Gah. Freakin' Wal-Mart.

[ProfessorWes]

Made me a good deal on a new set of tires for my Elantra.

And they even scuffed and scratched up my alloy rims for free.

*headdesk* *headdesk*

We shall see what their insurance says . . . :evil:

 

[JFB]

I feel you pain
want to bet the lug spot faces is cracked also from air impact

 

[Cholo]

Well, that sucks I had them change my oil exactly 1x, and the next morning the oil was running down the road. Nice...

 

[hittman]

I'll never understand why people go to a department / discount store for automobile parts and/or service. :roll:

A local buddy and well-document tight wad had Sam's rotate his tires. Less than 1 mile down the road, left front tire continued west while he turned north. Video at the store shows him driving the car off the lot so ..... no, Sam's ain't paying and ain't filing an insurance claim. So far that tire rotate has cost him a $1,000.00 deductible and a $65.00 tow bill.

 

[SAJohn]

Clear coat alloy wheels, especially with low profile tires, should not to be taken to cut rate places.

 

[6gun]

I'll never understand why people go to a department / discount store for automobile parts and/or service. :roll:

A local buddy and well-document tight wad had Sam's rotate his tires. Less than 1 mile down the road, left front tire continued west while he turned north. Video at the store shows him driving the car off the lot so ..... no, Sam's ain't paying and ain't filing an insurance claim. So far that tire rotate has cost him a $1,000.00 deductible and a $65.00 tow bill.

I don't understand why people go to Wal-Mart period.

 

[ProfessorWes]

I'll never understand why people go to a department / discount store for automobile parts and/or service. :roll:

A local buddy and well-document tight wad had Sam's rotate his tires. Less than 1 mile down the road, left front tire continued west while he turned north. Video at the store shows him driving the car off the lot so ..... no, Sam's ain't paying and ain't filing an insurance claim. So far that tire rotate has cost him a $1,000.00 deductible and a $65.00 tow bill.

In my case, I'm not a tightwad, just broke.

And in all fairness I've also had instances of shoddy/incompetent service in the past from big-name auto service centers - including a Firestone dealer I'd used for years, and trusted - and from car dealerships. (One reason I'm driving a Hyundai these days is because a certain KC-area Dodge dealer royally shafted me on auto repairs.)


Still . . . When the Wally World service manager wanted to know why my rims got so scratched up, the guy who mounted and balanced the tires claimed it was partly due to the shape of the wheel and partly "that those wheels must be made of really cheap metal if a plastic buck could scratch them up like that."

I pointed out, quite calmly and amazingly without profanity (considering my temper), that the last time I'd bought tires for the Elantra NTB had managed to mount them without scuffing the rims, so obviously the shape and construction of the OEM wheels wasn't an issue. It was at that point that the service manager said "OK, we'll take some pictures and turn it over to insurance." And he did. It'll take a couple of working days to hear back from them, so as I said, we'll see. If I do end up getting a new set of rims out of the deal, though, I'll have my dealership mount and balance the tires, not Wal-Mart. :wink:

(I would have considered NTB for tires again, but the nearest outlet is an hour's drive away, and I wasn't too thrilled by the mileage I got out of the tires they sold me anyway. There's a couple of related Big O Tires franchises in the area, which are part of the same retail chain as NTB is, but after checking out their prices I can certainly understand why they call the place Big "O" Tires, IYKWIM(AITYD).

Besides, if I'd spent another $150 - $200 for tires over what Wally World charged me and still wound up with scarred-up rims, I'd probably be even angrier, what with the whole being broke thing and all. :wink: )

 

[RugerHound]

I've seen professional tire shops damage custom wheels. One of these days my T-Bird Pacific Coast Roadster is gonna need tires... I dread that day!

 

[hittman]

I need to remember that we're so very fortunate here to have a number of small independent and locally owned shops that are very competent.

No offense intended to you sir.

 

[ProfessorWes]

I need to remember that we're so very fortunate here to have a number of small independent and locally owned shops that are very competent.

No offense intended to you sir.

None taken, friend.

Besides, truth be told, there was this little voice in the back of my head while I was inspecting the damage going "Yeah, you should have known better . . . "

Hence the thread title, and all the *headdesking* on my part.

 

[speedsixman]

We have a Discount Tire here, and I have been more than happy with their service !
They carefully torque the wheels to manufacturer's specs, and set tire pressure likewise.

Went in there with a flat to be repaired and they did it free, never mind that I had never purchased anything from them yet. Said just to come back when I was ready to buy tires, and I have bought 2 sets and an odd replacement. If you check their online pricing, I think they will match it in the store.

Myron

 

[tinman]

I gotta step up for them folks at Wally World on this one. I've been buying my tires there for over 20 years. I always get the lifetime balance/rotate package and, since I am really picky about that sorta thing, I use it at every other oil change along with checking air pressure at least weekly. Never have I had a problem with them not doing a good job. And, since they see me regularly they all know that if they mess something up they will hear about it. My Jeep had alloy rims and they did all of the tire maintenance, starting at about 30,000 when I got rid of the crappy stock tires, until I sold it at 9 years old with 293,000 miles on the clock. I had just installed it's 4th set of tires when it was sold. I recently bought a new Ram truck which had a set of the crappy Goodyear factory type tires. In the first year I had several punctures. I stopped at the new Discount Tire shop in town to have one repaired and was told that, because it had a previous repair that did not meet their specifications, they would not repair it for me......but they would sell me a new tire. I left and went to the WM where they fixed it... free of charge. Yeah, I just bought a set (5) of BFG All-Terrain K-2's to replace the crappy factory ones.........and I happily gave all that money to the folks that have taken good care of me for all these years.....and I have yet to darken the door of the "experts" again. 8)
In addition, and the same happened with the Jeep, since I got the new tires I have yet to have a single flat tire.

 

[WAYNO]

Wow. Another interesting thread.

From the auto repair facilities available to me in my area, there is not a single one that I trust.

We have a huge tire retailer in our area, Les Schwab. Probably gets 90% of the tire business in the Pacific Northwest. Used to be they were great. I have experienced or witnessed such horror stories from their work over the years that I absolutely cringe every time I go there. Why do I go there? Because they are everywhere, and in many places out west they are the only tire show in town. I could go elsewhere and receive the same non-caring service, so it's either flip a coin or go where your tires are warranteed absolutely everywhere I go in the Northwest.

There is no win.

WAYNO.

 

[Jim Puke]

I buy from and independent dealer here in town, but I know a lot of folks that use our local Walmart and I have never heard anything bad from any of them.

 

[speedsixman]

tinman,
Not knocking your opinion but...............I have been on both sides of a service desk.

Discount Tire's refusal to patch a tire that someone else has worked on keeps them from being liable for someone else's work that they can't vouch for, and I can understand that.

Discount uses a unique repair method that is more thorough than anyone else I know of.
They install a plug though the body of the tire, then buff it smooth inside, and place an internal patch over it. Virtually assures that it can never come unstuck or leak.
YMMV

Myron

 

[737tdi]

I'll never understand why people go to a department / discount store for automobile parts and/or service. :roll:

A local buddy and well-document tight wad had Sam's rotate his tires. Less than 1 mile down the road, left front tire continued west while he turned north. Video at the store shows him driving the car off the lot so ..... no, Sam's ain't paying and ain't filing an insurance claim. So far that tire rotate has cost him a $1,000.00 deductible and a $65.00 tow bill.

I don't understand why people go to Wal-Mart period.

In many small towns it's the only significant retailer around for miles.

Not to be rude or condescending. That is y'alls fault. If you don't do business with the small guy businesses in your little town they will go out of business. If you give into the big stores then your little town businesses will die. Pay the extra nickel for God's sake. I have never bought a tire from Walmart. I support my local businesses. Use Walmart against itself, talk to the local shop and let him know he is being undercut. He will come down some and you both will be happy. Never use Firestone, Walmart, random oil shops, etc.. You will at some time pay more then what you would have paid to the local real tire shop.


Karl

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

We have a Discount Tire here, and I have been more than happy with their service !
They carefully torque the wheels to manufacturer's specs, and set tire pressure likewise.

Went in there with a flat to be repaired and they did it free, never mind that I had never purchased anything from them yet. Said just to come back when I was ready to buy tires, and I have bought 2 sets and an odd replacement. If you check their online pricing, I think they will match it in the store.

Myron

PLus one here in my end of the NNW 8)

 

[Rick Courtright]

Discount uses a unique repair method that is more thorough than anyone else I know of.
They install a plug though the body of the tire, then buff it smooth inside, and place an internal patch over it. Virtually assures that it can never come unstuck or leak.

Hi,

I've understood that method is REQUIRED in European countries to preserve the speed rating of a repaired tire. You know, that S, T, H, V or other letter rating included in the stuff marked with the tire's size on the sidewall.

I used the same shop for years until the brands they sold didn't make my size anymore. They made repairs on "S" and "T" rated tires, the lowest two speed ratings, and just put a patch inside. But a set of "H" rated tires I got from them picked up a nail, and they patched it with the plug/patch method. The tire guy said the mfr required them to do it that way on those tires to preserve the warranty. If anyone wants to surf a little, there are some Euro-patches (Rema, perhaps?) that have the plug and patch made as a single unit. It's a slick idea. I dunno if they're for auto or motorcycle tires...

Rick C

 

[speedsixman]

Rick Courtright,

I never knew that it was a Euro requirement, but it seems to be about foolproof.

As to the plug and patch in one piece, I used them many years ago and thought them to be the best thing since sliced bread. The plug had a 'mushroom' at one end, and you slopped the whole thing with tire cement, then inserted it from the outside of the tire. Pull back on the plug and the head expands against the interior of the tire. If there is sufficient cement used, they should be very good.

Myron

 

[tinman]

I forgot to list the reason that I began using WM as my preferred tire outlet all those years ago.....the service warranty. I live in Texas, but much of my family still lives in the Midwest. I was making several trips back and forth each year usually to hunt with the family and always during deer season. As stated, I am a big fan of regular maintenance. And, as noted by the number of miles I put on that Jeep in 8 years, I drive.....a lot. Having the ability to get service done when I wanted was and still is a big deal for me. When I began this tradition, and in areas that I travelled, there were no Discount Tire, NTB, etc. to be found. As of today, using their store locator, there are exactly 3 Discount stores in the entire state of Missouri. But I could always find a WM.......So, until they give me reason to quit, I will be stickin with the folks that have done me right for all these years.

 

[737tdi]

Well, I just pulled the tire off of my John Deere due to multiple flats. Literally 2 hours ago. Going to have the reliner I bought a couple of years ago put into the left one. The right side was already done. No more flats once this is done. 6 ply reliner from Gemplers. No more flats after this is done. Hehe, nothing to do with high speed but tire related??? Damn Texas thorns.

Karl

 

[6gun]

I buy all my tires at "Discount Tire" they will beat anyone's price, any tire they don't carry they will order and beat anyone's price that carries it, can't go wrong with them.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/home.do

 

[JFB]

Well, I just pulled the tire off of my John Deere due to multiple flats. Literally 2 hours ago. Going to have the reliner I bought a couple of years ago put into the left one. The right side was already done. No more flats once this is done. 6 ply reliner from Gemplers. No more flats after this is done. Hehe, nothing to do with high speed but tire related??? Damn Texas thorns.

Karl

What a coincidance!
I just put on a spare set of front tires I have the Gempler reliners in prior to trimming an Osage border with my little 955 yesterday afternoon

 

[graygun]

You mean theyse not factery trained at Wally's? :lol:

 

[Jeepnik]

What's that old saying "you get what you pay for". If the tires are inexpensive the folks you buy them from either have to sell a cheap tire or go cheap on the labor force. And, most tire shops have a great big disclaimer that they aren't responsible for damage to your rims. Really, you screw up, damage someone's property and aren't responsible for you actions?

Which is why if I can't do it myself, I have a few select shops owned by guys my age who know that they "are" responsible for what happens in their shops. They hire good people, use good quality parts and yes, charge a bit more. Believe me, it's worth the couple of extra bucks.

By the way, look around in your area, you may be able to find someone who will refinish the rims.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Isn't there a disclaimer on every tire contract stating they are not responsible for damage to alloy or custom wheels? I wouldn't worry about a few scratches. :? :?

 

[gramps]

I am sooo lucky. No worries about another scratch or dent. They are 13 & 14 years old. The 2001 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab was used for camping, caving, farming etc. The 2002 two door Chevy Cavalier runs great- just put 2 new tires from Discount Tire on it last week. She has dents and rust aplenty. I killed 11 wild hawgs with it in Texas . Yep my vehicles have character, and memories.
gramps

 

[Jeepnik]

Isn't there a disclaimer on every tire contract stating they are not responsible for damage to alloy or custom wheels? I wouldn't worry about a few scratches. :? :?

Probably 99.9% of the shops, yes. But like I said, you can still find stand up people who take responsibility for their actions. At least for another 10 or 15 years at least. Then we'll all be dead.

 

[Jeepnik]

I am solo lucky. No worries about another scratch or dent. They are 13 & 14 years old. The 2001 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab was used for camping, caving, farming etc. The 2002 two door Chevy Cavalier runs great- just put 2 new tires from Discount Tire on it last week. She has dents and rust aplenty. I killed 11 wild hawgs with it in Texas . Yep my vehicles have character, and memories.
gramps

Dang hitting those hawgs must be kinda hard on the sheet metal and front suspension. :mrgreen:

 

[737tdi]

Well, I just pulled the tire off of my John Deere due to multiple flats. Literally 2 hours ago. Going to have the reliner I bought a couple of years ago put into the left one. The right side was already done. No more flats once this is done. 6 ply reliner from Gemplers. No more flats after this is done. Hehe, nothing to do with high speed but tire related??? Damn Texas thorns.

Karl

What a coincidance!
I just put on a spare set of front tires I have the Gempler reliners in prior to trimming an Osage border with my little 955 yesterday afternoon

That is funny. A lot of folks don't know about the reliners or Gemplers, very good company. If you have an odd tire size they will special order them for you. By the way my front tires are foam filled so definitely no flats.


Karl