I am buying my first set of snow tires ever and really have no clue what I’m doing but after some research I think I found the best deal. I found a set of BF Goodrich winter slalom tires at BJ’s for $85/ tire mounted etc. I am skeptical because the price that I have found on the internet is much higher ($110-150 not mounted). Does anyone know if these are the same quality as the ones that I researched? Or have any information about BJ’s tire service in general? Or have any information about these particular tires?
You will get all kinds of advice and comments, many of which will disagree with me. I suggest you go ahead and buy the tires. They are the same BF Goodrich tires you would buy anywhere. Isn’t that why you joined BJ’s?
There are MANY brands of winter tires, and deciding which is “best” is a colossal waste of time. The fact that you HAVE winter tires is more important than the brand, tread design, etc. Almost any winter tire will be better (much better) than no winter tires at all.
You’re buying FOUR winter tires, right? I don’t care what type of vehicle you drive, you need FOUR winter tires, one on each corner.
When there is snow on the ground you will be glad you purchased winter tires. Just don’t get crazy and think winter tires make you invincible. You can still slide, spin, lose control, etc., even with the best winter tires, if you drive too fast for conditions.
I totally agree. Nice post MC.
You have it covered…mc !
Agree. There are many brands of winter tires, some are noisier than others. And some last longer than others. But all have good traction compared to all season radials. On a previous post we warned against buying “Performance Winter tires” which had more performance than winter capability. Stay awy from those. I’m sure you will enjoy your BF Goodrich tires, but take them off next spring since they wear fast on hot pavement.
They’re definitely less expensive at a wholesale club. You may not find the exact tire because of cosmetics (the labeling may be different and the tread pattern may not be the same). It’s still the same. Some of the clubs give extended road hazard coverage at no extra cost as long as you are a member. Tire dealers can’t stock as many as Sam’s Club can. Just look at the size of their stores. It takes outrageous profit margins for small businesses to keep going. They’ll have to find another way.
mc- you’re right about getting 4 snows. I have a 96 Cirrus and put 2 snows on front (FWD). I wiped out getting on the Warren St bypass in Reaading Pa and would have been killed if a truck had been coming. $2000.00 body damage. It seems the a/s have better adhesion on pavement but not on snow. Plus, 4 snows will equal out the adhesion and maintain a safer slip angle. Especially since price is discount; get 4, sj.
I use to buy all my tires from BJ’s. But now the closest BJ’s to my house has Monro muffler running their service bays…I don’t buy from BJ’s anymore. Last set of tires I bought from them…every time I went in for a rotation…the jerks at Monro always found something wrong…Never did I have them touch the vehicle…but they are just sleeze. Here’s one I loved…First time I brought my wifes car in there for a rotation…they said we neede new front calipers…I knew for a fact the calipers were fine…Brought the car back about 6 months later for another rotation and this time we need new struts…I never TOUCHED the calipers since the last time we where there…but all of sudden they are fine and we now need new struts…BTW…the struts were fine (less then 2 years old)…
If you have a BJ’s that does their own mounting and balancing and rotation…then go for it…If Monro runs their bays…stay away.
Excellent post McP. I totally agree.
i have been getting my tires at BJ’s for years. Total satisfaction, and good value.
I don’t think you can go wrong.
Thanks a lot…it makes me feel better about the whole thing. Great feedback from all…and yes I am getting 4…