Wholesale Tires & Wheels Suppliers

Match the specification exactly

A tire is defined by width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load index and speed rating, and the vehicle or application must match. Wheels add bolt pattern, offset, center bore and load rating. A wheel that looks right but has the wrong center bore or load rating can be unsafe. Ask suppliers for full specifications, and check the vehicle manufacturer's approved sizes before ordering.

Date codes and age

Tires carry a date code on the sidewall showing the week and year of manufacture. Rubber ages whether or not the tire is used, and buyers should agree a maximum age at delivery. Old stock sold as new is a common complaint. Check the codes on the first delivery and write the limit into the order terms.

Market approvals and labeling

Tires must meet regional requirements. In Europe, they carry an approval mark and a label showing rolling resistance, wet grip and noise class, and in other regions different standards apply. Winter and all-season tires have markings such as the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol where recognized, and some countries require winter tires at certain times or conditions. Check the rules for your market. Wheels may need test approval too, and some aftermarket wheels are not approved for all vehicles.

Quality tiers and counterfeits

Tires are divided into premium, mid-range and budget lines. Premium brands are sometimes counterfeited or have their sidewalls re-marked, and cheap tires may carry misleading branding. Retreaded and used tires are legal in some contexts but must be sold as such, and rules differ. Ask for proof of origin and be wary of unknown brands without documentation.

Storage, freight and handling

Tires are bulky, and a truck carries fewer than the weight limit would suggest. Container loading and pallet arrangement affect cost. Store tires out of direct sunlight, away from ozone sources and heat, upright or stacked as advised. Alloy wheels can be damaged in transit, so ask about protective packaging. Plan space before ordering large volumes.

Seasonality and margins

Demand moves strongly with seasons. Winter tires sell in the weeks before cold weather and summer tires in spring, and stock that misses its season can sit for months. Margins are usually modest on popular sizes with heavy price comparison and better on niche sizes and specialist wheels, though those sell slowly.

What to ask a supplier

• What are the production dates on the stock and the maximum age you ship?
• Are the tires approved and labeled for my market?
• Can you provide full specifications, load and speed ratings?
• Is the stock new, retreaded or used?
• How are wheels packed to prevent damage?
• What is the warranty and who handles claims?