How to Tell the Good Tire Dealers from the Bad

Posted: May 08, 2013
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

When the tires on your car are worn or damaged, you need to take action and have new tires installed before the situation becomes dangerous. This can be an expensive exercise. Before you rush out and spend your hard-earned money, it is wise to give some thought to factors like the size and type of your vehicle, as well as how it is used and whether there any tire brands that you have used before that impressed you and that you would consider using again.

Aside from the type and brand of tire you require, you should also think carefully about who will supply and install the tires for you. Although the products tire dealers supply seem quite similar, this does not mean that all tire stores operating in North Carolina, or your local area, are up to the same standard.

To perform properly, tires need to be installed in a correct and safe manner by people that really know what they are doing. Having tire dealers with low standards of work quality and technical proficiency install tires on your vehicle may not only cause inconvenience, but may even result in a dangerous situation for you and your loved ones.

So how do you tell the good tire dealers from the bad? Here are some tips:

• Ask around. Get recommendations from other vehicle owners among your circle of friends, family and colleagues.

• First impressions. Visit the tire dealer’s premises and pay careful attention to the state of the building, especially the workshop area. A dirty, disorganized workshop does not usually indicate high standards of work and professionalism.

• Add-ons. Does the tire dealer have the equipment and expertise to properly handle associated services like wheel alignment and repairs to steering system components?

• Knowledge and advice. Does the tire salesperson demonstrate familiarity with all of the tire types available and make sensible recommendations? Be wary of a tire store where staff members simply repeat the information on the tire manufacturer’s brochure or other literature.