Buying Tires Online in Canada: How It Works, Step by Step

Buying tires online is simple once you know how it works. You pick the tires on a website, they are delivered to you, and a local tire shop fits them on your wheels. This guide walks through each step and what to check along the way.

How buying tires online works

When you order tires from an online store, the tires are shipped to your door. They arrive as tires only: the store does not mount or balance them. You then take them to a tire shop of your choice for installation. At COCOTIRES we are an online store with no in-store pickup, so installation is always done by a shop you choose.

Step by step

1. Find your tire size. It is on the sidewall of your current tires and on the sticker in the driver’s door frame. A size looks like 205/55R16. Our guide on how to read a tire size explains each part.
2. Choose the season. Winter tires are for snow and cold, all-weather tires can stay on all year, and all-season tires and summer tires are for warmer weather. Our winter tire guide helps you decide.
3. Compare tires in your size. Look at the brand, the type and the price. Check that the load index and speed rating are equal to or higher than your original tires.
4. Order. Shipping is free on all orders across Canada. Orders ship within 1 business day, and delivery usually takes 3 to 7 business days.
5. Book the installation. Call a local tire shop and ask when they can fit your tires. Do this early, as shops get busy in spring and fall.
6. Check the tires when they arrive. Confirm the size and the type on the sidewall before they are mounted.

What to ask the tire shop

Prices for fitting vary from shop to shop, so ask before you order.

• Do you install tires that I bought elsewhere, and what do you charge?
• Does the price include mounting, balancing and new valve stems? Do you charge extra for tire pressure sensor (TPMS) service?
• Is there a fee to dispose of the old tires? Some provinces also add an environmental fee.
• Can you give me a written quote for the full job?

Adding up the tire price and the installation will give you the real total, so you can compare it with a quote from the shop.

Online or in a shop?

Both ways work, and each has its strengths.

Online works best when you already know your size, or you are ready to check it first. A shop is handy when you want advice in person and fitting on the same visit.

If you buy online, you do not have to choose between the two: you can still get fitting advice by calling the shop that will install your tires.

Before you have the tires mounted

Make sure the tires are right before they go on your wheels. Our returns are for unused, unmounted tires within 7 days, and return fees may apply. Check the size and type on the sidewall first. Read our Return policy so you know the details. Tires are also covered by the manufacturer’s warranty: see our Warranty policy.

Ready to order?

Browse all tires, or pick a season and type. If you are not sure which size or tire fits your vehicle, contact us and we will help you before you order.