Would you go back, to this tire store? Options

[race914]

While our Boxster (914 parts runner) was getting aligned at our mechanic, he ran it down to a nearby tire shop to get a new set of Kumho SPTs put on. This is how it came back to my mechanic from the tire shop....




Think they used enough mounting lube? Would it have been asking too much to put the valve stem cap back on?

Has anyone else experienced this complete lack in pride in workmanship??? Makes me seriously wonder how good the balance is....

Would you go back to this service provider???

[DanT]

Greg, not to bash, but did you or the mechanic choose the tire shop...?

time to find at least a new tire shop...I would be less than happy or impressed.
Not like you took them a taxi or rental car to do tires on.

[rhodyguy]

i would go back. only to point out the shoddy work to the manager and to let him my biz would be going elsewhere.

k

[GeorgeRud]

The trouble with many of these businesses is that they simply don't care. They know that there are enough Aunt Freds with cars that they don't really care about to keep them in business. Find the good guys and give them your business - don't get hung up on price.

[race914]

Greg, not to bash, but did you or the mechanic choose the tire shop...?

time to find at least a new tire shop...I would be less than happy or impressed.
Not like you took them a taxi or rental car to do tires on.

Happy Holidays Dan!

This is 'supposed to be' the upscale tire shop in San Luis Obispo that caters to the upper end cars... They do have a 'touchless' mounting machine that gives them some points.

I had used them once before and wasn't too happy with the customer service, but when our Boxster front end shake turned out to be tires instead of just needing a balance, my mechanic offered to run it down for a set. I'm 20 miles away and appreciated his offer to do so, since this would save me from taking a 1/2 day off work to take care of it myself. Also thought I'd give the place another chance... So it was my choice as much as my mechanic's who I have the upmost respect for -> Guy Ober's Independent Porsche Care (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) (as seen in the book "how to make your car handle")

Just wanted to share what was returned to him. He helped me make it right.

The shop close to me that mounts my Hoosiers & Avons (Wayne's Tire) always gives them back bright & shinny! I think they enjoy doing my race tires, whenever I go to pick them up there is usually a crowd around them! (AVON Tech R-As are not too common down here in agricultureville!) Too bad they are 30 miles from my mechanic!

Just wanted to share my bad experience... I won't be going back there even if it means a 1/2 day off for me to shuttle the car around.

[orange914]

americas tires
the ONLY way to go!
i've bought probably 10 complete sets through them and ALWAYS best price on great tires. they even have a policy to fix ANYONES flats for FREE no matter where/when or how they where purchased (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

[John]

Just be happy you still have your centercaps. (I lost one due to a crappy tire store)

I now have my own tire equipment and never again will let a greasy kid screw up my rims/tires/lug nuts/car, etc. (wasn't it a tire store that dropped a brand new Lotus from a lift? And they call themselves professionals)

I would bitch at your mechanic for not following up better than that. The mechanic did provide the service for you.

Best of luck to you.

[machina]

when i had fancy wheels i used to drive 45 minutes each way to a custom tire shop that did it right.

now with my beat up fuchs, i just go to the local shop and give the installer $20 while i watch.

with the new mounting machines, even a mindless tech could do the job without scratching the rim.

[markb]

Next time have it taken to Kevin at SM Tire in SLO. He'll take care of you right. I take the 914's to him (they also have the touchless system). Kev is my former business partner, and knows well how we value these cars. He may have to special order the tires you want, but his price will be right, and he'll take care of the rims.

[73Phoenix20]

Interesting thread!

Had a set of completely refinished Fuchs and decided to haul them over to Tire Rack for the new rubber. Now, Tire Rack sells some really expensive wheels and hot tires, so I was expecting top notch "No Touch" service... the "long hair" on the mounting machine starts tossing the Fuchs aound like they are steelies off a 65 Valiant!!!
I step in and politely state that these wheels are damned near irreplacable, and if he scratches them, his boss just bought them!

Well, he stops everything and goes to get the "Boss", who turned out to be the older gentleman who owns the company!!! And he proceeds to tell me that he can't guarantee that the wheels won't get scratched, and if that isn't good enough, take my business elsewhere!!!!

I shoot back with "You are selling and mounting wheels that cost as much as some cars, and you tell me you can't guarantee a damage free mount??? WTF kind of place are you running here!?!?!" Well, that got his attention, and he personally supervised the mounting and balancing of my tires, and the "long hair" did a very careful and immaculate job!
Must say that I was very satisfied with the results, but sure took a strange path to get there! I also had a great conversation with the owner, learning about how he used to buy tires from Europe on his personal credit when the business was getting started.

BUT, the real point is... what happened to Customer Service and "Do It Right The First Time" and "The Customer Is Always Right"???

You buy their product and it's like you are doing them a favor and should get out of their hair as soon as possible! I just don't get it... and if you buy your wheel & tire packages from TR, better go and watch them do the job!

[markb]

I had a problem a while back with a shop that did a lot of business with a shop I help out at. I took in "our" (my ex's & my) 911SC that was often entered in car shows (which means we know every inch of the car inside & out, 'cause it gets cleaned so much) and bought new tires & had them mounted.
I went to pick up the car (dummy me, I didn't stay & watch over it), and one of the Fuchs had a heavy scratch in it. I went & got the owner, who's comment was, and I quote, "that scratch is older than I am". Do I do business with that store any more? Not on your life! Not with that kind of attitude. I go there when I have to take a customer's car there, but I won't ever personally send anyone there again. There are too many places I can go & have the car treated with the respect it deserves.

[hwgunner]

race914, I am also local to you and, as a matter of fact, was just discussing you (your cars actually) with markb this evening. How I would love to see that race car in person. Anyway, I think I know what shop you are refering to and have had the same experience when I was not there to watch them. Most recently I stick around and watch and just tell the "long hair", he really does not have long hair but...., how I want it done. Comes out great now. Have not tried markb's friend but may give it a go here soon as I will be needing tires for the taildragger soon. Best part about the other shop is that they gut me a deal as a dealer so my tires amuy cheap.

[race914]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Just wanted to see if others have encountered the same lack of pride in workmanship... (at least my car didn't fall off of the lift!)

I figure I'll let this shop's work speak for itself and posted this on the local PCA email list too..

Here is the quality I get from my regular tire store.




Lesson learned is taking the 'easy' route doesn't always pay off!

[markb]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shocked[1].gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

[PRS914-6]

I had the same issue when someone was tossing around my 9" Fuchs (freshly polished) Now I put a big piece of tape on the wheels and write "WARNING! This wheel cost $800.00" They handle them like a baby now......

[banger]

I guess I was lucky when I went to get my tires put on. One of the salesman at Americas tire, was a 914 owner as well. When he saw the car come in, he supervised the guys through every step of the process to make sure the car was jacked up properly (no lift), and that they didnt scratch the wheels.

[73Phoenix20]

I had the same issue when someone was tossing around my 9" Fuchs (freshly polished) Now I put a big piece of tape on the wheels and write "WARNING! This wheel cost $800.00" They handle them like a baby now......

He, He! That's like a red flag to a bull in this part of the USA! My neighbor took his BMW 745LI in for a new set of Michelins... put a note on the wheels to the effect that they were the "Optional" and therefore, VERY expensive wheels and please be extra careful.... well, every wheel came back Curbed, big time!!! I could not believe how bad they nailed the outer edges! Sooo, off to the attorney, and after a few threatening letters back and forth, a brand new set of Wheels and Tires, free of charge!
Hope the creeps got tossed out for that mess, but I doubt it! Probably blamed it on the mounting machine!!!

[race914]

Thanks Mark,

I like my polished fuchs too!

[jd74914]

We've always gone to places like town fair tire around here to mount stuff . . . they've always been exceedingly careful when mounting tires on the fuchs for my Dad's 911 . . . I think they enjoy doing it because people always end up watching it and the always bump us to the front of the line so we don't have to stay to long to watch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Matt Romanowski]

I think I'm missing something - looks to me like you brought a dirty tire / rim in and they swapped the tires. Yes, they forgot a valve cap, but that's all I see. Did you expect them to clean your wheels? No one around here does that.