Ordering tires online means buying them from a website instead of a tire shop, then either picking them up locally or having them shipped to your home or a service center
The main advantage is price — online retailers often undercut brick-and-mortar shops because they have lower overhead. The trade-off is that you handle more of the logistics yourself: finding your tire size, comparing options across multiple sites, and arranging installation separately. Most people save money this way, but it requires a few extra steps compared to walking into a shop and leaving with new tires the same day.
The process breaks into three parts: finding your tire size, choosing where to buy, and deciding where to have them installed. Each decision affects cost and convenience, so understanding your options upfront prevents frustration later.
Key Takeaways
- Your tire size is printed on the sidewall of your current tire and in your vehicle's manual or driver's door jamb — you need this before searching online.
- Online tire retailers like Discount Tire, Tire Rack, and Amazon Tires often have lower prices than local shops, but shipping costs and installation fees vary widely.
- Many online retailers partner with local service centers for installation, so you can buy online and have the tires mounted nearby without paying extra shipping.
- If you buy from a retailer without installation partnerships, you will need to arrange installation at an independent shop or dealership, which may charge $15 to $30 per tire.
- Comparing the total cost — tire price plus shipping plus installation — across three or four retailers takes 20 minutes and often saves $50 to $150.
Finding your tire size before you search
Your tire size is a code printed on the sidewall of any tire currently on your vehicle. It looks like this: 225/65R17. The easiest way to find it is to look at the driver's side door jamb — open the door and look at the sticker on the inside edge. That sticker lists the recommended tire size for your vehicle.
If you cannot find the sticker, the sidewall of your current tire has the same information. Write down the entire code exactly as it appears. Do not guess or round — 225/65R17 is different from 225/60R17, and the wrong size will not fit your vehicle safely.
You also need to know whether you want all-season tires (the most common choice, suitable for most climates), winter tires (for snow and ice), or summer tires (for warm weather only). If you live somewhere with regular snow, winter tires are worth the extra cost because they grip better in cold. If you live in a mild climate year-round, all-season tires are the standard choice.
Where to buy tires online
The largest online tire retailers are Discount Tire, Tire Rack, Amazon Tires, and Costco (if you have a membership). Each has different pricing, shipping policies, and installation partnerships. Prices for the same tire can vary by $20 to $40 per tire, so checking at least two sites is worth the time.
Discount Tire and Tire Rack both operate their own installation centers in many cities, which means you can order online and have the tires mounted at a local shop without paying shipping. Costco requires a membership but often has competitive pricing and will install tires you buy from them. Amazon Tires ships to your home or to a partner installation center, depending on your location.
Independent tire shops and regional chains like Firestone and Goodyear also sell online. Their prices are sometimes higher than the national retailers, but they may offer faster local installation or loyalty discounts if you have bought from them before. Check your local options before assuming a national site is cheapest.
Comparing total cost, not just tire price
The tire price alone is not the real cost. You also pay for shipping (if applicable) and installation. A tire that costs $5 less but charges $15 per tire to ship is actually more expensive. Here is what to track:
| Cost Component | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Tire price per tire | Multiply by 4 to get the total for all four tires |
| Shipping | Many retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount; some charge $10 to $30 per tire |
| Installation | If the retailer has a local partner, installation is usually $15 to $30 per tire; if you arrange it yourself, call ahead for the price |
| Balancing and alignment | Usually included with installation, but confirm; balancing costs $10 to $20 per tire if charged separately |
| Disposal of old tires | Most shops charge $3 to $5 per tire to dispose of your old ones; some include this in installation |
Add all four components together for each retailer you are considering. The cheapest tire price often is not the cheapest total cost. A spreadsheet with three columns — retailer name, total cost, and where installation happens — takes five minutes to build and makes the decision clear.
Choosing between home delivery and local installation
If a retailer has installation partners near you, that is usually the best option. You order online, the tires ship to the local shop, and you drop off your car for mounting. You pay no shipping cost, and installation happens within a few days. Discount Tire and Tire Rack both have this option in most metro areas — enter your zip code on their website to see which shops are nearby.
If the retailer does not have local partners, you have two choices: pay to ship the tires to your home and then take them to an independent shop, or have the tires shipped directly to a shop you choose. Some retailers will ship to any address, including a tire shop. Call the shop first to confirm they accept shipments and what they charge to mount tires you bring in — prices range from $15 to $30 per tire.
Shipping tires to your home makes sense only if you plan to store them or if your local shops charge very high installation fees. Tires are heavy and bulky, and shipping costs add up. Most people save money by having tires shipped to a shop that will install them the same day.
What happens after you place the order
Once you order, the retailer will confirm your order and send a tracking number. If the tires are shipping to a local installation center, that shop will contact you within a few days to schedule an appointment. If they are shipping to your home, expect delivery within 5 to 10 business days depending on your location.
When you drop off your car for installation, bring your keys and be prepared to wait 1 to 2 hours. The technician will remove your old tires, mount and balance the new ones, and check your alignment if you requested it. Some shops will call you if they find a problem — for example, if your wheels are bent or your suspension needs work — so keep your phone nearby.
After installation, ask for a receipt showing what was done. Keep it for your records. If a tire develops a defect within the first few weeks, most manufacturers will replace it under warranty, and having documentation of the installation date helps with warranty claims.
When to buy tires online versus at a local shop
Buying online makes sense if you have time to compare prices and do not need tires urgently. The savings are real — often $50 to $150 for a set of four tires — but they come from doing the research yourself. If you need tires in the next two days, a local shop is faster even if it costs more.
Buying locally makes sense if you have a trusted shop with good prices, if you want to discuss tire options face-to-face with a technician, or if you value the convenience of one-stop shopping. Some people also prefer supporting a local business over a large national retailer. Both choices are reasonable — the online route just requires more planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know my vehicle's year, make, and model to order tires?
No. Your tire size is all you need. Most online retailers let you search by tire size alone. Entering your vehicle information is optional and helps the site recommend tires suited to your car, but it is not required to complete an order.
What if the tires arrive damaged?
Reputable retailers inspect tires before shipping and insure shipments against damage. If a tire arrives damaged, contact the retailer when ready with photos. They will replace it at no cost. This is why ordering from established retailers like Discount Tire or Tire Rack is safer than buying from unknown sellers — they have clear damage policies.
Can I return tires if I change my mind after ordering?
Most online tire retailers allow returns within 30 days if the tires have not been installed. Once mounted on your vehicle, they are usually final sale. Check the retailer's return policy before ordering if this matters to you.
Is it cheaper to buy tires online than at Costco or Sam's Club?
It depends on the tire and your membership status. Costco and Sam's Club often have competitive prices and include installation with purchase, which simplifies the process. If you already have a membership, compare their prices to Discount Tire and Tire Rack before assuming online-only retailers are cheaper.
What if my local shop will not install tires I bought elsewhere?
Some shops refuse to install outside tires to protect their own tire sales. Call ahead and ask before ordering. If your regular shop declines, Discount Tire and Tire Rack installation centers will mount tires from any retailer, usually for $15 to $30 per tire.