Tire Rack,

32 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield, CT 06877

"This review is for one of Tire Rack's authorized installers in Livingston, NJ. Tire Rack, please take note! This review concerns the installation of four tires I purchased from Tire Rack. I selected Firestone Complete Auto Care, located at 79 E Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ, as my authorized installer from the Tire Rack website. They quoted $30.00 per tire for mounting and balancing, totaling $120 before taxes. A pertinent backstory: 1.The car would need new tires within the next 10,000 miles. However, since we're planning a long-distance vacation, I opted to get new tires earlier. 2. In a twist of fate, my partner hit a curb and blew out the front right tire. I met her and replaced the damaged tire with the car's tiny donut spare (handling lug nuts without issue). 3. The Tire Rack shipment was delayed. To accommodate her work needs, I had Pep Boys install a full-sized budget tire as a temporary solution, intending to later use this tire as a spare (again, lug nuts were handled without issues). 4. About a month ago, I had the front brake pads replaced by a local mechanic (both front wheels were taken off and put back on without any issue). Fast forward to August 24, 2023: I informed my partner that the tires had arrived, and she could head over after work for installation. They estimated a few hours for the task, so she Uber-ed home, intending for me to drive her back later. However, two hours in, a mechanic called her, stressing a significant issue: all 20 lug nuts were supposedly unusable, swollen, and a safety risk. They refused to install the new tires without replacing the lug nuts, claiming a liability issue, adding $199 to the bill. This would escalate the tire installation cost to nearly $350 after tax. Skeptical, she handed the phone to me. The mechanic reiterated the lug nut problems, mentioning they'd struggled so much they'd had to use a sledgehammer. I found this hard to believe, given my recent hands-on experience with the car's lug nuts. I recounted my personal experiences with the tires and the brake pad replacement, all involving lug nut handling without a hitch. When I requested the manager, our conversation grew heated. He firmly backed his mechanic's claims until he called back a short while later, revising his statement: only the rear lug nuts needed replacement, the front ones were now miraculously fine. Given the circumstances (the time value of money), I reluctantly agreed to a $99 fee for the 10 rear lug nuts. Upon our arrival at Firestone, I introduced myself and, when the car was completed, asked for the supposedly damaged lug nuts. To no surprise, only 1 lug nut showed significant wear. In conclusion, any savings we realized from purchasing at Tire Rack were negated by this ordeal. Also, charging $199 for 20 lug nuts is exorbitant, especially when top-rated sets are available on Amazon for $20-30. Even the OEM prices on Ford's website are roughly $7 per lug nut, totaling $140, not $199. I'm convinced they attempted to exploit my partner's limited auto knowledge, emphasizing the alleged "safety issue" of the lug nuts. Without my intervention, we would've unnecessarily spent an additional $100. Even so, our total cost for tire installation totaled $230. It's strongly advisable to steer clear of establishments like Firestone in Livingston, NJ that might exploit those less versed in auto mechanics. Consider this: if such a shop overcharges five customers a day by $200, which they attempted, that's an extra $1,000 per day or approximately $230,000 annually, assuming a normal business schedule. Adding insult to injury, the mechanic left a grease stain on the front seat, despite my partner having cleaned her car thoroughly over the weekend in anticipation of our trip. I am convinced he did this out of spite. This is where bad auto repair shop stereotypes come from. I'll also be informing Tire Rack of this experience, and leaving this same review on their website. BEWARE!"

"My sons and I have been loyal customers of Tire Rack for years, and it has always been a hassle-free and excellent experience buying new tires from them. The staff is not only knowledgeable but also very accommodating. Their recommended installers are top-notch, and their Road Hazard Warranty is commendable. Recently, I used their Tire Wizzard, which made the process easier. I only wish I had more vehicles to purchase items for. I appreciate your excellent service and for being the best in the business. Thank you!"

"Are you kidding me? This was easily the best experience I have had on purchasing new wheels. These guys are not only knowledgeable but they are so kind. I accidentally ordered twice the amount of sensors than I needed and they called me to tell me my mistake as soon as my order was confirmed. They fixed it right away. Then I needed to ask a couple of questions and one of their live agents in the chat helped me right away and made it so simple. I will only be purchasing from here for anything I need for my cars. Thank you."

"I purchased tires from TireRack on 01/27/23. Decent customer service & helpful answering my questions. But if you want the best customer service call & ask to speak to a specialist concerning your question, I had the best customer service that way. When compared to there live chat customer service. Anyway, what Tire Rack failed to mention prior to purchasing the tires, is the fact that the tire shop installing the tires will charge the customer for the following: mounting, balancing, disposal of old tires, valve stems & alignment (since that was recommended for new tires). When compared to if the tires were purchased through said tire shop, all of that would have been included in the cost/price instead of tacked onto the price of the tires. Which came to a total of $499.89 for the added cost of mounting, balancing, disposal, valve stems & alignment. Even though the cost of the tires from TireRack were $1,413.07. Long story short, buy your tires from your local tire shop, so you can save $500.00."

"Tire rack didn’t have my needed tire size so they recommended a larger size which of course I purchased. However, once the tires were mounted, they rub my wheel well. Tire Rack refuses to correct their mistake and, further, their CSR “Lynne” will not respond to my email inquiries. It has been a few weeks and still no resolution. I am a 10-year customer. Disgraceful service! Shame on you Tire Rack."