May 2026 Buying Guide

Should You Buy Automotive in May?

May Rating:3/5 - Average

May Verdict

May is an average month for automotive purchases. Tail end of spring rebates; Memorial Day promotions from some retailers and manufacturers

Rating3/5

Typical Savings10-15%

Best MonthOctober

Month-by-Month Price Calendar

When prices are lowest throughout the year

Best Great OK Wait

Jan

Wait

0-10%

Quiet period after holiday spending; minimal manufacturer rebates and retailer promotions

Feb

Wait

0-10%

Few deals available; some winter tire closeouts if inventory remains from fall

Mar

Great

15-20%

Early spring rebates begin; Goodyear and Cooper often launch programs ahead of competitors

Apr

Best

20-25%

Peak spring rebate season with $50-$100 back per set from all major manufacturers

May

10-15%

Tail end of spring rebates; Memorial Day promotions from some retailers and manufacturers

Jun

Wait

5-10%

Gap between rebate cycles; occasional small promotions from individual brands

Jul

Wait

5-10%

Minimal tire deals; Prime Day occasionally includes tire discounts on Amazon

Aug

Wait

5-10%

Pre-fall quiet period; not a strategic time to buy unless you have an urgent need

Sep

10-15%

Early pre-winter rebates launch from some manufacturers; Labor Day retail promotions

Oct

Best

25-30%

Best month to buy tires; all major manufacturers run their largest rebate programs of the year

Nov

Great

15-25%

Black Friday brings strong online deals from Tire Rack and Amazon that stack with rebates

Dec

Wait

0-10%

Post-rebate season; winter tire demand pushes prices up and popular sizes sell out

Jan

Wait

0-10%Quiet period after holiday spending; minimal manufacturer rebates and retailer promotions

Feb

Wait

0-10%Few deals available; some winter tire closeouts if inventory remains from fall

Mar

Great

15-20%Early spring rebates begin; Goodyear and Cooper often launch programs ahead of competitors

Apr

Best

20-25%Peak spring rebate season with $50-$100 back per set from all major manufacturers

May

10-15%Tail end of spring rebates; Memorial Day promotions from some retailers and manufacturers

Jun

Wait

5-10%Gap between rebate cycles; occasional small promotions from individual brands

Jul

Wait

5-10%Minimal tire deals; Prime Day occasionally includes tire discounts on Amazon

Aug

Wait

5-10%Pre-fall quiet period; not a strategic time to buy unless you have an urgent need

Sep

10-15%Early pre-winter rebates launch from some manufacturers; Labor Day retail promotions

Oct

Best

25-30%Best month to buy tires; all major manufacturers run their largest rebate programs of the yearBest

Nov

Great

15-25%Black Friday brings strong online deals from Tire Rack and Amazon that stack with rebates

Dec

Wait

0-10%Post-rebate season; winter tire demand pushes prices up and popular sizes sell out

Best Great OK Wait

You're viewing May. See the full year guide

Better Months to Buy Automotive

If you can wait, these months typically offer better deals on automotive:

Save 20-25%

Save 25-30%

Save 15-20%

Save 15-25%

May is rated better than 6 other months for buying automotive. Not the worst time, but better deals may come later.

Shopping Events in May

Mother's Day

May 10

52 days away

Graduation Season

May 15 - 31

57 days away

Memorial Day Sales

May 23 - 25

65 days away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to buy automotive?

May is an average time to buy automotive, rated 3/5. Tail end of spring rebates; Memorial Day promotions from some retailers and manufacturers Better months include April and October.

What is the best month to buy automotive?

The best month to buy automotive is October, when you can typically save $60-$100+ rebates per set.

How much can I save on automotive in May?

In May, you can typically save 10-15% on automotive. Better savings may be available in other months.

April Full Guide June

Read the Full Automotive Buying Guide

See all 12 months, detailed tips, related events, and expert advice for buying automotive.

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Last updated: March 2026All Buying Guides