Costco tire change vs a mobile tire change: what's the difference?
Costco has great tire prices and installs tires bought at its Tire Centre, for members, at the warehouse. A mobile tire change comes to your driveway for any tires you already own, with no membership: an on-rim swap with us is $79.95, takes about 30 minutes, and comes from a crew rated 5 stars by over 1000 Google reviewers.
How a Costco tire change works
Costco is known for great prices, and tires are no exception: for members buying a new set, it is hard to beat on value. Costco runs Tire Centres at many of its warehouses, and when you buy tires there, installation is included. Costco's Canadian tire site lists a package that comes with the tires:
- Mounting, balancing and nitrogen inflation
- Lifetime rotations, balancing, pressure checks and flat repairs on the tires you bought (some limits apply)
- A road hazard warranty
- Extra charges for TPMS sensor work and valve parts
To get the work done, you book a time at the Tire Centre, drive the car to the warehouse, and either wait or come back for it. In October, November and April, the busiest weeks of the tire season, Tire Centres everywhere get booked up.
How a mobile tire change works
We bring the shop to you. A technician drives a fully equipped truck to your driveway, office or curb, swaps the tires there, and torques every lug nut to your vehicle's spec. You don't need to be home, and you don't need a membership. See how a mobile tire change works step by step.
Costco tire change vs On The Go, side by side
| Costco Tire Centre | On The Go mobile tire change | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | At the Costco warehouse | Your driveway, office or curb |
| Who it's for | Costco members | Anyone, no membership |
| Which tires | Tires bought at the Costco Tire Centre | Any tires you own, wherever you bought them |
| Seasonal on-rim swap | Ask your Tire Centre | $79.95, about 30 minutes |
| Off-rim (mount and balance) | Included when you buy the tires there | $199.95, done in your driveway |
| Your time | Drive there, wait or come back | Book online and carry on with your day |
| Also included | Nitrogen, lifetime rotation and balancing on Costco tires, road hazard warranty | Torque to spec, rotation, pressure check, visual safety inspection |
| Tire storage | Varies by location | $79.95 with free pickup |
| Rated by customers | Varies by warehouse | 5 stars, 1000+ Google reviews |
Costco details are from Costco's Canadian tire site as of October 2026 and can vary by warehouse. Check with your local Tire Centre for current terms.
Which one should you pick?
Costco makes sense if you are buying a new set of tires, you are already a member, and you are happy to take the car to the warehouse. The tire package is good value over the life of the tires.
A mobile tire change makes sense if you already have your seasonal set and just need the swap, your tires came from somewhere other than Costco, you are not a member, or you would rather not spend part of a Saturday at a warehouse in the busiest week of the year. Great prices are Costco's strength; 5-star service at your door is ours, with more than 1000 five-star Google reviews to show for it.
You can also do both: buy at Costco, and have us do the seasonal swaps at home in between.
Ready for an easy swap?
On-rim swaps are $79.95 and off-rim changes with mounting and balancing are $199.95, across Ottawa, the GTA and Collingwood / Wasaga. Not sure which you need? Read on-rim vs off-rim, compare us with Canadian Tire and Mr. Lube, or book a time.
Common follow-up questions
Does Costco do seasonal tire changes on tires bought somewhere else?
Costco's own tire site says installation is only available on tires purchased from the Costco Tire Centre by Costco members. If your winter set came from somewhere else, ask your local Tire Centre before you go. We swap any tires, wherever you bought them.
Do I need a Costco membership for a Costco tire change?
Yes. Costco Tire Centre services are for members. A mobile tire change with us needs no membership.
How much is a Costco tire change?
Installation is included when you buy tires from Costco, and Costco does not publish a separate price for a seasonal swap. Fees such as a TPMS service pack can apply. Check with your local Tire Centre for a current quote. Our prices are on our site: $79.95 on-rim, $199.95 off-rim with mounting and balancing.
Can you install tires I bought at Costco?
Yes. We can do your seasonal swaps on any set, including tires you bought at Costco. Keep in mind that Costco's lifetime rotation and balancing on those tires is a Costco service done at the warehouse.
Is Costco or a mobile tire change better?
If you are buying a new set and are already a member, Costco's tire package is good value. If you already have your tires and want the swap done without going anywhere, a mobile tire change is faster and simpler.