The pros and cons of buying tires online

Online tire shopping: The pros

For CAA-Quebec car expert and road test coordinator Jesse Caron, the main reason consumers buy tires online rather than from a retailer is to save money. “When people shop online, they have the advantage of being able to easily compare prices between sites,” he said. Rather than having to settle for their local retailers, motorists who want new tires have access to dozens of sites offering a wide range of models at different prices. Since online retailers don’t have to worry about the expense of running a garage, their prices are lower. But consumers need to be well informed.

Buying tires online: The cons

“There are no bad winter tires. But some winter tires can be a poor fit for certain vehicles or an individual’s style of driving,” said Sylvain Légaré, automotive research analyst at CAA-Quebec. How do you use your car? Do you drive on snow-covered country roads or in a big city? These factors have a big impact on your choice of tire. Talking to a professional is the best way to make sure you select tires that are well suited to your needs. Unfortunately, online retailers often have lacklustre customer and after-sales service. 

Pay attention to the pictograms and the cost of installation

Got all the knowledge and experience you need to shop for tires online? If you’re in the market for winter tires, make sure they have a pictogram certifying that they’re designed for winter driving. “I also advise people to contact their mechanic to see if they’ll install winter tires purchased online,” said Sylvain Légaré. He explained that mechanics may be reluctant to install tires purchased elsewhere. “Often they won’t provide a warranty on installation,” he said. Some charge extra to install tires that weren’t purchased at the garage. Make sure you’re familiar with the features of your old tires. Otherwise you might buy the wrong ones. “You have to make sure they’re the right size and have the correct load and speed ratings. It’s specialized information that people are less familiar with,” added Jesse Caron. Check with an expert to ensure you make the right choice and avoid compromising your safety. You can also take a look at our Guide to buying winter tires.