WEBSRFR

So all this talk of tires and wheels got me thinking that sooner or later I might need to be ready for tire or wheel problems down the road and my MB dealer is likely going to take me to the cleaners if I use them for tire or wheel service. Can someone recommend a competent tire place i the Washington Dc area that does good work and charges reasonable rates? Preferably a place that also accepts tires shipped from Tire Rack.

Also while we are on the topic does anyone know of a place in the DC area (mobile or not) that can buff out and fix curb rash on wheels?

CEB

There is no such thing...


Most NTB/Merchants/Goodyear/Firestone etc are pretty notorious for damaging wheels since the majority of their customers don't care. Just Tires is generally better but still hit and miss.

I've found Curry's to be pretty good and they have multiple locations. I think they do the Tirerack drop shipping but all of the above will pricematch Tirerack in store.

PM me for the contact info for a good wheel fixer in the Tyson's area.

BenzBee

Another vote for Curry's - the location for Great Falls is good. And yes they accept TireRack tires as far as I know.

WEBSRFR

Thanks for the info! I'm not comfortable using the people I've been using for the Volvo if my baby needs new shoes or wheel restoration s just wanted to have the info handy just in case...

Virginia Bill

The Tire Rack web site will list local cooperating shops with guaranteed installation prices and customer comments/ratings.

Rocketman

I have used Radial Tire in Silver Spring MD many times for Porsche, Mercedes Benz and BMW - they are very good and the price is right.

CEB

Be very careful with Tirerack recommendations. Most NTB locations are on that list and the Germantown and Rockville locations are guaranteed to scratch your wheels.

I've heard good things about Radial Tire in SS too.

Mbenz260e

Thanks for the discussion. I will need tires for the ML in the next 5k. Was thinking of seeing if Euromotors Bethesda really stood behind their advertisement of matching any price including internet, but will probably not waste my time and try Radial Tire.

That being said, the Merchant's in Rockville I never had problems with over 2 sets of tires on our old Volvo and many rotations/alignment. I noticed I almost always had the same older tech (did both tire changes). I guessed since I always did alignment (had the package) that only certain techs could do it, therefore got assigned the whole job and had more experience?

CEB

I've had good luck with the Merchants in Bethesda (also more experienced techs) and they are convenient for a cup of coffee and some grease at the Tasty Diner while waiting.

Mbenz260e

I've heard good things about that Merchants as well but only do tires at those places so haven't gone out of my way to try it. The Bethesda and Rockville locations both in good walking to grab a pint though not the best thing to do especially if its a long wait...

WEBSRFR

That's the place I've always used for my Volvo but for whatever reason based on how they maintain the shop, I don't trust them to offer any TLC whatsoever when they get the wheels off.

+ they have such a long waiting list whenever you pull in I bet their people hurry up and get tires changed as soon as they can possibly do it. When I pull in, there are usually 10 cars on their driveway needing tire work. Their waiting room is barely habitable.

I agree that their price is right and I'm glad to hear you've had good experiences with them... I would prefer a smaller place though...

WEBSRFR

I'd never take my MB to a mass market/chain tire store. I had a very bad experience with one of these stores with my Volvo. The idiot filling the air dragged the air hose OVER the front hood and all over the painted surfaces of my Volvo scratching it everywhere. The guy then started arguing with me when I pointed the scratches to my hood and other parts of the car because he did not have the air hose on the floor like he should have. I felt so uncomfortable with how I was being confronted I called the police... Good thing because the guy turned out to be a convicted felon out of prison. When the police arrived they helped negotiate reimbursement for the damage done to my car by dealing with the management and shielded me from the crazy guy. That's when I decided to never patronize one of these large chain tire stores.

This is why I specifically wanted to have a smaller place on file that will take good care of my car should the need ever arise. (thanks for your recommendation/PM BTW!)