General Car Talk Discussion Thread

Old 09-16-2015, 03:09 PM
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Clearly, a 3-Series is no Ford Accord.


I get all my tires from the side of the road.
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Old 09-16-2015, 03:12 PM
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A member of ours had his strut replaced at discount tire. They forgot to secure and fasten the lbj nut and cotter pin. His wheel fell off on the freeway. At least they got two of the tires right..

Next question, are they bi-directional tires?
Old 09-16-2015, 03:13 PM
  #14443  
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Originally Posted by srika
eh, this is just a 3-series, why would I not be able to take it to Discount Tire? Not like its some exotic or something.

I spoke to them and they are going to refund as much as they can. I have to go back there to get that done though, it's about 30 miles one way - they said they would refund gas costs too. But I had a friend say I should ask for free tires for a certain period or something.

Even though nothing happened, this is still pretty serious because I theoretically could have lost control of the car - this is negligence. Not to mention the time / effort. Mental distress too.
I go to Discount all the time. They usually do a great job. I'd be surprised if they didn't do everything they can to make this right.
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Old 09-16-2015, 03:15 PM
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As discussed in 3g ramblings today... Being an idiot isn't against the law here....


hope they compensate you somehow but not expecting much..
Old 09-16-2015, 03:37 PM
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255's on driver's side













Old 09-16-2015, 03:38 PM
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there is *some* good that came out of this, I now know that 255's are OK in the front - did not have any trouble
Old 09-16-2015, 04:11 PM
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While the tire shop did drop the ball, I think part of the onus is on you to say "hey, remember, these tires are different sizes".

Also, are your wheels staggered or square? If not staggered, wouldn't it just take 20 minutes to put the right tire where it's supposed to go? I guess Maj did bring up a good point also- are they bidirectional tires?
Old 09-16-2015, 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Majofo
A member of ours had his strut replaced at discount tire. They forgot to secure and fasten the lbj nut and cotter pin. His wheel fell off on the freeway. At least they got two of the tires right..

Next question, are they bi-directional tires?
I wouldn't say going to discount tire is all to blame here. I mean, I would never go there and they did screw up, however, do we need to start talking about how often "trustworthy" dealerships screw up on even the most basic of things? Shit happens. Like all auto related businesses, time is money and they try to get as many cars in and out the doors as possible. Cutting corners is there best friend.

That being said, after a mishap with one of my rims and the lovely 1" curb rash on it, I've gotten into the habit of always photographing all four of my wheels before going in and inspecting everything once the work is done. No one can argue if I have pics of my car and wheels, outside their business the day it was dropped off.

Due diligence is key.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by TacoBello
While the tire shop did drop the ball, I think part of the onus is on you to say "hey, remember, these tires are different sizes".

Also, are your wheels staggered or square? If not staggered, wouldn't it just take 20 minutes to put the right tire where it's supposed to go? I guess Maj did bring up a good point also- are they bidirectional tires?
No, the onus is not on the owner. Discount has a computer system that tells them what all of the factor setups are (and the 335 is standard staggered).
Old 09-16-2015, 04:32 PM
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I did tell them they are different size tires - explained everything best I could

looking back, I should have checked before driving away. But I haven't done this sort of stuff in a while, and was out of my game. But also there was a dude in front of me that brought his car in for the sole purpose of getting air in his tires. There should be some "dumb customer" clause where you assume the customer has no clue what they are doing.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:32 PM
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I never put my own safety in someone else's hands if I don't have to. It easy to blame others, but if something happens to me, I'm the one who ultimately suffers.

Sure, they have the systems. But did they use them? Was it a 16 year old kid mounting those tires? Did anyone check their work? What someone is supposed to do and what someone actually does are two different things.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
No, the onus is not on the owner. Discount has a computer system that tells them what all of the factor setups are (and the 335 is standard staggered).
actually they are only staggered on the sport models - I have the non-sport model and it's stock size is 225/45-17 all around
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Old 09-16-2015, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
No, the onus is not on the owner. Discount has a computer system that tells them what all of the factor setups are (and the 335 is standard staggered).
I also said part of the onus, not the entire onus. It sounds like srika did just that and yet they still managed to screw up. Mind boggling, lol.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by TacoBello
I never put my own safety in someone else's hands if I don't have to. It easy to blame others, but if something happens to me, I'm the one who ultimately suffers.

Sure, they have the systems. But did they use them? Was it a 16 year old kid mounting those tires? Did anyone check their work? What someone is supposed to do and what someone actually does are two different things.
plus, is it only Discount Tire? Isn't there the possibility that ANY shop could have done this? Think about it these people do this task ALL DAY LONG - what's their physical state are they tired? Are they angry? Frustrated? Hate their job? so many factors
Old 09-16-2015, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by srika
actually they are only staggered on the sport models - I have the non-sport model and it's stock size is 225/45-17 all around
Ahh, gotcha.

Originally Posted by TacoBello
I also said part of the onus, not the entire onus. It sounds like srika did just that and yet they still managed to screw up. Mind boggling, lol.
Crazy. They've always asked me on my BMWs. I've never had to tell them without them asking.

Last edited by ttribe; 09-16-2015 at 04:39 PM.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:38 PM
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so how about them cars.....




Tesla Model 3 available for pre-order starting March


I'm pre-order 3 will immediately upgrade tires upon receipt and flipping to make a profit of $34.50
Old 09-16-2015, 04:45 PM
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Dummy, we are talking about cars!!

Now go make me a sammich, bish.
Old 09-16-2015, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by srika
plus, is it only Discount Tire? Isn't there the possibility that ANY shop could have done this? Think about it these people do this task ALL DAY LONG - what's their physical state are they tired? Are they angry? Frustrated? Hate their job? so many factors
Yup. Very true. That's why I try to avoid shops whenever possible. Granted, unless you have a tire mounting and balancing machine at your disposal, you have little choice but to have someone do it for you.

But yeah, the word "discount" is enough to keep me away
Old 09-16-2015, 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by TacoBello
Yup. Very true. That's why I try to avoid shops whenever possible. Granted, unless you have a tire mounting and balancing machine at your disposal, you have little choice but to have someone do it for you.

But yeah, the word "discount" is enough to keep me away
They call themselves "America's Tire Company" in California.
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Old 09-16-2015, 05:31 PM
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<p>No Discount tire over here..</p><p>America's tire.....</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Are they called Discount Tire in Canaduh, or is it called Canaduh Tire? </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Or do they even have that in Canaduh?</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
They call themselves "America's Tire Company" in California.
Originally Posted by Flipster23
<p>No Discount tire over here..</p><p>America's tire.....</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Are they called Discount Tire in Canaduh, or is it called Canaduh Tire? </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Or do they even have that in Canaduh?</p>
They're based out of Scottsdale, AZ and have been around forever. I've gone to them for every tire I've purchased for every vehicle I've owned in the last 20+ years and have only had one situation that was somewhat of a problem. Every other time they've been quite good. Clearly, the location srika went to screwed up in a major way. Like I said, I'd be very surprised if they didn't bend over backwards to make this right.

ETA: I don't believe they are in Canada. Their store locator doesn't indicate any outside the U.S.

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Old 09-16-2015, 05:39 PM
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General Car Talk Discussion Thread

There's both America's Tires and Discount Tire Centers around here to add to the confusion....


I had a 3 year unlimited alignment package with them but the one time I took my car in and they were done in 15 minutes, I realized it was a sham..and I never bought it again




No one finishes that fast.....


Except me
Old 09-16-2015, 05:44 PM
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<p>I used to go to America's Tire. Then Les Scwhab was able to get me tires cheaper, around $150 cheaper. So I switched to them, but the last time I bought tires was in 2012, because I switch cars more then my underoos. I did buy tires for the TL from America's Tire in 09...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>America's tire in my area, only deals with tires, no alignments or brakes (I don't think brakes) for sure no alignments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It's either Big O Tires, Les Schwabby, or an independent place, like those little small one garage places. Oh and Firestone..</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 05:45 PM
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<p>
Originally Posted by thoiboi
There's both America's Tires and Discount Tire Centers around here to add to the confusion.... I had a 3 year unlimited alignment package with them but the one time I took my car in and they were done in 15 minutes, I realized it was a sham..and I never bought it again No one finishes that fast..... Except me <img alt="" src="images/smilies/smirk.gif" title="Smirk" />
</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I had that with Firestone, the lifetime alignment on the TL. So I would always go in monthly for an alignment, until the guy I trusted stop working there, then I said eff your lifetime alignment.</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 06:03 PM
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my friend old CLK went to Firestone for an oil change. and we were going to big bear the next morning. and i met with him that night, i asked him " is this some kind of snow experiment with RWD cars? because your front are wider than the rear"

We laughed at him

Then he back in the morning and ask for $$ from Firestone and got laughed at again by Firestone.

Old 09-16-2015, 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Flipster23
<p>I used to go to America's Tire. Then Les Scwhab was able to get me tires cheaper, around $150 cheaper. So I switched to them, but the last time I bought tires was in 2012, because I switch cars more then my underoos. I did buy tires for the TL from America's Tire in 09...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>America's tire in my area, only deals with tires, no alignments or brakes (I don't think brakes) for sure no alignments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It's either Big O Tires, Les Schwabby, or an independent place, like those little small one garage places. Oh and Firestone..</p>
All the Discount locations I've been to are tires only; never seen one that did alignments, etc.

Also, list of the characters on your underoos or it didn't happen.
Old 09-16-2015, 06:21 PM
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<p>Spider Man on the underoos...</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Flipster23
<p>Spider Man on the underoos...</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 06:32 PM
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<p>Oh yea, tire marks too on the rear....</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Flipster23
<p>Oh yea, tire marks too on the rear....</p>
I believe you were trying to say - "skid marks in the rear..."

Old 09-16-2015, 06:37 PM
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<p>Oh yes... Skid marks, </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I knew it didn't sound right. Thanks for clearing that up T.</p>
Old 09-16-2015, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Flipster23
<p>Oh yes... Skid marks, </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I knew it didn't sound right. Thanks for clearing that up T.</p>
Oh, yes. Always glad to help out with such things...
Old 09-16-2015, 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
They're based out of Scottsdale, AZ and have been around forever. I've gone to them for every tire I've purchased for every vehicle I've owned in the last 20+ years and have only had one situation that was somewhat of a problem. Every other time they've been quite good. Clearly, the location srika went to screwed up in a major way. Like I said, I'd be very surprised if they didn't bend over backwards to make this right.

ETA: I don't believe they are in Canada. Their store locator doesn't indicate any outside the U.S.
For the most part, I agree with you. However, after my last experience, I am a bit hesitant to do business with them again.

I went to one I regularly go to, to have my new tires put on. When I was going home, I noticed the car was becoming scary to drive at 50mph. Since I was already close to home, I decided to go to a new Discount that had been built down the road. Turns out only the driver side tires had been balanced & they "fixed" the issue free of charge.

Going to work the next day, car still felt different from how it should be. Let a good friend who is a tech. look it over. He ended up redoing it completely from scratch as only 1 tire was correctly balanced, 2 were still off, & 1 remained untouched.

Went home, car was great. Ever since, I've been very skeptical about going back, esp. with my tires needing to be rotated in another thousand miles.
Old 09-16-2015, 10:11 PM
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Discount Tire is awesome. Are they perfect? Nope, but no one is. They take really good care of their customers. I've never been to one that does anything other than tires either, T.

Rick, do you know if they were doing road force balancing or not? It's an extra cost but it might be what the tech that fixed it did. I had Discount do road force balancing on my tires and it was the only fix for an annoying vibration that would happen at a certain MPH that their regular balancing couldn't get rid of.
Old 09-17-2015, 03:18 AM
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I don't know if they did or not, to be honest; I never had such an issue in my past visits, though. Don't know if the machines at work are road force specifically either, but they're extremely accurate after watching him use it.

But, he was pretty much unimpressed by how poorly they had balanced the wheels even after the fix, thus why he scrapped all the weights off & started from new to make sure it was done properly.

I guess I should add during the first visit, I also observed the Discount worker trying to force a bolt on the wheel, then attempt to tell me my wheel lock key didn't "work". Just a bad experience.
Old 09-17-2015, 07:37 AM
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got the tire situation fixed at a local shop this morning - car feels great

re: Discount Tire - they are overall a reputable chain and do tons of works on a weekly basis and been open for a long ass time. I will have to say I will be cautious about having any work done there again, though. What we used to do back in the Supra days was have tire work done at a race shop that did mounting and balancing etc. Never had a problem with them.
Old 09-17-2015, 08:41 AM
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Back when I had a more show worthy car I'd stand there and watch the techs work. Too many times, big franchise or mom and pop, I've heard horror stories like the above. I just assume all the techs are lazy assholes. I finally found a fantastic Honda master tech that did work at his house about 40 mins away from me. Damn straight he was the only one who touched my car.
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Old 09-17-2015, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by srika
What the what. Cliffs: I got some new tires/wheels for the car and had them installed today - Discount Tire Mt. Prospect installed 225's on the right side of the car, and the 255's on the left. Are you kidding me. I can't even.
When my Michelin PSS tires came in a couple of weeks ago I went to Discount Tire in Algonquin to have them mounted on my wheels. This was my second time there as I originally went back when I got my brand new aftermarket wheels in and had them mounted on my OEM summer tires and had my OEM wheels mounted on my snow tires. They complimented the car and the wheels and took very good care of everything.

I'll continue to go back to them as their customer service is great and they have a nice big window in the main lobby area where you can watch the techs work on your car. I watched them mount and balance each and every wheel and tire (even seeing the computer screen from the mounting machine) and as soon as they are done they pull the car right to the door for you and the tech greets you. No chance for them to joyride or curb a wheel.

The DT in Schaumburg is also highly rated. And by the way, part of their customer service and warranty is free air whenever you need it - I often see people take their cars in for air and to have a tech check all four tires for abnormalities. Why not stop at DT for air instead of paying a dollar at a gas station? I don't blame those people that do.

So don't write them completely off - you just got a bit unlucky at that one location. Glad to hear it has been corrected, though, and that you are enjoying the new wheels and tires. They look good!

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Old 09-17-2015, 10:47 AM
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I might have missed the post.

Srika, any plan on getting rid of that Chrome dubs?
Old 09-17-2015, 10:52 AM
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yeah, when I first mentioned "Discount Tire" I think there's a lot of people in here who've never heard of them - so it comes off like some cheapo place in the back woods. It's a huge and successful chain.
Originally Posted by JS + BRZ
I might have missed the post.

Srika, any plan on getting rid of that Chrome dubs?
gonna use them for off-season / winter tires use

I am gonna get some different wheels for nice weather

I just got a good deal on them on CL so jumped at it.

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