Image source: Getty Images

If you shop at Costco often, you may not mind the fact that you need to pay for a membership to access the warehouse. A basic Gold Star Costco membership costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership that gives you cash back on your purchases costs $130.

But even if you can justify that membership fee in your head, you still want to make sure you’re getting the maximum value out of it. And you may be missing out on doing that if you aren’t taking advantage of these less obvious Costco perks.

1. Lifetime tire maintenance (and free air)

Let’s face it — having to replace your car’s tires is an annoying expense. Sure, it’s a necessary one. But given that it’s a multi-hundred dollar purchase, it requires some serious savings on your part.

The good news about buying your tires from Costco is that while you do have to shell out some money upfront, you shouldn’t have to shell out money to maintain your tires once they’re installed. Your tire purchase at Costco comes with a free five-year road hazard warranty, plus free rotations, inflation checks, and more. If you drive away and get a flat two weeks — or two years — after getting your tires installed, you won’t have to cover the cost of repairs.

What’s more, whether you buy your tires at Costco or not, as a member, you have access to free air when they get a little low (which we all know can happen on a whim the minute there’s a cooler night). And while it’s not horribly expensive to pay for air for your tires, free is even better.

2. Free store dollars for improving your home

Some home improvements can seriously improve your quality of life. And if you do them through Costco, you’ll often get rewarded in the form of a store gift card (known as a Shop Card).

For example, if you use Costco to put in new carpets or flooring, you may be eligible for a 10% Shop Card. This means that if your project costs $3,000, you get to pocket $300 to use at Costco once your installation is done.

And that’s not the only way to score great rewards at Costco. Using the right credit card could also put extra cash in your pocket (and that’s potentially cash on top of the cash back your Executive membership pays you). Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.

3. Extended warranties and tech support on electronics

Shelling out money for new electronics is a big deal. You don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new TV only to have it die on you completely after a year.

At Costco, that can’t happen. Well, your TV might fail you after a year, but you won’t be out the money. Electronics purchased through Costco come with a free second-year warranty.

Plus, when you buy electronics at Costco, you get free tech support. If you’re someone who struggles with setting up devices, you’re covered — and you won’t be at the mercy of your tech-savvy neighbor who may or may not have time to give you a hand.

4. A whole rotisserie chicken for under $5

Sometimes, life’s just too busy to cook. And at times like that, grabbing a rotisserie chicken and calling it dinner is a reasonable approach to putting food on the table.

Costco isn’t the only store to sell rotisserie chickens. But its $4.99 price point is pretty hard to beat.

Pro tip: Costco also sells fresh Caesar salads in its prepared foods area (the price there will depend on your local store and the weight of the salad you buy, but figure around $10 for a large one). Grab a salad to go along with your rotisserie chicken, and it’s a complete meal you can feel pretty good about.

Paying for Costco access may be an easy call for you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep trying to find ways to get more out of your membership. For now, you can start by taking advantage of these four incredible benefits.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.