Tyre Companies

[Maydup]

We've used Central, Kwik Fit and STS Pro. Not happy with any of them as they ALWAYs tell you you need all four tyres replacing when you only went in for one tyre, or that you need new brake discs when you don't, or they give a price which is doubled by the time you pay for all the hidden extras.

Fed up with it, does anyone know of an honest tyre company or is there no such thing?

[douglas9401]

Try a local independent dealer.

[Buenchico]

I've always found the places that sell part-used tyres offer very good service.

No, I'm not actually suggesting buying 'part-used' but simply that you should look in Yellow Pages for a firm which sells both part-used and new tyres.

[Maydup]

I can't seem to find any non-chains douglas. But I'll keep looking and maybe go to the next town which is smaller. Are anyone's tyres better qualiy than other's?

[Teddio]

Never had any problems with Hi Q

[ubasses]

Agree, we use a local independent. I hit the kerb going into a car park and it looked ripped. They came out to the house to change it and told us the damage was superficial and it did not need replacing. Excellent service.

[Teddio]

Costco are excellent and have regular offers on Michelin tyres. You have to be a member though.

[Zacs-Master]

You can't go wrong with Hankook tyres. I know someone who was in the business and always put them on his car. My daughters brand new Fiesta had them on.

[Maydup]

Something like this Chris? Or will they just try to sell me all this cr@p?!

We also sell budget tyres, performance tyres, part worn tyres, performance exhaust systems & back boxes, angel eye headlights, clear tail lights, uprated suspension kits & lowering springs, second hand alloy wheels, super chips, brake disks & pads, car stereo equipment, white dial sets, boot spoilers, body kits and have hundreds of other vehicle styling / tuning accessories on the shelves.

[Buenchico]

In your area, I think, Maydup:
http://www.jccars.co.uk/Car_Repairs_Wroxham_Norwich.htm

[Buenchico]

Oh, sorry, I've been away from my computer and didn't see your post before I sent mine. Yes, that might be a possibility.

[Maydup]

Thank you, I'll look at both.

[Mass_Hysteria]

Try Yellow Pages, "tyre sales", Old fashioned I know but local businesses still advertise in there.

[Toureman]

I have used these people for years...............

http://www.mytyres.co.uk/start.html?pk_campaign=google_pkw

No rip offs!

And there cheaper, even see the tyres without going round the country to find them

[DangerUXD]

If you can find a local non chain they are normally pretty good but failing that I've had pretty good service from Tyreland. Kwik Fit have always been a total rip off shower.

[jake-the-peg]

I use my local ATS and have been generally pleased.

However if I need a new tyre I buy it from them on-line arrange the date and time for fitting on line and then turn up and get it fitted

Tyre is then about 25-30 quid cheaper than walking in off the street.

[Maydup]

Oh that's the way to do it jake - I'll remember that and compare prices online next time.

[buildersmate]

Following from Jake's good advice, the fundamental rule is NEVER walk into a depot and ask the price of the tyre. Be very clear about what you want (type, size and rating) and phone around as many places as required - large groups and independents. Say that you are driven by price and request what is their best price. Very often you will be asked what prices you have been given already. Do not answer this question - just say, you would like their most competitive price, and you will not be back unless they are the lowest. Be blunt but not rude.
Most of these organisations have a band of selling prices the quoter is at liberty to use, and he obviously tries to sell at the maximum. You can be sure you won't get discounts if you are standing on the forecourt trying to negotiate. Simples.

[EDDIE51]

If you want just 1 or 2 tyres then tell them that is what you want and don't accept any ''advice'' about needing more. I just tell them I need 1 tyre and that's it , they may offer a discount for 4 but if I want just 1 that is what I buy.

[Maydup]

Thanks Buildersmate and Eddie. The trouble comes when they fit the said tyre and then tell you that 2 of your other tyres are borderline illegal or that you need new brakes. I don't know whether they're exagerating or not and have to walk away only to have it haunt me that my tyres are bald. That means either going back and getting them done or going somewhere else for a second opinion. 9 times out of 10 there's nothing wrong. Barstewards.

I will use an independent company in future and hope they are more honest than the nationals who do this hard sell on extras.

[EDDIE51]

Get yourself a tyre gauge less than £5 at Halfords. Legal minimum is 1.6mm or used to be , but I would change the tyre if it was on or under 2mm.