(October 10, 2010) Tires are absolutely vital to the safety of every vehicle, but buying new tires can be expensive and confusing.

In "Confessions of a Tire Salesman" Edmunds.com shares the inside scoop on how consumers can buy the proper tires at the best price while avoiding tricks that tire shops employ to add unnecessary costs to the final bill.

"Tires have a low profit margin, so it is very common for salesmen, particularly when working on commission, to try to add on as many extra services or products to the bill as they can," said Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds.com. "But a good tire salesman will make sure to keep consumers informed andonly sell them what they need."

Helpful tips detailed in the article include:

• When talking pricing, ask for the "all in" or "out the door" price, to reveal the total price for all four tires.
• It is likely that once your car is on the rack, the store will try to sell you an oil change or brake pad service. Know beforehand the status of your brakes and oil instead of paying for extra services you don't need.
• Be cautious of bait-and-switch or scare tactics that can cause you to spend more than you've budgeted.
• Buying tires online can save you money, but keep in mind that you will still need to pay for shipping, mounting and balancing.

"Confessions of a Tire Salesman" is part of a series of  insider tips and advice on car buying and maintenance in Edmunds Confessions Series, including the popular "Confessions of a Car Salesman" and "Confessions of an Auto Finance Manager."