US Tire Industry

It's clear to see, changes are starting to happen in the U.S. tire industry. In the past ten years there has been a shift in buying habits as more and more people are choosing to buy tires online.

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, the independent tire dealers still dominate, accounting for 69 percent of the replacement passenger market. Mass merchandisers have captured 17 percent and manufacturer outlets claim 10 percent. Internet tire stores account for just 4 percent of the current U.S. market.

This market dominance by the independent dealers is expected to come under threat, as more people decide to buy tires online. As rubber prices increase across the market (due to oil prices), the independent stores just can't compete with the low prices offered by a typical discount tire company. They undercut the smaller independent dealers by bulk buying and selling online.

Intense competition amongst tire sellers is further fuelled by decreasing demands for tires. Due to advances in manufacturing techniques, modern day tires last longer than they used to. People are also driving less due to increased gasoline prices.

"The challenge is that competition from the Internet and national retailers has increased. Tires are getting more expensive. Even though they're lasting longer and the number of units aren't climbing as fast as dollar sales, everyone wants a share of that," said Skip Potter, executive director of the Chesapeake Automotive Business Association, which represents locally owned tire service centers in Maryland, the District and Delaware.

This is great news for the U.S. tire consumer. As tire sellers compete intensly for our custom it's expected we'll be getting more special offers, discounts, and incentives by choosing to buy tires online.

Buy Tires Online

Of course there will always be room in the market for the independent smaller stores, as they can provide the personal touch to tire sales, especially for anxious novices new to buying tires. However, if you buy tires online, there are now an increasing number of other benefits available.

Firstly, you can find a great selection of websites, which not only offer a huge selection of tires, but also contain vast quantities of information.

You'll be more or less guaranteed lower costs if you buy tires online. The smaller independent stores are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with the large discount alternatives. Mainly because larger stores can absorb the increased prices (discussed previously).

It's very easy to buy tires online. You simply select the make and model of your vehicle from a drop down menu, and a list of suitable tires is displayed.

Installation can be fast and convenient. The online tire stores have teamed up with local independent garages for your benefit. You can enter your ZIP code online, and a list of nearby recommended installers is displayed. Of course, if you prefer you can always fit the tire yourself.

So... maybe it's time to buy tires online? For more information take a look at this buying online tires guide.