Tire change + Alignment

General Discussion
1

Hi,
I am getting tires shipped to my place with PriorityTire. If I add add installation too (I will get points for adding it), it gives me options for “Mobile Installer” for $54 per tire, i.e. $216 for 4 tires. I have never did earlier, is it reasonable price for replacing 4 tires on 2015 Acura RDX?
Last wheel alignment was done 2 years back. If I need to do wheel alignment too, I need to visit the shop and do it separately. Nearest one is Firestone from my place.
I am debating between should I get tire change+alignment from Firestone or it does not matter and I can pay $216 for tire change and get alignment done separately?
What would you advice?
Thanks

2

I would advise you re-think the wisdom of buying $54 tires. Those can’t be a quality tire at that price. If you insist on cheaping out on the only thing that keeps you alive while driving, don’t bother with alignment. It will cost you $140 or so to extend the life of $214 worth of tires. Not worth it.

Really, consider buying better tires!

Edit: If I mis-read that and the $54 is the installation cost, not the cost of the tire, I’d suggest going to Firestone and buying from them and getting the alignment checked if not adjusted. But I see that Priority Tire sells a lot of the cheap Chinese brands you should avoid.

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3

I read that as the install of the tires are $54 each, not the price of the tire… Like if you order tires online and have your local installer install them for $■■ each…

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4

$220 for install includes road hazard? Or, you hauling tires to tire shop to have them installed? And disposal of old tires. But, that’s usually cheap. Why not go to local shop and drink some coffee and let them do work for same price?

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5

I am with Cavell. Why make something difficult ? If I read this post correctly you bought tires online and now you have to have someone install them which will cost you. A local tire shop would do all of that when you buy their tires for what should be less money.

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6

I have never been a fan of ordering normal tires online and having another shop install them, I have seen issues doing that… Also mobile installers may not be set up if something happens like a damaged wheel stud or whatnot…

I prefer to do a one shop doing all the work, sell, install and align the vehicle…

Firestone offers free alignment checks with the purchase of tires, if out then have it set, you can not know for sure (most of the time) if a vehicle is out of align without putting it on the alignment rack and checking it…

7

Is there abnormal wear on you old tires? If not, alignment is not required. My installer suggested an alignment on my 12 YO truck, when I got the report, the ‘before’ readings had not changed in the 12 years.

8

I can get the tire shipped at my place and then take it to tire shop for replacement + alignment. Only reason I was asking, if I can do it different way is, I will get the points on total expense (tire purchase + installation service). If $54 per tire installation service is reasonable I can with this clubbed service. If not, then I will take the tires to firestone and have it done there

9

Points for what and how do you use them?

10

Call Firestone and ask them what the cost is to install your tires, then compare to see if the points are worth it or not…

11

I meant, Credit Card points, 20x on expense.

12

What can you spend your “points” on?
Or do you mean like most cards, not points, but cash reward, like 2-3% back?

13

I get CapitalOne points, which can be used for flight bookings

14

Don’t get it shipped to your place

Get the tires shipped to the shop that will do the work . . . After you’ve reached sn agreement with them

Tires are large and no offense, but I don’t see you lugging 4 tires to the shop in your vehicle

15

Well good luck but why ask? I paid $1200-1400 on the RDx and $900 on the Pontiac.

16

Places like TireRack can be a cheaper option for people because in most cases it eliminates State Sales tax. Just need to find an installer. Here in NH we don’t have a State Sales tax so they’re really not any cheaper.

I prefer buying local. The cost saving would have to be pretty significant in order for me to even consider buying on-line.

17

The reviews I saw about Primacy Tire did not even begin to make me think I might use them. Besides if I have a tire problem I want it handled at a local shop that actually has an incentive because they sold the tires.

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18

The only time I ever bought tires online, I bought them already mounted and balanced on new wheels. Then I just installed them myself. Winter tires.

Aside from the potential issues where the tire shop can’t/won’t install them due to some issue and you’re stuck trying to get it resolved, I liken this to taking my own steak into Outback and asking them to cook it for me. Shop profitability is a combination of margin on parts and labor. Cut one out and they are likely not making enough to be fully profitable. Some shops have agreements with the online retailers. I would make sure the shop you pick is aligned with the online retailer. That way, shipping and pricing will be considered settled and agreed upon by both entities.

Down the road, if there are warranty issues with the tires you bought online, how will that get resolved? Pay for dismount and shipping back? Then what, wait for a replacement to arrive? Some things I just prefer to buy locally to avoid all the potential hassles…

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19

I’ve bought several sets of tires from Tire Rack and had them drop shipped to my regular repair shop. They can mount, balance, and align the wheels. I’ve never had a problem. IMO problems occur if the installer isn’t well versed in the process.