The Ins and Outs of Buying Tires on Amazon

As an avid deal-seeker and auto enthusiast myself, I understand the appeal of scoring name-brand tires for less on Amazon. But is it the right move for your vehicle? Here’s my in-depth guide to navigating the process as an informed consumer.

How the Tire Buying Process Works on Amazon

Unlike shoe-shopping, you can’t exactly try tires before you buy online. So it’s important to understand how finding, selecting and installing tires works on Amazon before taking the leap.

Browsing the Massive Tire Inventory

Amazon definitely delivers when it comes to selection. I’m talking light truck tires from Toyo and Cooper…low-profile high performance tires from Falken and Hankook…and tried-and-true all-season passenger tires from industry titans like Michelin, Goodyear, and Continental.

• Over 40 brands in stock
• Tires for sedans, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles
• Performance, all-season, all-terrain, winter tire types

You name a type of personal or commercial vehicle, and Amazon likely carries compatible tires. Don’t know exactly what you need? Keep reading.

Using Amazon’s Tire Finder Tool

Amazon’s Tire Finder simplifies the confusing process of finding properly-sized tires to fit your car or truck. Just plug in your vehicle make, model and year, and it cross-references options by size and dimensions that work.

• Displays exact tire sizes to fit your vehicle
• “Amazon Confirmed Fit” tag for suitable options
• Shop by tire size if you already know it

This handy tool eliminates doubt and saves tons of time cross-referencing tires on multiple websites.

Placing Your Tire Order

Ordering tires on Amazon works much like other purchases. Add the tires you want to your cart, select a quantity up to 10, and choose a delivery date.

• Fast, free Prime shipping in 1-3 days
• Order up to 10 tires at once
• Flexible delivery date options

One extra option – you can check the box to add professional tire installation by a local partner shop. This grants you access to additional services covered momentarily.

Overall, Amazon makes it simple to get the tires you want delivered on your timeline. But that’s only half the battle.

Getting Your New Tires Installed

Here’s where things get tricky when buying tires online…how and where do you actually get them mounted and balanced on your car? Amazon has a solution.

Installation Services and Pricing

When checking out, you’ll have the option to add installation by an Amazon-approved auto service shop near you. Installation pricing is clearly shown for each shop based on tire size. Here are the average costs:

• Passenger vehicle tires: $20 per tire
• Truck and SUV tires: $25 per tire
• Commercial vehicle tires: $30+ per tire

This per-tire installation fee covers mounting, balancing, valve stems, and disposal of old tires. No hidden charges or surprise add-ons.

Dropping Off Your Vehicle

Choose your preferred installation date and shop. Amazon sends your tires directly to that service center by the scheduled date. All that’s left is to drop off your vehicle at the appointment time. The shop handles the rest!

• Select your ideal installation date
• Take your car to shop on scheduled day
• Hassle-free professional installation
• Backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee

Much easier than hauling tires to a shop yourself or coordinating separate delivery.

What is (and isn’t) Included

It’s important to note that Amazon’s installers handle tire mounting, balancing, and disposal only. They don’t perform multi-point inspections or repairs like alignments, brake jobs or oil changes.

For basic tire installation at a fair price, it can’t be beat. But it’s not a full-service shop. Know that going in so you aren’t caught unprepared.

Brand Name Tires at Competitive Prices

Tires aren’t exactly cheap these days, but Amazon manages to keep prices low even on premium tire brands. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay:

![Table showing sample tire prices on Amazon]

As you can see, prices run the gamut from budget all-seasons under $100 per tire to high-end performance tires over $200.

How do these prices stack up against local shops and online retailers? Very competitively:

• Typically 5-15% less than local tire shops
• Similar or slightly lower than Discount Tire & TireRack
• Limited-time promo deals for extra savings

For a set of 4 tires, you save $40-160+ going through Amazon. And you often have more brands to choose from.

The Fine Print: Warranties, Policies and Protection Plans

You may be wondering – what kind of warranty comes with Amazon tires? What if I have issues down the road? Here are the fine print details to know up front.

Manufacturer Warranties

The tires you order through Amazon come with the same manufacturer‘s warranty as if purchased elsewhere. Most brands provide at least 50,000 miles of limited tread wear coverage and materials/craftsmanship guarantees.

• Check exact terms by brand
• At least 50,000-mile tread coverage
• Defects and workmanship issues covered

So quality and coverage remains the same buying on Amazon.

Installation and Service Protection

Additionally, installation and tire repair services booked through Amazon are backed by their Happiness Guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you’re entitled to assistance including:

• Full refunds for installation issues
• Redistribution costs
• Claims assistance
• Contractor investigation

This provides assurance that both tires and installation meet expected standards.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Buying on Amazon

To wrap things up, let’s recap the biggest advantages and potential drawbacks of buying tires through Amazon instead of locally:

Key Benefits

• Huge selection of brands, sizes
• Competitive pricing compared to tire shops
• Convenient installation with purchase
• Quick Prime delivery to your door
• Backed by Amazon’s renowned customer service

What to Look Out For

• Can’t physically inspect tires first
• Installer doesn’t perform full vehicle inspections
• Supply chain hiccups may cause shipping delays
• Must drop off and pick up vehicle for install

Overall, Amazon tires are best for savvy shoppers who know exactly what they need, value lower prices and timely delivery, and simply want reliable mounting and balancing services. You sacrifice hands-on advice and inspection, but the conveniences may outweigh cons for many consumers.

The Bottom Line

For an increasing number of drivers, Amazon checked the boxes for affordable prices and hassle-free buying for their last set of tires. But the choice ultimately depends on your budget, brand preferences, desired services, and time flexibility. With the insights above, weigh the pros and cons on your vehicle investment.