My estimate on tires

Carefully examine any estimate on tires for extra charges and things that you and your vehicle do not need (examples below). Most automotive consumers will have several choices on where to take their business when it comes to replacing tires on their automobile.

Take advantage of this and don't go with the first or even the cheapest estimate. Since tires can be an expensive purchase you might as well do some research. Sometimes people just go with the cheapest estimate. I think the brand of tire needs to be considered.

This may be more important on performance vehicles then on economy cars but it's still important. If you've never heard of the brand name of tire, go check it out. Often you can find reviews of off brand tires on automotive forums. Go through several posts and see if people are happy with not only the performance but the wear of the tire.

Some cheap tires don't match what is on the vehicle originally. There are things that are D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) mandated to be stamped on the side. In my opinion the most important would be the speed rating. Higher speed rated tires make the car handle differently then lower rated tires.

As an example you don't want to replace an H speed rated tire with a T speed rated one even though it can be considerably cheaper. Exact replacement specifications can be found in the owner’s manual and on the driver’s side door jam on many vehicles.

Tires also have 3 ratings stamped on the side. They are rated based on temperature, traction and wear. Temperature and traction are graded on an A, B and C scale and tread wear is assigned a number. Even though these do not need to exactly match the original it should be considered when comparing the estimate on tires.

Tire installation package scams

I took my own advice when getting an estimate on tires. I got 4 local estimates and 1 online. 3 out of the four local ones included all kinds of extras that made my stomach churn. The lowest estimate had a brand tire I've never heard of and lot's of things that did not apply to my automotive needs.

Example: the tire installation package included a lifetime tire rotating service. The tires on my vehicle are different sizes on the front axle as opposed to the rear axle. Rotating cannot be done. Yet the estimate included a lifetime worth of rotates. Another thing included was a valve stem charge!

Many modern vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system and the stem is connected to a pressure sending unit that communicates with a module. Long story short you do not replace the stem. Also included in the mounting package were a wheel alignment and road hazard warranty.

Personally I would rather gamble and not get a road hazard warranty. If I pick up a nail I will pay for a patch at that time instead of getting an insurance policy in case it does happen. Another myth is that you need an alignment when replacing tires. Only do it if it's really needed. You can see more about front end alignments hear.

Additional charges on the tire estimate

Most States have some kind of mandated tire disposal fee. In some it's cheap and in others it's more expensive. But in any case you do not have to pay this if you take the old tires home with you. My low profile 17 inch tire makes for one awesome tire swing. The other tire I brought home was used in a backyard landscape project.

It was half buried in the ground and used to support a nice mulch mound with a tree planted in the center. This may not be right for everyone and old tires can pile up and be a pain in the neck to get rid of. Many States put the tire disposal fees to good use in the proper recycling of tires. It's amazing what they can do with these old tires. They can be shredded and stained to make excellent extended life landscaping mulch.

Another extra that was added to all the estimates was a shop supply and waste disposal fee. This has become another big rip-off in the auto repair business. Each shop charged something different. The highest one was $27.30 In the Fine Print at the bottom of the estimate on tires was an explanation that this fee represented profit to the auto repair facility for miscellaneous shop supplies.

This is one charge that you may be able to negotiate a reduction in or a complete elimination of if no shop supplies will be used during the operation. In any case before you go with a local estimate on tires do yourself a favor and compare it with one from an online retailer.

I bought my tires online from a company that I am affiliated with called the tire rack. I was able to stick with the U.S. made tire that came on my vehicle from the factory and save money at the same time. Take a minute and See the newest tires at Tire Rack.

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Replacing tires is not the only car problem that can force you into a situation to be taken advantage of. See more stories about how to protect you from the auto repair business.

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