Why is getting tires installed such a rip off?
- Thread starter abcdefghi
- Start date
Just ignore everything you see or hear until something breaks, and when it does evaluate whether you can fix it yourself or aarrrgggghhh -pay someone. If you have to pay, tell em how cheap you are up front that way they know that you'll be feisty if they rake you over the coals. Oh, and VF, you can save a lot of money by blowing off those ridiculous "inspections". They always tell me I need to spend more money to fix the things I'm trying to ignore! What a cramp on my style!
I had a fun experience with new tires this summer......
The morning after I had new tires installed, one of them was flat. We took it back to the tire shop, told them what happened, and they "fixed" it. The next morning the same thing happened!!!! So we took it back, again. Apparently, one of their genius employees dropped the wheel when it didn't have anything protecting it and too a chunk out of the rim, causing a permanent, unfixable air leak. I had to buy an entire new set of tires, just because they were cheaper than buying a **** replacement!!!!! Most expensive set of tires, ever.
The morning after I had new tires installed, one of them was flat. We took it back to the tire shop, told them what happened, and they "fixed" it. The next morning the same thing happened!!!! So we took it back, again. Apparently, one of their genius employees dropped the wheel when it didn't have anything protecting it and too a chunk out of the rim, causing a permanent, unfixable air leak. I had to buy an entire new set of tires, just because they were cheaper than buying a **** replacement!!!!! Most expensive set of tires, ever.
nitrogen is used cuz it isnt affected by heat. it wont expand and contract with the weather thus helping your tires stay at the recommended pressure prolonging the life of your tires.
Pays to shop, I get mine at Mavis tires or Tire rack, they all beat the prices that you can find. I get the deal that includes balancing the tires and install. Mavis does it all and you can see what they are doing. Tire rack, just sells tires on-line, you can have them ship anywhere, plus they work with tire shops in your area.
When it comes to tires, I like to see the results when they balance the tire, that it is all at zero and I like to see the results when they do alignment.
You really have to know that the machine is well balanced.
Note: the dealer charges 2 times the value
Nitrogen fill up is a waste of money, some shops offer it for free.
Tires have to be checked during seasonal and weather changes for air. Rotate the tires at least every 10K, I do less. My guys charges $25 to rotate the tires.
Box stores like Cosco, Sams or BJs have great prices on tires, but I wouldn't have them do the work, I hear too many mistakes being made.
Safety first!
When it comes to tires, I like to see the results when they balance the tire, that it is all at zero and I like to see the results when they do alignment.
You really have to know that the machine is well balanced.
Note: the dealer charges 2 times the value
Nitrogen fill up is a waste of money, some shops offer it for free.
Tires have to be checked during seasonal and weather changes for air. Rotate the tires at least every 10K, I do less. My guys charges $25 to rotate the tires.
Box stores like Cosco, Sams or BJs have great prices on tires, but I wouldn't have them do the work, I hear too many mistakes being made.
Safety first!
this issue wasnt really about a lack of shopping around it was about paying for services that werent asked for. i hope you got it sorted out!
and yes, tirerack FTW!
and yes, tirerack FTW!
Tirerack and Discount FTW...for tire prices.
If in the West, Les Schwab can't be beat. If you buy tires from them, they will mount, balance, rotate, align and repair...for the life of the tires. ok..ok...it's included in the cost, but it really works out to be well worth the extra..Especially here in Montana where the roads suck and flats, misalignment and out of balance wheels are frequent due to rough roads and pot holes....
/ramble
If in the West, Les Schwab can't be beat. If you buy tires from them, they will mount, balance, rotate, align and repair...for the life of the tires. ok..ok...it's included in the cost, but it really works out to be well worth the extra..Especially here in Montana where the roads suck and flats, misalignment and out of balance wheels are frequent due to rough roads and pot holes....
/ramble
Most places charge to mount and balance your tires, and to dispose of the old ones.
the good places will include mounting and balancing inthe price of your new tires, or make it a point to tell you. I think the disposal fee is seperate, because the government has their fingers in it somehow.
I usually have the valve stems replaced, although I probably dont need to. Like $4 each.
$139 for an alignment is WAY steep! I just had my truck (97 f150 4X4) aligned for $50.
Did they charge you for parts for the alignment?
the service plan is usually worth getting, because it will usually replace the tire if you should blow one out on the road, and it can not be repaired, and will also cover free repair of repairable flats. I like the service plan, But then again my tires are over $200 Each.
Anyway with any kind of work involving labor costs, always ask them for the total price, including all parts and labor, and if they say they dont know what parts they need then tell them not do do any work till the determine what parts will be needed, and what its going to cost.
But the bottom line is this.
In todays economy, dont let retailers take advantage of you. Compettition is fierce out there, and the tire market is pretty cut throat. Most tire stores will meet or beat their competitors price so if you arent happy with what they are telling you, then let them know you are going somewhere else.
the good places will include mounting and balancing inthe price of your new tires, or make it a point to tell you. I think the disposal fee is seperate, because the government has their fingers in it somehow.
I usually have the valve stems replaced, although I probably dont need to. Like $4 each.
$139 for an alignment is WAY steep! I just had my truck (97 f150 4X4) aligned for $50.
Did they charge you for parts for the alignment?
the service plan is usually worth getting, because it will usually replace the tire if you should blow one out on the road, and it can not be repaired, and will also cover free repair of repairable flats. I like the service plan, But then again my tires are over $200 Each.
Anyway with any kind of work involving labor costs, always ask them for the total price, including all parts and labor, and if they say they dont know what parts they need then tell them not do do any work till the determine what parts will be needed, and what its going to cost.
But the bottom line is this.
In todays economy, dont let retailers take advantage of you. Compettition is fierce out there, and the tire market is pretty cut throat. Most tire stores will meet or beat their competitors price so if you arent happy with what they are telling you, then let them know you are going somewhere else.
kj5kb
KEEPER OF CATS, FISH AND CATFISHES
Sorry you got taken... If you paid with a card you MIGHT be able to get some help from the bank or card company.
for next time: triple ditto tirerack...read the reviews with a grain o'salt and find a good tire cheap.
Have 'em shipped to your local installer and...DONE.
for next time: triple ditto tirerack...read the reviews with a grain o'salt and find a good tire cheap.
Have 'em shipped to your local installer and...DONE.
