Shopping for a good brand of tires can be difficult, especially if you are doing the research yourself. Digging through endless websites is exhausting, but you don’t want to get stuck with a tire brand that has the lowest customer satisfaction rating. The same goes for the retailer you buy those tires from, so you might want to think twice before choosing Walmart Auto Center.
According to Consumer Reports member survey results, Walmart ranks lowest in overall customer satisfaction. This is based on the time required to complete the installation and the quality of the service provided during the installation. Securing a timely appointment is also problematic, and obtaining the specific tire model needed is also an issue. This may even include tires from some of the top selling brands at Walmart. The company’s extras aren’t as impressive as those of other tire retailers, and sales assistance is ranked below the competition.
JD Power ranks Walmart last in customer satisfaction as well, using many of the same metrics as Consumer Reports. In addition to the ease of scheduling, the completion time of the service, and other factors, Walmart performed less relative to competitors in the quality of its service facilities. The level of service advisor courtesy is also ranked below that of other tire retailers.
Read more: 21 Major Tire Brands of 2025 Ranked
How to choose the best tire retailer
Car wheel service in car repair garage with lifted vehicle and tires – Parilov/Shutterstock
Walmart may be the lowest-rated tire retailer, but several other national chains rank below average as well. Pep Boys, Mavis Discount Tire, and Tires Plus are among the companies that have a lower performance in terms of overall customer satisfaction. Among top-rated tire retailers, Les Schwab, Midas and Jiffy Lube Tire Centers are the top choices for tire installation, service, and other key metrics that define a satisfying customer experience.
When trying to choose the best tire retailer, don’t wait until you really need the tires. You’ll feel the pressure to get a set as quickly as possible. This can cause you to overlook key advantages such as rotation and balancing, which some retailers offer for free for the life of the tires. Also, make sure you understand the store warranty and the protection it gives beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Read customer reviews, and when it comes to price, don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal.
If you are looking to get your tires online, there are some things you need to know beforehand. Make sure the company has a secure payment setup, along with contact information clearly displayed. Review the return policy to understand how it works. Some retailers can send your tires to a local garage, so find out if there are any fees associated with that arrangement. Get the total price up front and compare with local sellers to make a more informed decision.
How we came to our conclusion
Car tires, winter wheels isolated on red background – Valio84sl/Getty Images
We used Consumer Reports’ list of Most and Least Satisfactory Tire Retailers, published in 2025. CR ranked 32 national tire retailers based on data from CR members who reported their tire buying experiences over a one-year period, beginning in the fall of 2023. These members may not represent the general population of the United States. We also used JD Power’s Aftermarket Service Index study, which was also released in 2025. This study ranks 16 national tire retailers based on feedback gathered from consumer surveys. That response was then weighted and benchmarked over time.
We have not included ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or reviews from any tire retailer website. BBB complaints do not provide reliable metrics, as consumer complaints are reported and organized by location rather than by company. Online reviews also do not gather information effectively and can vary from store to store. As a result, these reviews are random, inconsistent, and often biased.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.