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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.