The majority of sales and installation in this industry is performed by franchise operations. There is a high population of competitors in this aftermarket of the automobile industry. Product lines typically include a variety of tires designated for specific vehicles.

Some operators offer customized wheels and related services. Often, equipment and equipment capabilities dictate the services which can be provided at a tire shop location. Equipment commonly found at business locations includes wheel alignment machinery, ground lifts, updated tools, and diagnostic equipment.

Occasionally, tire shops will furnish commercial customers with contract services. Such commercial accounts are a positive attribute for tire shops. Other positive attributes include a good location with plenty of parking, and several experience tire technicians.

There is also a relatively new regulation affecting this industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires retailers to register every tire that is sold. The law requires tire retailers to provide tire registration forms to purchasers and, in turn, the customers can voluntarily mail in the completed forms to the tire manufacturers so they can be easily contacted if their tires are recalled for defects or other safety issues.

Leaders in terms of market share are companies engaged in franchise activity Tire Kingdom, a subsidiary of TBC (tire wholesale business leader) earned approximately $5.5 billion during its 2004 fiscal year. Discount Tire Co, a large independent dealer, earned approximately $1.4 billion in revenues for the same accounting period. A large presence from Sears, Roebuck & Co exists, although tire retail is not their primary business.