Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm not just looking to buy - I'm looking for the whole kit and caboodle service deal. ((Not really trusting of a Wal-Mart subsidiary store putting on my tires))
I'm not just looking to buy - I'm looking for the whole kit and caboodle service deal. ((Not really trusting of a Wal-Mart subsidiary store putting on my tires))
For starters, the Wal-Mart places have all the same equipment for mounting tires as any other service store -- maybe even better equipment given their corporate budgets. It's not like the people who run the mounting and balancing machines at your corner store have Ph.D's or anything.
Second, when it comes to the business of choosing tires, after deciding what size and then what kind of tires I want (all-season touring, all-season high-performance, summer, snow, etc.), the first thing I do is go to the Tire Rack website and check out the customer ratings and feedback, which breaks ratings down by tire noise, wet-weather grip, dry-weather grip, rate of treadwear, etc. At that point it's just a matter of deciding which tires most fit my needs at a price I'm willing to pay. Then, look to see if your local shop carries that make, model and size of tire at a reasonable price, and if not, have Tire Rack ship them to your local shop.
Since you are driving a Focus, you should be able to find a good selection of tires to replace the factory originals. Most compact and mid sized cars are equipped with relatively cheap tires as standard equipment unless the car is from one of the high priced brands. The original tires on my Nissan Altima (continental) were lousy. I got rid of them with less than 30K miles because they were too noisy, not because of lack of tread. I bought some Goodyear Assurance Comfortred tires, verrry quiet ride. Not the cheapest, but since these things will be carrying me and the car around for the next 60K miles, I didn't mind spending $500 (included tax, mounting, balance, plus free rotate and re-balance every 6K miles). Also included free repair warranty, where they will put a vulcanized patch inside the tire for no charge in case you get a nail through the tread.
For starters, the Wal-Mart places have all the same equipment for mounting tires as any other service store -- maybe even better equipment given their corporate budgets. It's not like the people who run the mounting and balancing machines at your corner store have Ph.D's or anything.
Second, when it comes to the business of choosing tires, after deciding what size and then what kind of tires I want (all-season touring, all-season high-performance, summer, snow, etc.), the first thing I do is go to the Tire Rack website and check out the customer ratings and feedback, which breaks ratings down by tire noise, wet-weather grip, dry-weather grip, rate of treadwear, etc. At that point it's just a matter of deciding which tires most fit my needs at a price I'm willing to pay. Then, look to see if your local shop carries that make, model and size of tire at a reasonable price, and if not, have Tire Rack ship them to your local shop.
Took the words right out of my mouth. I do this all the time. Use all the resources and comparisons Tire Rack can offer. I have never ordered from Tire Rack but after my research and I have my tires within my budget, I just have the tire place I deal with order the tires and install them. Most places have a distributor that they can use to get the tires you want and it may not cost you anything extra for them to get them. It never hurts to ask.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.