Tire Shopping Anyone?
Jul 7th, 2009 by gmoran
Boy, the quote, “Let the buyer beware” sure hits the auto consumer more than just auto purchases. We all know that as autos have become more durable, it seems like the smallest repair costs an extra month’s car payment. For those who are hanging on to their existing car, brakes, tires, batteries, etc. are in this year’s budget. There are some great tire manufacturer’s deals out there now. Both Goodyear and Firestone have been running “4 tires for the price of 3” specials and other rebates on a wide variety of products and Michelin has recently offered a $70 rebate on 4 tire purchases on all of their tires. But watch out for the installers. They will dazzle you with installation charges. A couple bucks of needless or unwanted dollars times 4 can put an extra $50 or so on your bill that kind of negates the money you may have just saved on your tire special! Mounting and balancing covers just that but installers also try to load additional labor and materials costs on top that effectively charge you for this service twice. Road Hazard coverage is optional but often included without the customer’s knowledge. Make sure you know what state taxes and disposal fees are mandatory and standard. Get the exact price that each tire will cost when mounted on the car from the installer before you sign the service order and let them know that you will not be paying for anything on the final bill that is not itemized per tire beforehand. See the manager if the person at the desk pleads ignorant. No one watches your money better than you do.