Another great way to get great deals on tires is to purchase them from megastores. Megastores have physical buildings and on-site locations. Megastores also have online services. Many consumers think of a popular megastore as the best place to buy tires because of the sheer volume of product options available. While this is often true, shopping for tires at megastores provides numerous other benefits.

Inventory in a megastore is often vast and comprehensive. Therefore (like using TireComp), it is also possible to compare prices between seemingly countless brands of tires inside one megastore. Walmart is perhaps the best example of a megastore with tire purchasing options today. Walmart offers everyday low prices overall. Walmart also offers randomly timed discounts, deals, and specials on tires in its Auto Centers.

The Walmart Auto Center also employs certified, professional mechanics who install your new tires as an additional service if requested. One huge benefit of buying tires at a place such as Walmart is the all-in-one service factor. Another benefit is the discounts Walmart often offers to customers on tire prices when they also hire a Walmart mechanic to install them. Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Tire Center are three out of the many other tire megastores in business today.

Like Walmart, these megastores can offer such everyday discounted prices because they:

• Buy and sell tires in bulk.
• Are consistently stocked.
• Offer on-site mechanic services, making it easier to offer discounted combination service/purchase packages.
• Offer credit cards and special store membership discounts to cardholders or members.

Some consumers consider direct tire manufacturers to be better options than shopping at megastores. The overall shopping and specific selection process are more focused and streamlined. Items in stock are more limited, however, especially because specific tire manufacturers or retail companies only sell the brands they make or are licensed to sell. Still, it is not uncommon for drivers to have their favorite brands and shop at only one brand/location.

A list of specific tire retailers and manufacturers and several more megastores include:

• Michelin.
• Goodyear.
• BF Goodrich.
• Bridgestone.
• Firestone.
• Pirelli.
• OnlineTires.com.
• Discount Tire Direct.
• Discounted Wheel Warehouse.
• Tire America.
• Onlinetires.com.
• National Tire & Battery (NTB).

One final aspect to consider is the choice between budget vs. brand-name tires. Budget tires save you money in the short term but are more likely to need replacement faster. Brand-name tires likely cost more upfront but are built to last longer, therefore saving you money over the long term. Some budget brand tires are of higher quality. Some brand-name models have unexpected flaws. It is advisable to consider budget tire purchases as short-term solutions when necessary. Save up for high-quality brand-name tires then buy them during April, October, or a holiday sales event.