Tag Archives: Tires

How to Buy Tires Online: Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase

This entry was posted in Accessories & Tires, Tips & Tricks and tagged on by .
How to Buy Tires Online

Disclaimer: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclaimer here.

Tires are one of the essential components of your vehicle. They help you drive safely and protect you from dangerous objects. Buying them online is an excellent idea. It saves time, money, and energy. 

However, there is an overwhelming number of options on the internet. That, in addition to the many scams that perpetuate in online sales, makes buying tires online a balance between research and time.

To maximize your online purchasing success, there are many things you need to know: 

Is it worth the risk? 

What is the best place to buy tires online? 

Where is the cheapest place to buy tires? 

Fortunately, we have consolidated the answers to these questions, so you can learn everything you need to know about how to buy tires online. Before you decide to purchase tires online, consider these strategies:

Is It Worth Buying Tires Online?

Is It Worth Buying Tires Online?

One of the biggest questions people have about tires is if it is worth buying them online. You will want to consider this because it can affect your overall purchase experience and safety. If tires are not purchased as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires or from an authorized distributor, it may significantly influence performance and safety. Tires are designed to fit your vehicle perfectly, so tires that do not fit will affect ability and performance.

The Benefits of Buying Tires Online

Convenience

Not only will tires be delivered directly to your door, but you don’t have to spend any time or energy going to a physical store. You don’t have to worry about making an appointment or whether they will even have your tires in stock when you arrive. Buying online is simple, convenient, and gives you complete control of the ordering process from start to finish.

Selection Size

There is more selection when you buy tires online. Having a more extensive selection available means that you can find tires that are perfect for your vehicle and driving needs without being at the mercy of what products are in stock at your local shops. This gives you the ability to make a great choice that is just right for you.

Tire Shipping

Save Money

Buying tires online can save you a significant amount of money. The main reason for this is that online tire sellers have large volumes and get tires at wholesale prices. They can sell them directly to consumers at a lower price. This extra savings on your purchase price is a huge reason more people are buying their tires online. Buying online also allows you instantly compare warranties so you can get exactly what you want at a price you can afford.

Customer Reviews

Another important benefit of buying tires online is the ability to read about the experience of other customers. Most reputable sources will provide access to customer reviews, which can help you make sure the company you choose is reliable and give you valuable information about what tires other customers have selected for their vehicles.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some common questions about purchasing tires online.

How Do I Know I Need New Tires?

There are a few ways tires wear out besides just age. By driving tires at or under their limit of safety in speed and cornering capabilities, tires will suffer premature wear. Driving through standing water can be very hard on tires, especially if the tires were not correct for the conditions. Tires will also lose air pressure over time. If tires have not been rotated, they can also cause premature wear due to uneven stress on tires at opposite ends of the car.

Penny Tire Tread TestTo avoid all these problems and more, it is important to change tires when needed. You may need tires with a tread that is designed for wet driving conditions. Tires tread also determines what kind of traction tires have. If your tires are slipping or you can hear a squealing noise when tires turn, they may need to be replaced due to uneven wear caused by damage in the tire’s tread.

When purchasing tires online, it is a good idea to consider choosing tires that have a wear indicator. These tires will have a thin colored line near the tire’s shoulder that alerts you when tires need to be replaced. Having tires with tread wear indicators can help keep you from driving unsafe tires that may cause damage or blow out while traveling.

You can also deploy the simple penny test to check your tire’s tread wear. When you put a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head pointing down, his head should dip below the tread. If his head is above the trad line, it’s likely time to replace your tires. Please note: this may not be a good indicator for some trucks, SUVs and winter tires but can be helpful for most passenger cars with all-season tires.

What Size Tires Does My Car Need?

People commonly ask what size tires their cars need. Unfortunately, the average consumer doesn’t know what size tires their vehicles require. Consider using a tool that allows you to identify the tires you need in less than 30 seconds. By knowing the year, make, and model of your vehicle, you can validate the exact size tire you need to make your next online tire purchase.

How Often Should You Change Your Tires?

Many people will recommend tires be changed every three to five years, depending on how often you drive and the conditions in which you drive. Tire performance is based on miles driven and road conditions. As tires are designed to work in different conditions, you should make sure your tires are appropriate for your typical driving conditions.

What Types of Tires Can I Buy Online?

What Types of Tires Can I Buy Online?

All-season: All-season tires are perfect for when you aren’t sure what the season will be. They can be used in harsh climates as well as more mild climates. With all-season tires, safety is not compromised even during demanding weather.

Winter tires: Winter tires provide the best traction in poor driving conditions. In areas where there is only snow and slush, you will need tires explicitly designed for this. Through a special tread pattern and rubber compound, tires can stay flexible to allow them to move easily over slippery surfaces.

Tires with studs: Tires with tiny spikes in their tread can help keep cars on the road during slippery winter conditions. These tires are popular in places with harsh winters, such as Canada and northern parts of the United States.

Summer tires: Summer tires prevent excessive hydroplaning in wet driving conditions and provide better performance on dry roads during warm months or all year if you live in a region that does not experience cool or winter conditions.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Tires Online?

There are three clear categories when it comes to buying tires online. You have the option of purchasing tires through online retailers, directly from tire brands, or from retailers who own physical businesses but also offer online shopping.

Some of the top sources include:

  • Pep Boys – Pep Boys is one of the most popular places to purchase tires online, with over 1 million tires in stock from trusted premium brands. They provide an easy step-by-step buying guide to ensure that you are purchasing the right tires for your vehicle and location. They also offer a 90-day match guarantee. 
  • Tire Rack – Tire Rack is a leading name in online tire retailers that started by placing mail-order ads in car enthusiast magazines. When online retail began to be a serious form of business, they became one of the first retailers to offer online shopping. This website is also a perfect place to learn more information about a wide range of tires and their functions.
  • Discount Tire Direct – One of the most asked questions about how to order tires online is “Where is the cheapest place to buy tires?” If you are someone who likes to get the best bang for your buck, Discount Tire Direct may be a great place to start. Like Tire Rack, they began by placing ads in car enthusiast magazines to sell tires. They currently provide a wide range of brands and can ship your tires directly to you, or they also have several store locations throughout the U.S if you want to check out your options in person. 
  • Tire Buyer – Tire Buyer provides helpful information to make your selection process easier. They have access to numerous warehouses, so they can provide a wide range of tire brands at competitive prices. They can ship tires to your doorstep, to a local tire shop, or professionally install them right in your driveway. 
  • Goodyear – Goodyear is a great resource when you are looking for a specific brand. With this company, you can purchase tires directly from their website, and they will either ship your tires to your home address or a local Goodyear retailer. Direct retailers can be easy for purchasing tires online, but keep in mind that this does limit your options because these retailers will only offer tires from their brand. 
  • Amazon – While relatively new to the business of selling tires, Amazon’s popularity in other markets has made it an ideal choice for online tire shopping. Many companies sell tires at higher prices to factor in shipping rates, but shipping is free with Amazon Prime, which can save you a significant amount of money on your order. However, because this site lists a wide variety of options, their tires range drastically in quality, and it is important to do your research to select the best tires.
    Amazon-business of selling tires
  • Walmart – Walmart has been selling tires for years, and each of their large locations comes equipped with a garage to handle mounting new tires and disposing of the old set. Walmart sells tires through their website and can have them shipped to your door or a local Walmart store. They provide a wide range of tires from name brand to off-brand, so performing research is crucial for getting the right product for your vehicle.

Before you decide which company to use, make sure they offer a 90-day price match. The most reliable retailers also tend to offer several financing options available to ensure customers have a wide variety of selection and affordable options. Making an informed decision on your next online tire purchase could potentially save you time and money.

Other Products Available


Snow Chains
Snow Chains – If you are looking to do some serious off-roading this winter, Amazon offers a selection of snow chains to provide the best traction for your vehicle while you drive on slick, snowy surfaces.

Shop Now



Speciality Tires
Specialty Tires – Along with tires for regular vehicles, Amazon also sells specialty tires for ATVs, motorcycles, and lawn and garden machinery.

Shop Now



Studs and Nuts
Replacement Wheel Studs and Nuts – No matter how hard you try to keep track of your studs and nuts, it seems like one always disappears. When you’re changing your tire, you don’t want to worry about missing an important part. Amazon provides a great selection of different studs and nuts for all different types of vehicles.

Shop Now



Battery Testers
Battery Testers – If you are having difficulty starting your car, keeping a battery tester on hand can ensure you know what is going on with your battery before removing it or spending time trying to jump it.

Shop Now



Jumper Cables
Jumper Cables – You never want to be left with a car that won’t start. Something as simple as forgetting to turn off an overhead light can lead to difficulty starting your car the next day. When it comes to necessary tools for your vehicle, a set of jumper cables is a must-have for anyone who likes to be prepared.

Shop Now


mud flaps


Windshield Wipers
Windshield Wipers – A good pair of wipers is essential for maintaining visibility and safety in all weather conditions. Amazon offers a wide selection, making it easy to find the perfect wipers for your vehicle.

Shop Now


Now, you’re set in knowing where, when, and which type of tires to purchase. It’s incredibly convenient to find tires online but buying them isn’t as exciting as shopping for car lover’s merch. Cruise through a number of fun selections we offer at our online shop. Find t-shirts, mugs, backpacks, and more.

Why Seasonal Tires Can Wear You and Your Car Out in Arizona

This entry was posted in Car Maintenance and tagged , on by .

Disclaimer: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclaimer here.

It doesn’t matter what time of year it happens. You could be on the way to the grocery store, picking up the kids from school, or on the I-17 freeway heading north going 75 miles per hour at 3:43 pm hoping to beat the afternoon rush hour traffic. And then, out of nowhere, boom! You hear that thud, thud, thud every second or so with the tire rotation as the point of contact churns over on the asphalt and that’s when you know – you’ve got a flat. But here’s the reality of the situation. Unless you’ve run over a nail or screw (thanks to the good economy and new construction), neglect or poor maintenance may have a hand in time spent at the side of the road. Prevention is key, and knowing whether seasonal tires in Arizona are the best option all year round is worth a discussion.

Tread Lightly and Carry a Big Wallet

One of the more frustrating aspects about having to replace a tire is that it’s never just one tire. Unless, you’ve had the unfortunate circumstance of replacing two or four tires at once and then getting a flat within a short amount of time after that, getting one new tire puts you and your vehicle at risk. It’s all about the tread. But how a tire wears during the extreme temperatures in an Arizona summer are very different to what’s important during a trip to Sedona or Flagstaff in January. We’re talking polar opposites here. So how do you determine which tire is best without blowing your bank account to shreds?

 

Smaller Tire Investment Equals Short Term Fix

Seasonal Tires

The best tires for your vehicle, should you drive in Phoenix, its surrounding areas, Tucson or in the high country near the Rim, require a multitude of must-haves in order to preserve the life of the car or truck and better ensure your safety on the road.

What to Consider When Buying Tires in Arizona

  • Frequency of use
  • Expected length of ownership
  • Type of vehicle
    • Car, SUV or Truck
    • 4WD, 2WD, FWD, AWD
    • High performance or standard
  • Weather conditions

Many people are quick to think that because Arizona doesn’t really have four seasons in the sense that other areas of the country do, tire tread doesn’t undergo the challenges that the Northeasterners or Midwesterners go through. This is a misnomer. Ever notice how many pieces of once-perfectly-good-rubber meets the road to its-death on Arizona freeways from May through September? Heat plays a dire role on the health of tire tread, which is why an all season tire in Arizona carries a lot of merit.

As a rule of thumb – less cost means less tread and that’s a dangerous choice.

One Tire Replacement Really Means Two

Not all tires will wear the same. The front tires are often thrown out of alignment from banging a curb or two. (Who does that?) Misalignment and imbalance will put additional stress on all the tires, accelerating wear and tear.

Even if only one tire needs to be replaced, say the front tire, to keep all tires working optimally and providing the most stability and life of the tires, two tires (one for the right side and one for the left) will need to be replaced. In addition, both new tires should be placed in the rear (if possible) as they affect overall stability.

Not All Tires Are Created Equal

When choosing between an all season tire and a winter tire, there’s a fine balance in determining how much grip you’re getting for the price. Often times, when looking for tire replacements, it’s easy to get enamored by the brand name or intricate groove patterns on the rubber.

What is important to take note of in winter and seasonal tires include:

  • Speed rating
  • Size
  • Brand
  • Warranty
  • Life expectancy*

Just because your first set of tires had a life expectancy of 50,000 miles, doesn’t mean that all tires carry the same longevity. Some are 20,000 miles. It depends on how long you plan on owning the vehicle and how often you drive.

It’s also important to stay with ‘of like kind’. When possible, replace an existing tire with the same make, model and size of the other tires. If you want to change the brand or model, talk to a tire specialist who can match size for size and performance metrics. Weigh the cost for replacement and the tire life expectancy to map out whether a change from the original is worth it long term.

For Arizonans, the decision on which tire is the right buy is based on many variables.

To Buy All Season or Winter Tires in Arizona, What’s the Answer?

One of the best aspects of living in or visiting Arizona is the diversity of terrain and temperature. If you plan on hitting the slopes during the winter and spring seasons, the right tire is essential to ensure that the rubber meets the road optimally no matter the situation (snow, sleet, ice, dirt).

Unless your pocketbook has an endless supply of disposable funds, an all season tire is the way to on the road bliss in Arizona, providing the right amount of traction in a variety of conditions for the long haul. There are even performance all season tires for higher end vehicles such as BMW, Porsche, Ford Mustang, and Audi TT or R8, just to name a few.

Top 5 Recommended All Season Tires
1. Cooper Discoverer A/T3
2. BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A
3. Michelin Primacy MXM4
4. BF Goodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S
5. Hankook Optimo H727

Before You Buy Any Vehicle, Make Sure to Look at the Tires before Purchasing