My wife bought tires for our car about four years ago from Wally's. The tires were o.k., but the customer service after the sale was horrible. She returned to the store every six months like I told her to to have the tires rotated and they told her it didn't need to be done. It took me going in and telling them I didn't care if it needed it or not just do it because it's what I want. After a little arguement they finally rotated them. Then trying to charge me for a flat repair because I went to a location other than the one of purchase. After this experience I will never shop at Wally's for anything, especially tires.

 

After all the "shreading reports" I'd buy a different tire anyway.

 

A few months back now, I priced my Goodyear Silent Armor tires all over the place. Even TireRack and all other online tire sellers.

I found that the little local guy in my town that's been there for 35+ years matched the lowest price I found without even asking.

They didn't scratch my rims, leave mud/grease on the carpet, they made an appointment with me, and took me right away, etc.

I used to order tires online, and have them installed locally. Now, I don't even bother.

As to different compounds, I just don't know about that one. I'd suspect it's a load of BS up front, but who knows. Call BFG.

rugermack you're absolutely correct

 

I know for a fact that this happens with electronics

 

Maybe Wally world has the line on BFG blems.

 

That get kicked out of the "line" and wind up with a different SKU? Gee.... ya think?

 

Well, if you look back at that Consumer Reports thread Bigrey (http://autopedia.com/bbs/tires/messages/5956.html), it stated in the response from CR that it is "partially true". The difference is in the quality control check of the tires. While the tires might be made on the same machine and the same compounds and such used, other factors might produce a slightly less quality of tire, and those are the ones that go to the discount places.

Now as for customer service, that is what will keep me going back to Discount Tires. I was forced to go to Sears and buy my Michelins, and they gave pretty much the same warranty and rotation and road hazard and such that Discount Tire would give. The difference is in the level of competence of the employees and the outright customer service. I had to take my truck in 3 times because of a wobble/vibration up past 60mph or so, and they never really got it fixed. I'm not sure what they did (or didn't do), but it was never corrected. I finally took the truck to Discount Tire, and paid however much it was for their lifetime balance and rotate, and the truck rides as smooth as it did with the previous tires. That's why I'll stick with Discount Tire. Oh, and yes, they will fix any flat, no matter what. I knew of that secret as well.

 

I agree with Up There and Edjunior.

I think that Discount tire is absolutely the best in the business.

I still use the local tire dealer for our farm equipment tires but when it comes to 4 new tires for my truck or the Mrs. car it is dicount tire.

Like others have said. They will match anyones price, free balance and rotation for the rest of the tires life. NO questions asked.

I am lucky enough to live 30 minutes from one.

 

thanks ed, I didnt think anybody read that...

but overall, if are on a budget and need to save some bones, get em from Walmart, but dont expect the same service you will get from a good local guy, or a good discount tire...
and I will put another plug in for discount tire... I have a few guys in my offroad club here that work there, and they are good honest guys that will help you out. and they usually offer some good customer service.

 

man your talking about $30.00 a tire?? so spend the extra $120.00 if thats what it takes and stay the hell outa Wally world!!!!!! support your local guys and help keep them in business, the Waltons have enough firckin money, thats thier goal, to under cut small business' that don't have the buying power they do and force them out of business--thus making them hte only place in town for certian things, then watch as the prices go up!!!!

Wally world is EVIL I tell ya, EVIL!!!!!!!!

 

I don't know about the BFGs at Wallyworld but I do know that the Michelins at Sams a few years ago were different. They actually had 2/32" less tread depth and a different ID code. A regular Michelin dealer could not do warranty and Sams could not warranty a Sams version.

 

Not sure about BFG but Goodyear actually makes a separate line of tires and Walmart is the only company that sells them. I think they are called Goodyear Viva or something like that. At least they have a completely different name.
BTW, they are junk!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

I doubt that BF Goodrich would risk their name by selling/making two different "grades" of tires with the same name on them. Why risk swaying a loyal customer away from your product by skimping on the production - - just because of the business they were purchased from? I would bet most people would blame the tires themselves and not where they bought them anyway. If your dewalt grinder breaks do you blame dewalt or lowes/home deopt? It would seem that the BFG AT's have a pretty good reputation overall and it isn't something worth risking on BFG's part.

I think it's great WalMart offers lower prices on lots of things. Sure, you get what you pay for in some instances, but they also consistenly have the same things for less. I'd rather make the 'wallys' rich than the other guy who sells fewer but is still ridiculously rich. As far as the mom & pop stores, if they can provide superior service than my hat's off to em. But all the times I have been in a mom & pop store I don't get treated any better than at walmart - plus, just try to return something at the little store - and compare that to wally. The mom & pop stores can't compete and that's business. It is no different just because of wally's size and success - they started out the same!

 

I contacted BFG to inquire about this and here is the reply:

 

I have purchased tires at Wally world. I took the truck back to them after 6 years, and 20,000 miles, to have the tires rotated (free). There was still a "thumping" that moved from the front of the truck to the back. I bitched, and they replaced the 2 rear tires, under warranty. Cost me $1.46 total.