Buying tires online can save time and money, but what’s the best way to go about it? Tires vary widely, so it’s essential to know exactly what you need before surfing the web. We’ll point out the tips you need for purchasing tires online.
Why Buy Tires Online?
Buying tires online is often more cost-effective, as you can compare prices and find deals and discounts. You will also be able to shop for tires without leaving the comfort of your home, with access to a wider variety of tires.
In addition, you can read online reviews and check expert ratings, which you won’t be able to do at a physical tire shop.
How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle
Tires come in different shapes and sizes. Your tires will be marked with numbers and letters like P215/60R15 94H. Each of these numbers and letters has a meaning:
P: The first part indicates the tire type. P indicates that it is a passenger car.
215: This is followed by the tire width, in this case, it is 215mm.
60: This is the aspect ratio and represents the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tire width.
R: This is the tire’s construction. R stands for radial.
16: This number is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
94: This is the load index, indicating the maximum weight the tire can support when inflated. Higher numbers mean greater weight capacity.
H: This is the tire’s speed rating, showing the maximum speed it can handle. H means a maximum speed of 130 MPH. These speed ratings range from A on the lowest end to Z on the fastest end.
Make a note of the kind of tires you have at the moment and be on the lookout for the correct tires for your car
Seasonal vs. All-Season Tires
It’s also important to know whether you want to opt for seasonal or all-season tires.
Seasonal tires are designed for specific weather conditions. Winter tires are made of a soft rubber compound with deeper treads, with traction designed for cold, snowy and icy conditions. Meanwhile, summer tires are better for dry and wet conditions.
All-season tires are designed to drive well in all weather conditions. However, while they are convenient in most cases, they may not offer the specialized seasonal performance in extreme weather conditions.
Performance, Tread Type, and Durability
Performance tires have a lower profile and are made with softer rubbers for enhanced grip. They are predominantly used with high-performance cars or those prioritizing speed and handling. These tires tend to have a shorter life than standard tires.
The tread on your tires enables traction and these differ between tires. Highway tires are best for smooth, paved roads, while all-terrain tires are better for off-road conditions. A smooth tread is best for dry, warm weather, while those with a deeper tread pattern are better for wet and snowy conditions.
You will also want to be aware of a tire’s durability as it wears out over time. While performance tires wear out faster because of their softer rubber, touring tires tend to have a longer lifespan.
Comparing Online vs. In-Store Purchases
Online Tire Sales
Pros
Convenient: You can browse from your own home in your own time. There is also no pressure from salespeople.
Selection: Online stores generally have a wider selection than physical shops, which may lead to better deals and more options.
Pricing: Online shops have less overhead, so you may find better prices and more promotional offers.
Delivery: Many online stores will deliver tires to an installer of your choice or to your home.
Cons
Installation: When you’re buying a car online, you’re usually not paying for the installation, so you’re likely to have to pay an additional installation fee at a local tire service center.
Waiting: Buying online is not immediate. You’re likely to have to wait a few days, depending on the shipping method you choose, so it’s not the best option if you need your tires urgently.
Advice: While online stores often post reviews, it’s difficult to speak to someone about the exact tires you’re considering.
In-Store Purchases
Pros
Immediacy: Buying in-store provides immediate access to tires, which is great if you’re in an emergency.
Experts: In-store purchases allow you to speak to experts in person. They are likely to be familiar with your area, so can advise you on tires for specific weather conditions too.
Services: You are likely to also have access to installation, balancing, alignment checks and warranties that are unlikely to be available online.
Cons
Limited: Stores generally have a lower selection of tires to choose from than online retailers. You may need to order your tires or wait for stock to be replenished.
Price: Tires from local stores tend to be more expensive as the stores have to factor in operating costs when selling them.
Effort: Unlike shopping online, you will need to make the effort to go to the store.
How to make an informed decision
When deciding which option is best for you, there are a number of factors you should consider:
Urgency: If you need new tires ASAP, it’s best to go to the store. If you can wait, maybe an online purchase will be OK.
Research: Knowing what kind of tire specifications you need will help you decide on a purchase, whether in-store or online.
Installation: Faster installation may be available if you buy in-store. Moreover, installation is generally included with in-store purchases. While many online stores offer discounts on installation, you may also need to pay a fee and take the tires to a repair shop to install them.
Reviews and advice: Whether you’re buying online or in person, it’s recommended to ask for advice and read reviews so you have an idea about the longevity of the tires.
Finding a Reputable Online Tire Retailer
It’s advisable to read customer reviews as they can provide insights, not just on the quality of the tires, but also about the retailer. When reading reviews, you should focus on those by verified buyers as they are likely to be providing honest feedback. In addition, some stores offer detailed reviews for individual tire models, which can provide valuable insights when you’re about to make a purchase.
It’s important to check that the online retailer takes secure payment methods. Also, be on the lookout for a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar and “https://” in the website URL, as this is a sign that the website is genuine. You should also note whether they have refund and return policies, as this is a sign that the retailer is reputable, and also confirms that your purchase is protected in case something goes wrong.
In addition, if buying tires online, it’s a good idea to compare the same tire model’s prices on different websites to get the best deal. You should also check for discounts and promotions such as free shipping, price matching, or discounts for signing up to mailing lists.
Importance of Tread Life and Speed Ratings
The tire’s tread life is how long its tread will last before it becomes too worn to function. Tire manufacturers’ treadwear rating is based on the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, which measures traction, treadwear and temperature resistance. A higher treadwear rating tends to indicate a longer-lasting tire, but it's important to bear in mind that tread life can be affected by driving habits, climate and road conditions.
Meanwhile, speed ratings help you understand the speeds your tires can handle in normal driving conditions. It's advised to pick a tire with a speed rating that matches your needs. For instance, an H-rated tire (130 MPH) is great for regular highway driving, while a lower-rated S tire (112 MPH) is better for everyday driving that doesn’t exceed 100 MPH.
Delivery timelines will be something you will need to consider if purchasing tires online. These can depend on your location and the brand of tire you’re ordering. Most tires are shipped within a few days but this can vary. You should also consider whether the tires can be shipped directly to a tire shop, as this may be beneficial if you don’t intend to install the tires yourself. Additionally, when comparing tire prices online, you should also compare shipping costs as this may have an impact on which online retailer you choose to buy from.
If you’ve ordered tires online, you may also need to locate a local installer. Some online retailers partner with local auto shops and offer installation services; if they don’t, you'll need to look for nearby tire shops. You may even look at Walmart or Costco as they often offer tire installation services. It’s always recommended to book your tire installation in advance as tire shops can get busy.
You should also make sure you have made yourself familiar with the retailer’s return policy before you make a purchase, just in case there are any issues. You should also ensure to read the manufacturer’s warranty, in case you need to file a claim in the future.
Here’s a handy checklist for when you buy tires online:
- Size: Always double-check the tire size specifications before placing an order.
- Ratings: It’s advisable to check load and speed ratings to be able to determine the best tires for you.
- Deals: Compare prices between websites and check for deals and discounts. Also factor in the shipping cost when you are determining the best option.
- Installation: Once you receive your tires, arrange their installation at a reliable tire shop.
- Services: When arranging installation, you can enquire as to whether additional services are included like balancing and alignment checks.