Looking at the big picture:
Tire Rack has a HUGE selection. An ordinary tire shop just can not stock all those.
OTOH, it does take a few days for your order to arrive - something most shops can also accommodate.
Price? Tire Rack has pretty decent prices, but what many people fail to consider is that the price posted doesn't include shipping or mounting and balancing. I am of the opinion that a local tire shop should be able to beat that price.
Then there is the issue of who takes ownership if there is a problem. Tire Rack is pretty good about taking ownership, but they do this at a distance, so it's inconvenient for the consumer.
Tire Rack has a HUGE selection. An ordinary tire shop just can not stock all those.
OTOH, it does take a few days for your order to arrive - something most shops can also accommodate.
Price? Tire Rack has pretty decent prices, but what many people fail to consider is that the price posted doesn't include shipping or mounting and balancing. I am of the opinion that a local tire shop should be able to beat that price.
Then there is the issue of who takes ownership if there is a problem. Tire Rack is pretty good about taking ownership, but they do this at a distance, so it's inconvenient for the consumer.