website.

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Best tires for Rochester

With Rochester’s warm summers and very cold winters, it's important to always make sure that your tires are in good condition and have plenty of treads still left in them. From spring through to fall, most Rochester drivers choose all-season tires. Once winter hits, it’s advisable to change over to some form of winter tires that are able to cope with the icy conditions on the road.

However, if you’re looking to do a lot of off-roading in your vehicle, a set of specialist off-road tires or all-terrain tires could be a more suitable choice. These tires offer extreme grip and traction on uneven and unsealed surfaces.

For drivers looking to get the best performance out of their vehicles, a set of summer tires is a good choice. Summer tires perform best in hot, dry conditions, with the occasional rain shower and deliver more of a sporty style of driving. They would only be suitable for Rochester roads during the summer months.

When looking for discount tires near me, United Tires offers a selection of over 60,000 new and used tires to fit all types of vehicles.

Buy tires in Rochester and save up to 50%!

United Tires is one of the easiest websites to buy new and used tires, getting a complimentary shipping by FedEx right to your door. From categories of used tires for under $50 to new tires for under $100 we always keep budget top of mind. Our specialists examine the tire market on a daily basis, check the prices, and assign lower pricetags to each of the items in our inventory. By buying used tires at Utires.com, you can save up to 50%: a top-of-the-market used tire can cost twice less than new!

You can shop for used tires with a peace of mind: each of them has been thoroughly quality checked using our 2-step quality assurance process. Our staff rigorously manually checks for tread depth and tire imperfections before the tires are put through a complete automatically-inspected routine to ensure nothing was missed during manual inspections. Plus, our hassle-free 1-year return policy that allows you to return the tires within one year if you haven’t mounted them.

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

Our tires are delivered straight to your door, using fast free FedEx shipping. If you have any questions about the correct type of tires for your vehicle, call our toll-free hotline at 1-888-566-6214 and speak to our friendly customer support team, or simply press the Live Chat button on our website.

Useful Links

FAQ

Where to buy tires in Rochester?

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality tire outlet in Rochester, United Tires is a great option. With a catalog of over 60,000 new and used tires, we have options for every vehicle and budget. Prices for our used tires can be up to 50% less than in the new tire shops: the money saved on a set of quality used tires can be spent elsewhere in the family budget. Why waste time traipsing around tire outlets when you can shop for tires online, with the handy support of our 24-hour online sales team?

What tires are best for Rochester?

All-season tires. Most Rochester residents drive on them through spring, summer, and fall, only changing over to winter or all-season M+S (Mud & Snow) tires once the average daily temperature consistently falls below 45 °F. For those wishing to get maximum performance from their cars, some choose to ride on summer tires during the warmer summer months. Summer tires are designed only for driving in dry or wet weather in temperatures above 45 °F.

Do I need winter tires in Rochester?

Yes, they are highly recommended. Due to Rochester’s cold and icy winters, residents need to think about changing out their all-season or summer tires for winter tires, before snow and ice hit the roads. Winter tires or studdable tires keep drivers safe on the road during the treacherous winter months when car tires struggle to retain a grip on the road. For a wide range of winter tires, with prices starting from less than $50, choose the “Shop tires by season” section on our website.

Shop tires by terrain

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