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

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

Driving and buying tires in Rhode Island

By area, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and the seventh least populous. Affectionately known as Little Rhody, it was the last of the original 13 colonies to become a state for obvious reasons. This pocket-sized state is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, and immersive sailing culture, hence also being nicknamed, The Ocean State. But if you’re a visitor to or resident of Rhode Island, you are more likely to drive around town, than be propelled by sails and wind. This detailed guide has been compiled by United Tires experts and aims to share with you all you need to know about driving safely around this easy, breezy state.
If you’re in the market for a new set of treads, Utires.com has one of the largest selections of tires on the market. Choose from a stock of 60,000+ new and used tires and save up to 50% in the process. Plus, place your order before 2 p.m. for same business day shipping via our free FedEx Home Delivery Service. Save time and money shopping for tires online rather than on the high street.

 

 

Rhode Island tire shops and key auto facilities

walmart
Walmart Auto Care Centers
650 Centre of New England Blvd, Coventry, RI 02816
650 Centre of New England Blvd, Coventry, RI 02816
41.6633361
-71.5578926
Doorman’s Auto Center, Inc.
Doorman’s Auto Center, Inc.
434 Prospect St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
434 Prospect St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
41.8646772
-71.3734416
mavis
Mavis Tires and Brakes
1500 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919
1500 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919
41.8246369
-71.5049151
Sullivan Tire and Auto Service
Sullivan Tire and Auto Service
1102 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
1102 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
41.7182483
-71.4487071
newport
Newport Car Museum
1947 W Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871
1947 W Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871
41.5684237
-71.2822782
Audrain Auto Museum
Audrain Auto Museum
Audrain Building, 222 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Audrain Building, 222 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
41.481975
-71.3104859
North East Auto Show
North East Auto Show
Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903
Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903
41.824253
-71.4191237
speedway
Speedway
440 Smithfield Ave, Providence, RI 02904
440 Smithfield Ave, Providence, RI 02904
41.8577557
-71.4136171

 

Did You know

Did you know that…

 

In Rhode Island, you can race a horse down a highway

Rhode Islanders take their love of horses so seriously that they even hold an annual event called the Rhode Island Horse Race. Held every summer, the race sees horses racing down a stretch of highway with riders mounted on their backs. It's a unique event that can only be found in Rhode Island, and it's an experience that visitors won't soon forget.

 

Key cities of Rhode Island

Providence Cranston Warwick Pawtucket East Providence Woonsocket Newport Central Falls Westerly Newport East

 

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Automotive Rhode Island at a glance

Automotive Rhode Island at a glance
Automotive Rhode Island at a glance
Rhode Island has a long and proud history when it comes to the automotive industry. Some of the first cars in the country were built in Rhode Island, and the state has been home to many innovative companies and technologies over the years:

Automotive history

The first car producer in the state was the Rhode Island Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1899. The company produced a car called the Runabout, which was one of the first mass-produced cars in the United States. Rhode Island Manufacturing continued to produce cars until 1903 when it went out of business. The next car company to set up shop in Rhode Island was the Narragansett Machine Company, which was founded in 1904. Narragansett produced a car called the Tourer, which was very popular with buyers. However, the company ceased production in 1907. The final car company to operate in Rhode Island was the Diamond Motor Car Company, which was founded in 1909. Diamond produced a variety of different models, including a luxury car called the Mayflower. Unfortunately, Diamond went out of business in 1916.

Newport Car Museum

Rhode Island is home to many hidden gems, and the Newport Car Museum is one of them. Housed in an old naval base, the museum boasts a collection of over 100 classic and rare cars. Visitors can explore the history of the automobile through a variety of exhibits, including a look at how cars have changed over time. The museum also offers a variety of interactive experiences, such as the chance to sit in a vintage car or take a turn behind the wheel of a race car simulator.

 

Choosing the right tires for driving in Rhode Island

 

Where to buy new tires in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is a small state with a limited number of national tire outlets, such as Walmart Auto Care Centers. Consequently, The Ocean State has numerous privately owned tire shops that offer great service but not always the widest selection of new tire brands. Here at Utires.com, we sell a comprehensive selection of brands at highly competitive prices. Browse through our 5,000+ new tires, using search parameters, such as season, terrain, purpose, or vehicle type.
Not sure which tires would be best for your vehicle, call our toll-free hotline at 1-888-566-6214 and have one of our experienced sales staff talk you through the options. If for any reason, you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, our generous return policy gives you the opportunity to return your unused tires within a year, for a full refund.

 

Where to buy used tires in Rhode Island?

More and more drivers are discovering the cost savings from buying used tires. At United Tires, we only sell used tires with 66% to 99% tread left in them so whether you purchase used tires under $50 or Driven once tires, you’re assured high quality, as well as a great price. Before leaving the warehouse, our team of experts conducts a 2-stage quality control check (both manual and using specialist equipment), on all of our tires. This means you can be confident that used tires purchased from Utires.com are 100% roadworthy and will last for seasons to come.
Plus, all of our used tires are delivered fast and free to your Rhode Island doorstep using our FedEx Home Delivery Service. Save up to 50% on your next set of used tires and benefit from our door-to-door delivery service. When you shop for used tires at United Tires you’ll get:
  • Savings of up to 50%
  • Free FedEx delivery to your doorstep
  • Price match promise
  • 24-hour customer support
  • Used tires with 66% + tread left in them
  • 1-year return policy

 

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What tires do you need for Rhode Island weather?

What tires do you need for Rhode Island weather?
What tires do you need for Rhode Island weather?
Rhode Island summers are warm, the winters are very cold and snowy, and it’s partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 21°F to 83°F and rarely goes below 7°F or above 90°F.

Spring to fall

Rhode Island drivers love their SUVs, in fact, this is the most common vehicle type driven within the state. From spring through fall, the best tire type for SUV drivers is all-season tires because they offer versatility and durability to the average driver. All-season tires perform best in mild weather on dry or wet surfaces and their versatile “average” performance determines the tire's longer lifespan.
If you consider yourself to be less of an average driver and more of a sporty driver, then you may well plump for summer tires, or performance tires during the hottest months of the year. Summer tires are ideal for drivers of high-performance vehicles or sports cars because their main features are responsiveness, stable cornering, and superior braking and accelerating capabilities.

Winter

Rhode Island averages 35 inches of snowfall a year, making the annual switch to winter tires essential. Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound with a larger content of natural rubber that enables them to maintain grip and traction on even the iciest of winter roads. In Rhode Island, the worst of winter sets in around the end of November. Don’t risk your own life or those of your family members. Be sure you switch over to winter tires by mid-November at the latest.

 

Best-selling tire brands in Rhode Island

*Source: utires.com sales department, 2022

 

The most popular tire sizes in Rhode Island

*Source: utires.com sales department, 2022

 

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DRIVERS’ RHODE ISLAND GUIDE: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Drivers’ Rhode Island guide: practical information
Drivers’ Rhode Island guide: practical information
Rhode Island may be one of the smallest and least populated states in the US, but it still has quite extreme congestion and traffic problems. This practical guide shares valuable information on traffic laws, major roads, highways, and parking rules, to help you navigate around the state as smoothly as possible.

Live traffic report

Don’t leave home without checking out one or more of these reliable live traffic report websites:

Seasonal tire changeover

Rhode Island experiences four distinct seasons each year making seasonal tire changes a necessity. Whether you drive a pickup, a 4-wheel drive, a passenger car, or an SUV, each year you’ll need to make the switch from all-season or summer tires to winter tires. Officially, winter in Rhode Island starts on December 3rd and ends on March 13th.

Winter tires

Making the switch to winter tires can feel like a hassle, but with Rhode Island’s freezing winters, there’s really little choice. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather, providing better traction on icy roads. They also have deeper treads that help to clear away snow and slush. If you live in a particularly snowy part of the state, you may want to consider investing in a set of snow tires, or even ice tires. It’s worth noting that studdable tires are not permitted at any time of the year in The Ocean State.
Whilst the time of year can be used as a general marker for changing over to winter tires, the most accurate gauge is the average daily temperature. Once temperatures regularly plummet below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you know it’s time to get winter tires on your vehicle.

Driving Laws

Every state in the US has its own particular driving laws. Make sure you’re au fait with the following Rhode Island laws before hitting the road:
  • Speed limits:, 25 mph in residential areas, 50 mph is the maximum for undivided roads, 55mph for divided roads, highways 55mph, and rural highways 65mph
  • Seatbelts: Passengers aged 13+ must wear a seatbelt no matter where they’re sat in the vehicle. Drivers must always wear a seatbelt
  • Drink driving: It’s illegal in Rhode Island to drive with a blood alcohol limit (BAC) of 0.08 or above
  • Cellphone usage: It’s prohibited for a driver to hold or use a handheld cellphone device while driving

Unspoken Road Rules

Rhode Island is a small state, but it's home to a wide variety of drivers. From weekend warriors tearing up the countryside in their four-wheel drives to urban commuters braving the traffic on I-95, there's a little bit of everything on the roads here. And while not everybody agrees on the specifics, there are certain unspoken road rules that everyone seems to follow.
  • Yield to oncoming traffic: Drivers should always yield to oncoming traffic when turning onto a busy street
  • Changing lanes: Always use turn signals when changing lanes or making a turn, even if there is no other traffic around
  • Merge lanes: Merge lanes are for merging, not for speeding up and cutting off other drivers
  • Tailgating frowned upon: Tailgating may be accepted in other states, but it’s very much frowned upon in Rhode Island. Avoid tailgating at all costs.

Parking rules

Failure to comply with parking laws in Rhode Island could lead to sizeable unwanted fines or lead to your vehicle being impounded. It’s illegal to:
  • Double park
  • Park on bridges or in tunnels
  • Within 8 feet of a fire hydrant
  • Within 30 feet of a flashing beacon
  • In front of a ramp for handicapped people
  • In front of a curb cut

Window tint laws

Tinting the windows on your vehicle delivers a number of benefits, from keeping you cool in the height of summer to customizing your prized vehicle. But remember that every state has its own window tinting laws. Be sure to comply with the following rules in Rhode Island:
  • Tint colors: All colors of tint are allowed
  • Tinted windshields: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
  • Tinted front side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in
  • Tinted back and back side windows must let 70% of light in (for SUVs and vans any darkness permitted)
Before tinting your vehicle windows, it's wise to do some research. Learn all about your tinting options, and the latest trends, plus read product reviews and much more.

Helmet laws

  • Cyclists: Rhode Island laws require anyone riding a bike under the age of 15 to wear a helmet
  • Motorbike riders: Motorcycle operators under the age of 21 must wear a helmet by law and for 1 year after their motorbike license has been issued

Roads and highways

Rhode Island is a small state, but it is home to a number of major roads and highways:
Interstate 195: I-195 is a 24-mile-long highway that runs through the state of Rhode Island. The highway begins at the Massachusetts border, where it intersects with I-295. It then heads east, passing through the cities of Pawtucket and Providence before ending at the Rhode Island coast. I-195 is an important route for both local and out-of-state travelers, providing access to many of Rhode Island's major attractions.
Route 1: This is a scenic byway that runs along the coast of Narragansett Bay. The byway offers views of the bay, as well as the nearby Newport Mansions. Along the way, there are also several small towns and villages that are worth exploring. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Route 1 Rhode Island is also home to a number of historical sites.
Route 138: Route 138 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It runs from the Connecticut border in the town of Westerly to the Massachusetts border in the town of North Smithfield. The route is signed as an east-west route, although it runs mostly north-south. It is a two-lane road in its entirety and is known for its scenic views of rural New England towns

Scenic routes

The Ocean State has some of the most scenic routes in New England. From the historic Blackstone River Valley to the beautiful Narragansett Bay, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy stunning views. One of the best ways to experience Rhode Island's scenery is by taking a drive along one of its many scenic byways. The Blackstone River Valley National Scenic Byway winds its way through picturesque towns and villages, offering glimpses of key historical sites along the way. The Newport Cliff Walk is another great option for those who want to enjoy spectacular ocean views.
Click here to learn more about Rhode Island’s scenic road trips and the best time of year to take them.

 

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Best tires for Rhode Island

Best tires for Rhode Island
Best tires for Rhode Island
SUVs and pickup trucks are the vehicles of choice for many drivers in Rhode Island. Consequently, light truck tires are a popular tire choice because they provide great traction both on pavement and on off-road terrain. Sedan owners who mostly stick to paved highway surfaces should opt for touring tires or passenger tires, that offers a comfortable ride at moderate speeds.
Whether you’re looking to just buy a single spare tire or invest in a whole new set of tires to tackle Rhode Islands highways and byways, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Utires.com. Most of Rhode Island is considered urban, but there are still many great off-roading tracks that handsomely reward drivers with 4 wheel drive vehicles. Check out our wide selection of used off-road and rugged terrain tires, they really could save you a fortune!
Remember that if you find yourself overwhelmed by choice, you can call our 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-566-6214 and have one of our tire experts talk you through the options.

 

Buy tires in Rhode Island and save up to 50%!

To stay truly safe on Rhode Island roads we recommend investing in a good set of all-season or summer tires, as well as a set of heavy-duty winter tires. But at United Tires two sets of tires don’t have to cost you the earth. With our daily price matching policy, we offer savings of up to 50% and even have a category of new tires for less than $100!
Low prices also don’t have to mean compromised quality. We only sell tires with 66% to 99% tread left in them, plus all our tires are subjected to a two-stage quality control procedure to ensure they’re 100% roadworthy. Tires only leave our warehouse once we know they’re defect-free and still have miles and miles of tread left in them.
Our user-friendly website streamlines the tire purchasing process. Search by brand, purpose, season, or make and model of vehicle. Scroll to the bottom of each page to find detailed information on different tire types and the benefits of driving on them. If you need help finding a particular tire or have questions about our used tires and quality processes, contact us online by pressing the Live chat button.
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
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
Unitedtires
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 Rhode Island!

 

 

FAQ

Where to buy tires in Rhode Island?

For the widest selection of top brands at competitive prices, check out the United Tires website. With 60,000+ new and used tires in stock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for without having to visit numerous physical stores. Our price matching policy, combined with free shipping and a generous 1-year return policy, make our tires the best buy in town! Order your tires by 2 p.m. for same-day business shipping straight to your Rhode Island doorstep.

What tires are best for Rhode Island?

Many Rhode Island residents drive SUVs and pickup trucks, making SUV/crossover tires and light truck tires a popular purchase within the state. SUV tires usually have much higher tread depth to allow good traction in off-road conditions. All-season M&S-rated tires are another popular tire choice in The Ocean State. Designed to provide versatile performance on the roads year-round, all-season tires are both durable and long-lasting and perfect for the average driver. They must however be switched out for winter tires around November as they’re not able to cope with deep snow or black ice.

Do I need winter tires in Rhode Island?

Yes, winter tires are recommended in Rhode Island. Whilst winter can be a beautiful time of year in Rhode Island, it can also be treacherous on the roads. Frequent snowstorms and blizzards between the months of November and March make winter tires a necessity. In Rhode Island studdable tires are prohibited, so drivers must choose between driving on snow tires, winter tires, or ice tires, depending on the road conditions in their particular area of the state.

 

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