Why Buy Tyres Online? 11 Reasons It Makes Sense (and What to Check First)

A few years ago, buying tyres meant ringing around, driving to a couple of shops and standing at a counter while someone tried to upsell you. These days plenty of Perth drivers sort the whole thing from the couch. So here’s the fair question: is buying tyres online a good idea, or does it just sound better than it is?

Short answer: for most drivers, yes. You’ll usually get a sharper price on the tyre itself, a much bigger range to choose from, and nobody breathing down your neck. But there are a few things you need to get right, like the size, the fitting cost and how old the tyres are. We’ll cover those too, because a guide that only gives you the good bits isn’t much use.

Here’s why buying tyres online has become the go-to for so many drivers, and how to do it properly.

The quick version: Buying brand new tyres online is usually cheaper on the tyre itself, gives you far more choice, and lets you shop any time. Just compare the full price (tyres plus fitting plus delivery), double-check your size, and look at the tyre’s date code before you commit.

11 reasons to buy tyres online

1. Better prices on brand new tyres

Online retailers run leaner than a traditional shopfront. Less floor space and fewer overheads tend to show up as a lower price on the tyre. That’s one of the biggest benefits of buying tyres online, and it’s the reason most people start looking.

At Wangara Tyre Auto, if you find the exact same tyre cheaper online, send it through and we’ll beat it.

Tip: Don’t just compare the sticker price. Add delivery and fitting to every quote so you’re comparing like with like. Online sellers often win on the tyre itself, but fitting is usually charged separately, so the real saving is in the total.

2. Shop whenever suits you

No taking a morning off work, no racing to get there before closing. You can browse tyres on your phone at lunch, on the couch after dinner, or at 11 pm on a Sunday. It takes a few minutes, not a weekend.

Tip: Your owner’s manual and the tyre placard (usually inside the driver’s door) list the size and specs your car was built for. Have those handy before you start.

3. A far bigger range to choose from

A local shop can only stock so much, usually from a handful of suppliers. Shopping online means you can compare premium, mid-range and budget tyres side by side, read the specs and see what other drivers think before you decide.

That goes for 4WDs and trucks too. If you’re after something tough for the bush, have a look at our 4×4 tyres or truck tyres.

Tip: If you’re happy with how your car drives on its original tyres, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the same model or something very close. They were chosen to suit your car.

4. Hard-to-find sizes are easier to track down

When the shop around the corner doesn’t have your size on the shelf, you’re stuck waiting or driving across town. Online ranges draw on far more stock, so odd sizes and specialist tyres are much easier to find, often at a reasonable price.

Tip: Read a few customer reviews on the exact model. They’ll tell you more about noise, wet grip and wear than a spec sheet will.

5. Delivery straight to your fitter

Your tyres don’t have to land on your doorstep. Most online orders are sent straight to a local fitter, so you can pick where they go on as part of the order. The fitter gets in touch to book a time, and many can also do a wheel alignment or tyre rotation while you’re there.

6. It’s quicker than ringing around

The old way: drive to a shop, look at what’s on the rack, chat to the salesperson, maybe repeat it at another shop to compare, then book a fitting. That can swallow half a day.

Online, you choose your tyres and your fitting in a few minutes. When you turn up, the tyres are already waiting.

7. Prices are out in the open

One of the best advantages of buying tyres online is that you can see what things cost without having to ask. You can compare brands, sizes and prices in minutes, which makes it a lot harder for anyone to overcharge you. Informed buyers get better deals. Simple as that.

8. Deals and promotions

Online tyre sellers regularly run specials, like free shipping or bundle offers on a set of four. It’s worth checking back now and then, or following us on Facebook, so you catch them when they land.

9. No sales pressure

There’s no one hovering while you decide. A good tyre page tells you what the tyre is built for, what it’s good at, where it falls short and what other drivers think. You can take as long as you like, and you can sleep on it.

If you’re not sure which tyre suits your driving, ask us. We’d rather help you pick the right one than the dearest one.

10. Flexible ways to pay

You can pay by card like any other online order. Many online tyre stores also let you split the cost with buy-now-pay-later services such as Afterpay, Zip or PayPal. A fresh set of four can be a big hit to the budget, so spreading it out helps.

11. Open when you are

The online store never closes, so you can order whenever you like. If you have a question, our team is on hand during business hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 4 pm.

When buying online might not suit you

We’re not going to pretend it’s perfect for everyone. Buying in person might be the better call if:

• You’ve got a flat or a damaged tyre and you need it sorted today.
• You aren’t sure of your tyre size and want someone to check it in person.
• You’d rather have tyres and fitting handled in one stop, from one business.

If any of those sound like you, ring us on 08 6201 7490 and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Before you hit “buy”: a quick checklist

1. Get the size exactly right. It’s printed on the sidewall, something like 265/65R17. Match it to your owner’s manual or the tyre placard.
2. Check the date code. Every tyre has a four-digit code on the sidewall, written as week then year. A code of 3919 means it was made in the 39th week of 2019. Tyres are generally treated as “new” for up to five years after they’re made, and rubber ages even when it sits in storage. If you can, buy tyres that haven’t been sitting around long.
3. Look at the full fitted price. Tyres, delivery and fitting. That’s the number that matters.
4. Ask about the warranty. Make sure the tyres come with a manufacturer warranty that’s valid in Australia.
5. Know your rights. Under the Australian Consumer Law, your consumer guarantees apply to goods bought online from Australian sellers, including acceptable quality and matching the description. Changing your mind isn’t covered, though, so double-check the size before you order.
6. Know when yours are due. The legal minimum tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm in the main (principal) grooves of the tyre. Tyre professionals suggest replacing them around 3mm, because grip and wet-weather braking drop off well before you hit the legal limit. A quick way to check is the 20c coin test: slot the coin into the groove, and if the tread doesn’t reach the platypus’s bill, it’s time.

Ready to buy tyres online in Perth?

If you have narrowed down your options but want some advice before ordering, speak with the team at Wangara Tyre & Auto.

Whether you need replacement tyres for your daily drive, Brand New Tyres for your vehicle or a new set for a 4WD, take a few minutes to check the specifications, compare the total cost and make sure professional fitting is arranged.

Browse our full range of brands, check your size, and if you’d like a hand, give us a call on 08 6201 7490 or send us a message. You’ll find us at 3/220 Gnangara Rd, Landsdale WA 6065.

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