Finding the best place to get tires and other necessary car parts is key to running a successful rideshare business. But sometimes, the company, tire types, pricing, and other specifications can be overwhelming. This is why I have reviewed Tire Rack so our rideshare family can get the inside scoop.
I help you determine if Tire Rack is right for you to purchase discount tires to keep your car running smoothly.
Tire Rack Overview
Tire Rack has been in business since 1979 and currently has a distribution center of over 2.7 million square feet. They carry inventory from the top 26 tire brands and 60 wheel brands and try to deliver orders by the next business day whenever possible.
Tire Rack implemented a unique testing system allowing them to test tires in wet conditions on their own track and on ice and snow using a local hockey rink.
Most recently, Discount Tire purchased Tire Rack, making it a part of the Tire Rack family. You can still shop separately at both stores, and if there is a Discount Tire near you, you can have Tire Rack tires installed at Discount Tire.
Tire Rack offers a variety of products, including tires, wheels, major car parts, and accessories. Tire Rack offers rideshare drivers many benefits, including free shipping, a perfect fit promise, and many ways to contact customer service.
Since tires, car parts, and accessories are a big part of running your Uber or Lyft business, check out this Tire Rack review to determine if it will help keep your costs down while you handle the percentage Uber and Lyft keep of your every ride’s earnings.
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How Tire Rack Works
Tire Rack is an online-only tire distributor, so they don’t install the tires for you, which is an important factor in my Tire Rack Review.
However, they make it easy not only to find the right tires but also to find an installer. Here’s how it works.
1. Choose Your Tires
Like most tire retailers, you can shop for tires by vehicle or tire size. I always prefer to shop by vehicle because I know I’m buying the right tires for my car. After entering your car’s make, model, and year, select the product category you want to purchase from, including standard tires, snow tires, or tire/wheel packages.
If you prefer someone to tell you what tires to purchase, use the Tire Decision Guide. The guide asks specific questions about the type of handling you prefer, the typical weather you face, and your vehicle information.
You’ll have access to Tire Rack’s unbiased performance and consumer reviews to read what ‘real people’ say about the tires.
2. Choose Your Installer
Tire Rack recommends installers on their website when you purchase tires. The installers they recommend have guaranteed installation prices, so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises when you get them installed.
The best part is that Tire Rack can ship the tires directly to the installer, so you don’t have to worry about how to transport the tires to have them installed.
Pros and Cons
Understanding the pros and cons is important to help you determine if it’s the best choice. As a rideshare driver, you should do what you can to keep your costs down while ensuring you have reliable equipment to run your business successfully.
Pros
- Free shipping on most orders over $50
- Ships directly to the installer
- Most tires include free 2-year tire road hazard protection
Cons
- You must find an installer to install your tires.
- There are no freebies, like lifetime tire and rotation.
- Returns can be complicated, despite their ‘no questions asked return policy.’
Products and Services
Tire Rack offers many products to help ensure your car is in great condition for rideshare driving. They stock a large number of standard and winter tires, wheels, and some car parts, including:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- TPMS systems
- Lug nuts and wheel locks
- Wipers
- Batteries
You can also find various accessories, including tools, car care items, tire storage, and apparel.
Pricing and Discounts
Tire Rack doesn’t have a price guarantee, but buying tires online from a company that doesn’t have the overhead of running shops may save you a little money.
For example, I compared Pirelli Scorpion AS PLUS 3 235 /55 R19 tires on Discount Tire and Tire Rack, and they came up almost identical at $240 at Discount Tire and $239.57 at Tire Rack, but not all tires will be identically priced.
If you’re looking for discounts, check their Special Offers section to see their current deals. Like most tire retailers, there are often deals, so check back frequently and try to avoid buying tires at regular prices.
Shipping
Even though Tire Rack is online only, you don’t have to worry about spending a lot on shipping because they ship most orders over $50 for free. Tire Rack will ship your tires directly to the installer or your home or office if you choose not to use one of their recommended installers.
The nice thing is most tires are delivered by the next business day, so you don’t have to wait long for them to arrive.
Installation
Tire Rack doesn’t install tires, but you’re not completely on your own for installation. They partner with 10,000+ independent installers that they personally recommend. You can also find a mobile installer or handle the installation process yourself.
Any installers Tire Rack recommends meet their strict requirements, and they pledge that you’ll see full installation costs before selecting an installer so you can make an informed decision.
Return Policy and Warranty
Tire Rack accepts returns within 30 days of your delivery date, and all returns are subject to a Tire Rack professional’s inspection. They only accept unused and non-damaged items for returns.
If you return tires, you’ll receive a credit for the purchase minus any freight charges incurred to send them back. If you return a wheels and tire package, you’ll get a credit minus shipping and a $60 labor charge for dismounting the tires and wheels.
Each tire sold by the retailer includes a manufacturer’s warranty, but the length and what’s covered varies by manufacturer and is outside of Tire Rack’s hands.
Company Overall Rating
Consider their overall ratings when deciding whether to use Tire Rack for your car’s maintenance.
- Better Business Bureau: A+ with 46 closed complaints in the last 12 months
- Trustpilot: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Consumer Affairs: 1.8 out of 5 stars
Most of the negative reviews on Consumer Affairs involve the tires themselves, whereas Trustpilot reviews focus mostly on the fast shipping and great customer service.
Overall, I think the largest concern is for people with trouble with their tires, as they claim Tire Rack doesn’t stand behind their products or back up their customers.
FAQs
Is It Worth Buying Tires From Tire Rack?
If you’re looking for an easy way to purchase new tires for your car, Tire Rack may offer some great deals. The largest hassle is finding an independent installer, but they do a great job of providing you with recommendations close to home and will ship the tires directly to them.
Can Tire Rack Assist in Determining if a Specific Set of Tires Will Fit My Vehicle Correctly?
The Tire Rack Decision Guide can help you choose the right tires in two minutes or less. You just answer some questions about your vehicle, the type of performance you prefer, and what conditions you’ll use the tires most, and the guide will help you choose the right tires for your vehicle.
How Does Tire Rack’s Pricing Compare to Other Tire Retailers?
I found tires at Tire Rack were comparable to most other discount retailers. In some cases, I found tires slightly cheaper; we’re talking a few dollars per tire at warehouse clubs like Costco, but overall, the prices are similar to most discount centers.
Can Rideshare Drivers Schedule Tire Services Online?
Tire Rack doesn’t offer tire installation services. Instead, you work with a local installer, but you can schedule your appointment on their website with a recommended installer. Tire Rack is 100% transparent about the installation prices before you select an installer, so you know what to expect.
How Is the Overall Customer Service Experience at Tire Rack?
Most customers rave about the customer service experience at Tire Rack. While they may complain about other aspects, including the tire quality, almost everyone agrees that the customer service is exceptional.
Drivers Take
Overall, my Tire Rack review is that it’s worth keeping on your list when comparing tire prices.
While their prices were comparable to many other retailers, and you have to go through the hassle of finding an installer, there are times when they run much better deals than other retailers, making it well worth the effort.
