As an experienced consumer expert with a keen eye for a good deal, I‘ve bought all sorts of products on Amazon – from groceries to furniture to electronics. But when I needed new tires for my car last year, I was skeptical about buying something so critical online. Tires keep you safe on the road and are a significant investment. Could Amazon really be trusted for such an important purchase?
Turns out, the answer is yes. After carefully researching the options, reading dozens of reviews, and crunching the numbers, I took the plunge and bought a set of Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires on Amazon. The experience was shockingly easy and the prices were unbeatable. I saved nearly $150 compared to the quotes I got from local tire shops.
Since then, I‘ve been diving deep into the world of online tire sales to see how Amazon stacks up. Should savvy shoppers like you and me be buying our tires with the same website we buy dog food and iPhone chargers from? Here‘s what I found.
The Rise of Online Tire Sales
Online tire sales have been steadily growing over the past decade. The market share of tire sales through online channels has increased from less than 6% in 2015 to an estimated 16% in 2021, according to data from Modern Tire Dealer.
Several factors are driving this shift. First, shoppers have become increasingly comfortable buying just about everything online. Global e-commerce sales jumped from $1.3 trillion in 2014 to $4.9 trillion in 2021. If we trust the internet with our groceries, medication, and designer bags, why not tires?
Second, buying tires online is often significantly cheaper than buying from a physical store. Online retailers have lower overhead costs and can offer a wider selection of brands and models. A 2022 Consumer Reports study found buyers saved an average of $141 per set of four tires by purchasing online versus in store.
Finally, online tire retailers have been investing heavily in making the buying process as smooth and seamless as possible. Features like tire size finders, extensive fitment data, fast shipping, and mobile installation have made buying tires online more accessible than ever before.
Amazon, the world‘s largest online retailer, has taken note of this trend. In 2017, Amazon quietly launched a dedicated tire store and has been expanding its selection and services ever since. By 2020, Amazon controlled an estimated 4% of the US passenger tire replacement market, according to Modern Tire Dealer. That figure is likely even higher today.
Comparing Amazon‘s Tire Prices and Selection
To see how Amazon really stacks up, I did a head-to-head price and selection comparison between Amazon Tire Store, Tire Rack, Discount Tire Direct, and my local Firestone dealer. I searched for a set of four Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season tires in size 215/55R17 for my 2019 Honda Accord.
| Retailer | Tire Price (set of 4) | Shipping | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $677.56 | Free | $80-120 | $677.56 – $797.56 |
| Tire Rack | $712.96 | Free | N/A | $712.96 |
| Discount Tire Direct | $718.96 | Free | $72-140 | $790.96 – $858.96 |
| Local Firestone Store | $838.96 | N/A | Included | $838.96 |
As you can see, Amazon had the lowest total price by a decent margin. Assuming I could score an $80 install deal, I‘d be saving $125 compared to Tire Rack and over $160 compared to my local Firestone shop. Not bad at all!
In terms of selection, Amazon had a solid lineup of major tire brands including Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Yokohama, and more. The available inventory wasn‘t quite as deep as a specialty tire site like Tire Rack, but still covered probably 90% of the most popular tires.
Potential Pitfalls of Buying Tires on Amazon
Price and selection are great, but buying tires online isn‘t for everyone. Here are a few potential drawbacks I found in my research:
Tire Age and Storage
When you buy from a high-volume local shop, you can be fairly confident the tires haven‘t been sitting on the shelf for long. But with online purchases, it‘s hard to know how long tires may have been in a warehouse before shipping. Tire rubber degrades over time, so you don‘t want tires that are over a year old.
To avoid this, check the manufacturer date code on the sidewall before installation. The code starts with "DOT" and ends with a 4-digit number. The first 2 digits are the week of manufacture and the last 2 are the year. So "1319" would be the 13th week of 2019. Ideally, you want tires less than 6-12 months old.
Shipping and Quality Control
Tires are heavy, bulky items that aren‘t easy to ship. While Amazon is a logistics juggernaut, tires can occasionally be damaged in transit or arrive with bent rims or visible defects. Inspect your tires carefully at installation and don‘t be afraid to refuse delivery if something looks off. Amazon is usually good about refunds and returns in these cases.
Lack of Hands-On Expertise
One major benefit of brick-and-mortar tire shops is you can talk to a knowledgeable salesperson who can help guide you to the best tires for your specific vehicle and driving needs. Buying online, you have to rely on your own research abilities. For tire newbies, this can be overwhelming and may lead to choosing the wrong tires.
Installation Woes
When you bundle installation with your Amazon tire purchase, you‘re relying on both Amazon‘s logistics and a local shop to get it right. Delays, scheduling snafus, and upselling can happen. Always call the shop directly to confirm your appointment. If things seem fishy, don‘t hesitate to contact Amazon support for assistance.
Tips for Successfully Buying Tires on Amazon
After putting numerous sets of tires on various cars through Amazon, here are my top tips for success:
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Always check the tire manufacture date upon delivery or during installation. Don‘t accept tires that are more than 6-12 months old.
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Read the fine print on tire mileage warranties. Many warranties require tires to be rotated every 5,000-8,000 miles to remain valid. Some shops will try to upsell you extra rotations that aren‘t necessary.
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Pay attention to load index and speed rating, not just tire size. If you frequently haul heavy loads or drive at sustained high speeds, you‘ll need tires with a higher load index or speed rating.
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Check the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) ratings for treadwear, traction, and temperature. A higher number means better performance. 200 is the minimum for treadwear.
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Look for deals around major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Tire manufacturers frequently offer mail-in rebates or gift cards with purchase.
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If you‘re unsure which tires to buy, read comparisons from reputable sites like Tire Rack, Consumer Reports, and Wirecutter. Tire Rack has a great tool that lets you compare test results from their track.
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Tires are often cheaper when purchased as a set of 4. If your front tires are wearing much faster than the rear (or vice versa), consider rotating more frequently or getting an alignment check.
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Check your tire pressure monthly! Underinflation is a leading cause of premature tire wear. A $5 digital pressure gauge is one of the best investments you can make.
Amazon‘s Best-Selling Tires
If you‘re curious which tires are the most popular on Amazon, here‘s a list of the top 10 best-sellers as of March 2023:
- Westlake RP18 All-Season Radial Tire
- Starfire Solarus AS All-Season Radial Tire
- Hankook Kinergy ST H735 All-Season Radial Tire
- Mastercraft Stratus AS All-Season Tire
- Goodyear Reliant All-Season Tire
- Lexani LXTR-203 Performance Radial Tire
- Federal Couragia M/T Mud-Terrain Radial Tire
- Lionhart LH-001 All-Season Radial Tire
- Ironman iMOVE GEN2 AS All-Season Tire
- Milestar MS932 All-Season Radial Tire
The Bottom Line
After putting Amazon‘s tire store through its paces, I can confidently say it‘s a solid option for savvy shoppers looking to save on tires without sacrificing quality or convenience. Prices are very competitive, the selection covers all the bases, and the bundled installation process works well (most of the time).
No, buying tires on Amazon isn‘t quite as simple as buying a pair of socks or a book. You‘ll need to do your homework, be vigilant about installation, and may miss out on the warm fuzzy feeling of supporting a local business. But for experienced online shoppers comfortable advocating for themselves, the savings are real.
At the end of the day, tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Whether you buy from Amazon, a local shop, or somewhere in between, the most important things are to choose tires that fit your needs, budget for quality, and maintain them properly. Safe driving!
