Tirerack?

[JEFNLSA]

Just curious...

I've never bought thru Tirerack before but plan to on my next go 'round. Obviously the prices are great but where are you guys getting them mounted and balanced? It seems to me that any of the local tire shops charge an arm and a leg for mounting and balancing; especially if you do not purchase the tires from them. Are you using the Tirerack recommended installers etc..?

By the time you pay a local shop to mount & balance, you're almost better off buying the tires from them and getting the m&b included in the purchase price. Not to mention the warranty issues.

Lots of guys buying from Tirerack...what's the scoop?

Thx,
Jeff

 

[Florida Guy]

Jeff,
I purchased my last set from Tire Rack and had them mounted and balanced at the local Chevy dealer. (Before I moved from California) He charged me about 25 bucks. I had them do it because he had recently installed a "Touchless" tire mounting machine. The machine cost him $10K. Suggest you call around in your area for the best deal. I would also look for a place that is experienced in mounting tires on alloy/chrome wheels. Good luck.

 

[Vettelt193]

Just curious...

I've never bought thru Tirerack before but plan to on my next go 'round. Obviously the prices are great but where are you guys getting them mounted and balanced? It seems to me that any of the local tire shops charge an arm and a leg for mounting and balancing; especially if you do not purchase the tires from them. Are you using the Tirerack recommended installers etc..?

By the time you pay a local shop to mount & balance, you're almost better off buying the tires from them and getting the m&b included in the purchase price. Not to mention the warranty issues.

Lots of guys buying from Tirerack...what's the scoop?

Thx,
Jeff

local shops have always been a lot more $$, up until about a year or so ago (in my experience). My last pair of tires were purchased from discount tire locally, they had the same price as tire rack... before that, I bought from tire rack because no one locally was even close to their prices.

 

[c4cruiser]

Tire Rack has some great deals and there is a wealth of information available on their website for each brand and model tire they offer. Some tire stores just cannot provide that level of information either becasue they don't want to take the time or the sales staff don't have answers. Try going to Les Schwab and ask about differences in tread compounds and how it impacts wet and dry grip compared to the brand name ultra high performance tires!

Discount Tire will usually match Tire Rack for price on the same tire if you print the Tire Rack order page and take that in. I have done business with Discount Tire and they are a great chain and stand behind their tires and services. Tire Rack is also a great place to deal if you can find a shop that will mount and balance your tires at a reasonable cost. Discount usually includes mounting and balancing in the cost of the tire so you need to factor that into the final price.

Major tire store chains will also have tire mounting and balancing equipment that is state of the art or close to it. If you are mounting tires on expensive alloy wheels, make sure the store has the proper equipment and trained people to operate it. Good balincing equipment is also necessary to insure a smooth ride especially if you may be going to hit triple-digit speeds.

 

[JimVette]

The store that mounts them is very important. Although I didn't buy my F1-D3's at Tirerack I took their recommendation on who to mount them and they broke 2 pressure sensors. I am waiting for my small claims court date because the RECOMMENDED Goodyear tire center took no responsibility for breaking them (Corporate owned).

 

[Tuna]

I have bought tires from TireRack several times. I have always made sure I had a good tire shop lined up to mount them. I found a good one locally and they are willing to work with me when I bring in stuff from other places. I also make sure I send them business when I can so they know I'm trying to keep them in business.

I also check out the TireRack prices, factor in the additional cost of mounting and balancing and then see if I can get a comparable deal from the tire shop for the same tires. If I can, I'll go 100% with the tire shop. If the only game in town is to order what I want from TireRack, then that's what I do.

BTW, when the UPS or FedEx guys deliver 315/35/17s to the house they usually want to know what kind of car uses something that big. Then I open the garage door and let them take a look at the 2 Vettes in there, they are usually satisified.

 

[Rain]

Local tire chain (tire kingdom) will beat tire rack prices.
Just bring them a print out from the Tire Rack web site including shipping.

http://www.tirekingdom.com/index.do

 

[NevadaJim]

Bought my last set of tires from them; had them delivered to my house. Brought my tires and wheels to Discount tires, mounted and balance, and replaced the all the valves (w/chrome tipped ones) for $60.00 (including tax). Could not have bought the tires locally and had them mounted & balanced any where near the price the I paid; the closest I found would have cost me $100 more -- for the same tires.

 

[Edmond]

Bought 4 SZ-50's a couple years ago and had a local Firestone mount them. I think I paid about $40 for the install.

Like it was said before, check out Discount Tire. They're a fast rising chain and places like Firestone and Goodyear with their overpriced stuff better look out!

 

[Ken]

Discount?? Ed, The Tire Rack is one of our Supporting Vendors.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

I bought 2 full sets of tires for 2 of my cars last year from TireRack. Mounting and balancing was around $40.00 for each car from a local garage. I like the fact that they give you E-mails saying when they are shipped and when to expect them. I got mine 48 Hrs. after shipping to NY state.

 

[WhalePirot]

local shops have always been a lot more $$, up until about a year or so ago (in my experience).

Ditto

Last set I bought from Tire Rack went on a BMW and their recommended installed, where I drop shipped them, was rude and slow, but at least he was overpriced. It took a lot of complaining to get the tires properly balanced, too. When I complained to TR, they were great; then sent me a gift: a digital pressure gauge.

Methinks, in major metro areas, that TR is great for a comparison, but I found Discount Tire to be similarly priced, "out the door". Just watch for a 'switch' and the subsequent price increase.

 

[Edmond]

Discount?? Ed, The Tire Rack is one of our Supporting Vendors.

Sorry, Ken. I never saw that before.

Tire Rack is great. The only problem is finding someone to properly and professionally mount and balance the tires for you for a fair price even though you didn't buy the tires from them. Some shops totally price it so you have no choice but to avoid them. But hey, if they don't want to do business, that's fine by me because they'll be out of it soon.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

As soon as I saw the sign on the wall at the Goodyear dealer that said "$35.00 minimum lift charge" I walked out.
No wonder they have 15 positions open for service managers locally.

 

[Green LT1]

I have purchased tires from Tire Rack on 4 or 5 occasions, and they are definitely a high-quality outfit. Once I had to return a tire (not Tire Rack's fault), and they were extremely helpful and the process was painless. As has been mentioned above, their prices are very comptetitive, and their service is fantastic. I recommend them highly. I usually have the local Sam's Club (they actaully do a good, careful job) mount and balance the tires, which usually costs about $50. Good luck!

 

[JJS]

A lot of the local tire merchants will actually meet, or beat (by 5% - MA sales tax) the Tirerack price if you bring a printout of the Tirerack quote.
Just go to the Tirerack website, get the price of the tire(s) you want, print it out and bring it in to your local tire dealer. Ask if they can meet the Tirerack price, and if not, walk away. A lot of these dealerships will gladly match the price, as they've lost a lot of business to them.
I personally have bought 3 sets of tires from the Tirerack (2 Jeeps, 1 vette), and have been extremely happy with their price and service. I've had my Jeep dealership put two sets on the Jeeps, and a corvette restoration business do the vette.
Best of luck,

-John

 

[JEFNLSA]

Thx for the replies everybody.

I'm aware of DT and have done quite a bit of biz w/ them. IMO...great place and very competitive. I like the idea/s about bringing in The TR pricing and see if they will match.

Of course, my preference would be to buy the tires and have them mounted all at one location but...we'll see.

Guess I better see what DT will do for a set of F1 GS D3's in 285/40/17's cuz I know what TR will.

I know that they are pricey but (just once at least) I'd like to try them and see what all the buzz is about. Love that tread design and NO :ugh (I'm not like LSA), I don't pick my favorite team by the color & design of their uniform. :L

 

[JimVette]

The problems I had were not with Tirerack. Actually the price from the Goodyear dealer were almost the same as Tirerack. Unfortunately I selected the Goodyear store. The F1 GS D3's are great compared to the original GS's that I had on my '92. They ride smooth, handle well and hook up very nicely. I don't buy performance tires very often so I didn't have a problem with the price.

 

[JEFNLSA]

The problems I had were not with Tirerack. Actually the price from the Goodyear dealer were almost the same as Tirerack. Unfortunately I selected the Goodyear store. The F1 GS D3's are great compared to the original GS's that I had on my '92. They ride smooth, handle well and hook up very nicely. I don't buy performance tires very often so I didn't have a problem with the price.

Sorry to hear about your dilemma. :eyerole

If I may ask, what size D3's did you buy and what did you pay for them installed?

Are you managing to get at least 20k out of a set?

 

[Moonunit 451]

Bought 2 315 and 2 275's (D3's) from Tire Rack a little over a year ago. I think they were around $250 for the rears and ? $210 for the fronts. Very happy with Tire Rack. I took them to a guy that does mostly high end, and race cars for the install. He was spendy, but I knew it would be done right.