What Are the Differences Between Online and Physical Store Tires?
3 Answers
There are certain differences in price and after-sales service. Here are some relevant introductions about online tires: 1. Manufacturers: Some are produced by small manufacturers. It can be said that many cheap tires online are unheard of, and their prices are certainly much cheaper than big brands like Michelin. 2. Year: Another factor is the year. Many car owners only know to buy new tires but never pay attention to the production date of the tires. For example, someone once saw a cheap Michelin quiet tire online priced at a few hundred yuan, while the market price for this tire is slightly more expensive. In fact, the tire online is not fake, but its production year is slightly older. If you normally replace tires from 2018, this tire was produced in 2016.
As a young car enthusiast who frequently tinkers with my vehicle, the biggest advantage of buying tires online is the affordable pricing. Purchasing the same brand online can save me 200-300 yuan, with a wider selection available. Platforms like JD.com and Taobao offer a complete range of international brands, and the delivery is fast and straight to my doorstep. However, I have to find a repair shop for installation myself. Some platforms include installation services, but it's still a bit of a hassle. Physical stores sell tires at higher prices, and visiting one requires time spent queuing. The upside is the convenience of getting tires replaced on the spot—everything is handled in one go, and any issues can be resolved immediately. Overall, it depends on personal preference. I prefer saving money by shopping online, though it does take some effort to find someone to install the tires. I recommend beginners start by visiting physical stores to learn how to choose the right tire size before considering the more cost-effective online shopping experience.
As a homemaker who often drives for family errands, I prefer buying tires at physical stores because the service is direct and reliable. The staff helps check tire aging, provides professional installation, and offers free inflation and balancing. If there are any issues, it's easy to go back to them. Although online tire prices are lower, you have to arrange installation yourself, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Once, I bought the wrong size online, and returning it was a hassle. Dealing with after-sales service over the phone was not intuitive and really frustrating. At physical stores, you can see and feel the actual product, while online shopping only offers pictures and reviews that are hard to verify. The price may be higher, but it saves a lot of risks, especially when weather changes cause tires to wear out quickly—physical stores offer peace of mind. Remember, don’t prioritize cheap prices over safety details.
