Do you visit the dealer for a flat tire?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 516
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From: Raleigh, North Carolina
2004 E320, 2004 Lexus GX470
Do you visit the dealer for a flat tire?
Looks like I have a slow to medium leak in my tire. Any thoughts on whether I should visit the dealer or a tire shop (Just Tires, etc.)? Thx.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Tire shop. Why pay dealer prices for something that doesn't require dealer expertise? Just make sure that Tires 'Я Us patches the leak from the inside, instead of simply plugging it.
Somebody probably has a good reason for going to the dealer if you have TPMS, but I don't.
Somebody probably has a good reason for going to the dealer if you have TPMS, but I don't.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
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From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
I have not had a flat tire in ages. I am sure I am more than due for one though. I have been driving through construction sites a lot lately and I don't know why I have dodged the inevitable for so long.
However, I would also recommend going to a tire store that has a good local reputation. The only time I have ever spent money at the dealer for something having to do with tires was when I had my summer tires "load balanced." I drive my summer tires on the highway a lot and I personally believe that load balancing is superior to the regular system. If it is available, then I pay for load balancing. However, I have had very good luck with Costco balancing. The employees at my local Costco are actually very nice and know what they are doing. Not to mention, they have been working there for years, so they know me.
There is going to be a Sam's club built two miles from my house, but I seriously doubt I want the employees there to touch my cars. I will have to see how they work on cars and also see what their employee turnover is before I even think about it.
Steve
However, I would also recommend going to a tire store that has a good local reputation. The only time I have ever spent money at the dealer for something having to do with tires was when I had my summer tires "load balanced." I drive my summer tires on the highway a lot and I personally believe that load balancing is superior to the regular system. If it is available, then I pay for load balancing. However, I have had very good luck with Costco balancing. The employees at my local Costco are actually very nice and know what they are doing. Not to mention, they have been working there for years, so they know me.
There is going to be a Sam's club built two miles from my house, but I seriously doubt I want the employees there to touch my cars. I will have to see how they work on cars and also see what their employee turnover is before I even think about it.
Steve
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
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From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
Originally Posted by W211 Ryda
I take mine to Discount Tires Co. They patch from the inside then re-balance all for free! 
Always get excellent service from any of their chain of repair shops.
Always get excellent service from any of their chain of repair shops.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Had my flat repaired/remounted/balanced at the STS chain (Somerset Tire Service). They did a proper job.
I also brought them a tire I got from Tirerack.com for installation. Found out later, that they would have shipped the tire directly to them to mount/balance/install, so I guess they're a "reccomended" installer.
I also brought them a tire I got from Tirerack.com for installation. Found out later, that they would have shipped the tire directly to them to mount/balance/install, so I guess they're a "reccomended" installer.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 516
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From: Raleigh, North Carolina
2004 E320, 2004 Lexus GX470
Thx a bunch. It's settled. I'll stop by the tire specialty shop and have them do it.
I'm actually relieved I will not have to deal with the prolonged wait at the dealer ...
I'm actually relieved I will not have to deal with the prolonged wait at the dealer ...
