Big O Tires Reviews 2024: Customer Insights & Top Alternatives

Quick Pick: Top All-Season Tire Alternative
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Tire
Exceptional grip and durability in wet/dry conditions (9.2/10 handling score). Skip service hassles—buy direct and install locally. Check expert test results

Why Big O Tires Draws Mixed Customer Feedback

Big O Tires, with over 1,000 U.S. locations since 1962, specializes in tires from premium brands like Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Michelin, alongside services such as alignments, brake repairs, and oil changes. However, customer sentiment leans negative, with an average rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars across 368 reviews. Only 52% recommend the company, pointing to frustrations in service delivery and pricing.

Our analysis dives into complaint patterns, balancing them with occasional positives like wide tire selection. If you're considering Big O, here's what data shows—and better paths forward with proven tire picks.

Customer Review Breakdown

Primary pain points from verified buyers:

Complaint Category	Reviews	Percentage of Total
Service/Repair Issues	212	58%
Sales & Advertising	157	43%
Customer Service	126	34%
Product Issues	36	10%
Delivery Issues	33	9%
Warranty Problems	16	4%
Shipping	4	1%

Key Takeaway: Service and sales dominate negatives (over 80% combined), with frequent mentions of overcharging (e.g., $200+ surprise fees), poor alignments causing uneven tire wear, and long waits (4+ hours). Positives (rare 4-5 stars) praise friendly staff and competitive pricing on Goodyear tires.

Pros and Cons of Big O Tires

Pros

• Brand Variety: Stocks reliable options like Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra for SUVs and Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT for trucks.
• Nationwide Reach: Easy access for basics like oil changes.
• Occasional Deals: Some report 20-30% off Michelin sets during promotions.

Cons

• High Complaint Volume: 212 service issues signal inconsistent workmanship—e.g., vibrations post-alignment.
• Pricing Transparency: Upsells and hidden fees common in 43% of sales gripes.
• Wait Times: Reviews note 3-6 hour delays, disrupting schedules.

Pro Tip: Always get written quotes upfront. For tires, cross-check our Best Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2024.

Comparison: Big O Tires vs. Top Tire Alternatives

Instead of risking service woes, opt for direct tire purchases from trusted brands. Here's how Big O-stocked tires stack up based on our expert tests (traction scores out of 10):

Tire Model	Brand	Wet Traction	Dry Handling	Tread Life (miles)	Price Range (per tire)	Review Link
Potenza RE980AS+	Bridgestone	9.4	9.2	60,000	$180-220	[/best/bridgestone-potenza-re980as-plus-tire-review-rating]
Alenza AS Ultra	Bridgestone	9.1	8.9	80,000	$200-250	[/best/bridgestone-alenza-as-ultra-review-top-all-season-suv-tire-2026-tested]
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	Goodyear	9.3	9.5	50,000	$190-230	[/best/goodyear-eagle-f1-asymmetric-6-review-elite-summer-tire-grip]
Wrangler Steadfast HT	Goodyear	8.8	8.7	70,000	$170-210	[/best/goodyear-wrangler-steadfast-ht-review-solid-all-season-truck-suv-tire]
Hypertrac All-Season	Vredestein	9.0	9.1	65,000	$160-200	[/best/vredestein-hypertrac-all-season-tires-expert-test-results-review]
Big O Service (Avg.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	Variable	+20-50% fees	Avoid for installs

Standout: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 leads in handling (9.5/10). Pair with DIY tools to bypass shops.

See full Best Automotive Tires comparison

Smart Tire Maintenance Without Big O

Recent reviews (e.g., Oct 2024) slam Big O for botched alignments leading to $400 retreads. Empower yourself:

• Check Pressure: Use the AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge 2 Pack (±2% accuracy, 10-75 PSI). Customers love its stainless steel build for cars/bikes.

  • Pros: Durable metal nozzle, easy-read dial.
  • Cons: No backlit display.

• Inflate on the Go: Woowind Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor hits 150 PSI in 1 minute with auto shut-off.

  • Pros: LED light, digital gauge.
  • Cons: Cord slightly short for SUVs.

CTA: Grab the Woowind LP1 now for roadside peace—under $50.

For winter prep, explore Best Winter Tires of 2026.

When Big O Might Work (and When to Skip)

Go if: You need same-day Goodyear installs and verify quotes.

Skip if: Complex repairs—opt for independents. Data shows 58% service failures.

Upgrade to Vredestein Hypertrac for all-season reliability (9.0/10 wet grip).

Ultimate Automotive Research Guide

Complete Your Setup

• Long drives? Add Best Automotive Lighting Kits.
• Truck owners: Bridgestone Alenza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Big O Tires reliable for tire installations?

With 58% service complaints, it's hit-or-miss. Test alignments post-service; prefer certified shops for premiums like Michelin.

What are common Big O pricing complaints?

Over 40% cite upsells and fees—always compare to our tire price guides.

Are Bridgestone tires at Big O worth it?

Yes for selection, but buy via trusted sellers. See Potenza RE980AS+ tests (9.4/10 wet).

How to avoid alignment issues after tire service?

Request 4-wheel checks. Maintain with AstroAI Gauge.

What's better than Big O for Goodyear tires?

Direct from manufacturers or our recs like Wrangler Steadfast HT—70K mile warranty.

Should I use Big O for brakes or just tires?

Stick to tires; repair complaints dominate. Full Best Automotive for alternatives.