Big O Tires does not make tires. Big O is a retail and service franchise owned by TBC Corporation that sells both national brands and TBC’s own private label tires.
Big O is known for its franchise model, with independently owned and operated stores concentrated across the western and midwestern United States.
TBC Corporation, a 50 50 joint venture between Michelin North America and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, has owned Big O Tires since 1996.
Knowing that Big O is a retailer rather than a manufacturer helps drivers understand why the exact source of a Big O house brand tire can vary.
This guide covers what Big O actually is, which brands it sells, the company’s history, and how Big O compares to Mavis as a retail chain.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Big O Tires does not manufacture tires. Big O is a franchise chain founded in 1962 and owned by TBC Corporation since 1996. TBC is a joint venture between Michelin North America and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, and Big O stores sell both national brands and TBC’s own private label tires.
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Who Makes the Tires Sold at Big O?
Big O does not manufacture tires itself. It sells a mix of major national brands and TBC’s own private label lines, detailed on the Big O Tires official website.
TBC Corporation, Big O’s owner since 1996, also markets private brands including Vantage and Sumitomo through its TBC Brands division.
Big O’s own house brand tires have historically been sourced from established manufacturers, with some models produced by Sumitomo Rubber in Thailand.
Because TBC sources tires from multiple manufacturing partners, the actual maker behind a given Big O tire depends on the specific model purchased.
What Is the History of Big O Tires?
Big O Tires was founded in 1962 in Colorado, splitting off from an earlier company called OK Tires.
The company’s history and ownership structure are documented on Wikipedia’s Big O Tires entry.
TBC Corporation acquired Big O Tires in 1996, folding it into a portfolio that also included Tire Kingdom and NTB.
TBC has continued expanding its Big O franchise business even as it divested other retail brands like Midas to Mavis in 2025.
How Does Big O Compare to Mavis Tires?
Big O and Mavis are both retail chains rather than tire manufacturers, though they operate under different structures.
Big O runs almost entirely as a franchise system, with independently owned stores concentrated in the western and midwestern United States.
Mavis operates primarily through company owned stores concentrated in the northeastern and mid Atlantic United States.
Drivers in different parts of the country will typically encounter one chain far more often than the other.
What Tire Brands Does Big O Carry?
Big O stocks major national brands including Goodyear, Michelin, and Continental, reflecting TBC’s ownership ties to Michelin.
The stores also carry TBC’s own private label tires for drivers seeking a lower price point.
Store associates typically help match a specific tire model to the customer’s vehicle and budget.
This wide selection means tire quality and origin vary significantly depending on which brand a customer chooses.
Is Big O a Good Place to Buy Tires?
Big O is generally well regarded for its franchise model, which often means locally invested owners familiar with their communities.
Because Big O does not manufacture tires, overall satisfaction depends heavily on which specific brand and model a customer selects.
Bundled services like alignments and rotations add convenience beyond the tire purchase itself.
Shoppers who research the specific tire model, rather than just the store name, tend to get the best experience at Big O.
Where Are Big O Locations Found?
Big O operates more than 470 franchised locations across 23 states.
Coverage is heaviest in the western and midwestern United States, where the brand originally grew.
TBC continues to invest in expanding the Big O franchise footprint as one of its core businesses.
Shoppers comparing large retail tire chains may also want to read Who Makes Mavis Tires and Who Makes Sumitomo Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big O Tires
Does Big O make its own tires?
No, Big O is a retail franchise that sells tires from major manufacturers and TBC’s own private label lines.
Who owns Big O Tires?
TBC Corporation, a joint venture between Michelin and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, has owned Big O Tires since 1996.
When was Big O Tires founded?
Big O Tires was founded in 1962 in Colorado.
Is Big O a good tire store?
Big O is generally well regarded thanks to its franchise model and wide brand selection, though tire quality depends on the specific brand chosen.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.