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tire dealers
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How to get the most out of tire dealers
Tire Information World : your friendly
independent source of tire help
 Want to know how to get the best from tire dealers?
Tthere's not
much I can say to compare with the real adventures which real
off-roaders have, but
as an experienced tire dealer I can offer some
suggestions as to how to get the most for you money from
tire dealers.
Keep your off road adventures off the road
My ideas are based on the thought that you'd
rather keep your adventures to the time when you
get off the beaten trail and not starting at the
point where you bought your tires. Actually, I'm willing to
bet that you'd most likely like to leave the tires
themselves out of your adventures, except for the fact they help you to get in and out of the places
you want to go.
Be carefule in choosing a dealer
To start with, choose your dealer with care. If
possible try to find one who either specializes in
off-road equipment, if that's what you're into, or a dealer
which at least has experience in
the kind of driving or vehicle you use. For example,
if you are an off-roader, look for a tire dealer where some
of the staff are avid off-roaders. Naturally, if you have friends who share your
passion for off-roading you would want to ask them
where they get their tires.
Use your dealer's
knowledge and experience. Tell him as
much as you can about what you want to do and what
kind of results you want. Think about what you like
to do and where you expect to go.
-
The kind of tire you're going to get best
service from when you're planning to climb
the side of a snow-covered volcano in Iceland
is far different from what you'd need if
you're traveling through the scorching desert
in Baja California or slogging through some
bog in a tropical jungle.
 Plan out the kind of terrain, weather,
time, speed, distance and other conditions you're
most likely to be experiencing. Also discuss your
traveling habits -- do you usually travel alone or do
you travel in a group with other vehicles? Are you
prepared to change tires in mid-journey or do you
expect to make it from start to finish with the same
wheels?
All of these things can influence what would be
the best tire for you, and when a particular
recommendation is made, ask if they can put you in
touch with someone who has tried those tires and get
in touch with them. Compare notes. See if their
experiences match up with what you plan to do, if
their vehicle, driving skills and other
characteristics are similar or different from your
own.
What to do when you need to replace a tire?.
 Another consideration
which might be important is what you would do if your
need to replace only one or two tires. This might be
because of a planned change or because of some
unexpected accident -- possibly in the middle of a
journey. If you stick with major brands with wide
distribution you might find it easier to make a quick
replacement, but if you choose a specialty tire, you
may want to consider purchasing an extra spare which
you could either leave in a convenient place where it
might be easily shipped to you, or even carry it with
you, according to your circumstances.
Finally, if you want to get the very best service
from any dealer, be prepared to let them profit from
being "your dealer". This doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to
find a good price for your tires, but don't try to
squeeze the last nickel out either. Don't try to schmooze the
dealer by telling him that Joe's tires on the other side of
town will give you the same tire for 20% less, when you
know that what Joe offer's isn't really the same tire.
If you really want to increase your value, try asking for some
additional services without cost -or at a discount-
rather than getting the lowest price for the
tires.
One idea which many dealers will go for if you're buying a complete set of
tires is to ask for free rotation of your tires every 10,000 miles or so. They'll
like the idea because it gives them the chance to do some extra services
for you, like balancing or alignment, if the need shows up when the rotation
is being done.
 And when you're done with your installation and
services, consider giving a nice tip to the guys who
did the work to make sure they know you appreciate
good work ... they'll be falling all
over themselves to help you the next time you
visit the shop.
Did you know we have a special
place to show-off your favorite wheels?
See the Hot Wheels Show Room
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