Bears Tires logo

Bears Tires

Tire shop · San Diego, CA · reviewed since 2012

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%83+45.3Reliability 24%89+21.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%26+1.8Momentum penalty73−2.7Experts Score= 80Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#74 of 138 tire shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 47%
4.9 ★★★★★ 498 Google reviews · 24 photos
93%five-star reviews
4.70★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.3%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
34%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Bears Tires at a glance

Customers frequently praise Bears Tires for its quick service, fair pricing, and honest assessments that avoid unnecessary sales pressure. Many highlight the friendly staff and efficient handling of tire replacements, rotations, and alignments. However, some reviewers report negative experiences involving rude behavior, untrained employees, or billing discrepancies. Additionally, a few customers expressed frustration over policy changes regarding free repairs and communication errors during tire ordering processes.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 498 reviews (93% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 498 Google reviews (397 with written comments, 17 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 34% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 27, 2026.
  • Service: Tire Shop serving San Diego, California.

Data from Google, last updated November 5, 2026.

Score profile vs other tire shops

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction83Reliability89Craft & service–Value100Momentum73Replies to reviews26Satisfaction: 83 (median 82)Reliability: 89 (median 75)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 73 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 26 (median 45)
Bears TiresTire Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Bears Tires: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 82.A
83
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Bears Tires: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.A
89
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 98.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Bears Tires: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Bears Tires: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
73
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Bears Tires: 26/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.D
26

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

498 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars46193%
  • 4 stars194%
  • 3 stars82%
  • 2 stars31%
  • 1 star71%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 397 written reviews

  • Praise67397%
  • Complaints203%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price2080%
  • Reasonable520%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Price & value17625%
  • Speed & response15322%
  • Staff & attitude13820%
  • Quality & results11216%
  • Would recommend578%
  • Honesty & trust477%
  • Communication101%

What customers talk about

We read 397 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Trent and the crew are awesome, quick and 100% affordable.”
    “A little pricey for used tires but all in all it was good.”
  • “Very quick service, drive right up, waited less than an hour”
    “Stupid slow SERVICE”
  • “Bears Tires is local personable shop thats been around for 40+ years.”
  • “I had a great experience at Bears Tires in San Diego.”
    “I spent over $900 on tires here and I already have a damaged tire and they told me that it has no type of warranty what the heck a week ago”
  • “Highly recommend Bears Tires for reliable and efficient tire needs.”
    “STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AT ALL COST.”
  • “Always an honest assessment of your tires and truly want to get you the best value for your vehicle.”
    “DO NOT TRUST THESE PeOpLe to DRIVe ur car delicately.”
  • “They explained the options without pushing anything extra, and the pricing seemed fair compared to a few other shops I called.”

People customers mention

  • Mike 4 reviews
  • Costco 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Bears Tires for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

ScottLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★

I came into the shop to get a patch tire the big guy that drove my 5 SPD into the shop almost broke my car. Don't let them drive your car they weren't showing respect on my prized car. Then they didn't charge me I guess it was cuz how he smashed my car into first gear extremely forcibly and he was coming out of…

Cliff2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★

They started to charge a fee for flat tire fix on my new Tesla. Previously, it was free, so I never needed to rethink it. That is why I had purchased two sets of tires in the shop before. Obviously, they decide to only take care of sold tires. Service is still good. Job done quickly. But I still prefer to get noticed first if policy changes.

Reasonable priceTires
KenLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★

I've known Mike at Bears for over 20 years and have used this shop regularly during that time. No pressure sales and only sell you what you need, not what they need to sell you. Always an honest assessment of your tires and truly want to get you the best value for your vehicle. Highly recommended and a customer for life.

Great priceTires
SanLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Great place! The owner is very patient, polite and honest! He explained everything to me. Tires arrived on time and the job was done quickly. I liked that no one tried to sell me alignment . I thought I needed it. But they looked at my worn tires and gave me proper info.

Great priceTires
R4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

This is one of those hidden gem places that IYKYK and if you don't, you may never find out. If you have not purchases tires there, they may or may not patch tires for free. I have experienced both outcomes. Later, I made a mistake identifying my trim and ordered the wrong tires. Issue was found at install time.…

Great priceTires
kim9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

I am very happy I found Bears Tires while traveling from out of town! If I lived here, Bears Tires would be the only place I'd go! First time experience would make a lifelong customer! Trent and the crew are awesome, quick and 100% affordable. Thanks guys

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 498 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Scott GreenLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I came into the shop to get a patch tire the big guy that drove my 5 SPD into the shop almost broke my car. Don't let them drive your car they weren't showing respect on my prized car. Then they didn't charge me I guess it was cuz how he smashed my car into first gear extremely forcibly and he was coming out of reverse so it made no sense why forced the stick into gear like that. DO NOT TRUST THESE PeOpLe to DRIVe ur car delicately. They did swap the spare on no charge.

Cliff chen2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Cliff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They started to charge a fee for flat tire fix on my new Tesla. Previously, it was free, so I never needed to rethink it. That is why I had purchased two sets of tires in the shop before. Obviously, they decide to only take care of sold tires. Service is still good. Job done quickly. But I still prefer to get noticed first if policy changes.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Tires
Ken WeidmannLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ken has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I've known Mike at Bears for over 20 years and have used this shop regularly during that time. No pressure sales and only sell you what you need, not what they need to sell you. Always an honest assessment of your tires and truly want to get you the best value for your vehicle. Highly recommended and a customer for life.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires
Saurabh SharmaLocal Guide · 36 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Saurabh has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Honest and Fair

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Wheel alignment
BrianLocal Guide · 17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Brian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very quick service, drive right up, waited less than an hour

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires
San Diego sportsmassage and fitnessLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews San has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great place! The owner is very patient, polite and honest! He explained everything to me. Tires arrived on time and the job was done quickly. I liked that no one tried to sell me alignment . I thought I needed it. But they looked at my worn tires and gave me proper info.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires
Heavenly Amusement6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Heavenly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We've been using Bears tires for over 30 years now, well before there was anything like Yelp or Google reviews.  I remember my father-in-law telling me about them years ago,  and I was doing the same today, recommending them to a friend,  when it occurred to me that a review was in order, so here it is: Bears Tires is local personable shop thats been around for 40+ years. Mike, the owner, has always taken good care of me, as has his entire crew.  His prices are great and he gets me in and out quickly and advises me well about my tires, what my choices are, and when and why they need to be replaced, and if they even need to be replaced at all.  You may be thinking "of course he advises you, it's a tire shop"  but he really gives you the straight scoop and not a bunch of corporate jargon that you might get at a discount tire shop.  There's a lot to be said for dealing with somebody who has a lifetime of experience in the industry as opposed to somebody who's only worked at a shop for a couple years.  I guarantee once you try them you'll never go anywhere else.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires, Wheel alignment
R G4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews R has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This is one of those hidden gem places that IYKYK and if you don't, you may never find out. If you have not purchases tires there, they may or may not patch tires for free. I have experienced both outcomes. Later, I made a mistake identifying my trim and ordered the wrong tires. Issue was found at install time. These guys were so gracious about it and did not make me feel like an idiot. They did not charge any labor fee or re-stock fee. Every tire option I got a quote for beat DT and the labor charge was lower too. They don't take appointments but the crew works very fast, in teams. This is a no frills place - no pop-corn, fancy lounge, etc. This is good as it keeps costs low and those get passed on to clients. Great shop and crew, highly recommend.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires
Monica G7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Monica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I highly recommend Bears Tires. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires
kim cheshier9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews kim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I am very happy I found Bears Tires while traveling from out of town! If I lived here, Bears Tires would be the only place I'd go! First time experience would make a lifelong customer! Trent and the crew are awesome, quick and 100% affordable. Thanks guys

Bears Tires on Google Maps →

Business details