In the bustling marketplace of tire retailers, two names continually stand out – Big O Tires and Discount Tire. This comprehensive comparison aims to assist you in your decision-making process, outlining the key pros and cons of both tire titans.
Buckle up, because we’re about to hit the road on an intriguing journey to uncover the truth about these giants in the tire industry.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Big O Tires | Discount Tire |
| Product Variety | Exclusive brand & Comprehensive vehicle services | Wide range of brands & focus on tires and wheels |
| Customer Service | Comprehensive warranty package for their proprietary tires | ‘Customer first’ philosophy & 30-day return policy |
| Price Match Guarantee | No, but offers periodic discounts | Yes, beats any competitor’s lower price |
| Locations | 450+ stores in 23 states | 1000+ stores across the US |
Big O Tires: Overview and Advantages
Big O Tires started its journey back in the 1960s, and today it has grown into a large franchise network with more than 450 locations across the United States.
Big O Tires is popular for its exclusive line of tires, the Big O brand, which offers a comprehensive warranty, guaranteeing excellent performance and reliability.
The number one advantage of Big O Tires is its proprietary tires.
Manufactured by leading companies like Michelin and Goodyear, Big O’s proprietary line ensures you get top-tier quality.
So, if you’re looking for something exclusive yet reliable, Big O is a go-to choice.
Additionally, Big O Tires also offers a wide variety of services like oil changes, brake checks, and battery replacements. This one-stop-shop convenience is a major pro for time-strapped individuals looking to get both tire and maintenance services in one place.
Big O Tires: Drawbacks
The primary downside of Big O Tires is its availability. Because the chain operates only within the US and only in 23 states, international customers or those residing outside of these states might find their services inaccessible.
Discount Tire: Overview and Advantages
Discount Tire has made a name for itself in the industry with its ‘customer-first’ philosophy, having grown from a single store in 1960 to more than a thousand outlets in the US today.
This retailer’s biggest strength is the sheer variety of brands they offer.
From Bridgestone to Pirelli, you’re spoilt for choice at Discount Tire.
A major pro of Discount Tire is its unbeatable price match guarantee.
They’re committed to providing the best deals and will match any lower price you find. They also offer free tire inspections and pressure checks, further solidifying their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Discount Tire: Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, Discount Tire does have its limitations. Their locations, like Big O Tires, are also limited to the US. Moreover, unlike Big O, Discount Tire primarily focuses on tire services and sells a smaller range of auto parts and services.
Differences Between Big O Tires and Discount Tire
While both companies cater to the same market, they have unique selling propositions that set them apart. Let’s dive deeper into their key differences.
- Product Variety
One of the key differences between Big O Tires and Discount Tire lies in their product offerings.
Big O Tires provides its customers with an exclusive line of tires. These in-house brand tires, manufactured by leading companies like Michelin and Goodyear, offer customers an added level of trust and reliability.
Apart from tires, Big O Tires provides comprehensive vehicle services, which include alignments, brakes, oil, lube & filters, batteries, and suspension & front end.
On the other hand, Discount Tire specializes in offering a wide array of brands to its customers. Whether you’re a fan of Continental, Goodyear, or Michelin, Discount Tire likely has your favorite brand in stock. However, it’s worth noting that they primarily focus on tire and wheel services.
- Customer Service
When it comes to customer service, Discount Tire is known for its ‘customer first’ philosophy. It offers a customer-friendly return policy, where it accepts returns on all undamaged tires within 30 days of purchase. Plus, they’ll inspect your tires for free, regardless of whether or not you purchased from them.
Big O Tires also takes customer service seriously but does so with a different approach. They offer a comprehensive warranty package for their proprietary tire line, which can be a huge relief for customers in the long run.
- Price Match Guarantee
Discount Tire offers an unbeatable price match guarantee. They promise to beat any competitor’s lower price by refunding 100% of the price difference. This assurance can be a huge boon for budget-conscious shoppers.
Big O Tires, while not offering a price match policy, does run periodic promotions and discounts, providing customers with opportunities to save money.
- Locations
Although both companies operate only in the United States, there’s a difference in their reach. Discount Tire boasts over a thousand stores across the US, while Big O Tires operates more than 450 stores, but only in 23 states.
This geographical reach can be a crucial deciding factor depending on where you live.
If you value a large selection of brands, price competitiveness, and customer-centric services, Discount Tire may be your choice. However, if you seek a wider range of auto services along with your tire purchase, Big O Tires might be the way to go.
Also Read: Comparison of Discount Tire And Tires Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Big O Tires offers an exclusive line of tires, manufactured by major tire manufacturers like Michelin and Goodyear.
Big O Tires is one of Discount Tire’s most significant competitors, alongside other major tire retailers like Bridgestone and Firestone.
Bridgestone was the world’s largest tire manufacturer, but Discount Tire had the most stores in the US.
No, Tire Kingdom does not own Big O Tires. Big O Tires is a subsidiary of TBC Corporation.
Final Thoughts
The world of tires can be complicated, but hopefully, this breakdown of Big O Tires and Discount Tire simplifies your buying journey. Whether you opt for the exclusive offerings of Big O or the wide range and customer-centric approach of Discount Tire, remember to prioritize safety and quality above all.
Happy shopping!
