What Advance Auto Parts offers for tires

Advance Auto Parts sells tires from major manufacturers and offers installation at most locations. You can buy tires in-store or online, and the company handles mounting, balancing, and disposal of your old tires at the same visit. Advance also carries tire repair supplies, air compressors, and tire-related tools if you want to handle maintenance yourself.

The process is straightforward: you pick your tire size and brand, schedule an installation appointment (or walk in at many locations), and a technician mounts and balances them on your vehicle. Pricing varies by tire brand, vehicle type, and your location, so you'll see the final cost before you commit.

This guide explains how to find the right tire size, what to expect during installation, and what happens if you run into problems after purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • You can find your tire size on the sidewall of your current tire or in your vehicle's owner manual and door jamb sticker.
  • Advance Auto Parts handles mounting, balancing, and old tire disposal as part of the installation service at most locations.
  • You can purchase tires online and pick them up in-store, or buy and install them in a single visit.
  • Installation appointments are usually available within a few days, though walk-ins are often accepted depending on how busy the store is.
  • Advance offers a road hazard warranty on most tires, which covers damage from punctures and potholes for a set period.

Finding your tire size before you shop

Your tire size is a code printed on the sidewall of any tire currently on your vehicle. It looks like this: P215/65R15. The letters and numbers tell you the width, aspect ratio, construction type, and wheel diameter — information the tire shop needs to sell you the right fit.

You can also find this information without looking at your tires. Open your driver's side door and look at the sticker on the inside of the door jamb. It lists the original tire size for your vehicle. Your owner's manual contains the same information. Write down the full code before you go to Advance or visit their website.

If you want a different size than the original — wider tires, for example, or a different load rating — bring your vehicle's manual or call Advance to confirm the alternative size will work safely. Changing tire size affects your speedometer accuracy and fuel economy, so it's worth getting right the first time.

Buying tires online versus in-store

Advance Auto Parts lets you order tires on their website and either pick them up at a store or have them shipped to your home. If you pick them up at a store, you can schedule installation during the same visit, which is faster than buying and installing separately.

Ordering online is useful if you want to compare prices across brands without visiting a physical location, or if your local store doesn't have the tire in stock. The website shows you real-time availability at nearby stores, so you can see whether the tire you want is ready to pick up today or will arrive in a few days.

If you buy online and have the tires shipped to your home, you'll need to arrange installation separately — either at Advance or at an independent tire shop. Advance does not install tires that were purchased elsewhere, so factor in a second trip or a separate service charge if you go this route.

What happens during tire installation

When you arrive for your appointment, a technician will remove your old tires, mount the new ones on your wheels, balance them, and reinstall them on your vehicle. The entire process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the store is and whether your wheels need any extra work.

Balancing is the step that matters most for ride quality. The technician uses a machine to detect heavy spots on the wheel-and-tire assembly, then adds small weights to the rim to even out the weight distribution. Unbalanced tires cause vibration at highway speeds and wear unevenly, so this step is worth the time it takes.

Your old tires are disposed of as part of the service. Advance charges a disposal fee per tire (usually a few dollars each), which is included in the total installation cost you see before you approve the work. Some stores offer a credit if your old tires have tread remaining and can be resold, though this is less common.

Tire warranties and road hazard coverage

Most tires sold at Advance come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a set number of years or miles. This warranty does not cover wear from normal driving, punctures, or damage from potholes or curbs.

Advance offers a separate road hazard warranty that you can purchase at the time of installation. This covers damage from punctures, potholes, and other road hazards for a set period (usually three to five years, depending on the tire). If your tire is damaged and cannot be repaired, the warranty covers a replacement at no cost. If the tire can be repaired, you pay for the repair and the warranty reimburses you.

The road hazard warranty costs a few dollars per tire and is optional. Whether it's worth buying depends on your local roads and how long you plan to keep the tires. If you live in an area with rough pavement or frequent potholes, the coverage often pays for itself after one claim.

Scheduling and walk-in appointments

You can schedule a tire installation appointment on Advance Auto Parts' website or by calling your local store. Most locations offer appointments within a few days, and many accept walk-ins if you're willing to wait. Wait times for walk-ins vary by location and time of day — early mornings on weekdays are usually faster than evenings or weekends.

If you schedule online, you'll receive a confirmation with your appointment time and a reminder a day or two before. Bring your vehicle keys and a valid ID. If you're paying with a credit card, bring that as well, though Advance accepts most major payment methods.

If the store is too busy to fit you in on the day you visit, ask when they have the next available slot. Many locations can schedule you for the same week, and some offer early-morning or late-evening appointments if your schedule is tight.

What to do if you have problems after installation

If you notice vibration, pulling to one side, or uneven wear within a few days of installation, return to the store where you bought the tires. The technician will rebalance the tires or check the alignment at no charge if the problem is related to the installation work.

If a tire fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, the manufacturer's warranty covers replacement. If the tire was damaged by a road hazard and you purchased the road hazard warranty, that coverage applies instead. Bring your receipt and the damaged tire to Advance, and they will process the claim.

If you purchased tires online and had them shipped to your home, contact Advance customer service to report the issue. They can arrange a replacement or refund depending on the problem and how much time has passed since your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tires at Advance and have them installed somewhere else?

Yes, but Advance does not offer a discount for installation you do elsewhere. You'll pay full price for the tires and then pay a separate installation fee at another shop. It's usually cheaper to have Advance install them, since you avoid the second service charge.

What if I need tires but don't know what size to buy?

Call your local Advance store or visit their website with your vehicle's year, make, and model. They can tell you the correct tire size and show you available options in that size. You can also look at the sticker inside your driver's side door or check your owner's manual.

Do I need an appointment to get tires installed?

No, but scheduling ahead is faster. Many Advance locations accept walk-ins, though you may wait an hour or more depending on how busy they are. Calling ahead to ask about wait times helps you decide whether to schedule or drop in.

How long do tires last after installation?

Most tires last three to five years or 25,000 to 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This depends on your driving habits, road conditions, and how well you maintain tire pressure and alignment. Check your tires every month and rotate them every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to extend their life.

What if my tire goes flat between visits?

Advance sells tire repair kits and portable air compressors if you want to handle a minor puncture yourself. For a permanent repair, return to Advance or any tire shop. Most punctures in the tread can be patched for a small fee, but sidewall damage usually requires tire replacement.