At Tire Rack getting new ... Well ... Tires

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/21/2016 at 00:18 • Filed to: Tires

I took the day off today and made the trek out to Tire Rack’s South Bend, IN distribution center. I saved $70 in shipping, plus installation and tire fees are a lot cheaper too. All told I’m saving about $150 over just going to a local shop. I haven’t taken a personal day in five years, so I figured why not.

The people here are super friendly, there’s a nice selection of free coffee/tea/snacks for while you wait. Installation is first come first served. There is a screen with the order you’re in line and estimated wait time, and they text you when it’s time to pull in.

I’m surprised to see that there is nary a lift in sight, just a butt-load of floor jacks. There’s a big window looking out onto the shop, but you can only see your vehicle if it’s in the closest bay (mine isn’t). It’s nice to see that they put wheels on with a proper torque wrench.

Their test track is right next to the installation center, but nothing is running on it right now, unfortunately.

DISCUSSION (22)

Dru > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 12:32

I had no idea they had actual stores. Also, this has been bugging me, are you actually a shop teacher?

ttyymmnn > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 12:33

Good to see you're getting tires. Tire Rack is a terrible place to go for an omelet.

shop-teacher > ttyymmnn
04/21/2016 at 12:38

True story! But it’s a decent place to go for free crackers and coffee.

For Sweden > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 12:38

That’s a big diecast

shop-teacher > Dru
04/21/2016 at 12:42

They don’t really have a “store”, just an installation shop attached to their massive warehouse for those of us who happen to live close enough to it.

Yes, I am an actual shop teacher. middle school shop, actually.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 12:42

Make sure they use a digital tire pressure gauge.

Dru > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 12:44

Oh I see. So getting rid of the mud bogging tires for something more practical?

shop-teacher > For Sweden
04/21/2016 at 12:44

Freaking Kinja is killing me. It took me like half an hour to convince it I didn't want it to post at 12 AM.

shop-teacher > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
04/21/2016 at 12:45

I don’t want to end up in the median, that’s for sure.

shop-teacher > Dru
04/21/2016 at 12:45

Yes! They’re going back on Craigslist as soon as I get home.

Roundbadge > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 12:46

Last summer, I drove past the warehouse/corporate HQ on 80 as I was east-bound, returning home. Some lucky so-and-so was out on the test track in an E46 3-series (I think).

That dude probably has parts of his job that he hates, but I’m pretty sure it’s gotta be way better than my job.

Die-Trying > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 13:05

won’t someone think of the value?......

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 13:10

So, what tires did you go with?

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
04/21/2016 at 13:51

Bridgestone Deuler AT Revo2. They had a $70 rebate that made them pretty cheap, and had great reviews.

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 13:55

you betrayed me!!

Here I take your tire advice and you ignore mine?!

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
04/21/2016 at 13:57

Tire Rack didn't carry them!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 14:03

BETRAYAL

thedevilinside > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 14:12

I didn’t know it is an option to get tires mounted there. Good to know as it may be on my route between place sin the future so if I plan carefully I could stop by.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
04/21/2016 at 14:52

Please forgive me!

shop-teacher > thedevilinside
04/21/2016 at 15:50

I was pleased with the whole process.

Birddog > shop-teacher
04/21/2016 at 23:16

Right on! Those should serve you well.

shop-teacher > Birddog
04/21/2016 at 23:25

They sure look good. The ride home was SO much quieter than the ride there!