Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

Tires at a local tire shop on a black background

What to Expect at Your Local Tire Shop

When it comes time to replace or upgrade your tires or receive routine maintenance, you want to visit a reputable and dependable tire shop in your area. But, where should you go? From well-known chains to specialty shops and the on-site tire centers at your local dealerships, you’ll have several options to choose from. However, you’ll want to make sure that they meet a few key requirements.

Out of all the available options, some of the most reliable tire shops can be found right at your local dealership. Their service centers are more capable than the popular tire chains, and they regularly offer incredible deals and incentives. In addition, the tire center at your local dealership is likely to offer a wide selection of tires and may even specialize in the make and model vehicle that you have. However, it is still important to choose the right dealership for the job. When searching for the best tire shop at your local dealership, you’ll want to make sure they offer all of the qualities below.

Extensive Tire Selection

When choosing the right tire shop, you want to make sure that they offer an extensive selection of tires for sale. Not only is this a good sign that the tire center is dependable and knowledgeable, but it ensures that you’re able to purchase the right type of tires for your vehicle and day-to-day needs. Here are just a few important tires to look for at your local tire store.

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are one of the most commonly purchased tires, as they are dependable in a variety of weather conditions and are suitable for year-round use. Whether you live in a dry, rainy, or snowy area, or a mix of each, all-season tires are likely an appropriate selection for use on your vehicle.

Snow and Winter Tires

Some drivers prefer to use a different set of tires during the winter. This improves the handling of vehicles in snowy situations and can make a big difference during the winter months. However, snow and winter tires are not typically suitable for year-round use, so another set of tires will be needed for the spring, summer, and fall months.

All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires are a great option for drivers who find themselves regularly traversing across various types of differing terrains. The tires are typically found on SUVs and trucks and are popular with drivers who do some occasional off-roading. Drivers who live in an area with dirt roads and driveways may also find these tires useful.

Specialty Tires

For drivers with more specialized needs, there are a variety of tires available. These include options like low-profile tires, which help improve the handling on sedans. Performance tires take handling and maneuverability to the next level and are most commonly found on high-performance sports vehicles. Mud tires are another type of specialty tire that is popular among drivers who off-road regularly, as they can easily handle muddy, rough, and uneven terrain.

Tires for Trucks and SUVs

Some tires are designed specifically for the needs of larger SUVs and trucks. Drivers of these types of vehicles may want to inquire about the available options for their truck or SUV at their local tire shop. These tires can be especially useful for midsize to full SUVs, and any size truck,  that will be regularly used for towing or traveling over tough terrains.

Choosing the right tire for your vehicle can seem tricky. However, it is important to carefully consider what you’ll be using your vehicle for and the conditions your vehicle will be driving in. And remember, a knowledgeable tire shop will be able to listen to all of your needs and help you determine which tire options are best for you. To learn more about the available selection from your local tire shop, be sure to give them a call or stop by to check them out in person.

Customized Tire Maintenance

One of the key qualities to look for at your local tire shop is their ability to customize your tire maintenance to suit your needs. Varying models and driving habits can require different maintenance, and a certified technician should quickly be able to recognize the type of routine tire maintenance that your vehicle will most benefit from. A knowledgeable and helpful member of the tire shop should then be able to help you schedule your customized maintenance plan.

Your local tire store should also be able to handle a wide variety of tire services with ease. From helping you pick out the right tires and installing them to tire alignment and rotation, make sure you choose a capable tire shop that can handle all of your needs.

Specials and Incentives

A local tire shop near you should offer competitive prices on the price of their tires, as well as tire services and maintenance. To make your tire needs even more affordable, it is also important to keep a lookout for a tire store that offers regular incentives. If applicable, specials and incentives from your local tire shop can be found on their website. However, if not, you can always feel free to ask one of the helpful members of the tire center team. Prices on tires and tire service can vary significantly from store to store, so be sure to shop around for low prices, while making sure that the tire shop itself is high-quality and its technicians are properly certified.

Flexible Hours and Locations

If you need to purchase tires and have them installed, or any other type of tire maintenance, you want to do so as conveniently as possible. Look for a tire shop that offers flexible hours, including evening or weekend availability, at a convenient location. Some of the best tire shops can be found at your local dealerships, as their technicians are highly certified, they offer extremely flexible services, and have access to nearly any kind of tire you’re looking for. Working with the tire center at your local dealership is also beneficial in the event that your vehicle requires other maintenance or repairs, as the technicians can easily take care of all of your automotive needs.

Excellent Customer Service

Getting your tires fixed isn’t one of the longer services required for your vehicle, however you’ll likely be spending some time waiting at the tire shop. You’ll want to find a shop with a warm and friendly staff that offers plenty of guest accommodations. These may include complimentary beverages and comfortable seating during your wait, free WiFi, a television, vending machines, and even a guest information center. The more comfortable your wait, the more enjoyable your service! The customer service staff should also be knowledgeable and helpful and be able to answer all of your questions, or have access to the necessary resources to help you address your concerns.

A tech at a local tire shop balances a new tire on a wheel

Visit Your Local Tire Shop Today!

If you’re looking for a tire shop near you, you may want to check out what your local dealership has to offer. Many dealerships offer comprehensive tire centers that offer a wider variety of tires and services and run regular specials and incentives. Properly certified technicians at your local dealership will also be able to handle a wider selection of services, compared to a tire shop that only offers tires and related services. So, when it’s time to replace or upgrade your tires or receive any necessary tire maintenance, look for a tire shop with all of the above qualities and enjoy a fast, dependable, and easy tire service.