Advantages of Discount Tire Stores and Auto Repair Service Centers
no appointment needed
One of the main advantages of today’s discount tire stores and auto repair service centers over your dealer’s service department is that appointments are not needed. Actually, routine maintenance at your dealer’s service department is usually scheduled on their convenience, It is not yours. And while you may be able to quickly set up an appointment over the phone or even online, you may also be able to drive the extra miles to get the job done. For example, doing some research for this article, I found that my favorite discount tire store has fifteen different stores conveniently located within ten miles of my home. The dealership where I purchased my SUV is also within that ten mile area. However, the dealer where we bought my wife’s German import is more than 20 miles away.
service while you wait
The service while you wait is another major plus. While most discount tire stores, auto repair service centers, and dealership service departments now complete a multi-point inspection of your vehicle before it leaves the shop, unexpected repairs needed but necessary tasks performed at the dealer can take much longer. This is because the service area or equipment needed to perform the repair may already be reserved well in advance. At many dealerships, it’s not unusual to see a number of vehicles waiting outside overnight, waiting for needed repairs. At most discount tire stores and auto repair service centers, your vehicle doesn’t leave the shop before a service advisor reviews the multi-point inspection with you and gives you an estimate of how quickly which any necessary service or repair can be completed. Additionally, service technicians also use state-of-the-art technologies and equipment to make sure your vehicle is properly serviced.
Selection
By definition, the focus of your dealer’s service department is Service, not tires. So it’s probably not the best place to go when you need quality replacement tires at a competitive price. Most discount tire stores offer an incredible selection of brand-name tires at surprisingly competitive prices. Some also offer websites that allow you to select a tire by brand, size, or price, view a photo of the tire and tread pattern, and also describe the full range of automotive services offered there. During a recent webshop of a store site, I was offered a choice of ten different tires from eight different manufacturers, at prices ranging from $80 to $202 per tire. Plus, if the tires you need aren’t in stock, you can easily get them in less than an hour at another nearby store or conveniently located distribution center.
Tire coupons to save money
Some car dealers offer online coupons for routine maintenance like oil and lube. However, I did find a variety of money-saving coupons posted on virtually every tire discount website and auto service center I visited. They included coupons for tires, routine maintenance, wheel alignment, shocks and struts, brake service and battery check. Coupons can significantly lower your annual operating cost, especially if you own multiple vehicles or have neglected routine maintenance due to the higher cost of doing it at a dealership or neighborhood gas station.
Professionalism
Most discount tire stores and auto service centers also have highly trained and expert service advisors and ASE-certified technicians. Their professionalism, in my opinion, rivals the high level you will find in most dealership service departments. Many Service Advisors participate in training seminars and workshops, so they are fully prepared to help you select the best tire for your specific vehicle. Many service technicians also participate in annual certification training and training workshops in areas such as wheel alignment, battery and brake service, steering and suspension systems, air conditioning systems, and other vehicle systems.
So your dealership may be the best place to look for a great deal on a new car, truck, or crossover. Your local gas station in your neighborhood may be a convenient place to stop for a late-night snack. However, if you’re looking for quality replacement tires at a competitive price and don’t need a service appointment while you wait, your local tire dealer or auto service center is the place to go.