Purchasing tyres from the internet

[supra123]

I recently found myself browsing through the internet looking at tires. It blows my mind to look at the way things have changed over the past 100 years in relation to tires. To think that they once began as a wooden circle and have developed to the point that they are capable of carrying a vehicle at over 200 miles per hours. It's really neat to look at it all.

On Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_tyres they state that Formula 1 race cars use a total of 6 different types of tires. It's crazy to think that they need that many just to race around a track. At one time tires were nothing more than a rubber shell with a rubber air filled tube in it. Similar to bicycle tires today.

Now we have a tire for every possible driving condition available to us. There are tires specifically designed for driving in the rain or snow. Others are available for off road driving. There are tires that will resist bullets, and others that will instantly re-inflate if a bullet manages to puncture its surface. Tires for motorcycles, and tires for heavy duty construction vehicles. Vehicles are even able to provide live feedback on how inflated a tire is and when it needs air.

So anyway, enough of the history of tires and what they can do. I found myself stumbling upon websites online that allow for the purchasing of tires. I found this website at http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk and they also have a discount page which can be found at http://www.tyreshopper.co.uk/discount-codes/, They offer access to every name brand possible and basically every type of tire those companies offer.

Has anyone else ever purchased tires from the internet? It would seem that they would be challenging and expensive to mail. I haven't taken the time to see what the shipping would be, but I was wondering if it really is as simple as order and receive like it is for other products purchased online. I pity the mail person who has to carry those things to my front door.

I was hoping some of you have ordered tires online and could give me some feedback on your experiences with doing so. I understand I will have to take the tires and have them mounted, but if I can save a significant amount of money on purchasing the tires it would be worth it. Mounting doesn't cost very much at all and can be done in about 20 minutes. So any feedback on your experiences?

[Maz1]

My advice is to double double check the sizes that you need - i have entered my reg before and that they were the right size. Sadly they weren't!!!! get the measurements off the side of your tyres first!

[Dave B.]

First, I'm in the U.S., so my opinion may not be worth as much to you as someone from the U.K. But, I've purchased a number of tires through the internet. As Maz1 said, it's definitely to your advantage to confirm the size needed by checking the sidewall of your current tires.

My comment/warning is to be sure that you have a garage/tire dealer who is willing to mount and balance tires that you've purchased somewhere else... and at a reasonable price. I'm lucky in that I have an excellent relationship with a local independent tire dealer. I have several vehicles, and my deal with him is that I'm free to source tires from the internet if I like and he will mount and balance them for me at a fixed (and very competitive) price. If he can obtain the same tires from one of his suppliers and can match the internet's price, I'll buy them from him, instead.

Second, if you have alloy rims - or any that are of a special or unique construction - make sure in advance that the tire shop you've chosen has the equipment to mount and balance them. I compete in some amateur motorsports and can tell you, for example, that not every shop has equipment capable of mounting rally tires (because of their extremely stiff sidewalls). Large diameter wheels may precipitate the same type of problem.

Final comment: F1 tires. The current supplier is Pirelli and the reason they produce six types of tires for those cars is because that's what the FIA asked for. There are 'hard', 'medium', 'soft' and 'super-soft' types; as well as two types of rain tires, one type for light rain and one for heavy rain. In their constant twiddling to try to make the races more interesting, the FIA requires that Pirelli bring two of the four types of 'dry' tires to each race. The types brought are dependent on the track. Each competitor must use at least one set of each type of dry tire. This rule is intended to force each team to make at least one pit stop during each race. At least in theory, it also levels the playing field a bit by forcing the teams to compromise their 'set-ups' to accommodate both types of tires. If it rains, this rule is suspended.

[jesonmartin45]

Well you also might want to check out the midtowntireinc.com/.. for the information on best available tires and discounts on them..I really found it quite interesting..

[Maz1]

and check that fitting is not a fortune on top! Anyone bought online tyres from Jennings Motor Group? any help gratefully received.

[vinzsalvador23]

Yeah I agree, We should double check the size of the tyre every time we purchase.

[lauralouise90]

Hi,

I'm with the guys at ATS Euromaster and here's my advice for you.

Double & triple check your tyre sizing and requirements (do you want run flat etc?).

Then decide whether you're happy to fit the tyres yourself or whether you'd prefer to go to a garage to have them fitted... All of our tyres are fitted in your local centre. Finally if you're coming to a centre pick the time that best suits you.

I'd never suggest fitting the tyres yourself unless you're completely confident in your ability and that you'll align them correctly.

If you are going to a centre for fitting then check that the tyre prices online include fitting (no one likes a hidden charge!) All our online prices are fully fitted, but not all retailers do this.

Hope this helps,

Laura

[drizler]

I have bought tires either mail order or (last 4 years) off the net and saved quite a bit of money doing it. The place I found with the best overall price (for my cars regular performance car light truck) were TIRESEASY.COM. A German outfit based in California. All of mine were of recent manufacture and no issues.
THe trouble today is getting them mounted. Most cars have those damned TPM gauges as a lawsuit protector against lazy slugs who never check their tires. The small shops don't seem to want to touch those things. When you look long enough you can find places that will mount / balance tires for $15 each around here buy you gotta hunt. As for the "free mounting" the tire places advertise that is way overshadowed by whatever fees and inflated tire price they have built in. You can do it but you sure do have to work for it these days.