Tyre buying tips to help you stay safe and save more money
Buying tyres online are becoming more popular. It’s estimated that by 2020 one in every five new tyres bought will be purchased through online tyre stores. In this article, I’ll discuss whether it’s wise to do so.
Why do people buy tyres online?
This question can be answered in two words: cost; time.
Cost
Look at online tyre retailers, and you’ll be bombarded with claims of lower prices, 4-for-3 deals, and so on. It’s great when you get a bargain, isn’t it?
Time
We’re all pushed for time today, and what saves more time than shopping online? Some online retailers use systems that ask you to click on your make and model, and then they offer a list of suggested tyres. What could be easier?
To buy online, you need some knowledge
Buying tyres are different to buying a new computer, or furniture, or new shoes. For a start, none of these items is critical to the health and well-being of so many people:
- If you buy shoes online and they aren’t quite what you thought, they may prove to be uncomfortable for a few days.
- Drive on a set of tyres that aren’t quite what they claimed to be, and you could kill yourself… and others.
If you plan to buy tyres online, then it is crucial you know the size and type of tyre you need. If this is the case, those online headline savings may now look tempting.
Do you really need new tyres?
Knowing the correct specs for your tyre is a good start to your online shopping experience, but you also need to know whether new tyres are really necessary.
Usually, people change tyres because of tread depth. Although the legal minimum tread is 1.5mm, you should consider changing them if the depth is worn to 3mm, as there may be other associated damage.
In our tyre shop here in West Brisbane, we find that many drivers come in with tyres that are still fit for purpose. We’ll advise them if they have plenty of tread left, and no other damage that requires the tyre be changed.
If you don’t have the knowledge or experience to know that your tyres don’t need changing yet, you could be changing them way too early.
What do you pay for when you buy tyres online?
When you purchase tyres online, it really is ‘caveat emptor’: buyer beware. You won’t get advice. And that headline price may look cheaper, but don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping and the cost of getting them fitted and balanced.
You’ll need to order in advance, too, and set a time to visit a tyre shop to have the new tyres fitted.
Perhaps I can sum up like this:
- If you are certain that your tyres need changing; and
- You know the tyre size and specifications that you need; and
- You have factored in all the costs of buying online (including shipping and fitting); and
- You are happy that you:
- Are saving money; and
- Don’t need advice on tyres…
then, buying online may be the way to go. But, if you’re not sure of all these things, then my advice is to visit a respected tyre shop. One with a long history of serving drivers in Brisbane. Where you know you’ll get the professional services needed to keep you, and others, safe on the roads of Queensland.
For the best tyre service in West Brisbane, contact us today. We’ll help you make the right choice for your vehicle, driving style, and budget.
Keeping your family and fleet safe,
Kevin Wood