Tire shops in the Phoenix area

If you need tires in the Phoenix area, call a local tire shop that can tell you what your size costs installed, how soon they can fit you in, and what the price includes. AZ Business Directory lists independent tire shops in Phoenix, Mesa, Avondale, Apache Junction and Wickenburg, each with a phone number. Many also do flat repair, alignments and brakes.

How do you choose a tire shop?

Ask the same questions at each shop so you can compare honestly.

• What is the out-the-door price? Ask for tires, mounting, balancing, valve stems, disposal and tax all in one number.
• Can you fix my flat? A nail in the tread can often be repaired, but not every puncture can. Ask the shop to explain what they see.
• Do you do alignments? Many shops list wheel alignment. If your car pulls to one side or the tires wear unevenly, an alignment may be the real fix.
• Do you come to me? Some shops list mobile tire service, which helps when you are stuck at home or at work.
• Do you handle my vehicle? Check whether they work on RVs, trailers, light trucks or commercial tires if that is what you drive.
• How long will it take? Ask whether you can wait or need to drop the car off.

Who sells and repairs tires in the Valley?

These are real local shops from the directory. Phone numbers are shown on each listing.

The list includes Firebird Tire in Phoenix, a family-owned shop that lists RV, commercial and specialty tires and mobile service. East Valley Tire Outlet in Mesa lists cars, light trucks, RVs and ATVs along with TPMS service. Munoz Tire Shop in Avondale lists new and used tires and roadside assistance.

How does Arizona heat affect your tires?

Heat is hard on tires. Hot pavement raises tire temperature and air pressure, and long summer drives add to it. Over time, sun and heat can also make rubber dry out and crack.

1. Check the pressure when the tires are cold. Do it in the morning before you drive. The right number is on a sticker inside the driver's door, not on the tire itself.
2. Look at the sidewalls. Small cracks in the rubber are a sign the tire is aging. Have a shop look at them.
3. Check the tread. If the tread is low, tires grip poorly, and that matters most in monsoon storms.
4. Check the age. Tires have a date code stamped on the sidewall. Ask the shop to show you how to read it. Tires that sit in the sun for years age even if the tread looks fine.
5. Check the spare. Many people find out the spare is flat when they need it.

How often should you rotate your tires?

Your owner's manual gives the schedule for your vehicle. Rotation moves tires between positions so they wear evenly, and it is often done at the same time as an oil change. Many shops list rotation or oil changes, so ask if they can do both in one visit.

Arizona has one more flat-tire cause you may not know about: puncture vine, often called goatheads, whose spiky seeds stick in tires on roadsides and paths. If you ride a bike or drive on dirt, check your tires after.

Questions people ask

How do you know when you need new tires?

Look for low tread, cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or a vibration while driving. If you are unsure, any tire shop can look at them and tell you what they see. Ask them to show you the problem.

Can a tire shop come to you?

Some can. Firebird Tire and other shops in the directory list mobile tire service. Ask about the service area and whether there is a fee for coming to you.

Should you replace all four tires at once?

Not always. It depends on your vehicle and how worn the other tires are. All-wheel-drive vehicles can be particular, so check your owner's manual and ask the shop what they recommend.

See every tire shop in Phoenix