Some years back when money was tight for me, I bought tires at a chain store called Quality Farm and Fleet. The tires were sold under the Duralon brand name. There was another chain called Big Blue Stores that also sold these Duralon tires. These tires were manufactured by Dayton Tire and Rubber. These tires wore well for me. The Quality Farm and Fleet stores are now gone, but I take my business to a locally owned independent tire store that also does alignments, brake work, and now mechanical work.
The prices at this independent dealer are about the same as the franchise chain tire stores. My most recent tire purchases at the store have been the Michelin brand. We have these Michelin on both our 2003 4Runner and 2011 Sienna. This dealer also sells other brands, but it seemed to me after reading Consumer Reports that the Michelin best fit our driving style and was the best compromise for traction, tread wear and quiet running.
I’ve never heard the sales people at this independent dealer run down a make of tire that they don’t handle. I am put off by a merchant that has to run down a competitor’s product.
Which brings us to the HUMAN side of buying tires.
Whichever brand, there are many good ones…
Do business at an establishment where YOU feel comfortable being there, buying from them AND returning for future business .
Anything less is a no-sale, period…take your business elsewhere.
And if at all possible , do business locally from people who do business with you.
I’ve purchased tires from a lot of places, and I think an independent tire shop that actually asks and listens to you when you outline what you want and how you drive is worth it. And if you are comparing prices- make sure you are comparing apples to apples- not a bottom line price on tires versus a mounted, balanced, rotated for life price. Not sure those tire places are easy to find but if you find one, reward it.
@98Caddy: I also have a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires, purchased back in November, and am very pleased with them. They are worlds better than the General “Altimax” tires they replaced that were only half worn out and came with my car. Every set of General tires I’ve had have been garbage though. Pirelli makes a good tire though IMO. But they do wear fast.
All tires that somebody isn’t selling are crap. Only his are any good. It seems like nobody wants the customer to speak.
tell the costco guy to keep his mouth shout about things he knows jake about . i find the tire racks website to be very helpful when it comes to choicing tires for my car