Change OE tires?

[scottdk]

TireRack a good deal??

I've noticed a few members have purchased tires from TireRack.com, and I've been on the site many times in the last 2 months or so.

My issue is that the tire prices are good even with shipping, but when you factor in the mounting and balancing at a tire shop, the total cost is the same or even more money compared to just going to a local tire shop for the purchase and install. Am I missing something??

 

[Disaster]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

I've noticed a few members have purchased tires from TireRack.com, and I've been on the site many times in the last 2 months or so.

My issue is that the tire prices are good even with shipping, but when you factor in the mounting and balancing at a tire shop, the total cost is the same or even more money compared to just going to a local tire shop for the purchase and install. Am I missing something??

In my experience, Tire Rack is often cheaper than local shops...even factoring in shipping and mounting and balancing. Sometimes considerably cheaper. I have used their price to negotiate a lower price at a local place.

Where the price difference is really huge is when you get wheels and tires...like when you buy winter tires. Few local places have rims of the same quality for anything close to the price and TireRack mounts and balances them for free. In my experience I can almost get wheels AND tires for the price the local places charge for tires alone.

Recently, I've seen pretty good prices at Discount tire, which does have a local outlet...but they never seem to have the tires I'm interested in stock and their rim selection is even more limited.

P.S. It also helps not to be "stuck" on a particular tire. There are many good tires out there from newer brands like Hankook and Kumho. If you go by the ratings and reviews you can often find a tire that performs as well as the one you were looking at locally (from Goodyear or Continental for example) for considerably less money. I never heard of Hankook the first time I bought them but they got rave reviews. I put them on my Volvo XC90, as replacement to the original Contintentals and the difference was dramatic. The Hankooks were much stickier rubber. It completely changed the performance of the car.

 

[PINGGOLF]

My local tire shop charges $15 a tire for mount and road balancing or $9 a tire for mount and balance.

Walmart, charges around $10-$15 I think and with that you can get "lifetime rotation!"

So if you pay more than $60 for mounting and balancing...go somewhere else!

 

[Disaster]

My local tire shop charges $15 a tire for mount and road balancing or $9 a tire for mount and balance.

Walmart, charges around $10-$15 I think and with that you can get "lifetime rotation!"

So if you pay more than $60 for mounting and balancing...go somewhere else!

Sounds about right. I think I paid $15 bucks a wheel for dynamic mounting and balancing at Belle tire. Call around and don't be afraid to negotiate. Many places also have tire disposal fees, if you want them to dispose of your old tires...that range from 1-3 bucks a tire. Don't forget to specify stick on wheel weights. Many places will use clamp on weights by default, and they can penetrate the protective coating of the tire and lead to corrosion. Some will charge extra for the stick on weights. Get that price up front.

 

[scottdk]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

In my experience, Tire Rack is often cheaper than local shops...even factoring in shipping and mounting and balancing. Sometimes considerably cheaper. I have used their price to negotiate a lower price at a local place.

Where the price difference is really huge is when you get wheels and tires...like when you buy winter tires. Few local places have rims of the same quality for anything close to the price and TireRack mounts and balances them for free. In my experience I can almost get wheels AND tires for the price the local places charge for tires alone.

Recently, I've seen pretty good prices at Discount tire, which does have a local outlet...but they never seem to have the tires I'm interested in stock and their rim selection is even more limited.

P.S. It also helps not to be "stuck" on a particular tire. There are many good tires out there from newer brands like Hankook and Kumho. If you go by the ratings and reviews you can often find a tire that performs as well as the one you were looking at locally (from Goodyear or Continental for example) for considerably less money. I never heard of Hankook the first time I bought them but they got rave reviews. I put them on my Volvo XC90, as replacement to the original Contintentals and the difference was dramatic. The Hankooks were much stickier rubber. It completely changed the performance of the car.

Great information You're right about discount tire. They are limited for their stock or what they can get. 2nd, I'm a huge fan of Hankook tires, and had a set on my Elantra and just got a set of Hankook Optima's for my Sonata. They are a great tire, and not expensive. I'm looking for a very high performance tire (summer tire) and Hankooks are very expensive in this catagory and don't seem to have many reviews. I want to get a set of Sumotimo HTR ZIII's. We'll see what I can find at the local shops.......

 

[scottdk]

My local tire shop charges $15 a tire for mount and road balancing or $9 a tire for mount and balance.

Walmart, charges around $10-$15 I think and with that you can get "lifetime rotation!"

So if you pay more than $60 for mounting and balancing...go somewhere else!

Oh, BTW....Sears quoted me $200 to mount and balance a set of tires.

 

[Disaster]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

2nd, I'm a huge fan of Hankook tires, and had a set on my Elantra and just got a set of Hankook Optima's for my Sonata. They are a great tire, and not expensive. I'm looking for a very high performance tire (summer tire) and Hankooks are very expensive in this catagory and don't seem to have many reviews. I want to get a set of Sumotimo HTR ZIII's. We'll see what I can find at the local shops.......

Have you checked out Generals? They are one of the lowest priced performance tires ($127) at TireRack and get good reviews. I put a set of their Altimax Artics (one of the highest rated winter tires) on our Avalon and they have been great winter tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComments.jsp?additionalComments=Y&commentStatus=P&tireMake=General&tireModel=Exclaim+UHP

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Exclaim+UHP&partnum=35WR8EUHP&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Hyundai&autoYear=2009&autoModel=Genesis%20Sedan%203.8&autoModClar=

Oh, BTW....Sears quoted me $200 to mount and balance a set of tires.

Sears is horrible. Try getting a roofing or siding quote from them. I did and they wanted over $50,000! If I recall, a local contractor did the job for about half that. My last experience with Sears was when I took my Mercedes in for a set of tires. I wouldn't usually shop there for tires, but they had my exact size on clearance. They did not know how to open the trunk on my 190, and broke the latch. I was nice and only made them pay for the broken part, which I installed myself. I can imagine their shock if they would've seen what the Mercedes dealer wanted to install it.

 

[scottdk]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

Have you checked out Generals. They are one of the lower priced performance tires at TireRack and get good reviews. I put a set of their Altimax Artics (one of the highest rated winter tires) on our Avalon and they have been great winter tires.

Sears is horrible. Try getting a roofing or siding quote from them! My last experience with Sears was when I took my Mercedes in for a set of tires. I wouldn't usually shop there for tires, but they had my exact size on clearance. They did not know how to open the trunk on my 190, and broke the latch. I was nice and only made them pay for the broken part, which I installed myself. I can imagine their shock if they would've seen what the Mercedes dealer wanted to install it.

I agree with you about Sears. It took them 3 times to do an allignment for my 1990 Subaru Legacy I used to own, and they still didn't get it right

I'll check out the Generals on TireRack and see what they're about.

 

[DanTheMan]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

I've noticed a few members have purchased tires from TireRack.com, and I've been on the site many times in the last 2 months or so.

My issue is that the tire prices are good even with shipping, but when you factor in the mounting and balancing at a tire shop, the total cost is the same or even more money compared to just going to a local tire shop for the purchase and install. Am I missing something??

You havent' missed a thing! Don't forget to add the shipping costs! I've also noticed the same thing and mentioned it earlier in this thread. Several have commented that they can get tires there (or other online shop), have them shipped, have a local dealer mount/balance, etc, at a lesser price than locally. In our area, that's not possible. Once you buy the product, pay for shipping, tax (if applicable), road hazard (which is important to me--and out of the question from Tire Rack, and most others--read their fine print--especially as it relates to a replacement tire under that warranty), and add the charges from a local dealer to mount/balance for life, rotate for life, etc., you don't really save anything--in some cases, you'll spend more. I decided early on that buying local gets local (interpret as "prompt") service. Plus, it never hurts to build a relationship with local dealers when you may need some additional service their dealership offers--but can't get from an online supplier. In general, I typically make most of my major purchases from people that I know, or people that have done business with me. It has never backfired!!!

One "plus", though, TireRack has one of the most comprehensive sites for reviews and evaluations on tire products that they carry. I learned a TON of info by reading, watching videos, studying details from their website, and that of others.

Dan :>)

 

[DanTheMan]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

Have you checked out Generals? They are one of the lowest priced performance tires ($127) at TireRack and get good reviews. I put a set of their Altimax Artics (one of the highest rated winter tires) on our Avalon and they have been great winter tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComments.jsp?additionalComments=Y&commentStatus=P&tireMake=General&tireModel=Exclaim+UHP

Did you overlook this note, from the same link that you'd provided:

"We do not suggest Exclaim UHP tires be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice."

That's going to eliminate that product from many people's selection list.

I tend to take that kind of information as rather important--especially since the writers of that statement are also the people that warrant their product!

Dan

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[scottdk]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

Did you overlook this note, from the same link that you'd provided:

"We do not suggest Exclaim UHP tires be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice."

That's going to eliminate that product from many people's selection list.

I tend to take that kind of information as rather important--especially since the writers of that statement are also the people that warrant their product!

Dan

This "type" of tire is exactly what I'm looking for. Something with a compound that isn't make for cold temps. Summer tires

 

[Disaster]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

Did you overlook this note, from the same link that you'd provided:

"We do not suggest Exclaim UHP tires be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice."

That's going to eliminate that product from many people's selection list.

I tend to take that kind of information as rather important--especially since the writers of that statement are also the people that warrant their product!

Dan

No, I didn't miss that. This is a summer performance tire (or 3 season tire as it is often referred to) and is only for people who do not drive in snow or ice or who change their tires in the winter.

IMHO, if you drive in snow and ice you absolutely should by winter tires. If you do, you should also consider summer tires. They outperform all season tires in dry and wet traction. The only negative is their softer compound doesn't last as long as harder all seasons.

Y...road hazard (which is important to me--and out of the question from Tire Rack, and most others--read their fine print--especially as it relates to a replacement tire under that warranty), and add the charges from a local dealer to mount/balance for life, rotate for life, etc., you don't really save anything--in some cases, you'll spend more. I decided early on that buying local gets local (interpret as "prompt") service. Plus, it never hurts to build a relationship with local dealers when you may need some additional service their dealership offers--but can't get from an online supplier. In general, I typically make most of my major purchases from people that I know, or people that have done business with me. It has never backfired!!!

I wish I could find a local place that was competitive. They all have HUGE markups on tires. As far as road hazard warranty goes, I've read that it isn't worth it. The amount you spend on warranties is always going to be more what you would spend on the occasional replacement tires...which is why they offer them. Insurance makes sense on big ticket items that could leave you or your family bankrupt, like health insurance or life insurance but makes less sense on smaller items, like electronics and tires...where you should be able to afford the occasional inconvenience.

 

[scottdk]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

No, I didn't miss that. This is a summer performance tire (or 3 season tire as it is often referred to) and is only for people who do not drive in snow or ice or who change their tires in the winter.

IMHO, if you drive in snow and ice you absolutely should by winter tires. If you do, you should also consider summer tires. They outperform all season tires in dry and wet traction. The only negative is their softer compound doesn't last as long as harder all seasons.



I wish I could find a local place that was competitive. They all have HUGE markups on tires. As far as road hazard warranty goes, I've read that it isn't worth it. The amount you spend on warranties is always going to be more what you would spend on the occasional replacement tires...which is why they offer them. Insurance makes sense on big ticket items that could leave you or your family bankrupt, like health insurance or life insurance but makes less sense on smaller items, like electronics and tires...where you should be able to afford the occasional inconvenience.

Oh, BTW, the Hankook's I bought for my Sonata came with a warranty package (road hazard). The tire shop owner said that all Hankook tires come with road hazard, which is included in the price. I paid $520 out the door for the Hankook's for a set of 225 50 17's.

 

[Disaster]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

Oh, BTW, the Hankook's I bought for my Sonata came with a warranty package (road hazard). The tire shop owner said that all Hankook tires come with road hazard, which is included in the price. I paid $520 out the door for the Hankook's for a set of 225 50 17's.

If the road hazard is directly from Hankook, shouldn't it not matter where you buy them? Which Hankooks. The only Hankooks I could find in that size...a bit small for the Genny (which takes 55's) where the H725A's. These all seasons didn't get great ratings in rain. The Generals were much better...which is one reason some people prefer 3-season tires to all seasons.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hankook&tireModel=Optimo+H725A

That out the door price would certainly beat TireRack which charges $112 per tire. Add $60 to mount and balance and $60 shipping and they'd be $568 from TireRack. The best I ever did was get the local place to within $50 dollars of the TireRack price. I gave them my business despite the higher cost, because I do like to support local businesses when I can.

 

[Disaster]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

This "type" of tire is exactly what I'm looking for. Something with a compound that isn't make for cold temps. Summer tires

Stumbled upon this review over at "TheTruthAboutCars."

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/general-tire-exclaim-uhp-review/

The Truth About Cars is a great website, by the way. Sort of "The Daily Show" of car reporting.

 

[scottdk]

Re: TireRack a good deal??

If the road hazard is directly from Hankook, shouldn't it not matter where you buy them?

I would think not. Also, they were the Hankook Optima tires. Not for the Genesis, but for a Sonata 225 50 17's. I may be misunderstanding on what you're getting to. Sorry

 

[danieltoye101@msn.com]

Yesterday I put on the Bridgestone Turanza 235/50R18 97W BW 6.5-8.5 yesterday on my Genesis. Mileage is at 22K and I paid $220 for each tire and overall $1049 including an alignment.

First of all an immediate improvement in overall ride quality, handling, noise. Gone was a light thud from the back that I began to hear in the last couple months.

They are or just as quiet as the Dunlaps when I got my car in April of 2009.

I think they are even more quiet in city driving, turning etc.

Limited warenty for 45k so I expect these tires will last twice as long as the Dunlaps.

 

[TJPark01]

Yesterday I put on the Bridgestone Turanza 235/50R18 97W BW 6.5-8.5 yesterday on my Genesis. Mileage is at 22K and I paid $220 for each tire and overall $1049 including an alignment.

First of all an immediate improvement in overall ride quality, handling, noise. Gone was a light thud from the back that I began to hear in the last couple months.

They are or just as quiet as the Dunlaps when I got my car in April of 2009.

I think they are even more quiet in city driving, turning etc.

Limited warenty for 45k so I expect these tires will last twice as long as the Dunlaps.

Nice, isn't getting new tires cathartic? If you could update your tire experience after the suggested rotation about 5-6k miles, that would be great. Right now you're in the honey moon phase. Let us know how it feels after you're living together.

 

[danieltoye101@msn.com]

You're right honeymoon now just like first time I drove the Genesis when I got it. Will give a check up in 3 or 4 months

 

[mdaecher]

Just wanted to add o the thread - I switched from OEM Dunlops to Michelin Pilot Sport AS + and my Genesis was too transformed - in all areas including noise level. Love them - worth every penny!