Les Schwab tire vs America's Tires vs Costco Tires

I have to replace my tires before the "Christmas east bay travel marathon".  I have always used America's Tire, but was curious if any one has had any experiences with the others! 

I was looking into Les Schwab Tire, but they seem to carry mostly off brand tires. I'm sure many are good tires, but how can I trust that? I went with America's Tire once again because I knew what I was getting.

I had Les Schwab tires on my TL. They sold them to me with the understanding that there was a warranty. When I returned with worn tires, ready to be replaced with less than half the warrantied mileage used, they told me that MY tires didn't cary a warranty and that I couldn't find ANY brand of high performance tire that does. Sure-enough, reading through my paperwork, I couldn't find anything about the warranty that my sales guy swore up and down that my tires had (when I bought them). Customer service, second to none at-all. One last-ditch effort to keep me as a customer, they told me that nobody else offers free rotation, balancing or tire repair. He also reminded me that they greet customers as they pull into their parking spots outside. I told him that I actually didn't like that at all, and seemed a little contrived.

I go with costco. I shopped around when I needed new tires and found them to have a good price. Another thing that I really like about Costco is they use nitrogen instead of filling with air, which holds in the tires better and you dont have to worry about tire pressure, which will help with tire wear and make them last longer, and nitrogen doesnt expand in the heat of summer like air does, which also helps with the tire wear. They are also great with the lifetime free rotation and balance. You just show up and the will rotate and balance for free.

Ditto Guero's comments, and I'll add that Costco also carries Michelin tires that aren't available in other stores...tires that have received good ratings in Consumer Reports.  I'll have to double-check my paperwork, but I do believe that the Michelin tires that I bought at Costco do have a warranty similar to what America's Tire and Wheel Works would offer.  Also, Costco often has $60-$80 rebate specials on their Michelin tires.

If you can find your tire size at Costco, go with Costco.  They offer great prices, free balancing, rotation and great service overall.

I go to America's Tires.  They have good service.

Last time I took a flat to Les Schwab tire they fixed it and didn't charge me, and didn't try to sell me any other services. I'm not sure I've ever gone to a business where they provided all the services I needed and then told me to put my wallet away when I tried to pay. Is this typical for a simple plug or are these guys exceptional?

mattbots wrote: Last time I took a flat to Les Schwab tire they fixed it and didn't charge me, and didn't try to sell me any other services. I'm not sure I've ever gone to a business where they provided all the services I needed and then told me to put my wallet away when I tried to pay. Is this typical for a simple plug or are these guys exceptional?

They did the same for me, and it worked on me.  I've bought tires there several times since, and not had a problem with their value or service.

I believe that both American Tire and Les Schwab do not charge for tire repairs, they do this as a customer service to get your business when you do need tires. I have now tires from all three on 3 different cars. I price compare at the time I need tires. The tires I got at Costco were Name Brand and  cheaper only because of the $100.00 off coupon I had for a set of 4 tires.