So it's time for me to buy some new tires for my car. And I am not ashamed to admit that I know nothing about buying tires. Well, I know that I don't want retreads, and that I don't need off-roading tires, so I need something sort of middle of the line. And that they will cost me around $500 total. Beyond that, I'm kind of clueless about specific tire brands.
In previous years, I went to the dealership in my hometown, owned by a high school classmate of my mother's. I knew and trusted the staff there, so I went with their recommendations on tires and service, because I knew that they weren't trying to upsell me for no reason. But I'm too far away for that to work. I've got a recommendation of a chain that's good in the area, and conveniently, there's one within walking distance of my place, so even if I have to leave the car there a few hours, no big deal.
So who knows things about tires?
Also, what's everyone's opinion of online reviews? This tire place has great reviews for tires, but the reviews do have some negative comments about oil changes (two - one where a filter was replaced incorrectly and one where there was a pizza crust left on an engine - ick). I also need an oil change, but can't decide if I want to have that done there or go elsewhere. Thoughts? I feel like two negative opinions isn't that bad - if there were a ton of them, I would be more worried. There aren't any positive opinions of their oil change services - but really, I've never posted a positive review of an oil change before, and I've been happy with the places I've gone, so I figure other people are doing the same. For the most part, people review when they're unhappy or when they're ecstatic. People don't often write reviews when they're just satisfied with the service.
Help me out here, smart people!
P.s. Update 4/5/2017, I ended up researching the issue and I'm seeing that Costco has good quality tires and great customer service. Savingadvice.com did a nice write up on the topic.