Where to buy tires — tips and what to look for
Once you know your tire size and have confirmed fitment, the next step is actually buying them. Here is a straightforward breakdown of your options.
Online vs. local
| Online retailer | Local shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often lower; easy to compare across brands | Higher markup; may price-match |
| Selection | Wider; includes niche sizes | Limited to stock on hand |
| Installation | Ship to a local installer; adds cost and logistics | All-in pricing; simpler |
| Warranty claims | May involve shipping tires back | Usually handled locally |
| Road hazard coverage | Varies by retailer | Often offered at point of sale |
Hidden fees to watch for
- Mounting and balancing: if buying online, the installer charges separately — typically $15–$25 per tire.
- Disposal fee: $2–$5 per old tire for recycling.
- TPMS service: if your vehicle has tire pressure monitoring, valve stems may need service — $5–$15 per wheel.
- Alignment: not required for every tire change, but if your tires showed uneven wear, an alignment check ($80–$120) is worth it to protect the new tires.
What to verify before ordering
- Confirm the size matches your door-jamb sticker exactly (or that you have verified a different size is safe with the compare tool and a professional).
- Check the load index is equal to or greater than OEM.
- Check the speed rating meets or exceeds OEM.
- Verify the seller's return policy — some will not accept opened/mounted tires.
Major online tire retailers (US)
We are not currently affiliated with any retailer. The following are commonly used options with generally good reputations — research current reviews before purchasing:
- Tire Rack (tirerack.com) — large selection, installer network, extensive user reviews by vehicle fitment.
- Discount Tire (discounttire.com) — large US chain with both online and in-store options.
- SimpleTire (simpletire.com) — online-first with shipping to local installers.
- Costco — member pricing; strong warranty; limited brand selection.
- Sam's Club — similar to Costco; membership required.
We earn no commission from the retailers listed above (as of June 2026). When affiliate relationships are established, they will be disclosed at the point of any affiliate link. Prices and policies change — verify current terms with each retailer.