Top Ten Tips for Buying Tyres Online

Tyre Price Advisor, the tyre price and service comparison website, has compiled a list of top ten tips for consumers, to help them get the best possible experience when buying tyres online - and to help them make sure they are obtaining the best deal.

1) When comparing quotes from online retailers, make sure you're comparing like-for-like. There are a number of things you can do to check this. Make sure the tyre description is exactly the same including tyre model, size, speed and load rating. Make sure that valve, balance, fitting and disposal are included in the price. Check whether the site allows you to pay online or whether you will be required to pay at a tyre depot. Check whether the service backed up by a technical hotline? Check the fitting arrangements and check delivery time/availability

2) Don't disregard an online retailer just because the company name is unfamiliar. The online retail market for tyres has developed over the course of the last ten years or so and is led by a number of specialist online retailers. They are highly developed and serious enterprises but their public profile is less visible than the high-street retail chains because they do not, by and large, have retail depots of their own. Similarly, don't assume that high-street retailers will necessarily offer the best deal.

3) If you do buy from a high street tyre retailer, remember that their online prices are often different to in-store prices. It usually pays to order and pay for your tyres online before visiting a depot.

4) Don't assume that just because you've got the best price from dealer a on a particular tyre that he will be cheapest on another tyre. Online retailers have different commercial arrangements with different tyre manufacturers and wholesalers and their prices vary widely.

5) Don't assume that the tyre dealer who is cheapest today will necessarily be the cheapest next week. Online prices vary daily.

6) Be aware of differences in service - the price isn't everything. The leading chains will argue that you get what you pay for - national networks, comfortable and accessible depots, highly trained staff, a wider range of services, higher stock levels, good opening hours and the security of buying off a nationally recognised brand name. Meanwhile mobile fitting specialists will be able to offer you the convenience of having your tyre fitted at home or at work - at no extra cost.

7) If you buy from a mail order retailer make sure you have found someone who will fit your tyres for you. Many local tyre dealers will refuse to fit tyres sold by others both for liability and competition reasons. If you use a mail order specialist check the additional fitting cost you will incur before you buy.

8) Check whether any special offers or additional discounts apply.

9) Be wise to the tendency of some retailers to attempt to switch-sell to more expensive products. To avoid this situation check the tyre you ordered is in stock, particularly if you are expected to pay at the depot rather than online. Similarly, if you ordered only one or two tyres, check the wear on the others in order to avoid being sold additional tyres when you turn up at the depot and be prepared for tyre dealerships trying to sell you extra services such as tracking.

10) Finally, to improve your chances of getting the best deal, use a price comparison and service website such as www.tyrepriceadvisor.co.uk. Remember - There's no one wiser than the Tyre Price Advisor!

Tyre Price Advisor was launched earlier this year and is a sister website of Tyres-Online. (Aug 18, 2010)