Finding the right tires is crucial for safe driving, optimal vehicle performance, and getting the most value from your purchase. But with so many retailers, how do you choose the best place to buy tires online or in-store? This comprehensive guide covers the top online tire retailers, direct tire brands, and brick-and-mortar shops to help you get the best tire deals in 2024.
Get the Best Deals on Tires
Car Talk’s top recommendations for the best places to buy tires in 2024 can be broken into three clear categories:
- Online Tire Retailers Like Discount Tire or SimpleTire
- Direct Tire Brands
- Brick-and-Mortar Retailers with Online Shopping
Our 7 Favorite Online Tire Retailers
1. Discount Tire
Discount Tire is one of the biggest names in the tire industry, known for its vast selection and customer service. The company started selling tires through magazine ads but has transitioned to a solid online presence while maintaining retail locations nationwide.
At Discount Tire, you’ll find various tire brands suitable for different budgets and needs, from mainstream to obscure options. What sets them apart is the ability to ship tires directly to your home or any of their installers across the country.
Pros and Cons of Discount Tire
Pros:
- Vast selection of tires
- Ship tires to your home or installer
- Liberal return policy if near a physical store
- Competitive Pricing
Cons:
- Two separate websites can be confusing
- Not as many niche brands as some competitors
“Discount Tire has been our go-to for years. Their online tools make it easy to get the right tires, and installation is a breeze at their shops.” – Scott M., Chicago.
Shop Tires Online and Save
Whether you need all-season tires, winter tires, performance tires, or something more specialized, Discount Tire likely has options that fit your requirements and budget. Check out their current deals and promotions to save on your next purchase.
2. SimpleTire
SimpleTire is a rising star in the online tire world, created to streamline the buying process from start to finish. Their user-friendly website acts as a one-stop shop where you can compare options, schedule installation at a partnered shop, purchase, and have the tires shipped – keeping things simple as the name implies.
Pros and Cons of SimpleTire
Pros:
- A nationwide network of installers
- Extensive selection
- True one-stop shopping experience
- Unique tire visualization technology
Cons:
- The website lacks an AI assistant. Some prefer
Buy Tires Online and Save
What distinguishes SimpleTire is its commitment to personalized, non-AI customer service. When you contact them, you’ll always speak with a natural person. Combine that with competitive pricing and an ever-growing service area, and SimpleTire deserves a look when buying discount tires online.
3. Goodyear
As a legendary tire brand, Goodyear offers a unique purchasing experience by allowing you to buy directly from their website. While the selection is limited to Goodyear tires, you can opt for home delivery or shipping to an installer.
Goodyear tires are available for all driving conditions, backed by the brand’s reputation for quality and durability. The site provides a two-day turnaround time, deals, financing options, and robust warranties.
Pros and Cons of Goodyear
Pros:
- Tires for all conditions
- Respected brand name
- Deals and financing available
- Strong warranties
Cons:
- Limited to only Goodyear products
- Priced higher than some alternatives
Shop Great Tire Deals Online
While you’ll only find the Goodyear brand on their site, the pricing and convenience can make it worthwhile if you already prefer their tires. It’s an especially appealing option if you need the tires quickly.
4. Tire Rack
As an early leader in mail-order tires, Tire Rack has become one of the top online tire retailers. Their website is an invaluable educational resource packed with details on tire types, reviews, sizing guides, and more.
You can easily browse by vehicle model or tire category to find quality options from all the major brands. Tire Rack will then ship your order with a 2-year hazard warranty, to an installer of your choice.
Pros and Cons of Tire Rack
Pros:
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Direct shipping to installers
- 2-year road hazard warranty included
- Unmatched tire informational resources
Cons:
- Installation not included in pricing
- Potential shipping costs for returns
Shop Tires Online and Save
For selection, value, and a wealth of knowledge to guide your purchase, it takes a lot of work to beat Tire Rack’s offerings. Their customer-first approach and online tools provide a smooth start-to-finish experience.
5. Amazon
The e-commerce giant Amazon has made inroads into the tire market, and its strengths are selection and Prime shipping benefits. As an Amazon Prime member, you can get tires shipped to your home or an installer for free.
However, while you’ll find respected brands, Amazon lists many obscure, low-quality options. Due diligence is required to ensure you get safe, reputable tires within your budget.
Pros and Cons of Amazon
Pros:
- Free Prime shipping
- Many brand-name tires are available
- Partner installers to choose from
- Amazon’s guarantees and policies apply
Cons:
- Many questionable off-brand choices are listed
- It can be challenging to gauge quality
6. Walmart
From its early days as a brick-and-mortar retailer, Walmart expanded into online tire sales, with home delivery or shipment to one of its auto care centers for installation. You’ll find a vast inventory spanning popular brands to ultra-budget options.
While Walmart does offer legitimate tire deals, be cautious of overly cheap tires, which could sacrifice safety and longevity.
Pros and Cons of Walmart
Pros:
- Free shipping on tire orders
- Ship to home or Walmart installer
- Plenty of quality brand name options
Cons:
- Many ultra-cheap, questionable tires are listed as well
- Quality can be hit-or-miss on budget picks
7. NTB
Known as National Tire & Battery, NTB is a retail chain acquired from Sears that specializes in tires and automotive services. You can buy name-brand tires from their website and have them shipped to your home or any NTB location for mounting and installation.
NTB focuses on mainstream and trusted tire options rather than obscure brands. Their online purchasing process lets you shop by vehicle specifications to simplify finding the right fit.
Pros and Cons of NTB
Pros:
- Quality brand-name tires
- Ship-to-home or to store for installation
- Search by vehicle year/make/model
Cons:
- Some negative reviews for service quality
- Limited locations compared to larger chains
Honorable Mentions
TireBuyer
TireBuyer operates similarly to Tire Rack, allowing you to shop an expansive selection, purchase online, and have tires shipped to a local installer.
Costco Tire Center
As a Costco member, you can book affordable tire installation and get steep discounts on quality tire brands like Michelin and Bridgestone.
Big O Tires
Big O Tires bridges online and in-store tire shopping with over 450 locations offering express services and install packages.
Why Buy Tires Online
There are numerous compelling reasons to purchase tires online from reputable retailers:
Price
Pricing is perhaps the biggest motivator, as online tire retailers can significantly undercut local shops and chains. Order online to save $50-100 or more per tire.
Selection
Online sellers give you access to every significant tire brand and type – winter, all-season, performance, etc. Local shops are limited by inventory space.
Customer Service
Top online tire companies have excellent customer service with live chat, detailed FAQs, and phone support to guide you through purchases.
Fast Shipping
In many cases, your tires can be delivered for installation within 1-2 days when ordered online, much faster than from a shop.
Excellent Information
One of the most underrated advantages of online tire retailers is the wealth of information and research tools at your fingertips. You can easily compare options, read professional and customer reviews, get sizing guides, and learn about the latest tire technologies to make a confident purchase decision.
Why We Trust These Online Tire Retailers
We have over a century of combined experience buying tires for all types of vehicles. Our team has purchased from local shops, online retailers, big box stores – you name it.
We thoroughly vetted and scrutinized each tire seller on this list based on the following:
- Pricing competitiveness
- Customer service ratings
- User experience and website tools
- Online reviews and Better Business Bureau standings
- Our first-hand encounters with the companies
Only the retailers meeting our high standards of value, convenience, selection, and customer satisfaction are cut.
Our Methodology
Analyzing over 30 distinct data points for each tire brand and retailer. Here’s a glimpse into our rigorous methodology:
Consumer Satisfaction: We studied thousands of genuine customer reviews and survey responses about their experiences with various tire models and purchasing channels.
Industry Professionals: Our team surveyed over 800 automotive mechanics, tire experts, and industry veterans nationwide for their insider takes.
Government Reporting: We examined safety metrics, durability data, and other government-backed reporting on tires.
Engineering and Performance: Tire engineering quality, innovative features, and performance in different driving conditions were scrutinized.
Direct Testing: Car Talk team members also conducted hands-on testing of tires from major brands.
Combining quantitative data, professional expertise, and real-world testing, this multi-pronged approach allows us to deliver the most reliable and trustworthy tire recommendations.
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FAQs
Where’s the best place to go for tires?
Tire shops with good reputations for quality service and a wide selection of brands are ideal. Some popular options include Discount Tire, Tire Rack, and local independent tire dealers.
Are tires cheaper at Costco or Walmart?
Prices can vary depending on tire brand, size, and current promotions. Generally, both Costco and Walmart offer competitive pricing, but it’s worth comparing prices to find the best deal.
What month is the cheapest to buy tires?
Typically, the best times to find deals on tires are during promotions like Black Friday sales in November or during the spring and fall, when tire manufacturers often offer rebates or discounts to encourage sales.
What is the most reliable tire brand?
Several tire brands are known for their reliability and performance, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Continental. It’s essential to research specific models within each brand to find the best fit for your vehicle and driving needs.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the convenience and pricing of online tire retailers or want to work directly with a local shop or chain, this comprehensive guide lays out the best options for purchasing tires in 2024.
For those wanting a seamless online experience, top picks like Discount Tire, SimpleTire, and Tire Rack stood out with their wide selections, customer-friendly policies, and educational resources.
Direct-to-consumer brands like Goodyear are also worth considering if you already favor their product lineup and want to take advantage of their deals and delivery.
Traditional chains such as NTB, Big O Tires, and Costco remain solid choices for scoring discount tires and quality in-person installation services.
Ultimately, the “best” place comes down to your needs, budget, and priorities. But no matter your route, research diligently using the tips and retailers covered here. Your tires impact both driving safety and experience, so it’s an investment worth making wisely.
