Buying tires online saves $30–$80 per tire in 2026 compared to local retail shops. The process is straightforward: order online, ship to a nearby installer, and pay a separate installation fee. Most major brands — Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental — are available online at significant discounts.
Best Online Tire Retailers (2026)
| Retailer | Price Level | Installer Network | Free Shipping | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack | Low–Mid | 10,000+ | Yes | Best overall; most reviews |
| Discount Tire Direct | Low | Discount Tire stores + partners | Yes | Budget and mid-range tires |
| SimpleTire | Low–Mid | Nationwide | Yes | Wide selection, strong network |
| Amazon | Varies | You arrange | Yes (Prime) | Convenience; limited reviews |
| Costco (in-store) | Mid | Costco locations only | N/A | Members wanting bundled install |
| Walmart (in-store + online) | Low | Walmart Auto Centers | Yes | Budget tires |
Best overall pick: Tire Rack. It has the largest installer network, the most consumer reviews to validate tire quality, and consistently strong pricing.
Price Comparison: Online vs. Local Shop
| Tire (example: Michelin Defender2, 225/65R17) | Price per Tire |
|---|---|
| Tire Rack (online) | $145–$155 |
| Discount Tire Direct (online) | $140–$150 |
| Local independent tire shop | $165–$190 |
| Car dealership | $180–$210 |
Plus installation: $15–$30 per tire at the ship-to installer. Total online cost for four tires is typically $120–$320 less than going directly to a local shop.
How Ship-to-Installer Programs Work
- Enter your vehicle info on Tire Rack, SimpleTire, or Discount Tire Direct
- Select your tires — the site filters to tires that fit your vehicle
- Choose an installer from the retailer’s local network map
- Complete checkout — tires ship directly to the installer (usually within 2–5 business days, free shipping on most orders)
- Schedule your appointment with the installer
- Drop off your vehicle — the installer mounts, balances, and disposes of old tires
- Pay the installer the installation fee when you pick up the car
Installation fees vary by shop:
- Mounting and balancing: $15–$25 per tire
- TPMS sensor reset: $5–$10 per vehicle
- Old tire disposal: $2–$5 per tire
- Total per tire (installed): $22–$40 additional
What to Watch Out For
- Verify your tire size before ordering — check the placard on your driver’s door jamb, not just the current tires (previous owner may have put the wrong size on)
- Check speed rating and load index — match or exceed your vehicle’s requirement (found in owner’s manual)
- Avoid “off-brand” tires unless you’ve researched them — some budget brands have poor wet-weather performance
- Check manufacture date — tires older than 2 years from manufacture date lose value; look for the DOT code on the tire sidewall (last 4 digits = week and year, e.g., “2224” = 22nd week of 2024)
- Installation-only shops — some local shops refuse to install tires you bought elsewhere; use the retailer’s installer network to avoid this
When to Buy Locally Instead
- You need tires immediately (same-day emergency)
- Your vehicle has unusual specifications requiring expert fitment advice
- Costco or Discount Tire has a current promotion that closes the price gap
Related Articles
- How to Read Tire Sizes 2026
- When to Replace Your Tires 2026
- How Much Are Tires? 2026
- Car Maintenance Costs 2026
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