Tire Buying Guides
Free shipping
Best price guarantee
Special pricing
Financing with Resolve
Easy returns
Last updated 2/25/2025 - Originally published 2/25/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Buying tires online has become an increasingly popular option for savvy shoppers seeking convenience and cost savings. With a wide selection of brands, competitive prices, and the ability to compare options from the comfort of home, it's no wonder more people are turning to online tire retailers.
Shopping for tires online offers several advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Not only can you browse a vast inventory at your leisure, but you also have access to expert advice, customer reviews, and helpful tools to ensure you find the perfect tires for your vehicle.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of buying tires online, providing tips and insights to help you make an informed decision. From determining your tire needs to understanding shipping and installation options, we've got you covered.
Why Buy Tires Online?
Online tire shopping has revolutionized the way consumers purchase tires, offering unparalleled convenience and cost savings. With just a few clicks, you can access a vast selection of tires from various brands, allowing you to compare prices, read reviews, and find the perfect set for your vehicle.
One of the most significant advantages of buying tires online is the potential for substantial cost savings. Online retailers often have lower overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, enabling them to offer competitive prices. Additionally, online tire stores frequently provide exclusive discounts, promotions, and rebates, helping you stretch your budget further.
Shopping for tires online also grants you access to a wealth of information and expert advice. Many online tire retailers, such as SimpleTire, offer detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and expert recommendations to help you make an informed decision. This wealth of knowledge empowers you to choose the right tires for your specific needs, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
How to Buy Tires Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the online tire-buying process with confidence can significantly enhance your experience. This step-by-step guide provides valuable insights to help you select the best tires for your vehicle while minimizing stress.
Step 1: Determine Your Tire Needs
Identifying what your vehicle requires is crucial for making a smart online tire purchase. Begin by examining the vehicle type you own—be it a compact car, crossover, or heavy-duty truck—as each category demands different tire specifications. Vehicles like trucks and SUVs often need tires with enhanced durability and load-carrying capacity, while passenger cars might focus more on efficiency and ride comfort.
Consider how and where you typically drive. For those in snowy regions, winter tires provide essential traction through their unique tread patterns and flexible compounds. In contrast, all-season tires might suit those in temperate areas with varied weather conditions. The environment you navigate—whether it’s city streets, highways, or rugged trails—dictates the characteristics you should prioritize.
To ensure the right fit, check the tire size listed on your current tires or in the vehicle's manual. This information, which includes details like width and diameter, is essential for maintaining performance and safety. Use resources that decode these specifications, so your new tires match your vehicle's needs perfectly.
Step 2: Search and Compare Options
After determining your specific tire requirements, delve into the digital marketplace to explore a wide array of choices. Begin your search by visiting trusted online platforms that specialize in tires. These platforms often feature advanced search tools that enable you to sort by various factors like tire type, performance characteristics, and user ratings, helping you zero in on the best options quickly.
To maximize savings, it's beneficial to look for ongoing sales events or exclusive online discounts. Many websites offer periodic promotions or bundled deals that can significantly lower the cost, making it easier to secure high-quality tires within your budget. By evaluating these financial incentives, you can ensure you get a great deal on your purchase.
Customer feedback is invaluable in the decision-making process. Detailed reviews and ratings provide a window into the experiences of other buyers, highlighting the real-world performance of different tire models. This information can guide you in selecting tires that align with your expectations for durability and handling.
Tap here to select your tire by checking its score in our SimpleScore.
Step 3: Check Shipping and Installation Options
After selecting your tires, consider the available delivery and fitting services to ensure a smooth transition. Many online retailers offer attractive delivery deals, such as complimentary shipping; this can help you manage costs effectively. Be sure to verify the shipping terms and expected delivery timelines to match your schedule.
In addition to delivery, you'll want to explore how your new tires will be installed. Some retailers connect customers with certified local garages, allowing your tires to be sent directly there for installation. Alternatively, some services offer on-site tire fitting, providing a convenient solution for those who prefer not to visit a shop.
While reviewing these options, assess any extra services that might be offered, such as tire alignment or recycling of your old tires. These additional services can enhance your installation experience, ensuring everything is handled professionally and efficiently. Select an installer with strong customer reviews to ensure high-quality service.
Step 4: Understand Tire Warranties
Navigating tire warranties requires a keen eye on the specifics offered by each manufacturer. These warranties often include coverage against defects in materials and craftsmanship, providing peace of mind that you're protected if the tire fails under typical driving conditions. Delving into these details before purchase ensures you know what aspects are covered, such as manufacturer defects and premature wear.
In addition to basic coverage, many tire brands offer protection plans for treadwear longevity. These plans guarantee support if the tires wear out prematurely, based on the mileage promised. Familiarizing yourself with these plans—often requiring regular tire maintenance documentation—ensures you can maximize their benefits.
It's crucial to understand exclusions in warranties, such as damage from road hazards or improper use. Knowing how claims are processed, which may involve visits to certified service providers, prepares you for any necessary steps. Choosing tires with warranties that clearly explain these aspects ensures you're well-equipped against unexpected issues.
Step 5: Make Your Purchase Securely
Securing your online tire purchase requires careful attention to detail. Choose a retailer known for its robust security measures—verify the presence of secure payment systems like encryption protocols. Opt for payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or digital wallets, to ensure your transaction remains protected.
Before completing your order, thoroughly review all the details. Double-check that the tire specifications, including size and type, match your vehicle's needs. Confirm your shipping and contact information to avoid delivery issues. Taking these steps ensures accuracy and minimizes the risk of errors.
Proceed with the payment only once you're satisfied with the accuracy of your order. Reputable retailers will provide an immediate order confirmation, which outlines your purchase and offers a way to track the shipment. Keep this information handy to stay updated on the delivery status, ensuring a smooth and transparent buying experience.
Tips on Buying Tires Online
1. Check for Hidden Fees
When exploring online tire purchases, it’s crucial to account for any additional costs that might arise. Closely examine the checkout summary to spot any unexpected fees—these could include surcharges for handling or regional taxes that weren’t initially apparent. It's common for the initial price to seem low, but through careful review of the total costs, you can verify the transparency of the deal.
Shipping expenses also deserve attention, as some retailers might charge extra for deliveries outside certain areas or for expedited services. Understanding the shipping terms at the outset helps you anticipate the total expenditure and avoid surprises.
2. Verify Return Policies
Knowing the return policy is vital when shopping for tires online, as it protects your investment. Before completing your purchase, delve into the specific conditions under which returns are accepted. This preparation ensures you're ready to act if the tires don't fit your vehicle or meet your expectations.
Examine the policy for details on return timelines, the condition required for returned items, and any associated restocking fees. Being informed about these aspects allows you to handle returns efficiently, should the need arise. Additionally, confirm whether the retailer provides a prepaid return shipping label or if you must cover return shipping costs, ensuring you're fully aware of the process and potential expenses.
By following these steps and tips, you can confidently navigate the online tire-buying process, ensuring you find the perfect set of tires for your vehicle. At SimpleTire, we're committed to making your tire shopping experience as seamless and cost-effective as possible. Shop for tires online with us today and discover the best deals on top-quality tires for your vehicle.