Shopping for Tires

Earlier this summer I found myself in need of some new tires for my second-hand Infinity EX. The tires they gave me with the vehicle were very worn, even considering the lower-than-average mileage on the car. As a matter of fact, because of some disturbing behavior during the very long sale process, the significant-other unit and I came away thinking there was the possibility they switched the tires to older, more worn tires. Further, the rally-like driving I do in severe traffic-laden Chicagoland roads and highways, grated down mid-construction roadways, and other assorted obstacles in the area...caused my tires to bald down considerably.

Enter the replacement tire search process. Things I kept in mind when price shopping were:

• exact dimensions needed
• manufacturer and model of desired tires
• product cost, disposal costs, labor costs, pressure gauge rebuild cost, environmental fee, any additional fees
• distance from my house and hours (particularly weekday afternoon/evening)
• ability of person to communicate all the information I sought without putting up barriers

I knew I wanted to stick with the same manufacturer and model of tire currently on my vehicle. This made the search much easier on me.

When I looked up suggestions for tire shopping on my trusty Consumer Reports 2010 Buying Guide, I was a little set aback by the lack of useful information. However, I did recently discover this video that could be a useful primer for others.



My dealership was eager to bullsh...I mean, talk some more about replacing my tires, starting after the last oil change visit I made. When I was ready, I called the service rep, and asked for a quote with all the bells, whistles, and fees that would be involved in replacing the four very worn-down tires.

Then I did the smart thing. I called up several different tire stores in my neighborhood (Sears, Discount Tire, NTB, etc.). Each rep was knowledgeable about all the fees involved and was open in sharing each one in detail. There was considerable range of prices at each place.

The dealership, the least-likely place I would get replacement tires from,  proved to be the most expensive at over $1,400. The other  vendors were in the $960-$1,200 range. That's quite a difference, isn't it?

The lowest bidder ended up being Discount Tire (Fort Hill Drive, Naperville IL), at under $950. They special-ordered the tires from Michelin in Michigan, called me when they ordered them, then when they got them in so I could make an appointment to stop by. Not only was the rep there friendly, knowledgeable, and hands-on in managing my sale, but he even entertained me as I waited about 45 to 55 minutes for the installation.

Painless. That's how your tire tire shopping should be too! :)