Monday, December 2nd
2024 Tire Store Reviews
Walmart
- Selection: 24 brands
- Price Range: $48.91 to $160.96/tire on the 2021 Toyota Corolla LE; $461.68/tire on the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
- Installation Fees: Starting at $18/tire
- Extra Benefits: Free re-torque within first 50 miles after install
Ever wondered if you should get your tires at Walmart? It's hard to beat for convenience alone: drop your car off, head inside, and they'll replace your tires while you shop. The inventory for tires at Walmart spans 24 brands, from budget-friendly to familiar big names, and you don't have to worry about putting the tires on yourself when you choose ones that are available for installation. Let's jump in and see what it's like to get your tires here.
Helps you find your tire's info
In order to buy tires at Walmart, you'll start with the basics of make, model, and year. If you don't know your tire size, you're going to need it to get to your tire options. But, helpfully, Walmart offers a link to show you where to find both your vehicle details (like the sub model or trim level) and the tire information - it's nice that they don't assume you have that top of mind.
Test case: Pirelli tires for Cybertrucks
Believe it or not, Walmart did have tires suitable for the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck (base model) that we used as a comparison across all of the tire stores on our list. Of course, if you've got the money to buy a Cybertruck, we're pretty darn sure you won't be getting your tires at Walmart, but at least now you know you could. The options were all by Pirelli, in the Scorpion line, priced at $461.68.
Test case: so many choices for Corollas
We were a little overwhelmed by the 1,000+ results we got when we looked for tires on our second comparison vehicle, a 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. Those ranged from $48.91/tire for the Waterfall Eco Dynamic to $160.96/tire for the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max All-Season Tires.
Installation setup can be confusing
If you're looking to have Walmart install your tires (instead of just shipping them to you), make sure to choose that filter. For the Corolla options, that brought our selection down to "just” 997 tires, so obviously you'll still have plenty to consider. It was hard to find the details for installation; it didn't show up until we got to the checkout, and even then it was a pretty small link to click on. But, we were able to indicate which Walmart we preferred, and it showed us in real time if we could have our tires installed there. Then again, from what we could tell, we'd still have to take delivery of the tires at our address, and then bring them to our preferred Walmart to have them put on. That's a hassle we don't love. It was also hard to figure out how to schedule the installation and when: do you wait for your tires to come and then set it up, just in case they come late? You may need to make a call to your local Walmart Tire Center and ask for yourself.
Not a ton of perks
What extra benefits do you get with your Walmart tire installation? They'll reset your TPMS (that monitors your tire pressure) and give you a complimentary re-torque within the first 50 miles after the install (if you remember to do it). All other services, some of which are included at no cost by competitors, come with an extra fee at Walmart. This includes the computerized lifetime tire balancing and rotation. But, we didn't see where to purchase that online, or where we could add the additional warranty protection that was mentioned. Is it that surprising that Walmart's process and benefits feels a little... cheap?
Check out the reviews on specific tires
We all know Walmart's overall reputation, but what about for tires specifically? The easiest thing to do is to look at the reviews on the tires themselves. Many of the options we saw had over 1,000 ratings; the Waterfall Eco Dynamic All-Season, as an example, had over 9,000 (and averaged an impressive 4.3 stars out of 5 on a tire that costs $61.95).
Not a bad choice if you're on a tight budget
Should you buy your tires from Walmart? If budget is your primary concern, absolutely. These are going to be some of the least expensive options on the market. You're going to have to jump through more hoops, though, especially on the install - and you could be missing some crucial benefits that other tire stores offer for free with your purchase. Do the math, and if Walmart works out for you, it's not the worst place to get tires.
More Tire Store Reviews
The 10 Best Tire Stores
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.
Tire Store FAQ
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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