[hcoles]

The other day I got new tires for my 2006 Tahoe, Michelin Defender LTX about $200/ea. After all was said and done I was out $1073.

Over the years I've used Wheel Works and after Firestone bought them it doesn't seem I'm getting personalized service anymore. We (other P-car owners for street and track tires) used to have a guy we would contact at one Wheel Works and he took care of us. E.g. he let me watch the tire mounting and balance/etc. Not any more. So I went to an independent store - family owned for many years to try them out.

I went to the new place to get a quote - it seemed reasonable compared to TireRack so I ordered the tires and went in the the next day to get them installed. I stayed and watched as much as I could, including the alignment. One of the fronts was wearing unevenly so I decided to go for the alignment.

I noticed several things:

1 - the guy using the torque wrench was not using it properly, I didn't ask what he had it set at - supposed to be 140 lb.-ft. I checked the torque when I got home and about 80% or more came loose with my torque wrench set at 140. I re-torqued all the nuts.

2 - All the tire pressures were high - 35 to 40 psi. The door says 32 psi. I reset the pressures to 34psi cold. 44psi is the pressure max. written on the side of the tire.

3 - The goop they lubricate the wheel with attached to/stained the tire and it doesn't wash off so far. Also, the goop got on my wheels and sunk into the clear coating making streaks. I got most of the streaking to go away after cleaning and polishing with 3 different products.

4 - on a positive note - the kid doing the alignment appeared to try and do a good job -I was watching the numbers on the display as he worked.

I got a number of emails asking for feedback and a review.

So the question is should I go back and let the owner know what I observed? I'm happy with the tires and alignment. I want to do business there again, the owner seemed nice enough but I don't know how he might feel after I discuss things with him. I'm thinking other places are worse.