Ever found yourself staring at your computer screen, cursor hovering over the “Complete Order” button on Tire Rack’s website, wondering if you should trust this online tire retailer with your hard-earned money? You’re not alone. With so many online scams these days, it’s smart to question if Tire Rack is actually legit before dropping hundreds on new rubber for your ride.
The Short Answer: Yes, Tire Rack Is Legitimate
Tire Rack isn’t just legitimate—it’s one of the most established and respected companies in the tire industry. Founded in 1979, they’ve been selling tires longer than many of us have been driving. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s look at the evidence.
Tire Rack’s Company Background: 45+ Years of History
What started as a small tire store in Indianapolis has grown into a tire industry powerhouse. Founded by Peter Veldman, Mike Joines, and Wilma Veldman, Tire Rack has been putting rubber on America’s roads since 1979.
Today, they operate from South Bend, Indiana, where they maintain a 10-acre test facility dedicated to tire testing. This isn’t some fly-by-night operation—they’ve built a legitimate business over four decades.
In December 2021, Discount Tire (America’s largest independent tire dealer) acquired Tire Rack, further cementing their credibility in the industry. The company maintained its brand identity after the acquisition, with industry veteran Scott Clark taking over as CEO in April 2025.
Trust Signals: What The Experts Say About Tire Rack
Nothing speaks to legitimacy like third-party validation. Here’s where Tire Rack stands:
Better Business Bureau Credentials
Tire Rack has maintained an A+ rating with the BBB since their accreditation in 1988—that’s nearly 37 years of consistent good standing. They actively respond to and resolve customer complaints, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Customer Reviews Tell The Real Story
- Trustpilot: 4.8/5 stars from over 9,000 customer reviews
- Consumer Affairs: 4.2/5 stars with 78% of customers giving 5-star ratings
Customers consistently praise Tire Rack for affordable pricing, fast shipping, an easy-to-use website, and helpful customer service representatives who actually know their stuff about tires.
The Scale of Their Operation Is Impressive
When evaluating if a company is legitimate, size and scale matter. Tire Rack isn’t some small operation:
- Annual revenue: Between $200-560 million
- Workforce: Over 1,200 employees
- Facilities: 2.7 million square feet of distribution space across 10 facilities nationwide
- Inventory: Products from 26 major tire brands and 60 wheel brands
Their network includes more than 8,000 recommended installers nationwide, and their advanced logistics capabilities enable next-day delivery in most areas of the country.
How Tire Rack Protects Customers
A legitimate company stands behind its products, and Tire Rack offers several customer protections:
Solid Return Policy
Tire Rack offers a 30-day return policy on unused merchandise, with a clear inspection process handled by returns specialists. While you’ll pay return shipping on non-defective items, the policy is straightforward and fair.
Road Hazard Protection
One of Tire Rack’s standout features is their free 24-month road hazard coverage included with most tire purchases. This covers:
- Up to $599 per tire for road hazard damage
- A streamlined digital claims portal available 24/7/365
- Flat tire repair coverage up to $40 per occurrence
Security Measures
Tire Rack takes data security seriously with:
- Regular security scanning for website vulnerabilities
- Encrypted payment processing
- Secure networks and firewalls protecting customer information
The Tire Rack Testing Advantage
What truly sets Tire Rack apart from competitors is their commitment to independent tire testing:
| Testing Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose-built track | Custom test facility at South Bend headquarters |
| Real-world testing | Performance evaluation over varied road surfaces |
| Winter testing | Dedicated facilities in Northern Michigan |
| Consumer data | Database of 200,000+ surveys covering 2.9+ billion miles |
This testing program isn’t just marketing—it’s a serious scientific approach to tire evaluation that helps customers make informed choices based on real performance data.
Potential Downsides: What To Watch For
Even legitimate companies have their challenges. Here are some things to be aware of when shopping with Tire Rack:
Common Customer Complaints
Some BBB complaints focus on road hazard claim processing delays or denials. A few customers report difficulty with warranty claim procedures, particularly regarding pre-approval requirements. While most issues get resolved, response times can vary.
Service Limitations To Consider
- No direct installation services—you’ll need to use their network of third-party installers
- Return shipping costs fall on customers for non-defective returns
- Special order items are generally non-returnable
How Tire Rack’s Ordering Process Works
Buying from Tire Rack is straightforward:
- Enter your vehicle information or tire size on their website
- Browse options filtered for your specific vehicle
- Select your tires and choose a local installer from their network
- Tires ship directly to your chosen installer
- Schedule installation and pay the installation fee to the local shop
This model keeps costs lower than traditional tire shops while ensuring professional installation.
Price Comparison: How Tire Rack Stacks Up
Tire Rack consistently offers competitive pricing compared to brick-and-mortar tire shops. While you’ll pay separate installation fees, the total cost often comes in lower than traditional retailers, especially for premium tire brands.
Their transparent pricing model shows all costs upfront, including shipping and estimated installation fees, so there are no surprises when you check out.
Shipping and Delivery: What To Expect
Tire Rack operates multiple distribution centers strategically placed across the country. This network allows for:
- Next-day delivery to most locations
- Free shipping on many orders
- Direct shipping to your chosen installer
- Tracking information provided via email
Most customers report receiving their tires within 1-3 business days of ordering, depending on location and inventory availability.
The Installation Process: Working With Local Shops
Since Tire Rack doesn’t install tires themselves, they’ve built a network of over 8,000 recommended installers nationwide. These shops are independent businesses that have partnered with Tire Rack.
The installation process is simple:
- Select a recommended installer during checkout
- Tire Rack ships your tires directly to the shop
- You schedule an appointment with the installer
- The shop mounts and balances your new tires
- You pay the installer directly for their services
Installation fees typically range from $15-25 per tire for mounting and balancing, though prices vary by location and service level.
Expert Testimonials and Industry Recognition
Tire Rack has earned respect throughout the automotive industry:
- Featured as a testing partner for major automotive publications
- Official tire store partner for Sports Car Vintage Racing Association
- Recognized testing facility used by tire manufacturers for independent evaluations
These partnerships demonstrate that automotive experts trust Tire Rack’s expertise and legitimacy.
Should You Buy From Tire Rack?
Based on all available evidence, Tire Rack is absolutely legitimate and worthy of your business if you’re in the market for tires. Their 45+ year history, strong customer ratings, comprehensive testing program, and robust consumer protections make them a solid choice for tire shopping.
The company’s acquisition by Discount Tire, America’s largest independent tire dealer, further validates their market position and legitimacy.
While no company is perfect, Tire Rack’s strengths far outweigh their limitations. Their transparent approach to business, extensive product selection, and commitment to customer education make them a standout in the tire industry.
So yes, you can confidently click that “Complete Order” button, knowing you’re dealing with one of the most established names in the tire business.
