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Tuesday, November 12th
Tire Rack is our favorite place to shop for new tires - if anyone can make the process enjoyable, they do. From showing you their extensive testing on their very own test track to including big perks like two years of road hazard protection and roadside assistance at no extra cost, Tire Rack puts in the work to earn your trust and loyalty. They had a great selection of tires for both of the vehicles in our test case, and installation options in our area were abundant. Car owners come back to Tire Rack year after year because of the tire store's customer-centric approach to service, awarding the company more than 10,000 5-star reviews. We're glad to give Tire Rack a 5-star rating as well, as our #1 pick among tire stores.
In the tire business since 1949, Mavis Tire has 1,400 locations across 26 states. Despite such a long history, this tire store isn't keeping up with the competition. The selection for the two vehicles in our comparison was almost nonexistent, there are few perks included with your purchase, and customers have a love-hate relationship with the company. Mavis comes in last place among the tire stores in our evaluation.
Buying tires can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can easily navigate the process and find the best tires for your vehicle. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it.
Start by assessing your driving habits and the conditions you frequently encounter. Do you drive mostly on highways, in the city, or off-road? Are you dealing with snow, rain, or extreme heat? The answers will help you decide whether you need all-season tires, summer tires, winter tires, or a specialized type like off-road or performance tires.
Look at your current tires to gather important information. You'll find the tire size on the sidewall, which includes a series of numbers and letters (such as 225/65R17). This tells you the tire width, aspect ratio, construction type, and rim diameter. Make sure the new tires match these specifications unless you're making a deliberate change for a specific reason.
Use online resources to research tire brands, types, and models. Many websites offer tools where you can input your vehicle's make, model, and year to get tire recommendations. Read customer reviews and professional ratings to get a sense of how different tires perform in areas like traction, handling, comfort, and durability.
Feeling overwhelmed? We've got a shortcut for you: just shop for your tires online. Most of today's popular tire stores can walk you through all of those things we just mentioned. Enter your make, model, and year (or, for some online stores, just your license plate or VIN), and you're good to go. You'll usually be able to see the research those retailers have done and benefit from their expertise, along with reviews from other car owners, in order to make your choice.
Once you've chosen your tires, the next step is to arrange for installation. If you're an automotive pro and you want to install the tires yourself, you do you (just make sure the store allows for that; some tire shops require professional installation in order to make a purchase). But, if you'd rather let an actual pro do the dirty work, check the options on offer. Usually, the tires will be shipped directly to the installer you indicate, and you can schedule an appointment to have them mounted and balanced on your vehicle. Some online stores even offer mobile installation services where a technician comes to your location to install them.
Still not sure which tire store to use? No worries. Here are a few criteria that can narrow down the options:
Ready to get rid of those worn-down treads? The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and ranked some of today's most popular tire stores. Use our information to find the perfect set of tires for your ride. Let the good times roll!
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