Finding a tire dealer that you can trust can make or break your tire buying experience. Most consumers do not want to spend the time to research and ask questions regarding their tire dealer until after they’ve had a bad experience. But the best experiences can save you time, money, and the long headache of having to sort out a problem if something goes wrong. Just like there are many tires to fit your driving needs, there are many tire dealers to fit your buying needs, and finding the right one can create a long term partnership that will benefit you as a customer over time.

First, find someone you are comfortable talking with. You and your tire dealer will need an open line of communication to help you really find the right product for the right price. If you do not feel like you can communicate with them in an honest, friendly way, then is this the kind of tire dealer that you can trust to help you research and purchase your products? The best tire dealers in the business are open, honest, friendly, and will lead you to the best products regardless of price. An honest salesman will be more concerned in helping you find what will be best for your needs, not their bottom line.

Second, research your local tire dealers. Evaluate what is important to you in your buying experience. Some points of interest may be whether or not the tire dealer offers warranties, roadside assistance, auto clubs, or any loyal customer perks. You may be surprised to find that the level of service or care that big national chains offer can be matched or beat by the local mom and pop tire shop down the street. Sometimes bigger does not always equal better. Online reviews may be helpful. If your preferred tire dealer has a website, check to see if they allow customer feedback on their site to gauge other customer’s experiences. Additional reviews can be found through business review sites, local sites or publications in your area, or online forums. Always keep in mind that one person’s terrible experience may be an anomaly in a sea of positive reviews, but if you consistently see that a business is poorly reviewed, you may want to keep your options open.

Next, check into your tire dealer’s certifications and partnerships. Some tire dealers will partner with other dealers in a localized area to garner collective buying power, which they pass on to their customers in the form of lower costs and prices. Some tire dealers do not carry certain brand names, while others may specialize in standard or even luxury products. Typically, a full list of brands that are offered at a specific tire dealer can be found on their website, or by checking on the manufacturer’s preferred retailer list. A tire dealer may have installers and mechanics that are certified in much more than basic tire installation. This may help you ensure that you are always having your tires put on by an expert, who can also look for and diagnose other vehicle problems. Look for mechanics that carry an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, as this is becoming more and more of an industry standard. Businesses that perform well consistently often have other seals of recommendation and awards given that will reflect on the kind of service and customer experience that they offer.

Finally, trust your instincts! If you have a five-minute phone chat with a mechanic or tire dealer that seems disinterested in your concerns or uneducated on their products, maybe it is best to move on. If you have other friends, neighbors, or colleagues who have had good experiences, ask for recommendations. Ask around to other mechanics who and what they would suggest, as mechanics can often spot sub par work or missed opportunities.

Finding a quality tire dealer may take some research and effort, but the payoff would be seen in the quality of the work and the ease of the experience. If you find a great tire dealer you are more likely to receive the best deals, the highest quality of service, and the security of knowing that your vehicle and your tires will be installed correctly and safely every time.

Rick Benson is an auto industry blogger for ITDroll.com. ITDroll.com is proud to be the best place to find tires St.Louis.

Rick Benson is an auto industry blogger for http://ITDroll.com. http://ITDroll.com is proud to be the best place to find tires St.Louis.

Author Bio: Rick Benson is an auto industry blogger for ITDroll.com. ITDroll.com is proud to be the best place to find tires St.Louis.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, discount tires, tire dealer, tire discount, tire dealers, tire coupons, tire store