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Wheel Hero vs Mavis Tire

Saturday, November 2nd

2024 Tire Store Reviews

Wheel Hero Review 2 Star Rating

Wheel Hero

2 Star Rating
  • Selection: 40 brands
  • Price Range: $69.97 to $221.25/tire on 2021 Toyota Corolla; $199 to $474.99/tire on 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
  • Installation Fees: N/A
  • Extra Benefits: Free shipping on select brands, Road Hazard Warranty available (for a fee), financing available through Affirm
  • "A+” rated by the BBB
  • In business since 1992

Wheel Hero has over two decades of experience in selling tires. You'll find 40 brands to choose from, and it should be easy to find several dozen options that will work for your vehicle. However, this online tire store is missing some of the bells-and-whistles offered by rivals, and there's definitely a vibe of "you already know what you're doing, right?” as you shop here - it's not well-suited for the average car owner. Plus, despite an "A+” rating from the BBB, this company has gotten some pretty negative feedback from customers - including the fact that the tires they received weren't always brand-new. We give Wheel Hero a below-average rating for all of those reasons.

Mavis Tire Review 2 Star Rating

Mavis Tire

2 Star Rating
  • Selection: Over 100 brands
  • Price Range: $191.99 to $222/tire on 2021 Toyota Corolla LE; no tires for Tesla Cybertruck
  • Installation Fees: $40 plus extra for balancing
  • Extra Benefits: Price matching, can also have other automotive services done during tire installation
  • In business since 1949
  • Over 1,400 locations in 26 states

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.

Which Tire Store is the Best?

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.

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Tire Store FAQ

When buying tires, you'll need to know your vehicle's make and model, your typical driving conditions, and tire size. Most online retailers provide tools to help you find the right tires for your vehicle when you input those details, and some can even pull up your car's tire info based on your license plate or VIN.
Your vehicle's recommended tire size can usually be found in the owner's manual, on the tire itself, or on a sticker inside the driver's side door. It's important to match the tire size for proper fit and performance; stick with that unless you're going for some kind of customization and you know what you're doing.
Yes, buying tires online is perfectly safe when you purchase from reputable retailers. Many online tire stores offer secure payment options, customer reviews, and comprehensive return policies. Look for sites with positive feedback, a good rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a long history in the tire business.
Most online tire retailers partner with local installers. After purchasing, you can choose a certified installer near you where the tires will be shipped directly, and you can schedule an appointment for installation. Some offer mobile installation: the perfect choice if your vehicle can't currently be driven on the tires you have.
Usually, yes! Online tire prices are often more competitive due to lower overhead costs for the retailer. You might also find discounts, promotions, and bundle deals online that aren't available in physical stores. And, you've definitely got a better selection to choose from.
The best online tire retailers typically offer a fitment (yes, that's a funny-sounding word) guarantee, meaning if the tires don't fit your vehicle, they will exchange them or offer a refund. Be sure to review the return policy before purchasing.
Yes, tires purchased online usually come with the manufacturer's warranty, which is the same as buying from a physical store. Some online retailers also offer additional road hazard protection or extended warranties - either as a complimentary perk or at an added cost.
To feel confident that you're getting quality tires, look for customer reviews, check the tire's performance ratings (like traction and temperature), and buy from well-known brands and trusted online retailers. Make sure the tires meet your typical driving needs and conditions, from your usual usage (commuter on the highway or leisure driver on back roads) to climate.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

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:

  • Selection. Does the tire store carry options suitable for your vehicle? Most websites have options for the vast majority of vehicles, but if you have something higher end or unusual (hello, Tesla Cybertruck), your choices may be fewer.
  • Installation options. Do you plan on going the DIY route, or would you prefer a professional? Is mobile installation something you need?
  • Costs. The price of the tire isn't the only thing you should take note of. How much will the installation be? Are there any other fees that work their way into the process?
  • Benefits. Some tire stores sweeten the deal by offering free roadside assistance or maintenance over the life of the tire, like balancing, repairs, and pressure checks.
  • Reputation. What are people saying about the tire store? Does it get reviews from repeat customers who wouldn't even consider going somewhere else? What does the Better Business Bureau think of the company? Also look at customer feedback on specific tires as you browse the tire store's inventory.

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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