Frustrations at the tire shop

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GriffinGuru
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Frustrations at the tire shop

Post by GriffinGuru »

So this is not actually related to my Corvair specifically, but I needed to get 2 new tires for my Ford Ranger. The truck is a 93, and since it is an older model the rim size is 14". The original recommended tires for it are no longer available since tire manufactures aren't making truck tires in 14" wheel sizes anymore.

The size I am "supposed" to have is a 225/70R14, but as that was not available 2 years ago, I got 215/75R14 sized tires as this was the next closest size. I also got the 215/75R14 at the same shop I went to just the other day. Well now that I need two more tires I went back there, but this time I dealt with a different guy than I had the previous couple of times. Well this clown started giving me the hassle that it was "illegal" to have a slightly different tire size than what the car was sold with and that he wouldn't put those tires on. :angry: This is at a GCR center (a Firestone dealer and I have recently read that Firestone dealers in California have been ripping people off!).

The same shop already put the other two 215/75R14 tires on anyway :assault: and also proceeded to ask me where I got my truck inspected. I would not tell him where because they are good people and not a "lick-and-stick" operation anyway; and besides the tire size on the door sticker is only the recommended size the truck was sold with. Well, he finally came to a semi reasonable compromise that he would put the tires on if I took the rims off the truck at home and just brought the rims in alone. :banghead: Fine. :angry: I'll do it that way because I need these tires sooner rather than later and even though I will have to go through a few extra hoops, I can get them on. What an extra p.i.t.a.

Well, still believing I am right with regards to tire sizing and Pennsylvania vehicle code, I checked my copy of the inspection regulation book (yeah I have one, as I used to do mechanic work and this has come in handy multiple times since then as well). PA inspection law has no mention of using specific tire size, except for rules about minimum tread depth, sticking out beyond fenders/spacers, that the same size and type must be used "per axle", and that the rears can be mo more than 1" wider than the fronts. In fact, the PA rules only state that the load rating must meet or exceed the minimum requirements for the vehicle.

The 2wd Rangers in '93 were available in 3 different sizes for the 14" rim, the smallest being 190/70R14 which only had a load rating of 1300ish lbs; probably used in the steel rim fleet/economy models. My recommended tire 225/70R14 has a load rating of 1675lbs, and the tires I now use at the 215/75R14 are load rated at 1644lbs. At the top of the range and well above the minimum and well above the GVW for the truck. I was right: he was over-interpreting the law and the shop the did my inspection was NOT doing anything illegal :neener: . Whatever, well after these 2 tires I am getting I don't think I'll be using them anymore. Unless when I go in there next week and show them the inspection law book, AND they concede that the tires I am using are legal, anyway... ...Sorry for the long rant, but this had me fired up and I'm still annoyed about having to jack my truck up at home and pull the tires off myself just because of this clown's assertions.
It keeps me humble:
64 Corvair Monza convertible called Lucy (work in progress)
cnicol
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Re: Frustrations at the tire shop

Post by cnicol »

I agree, tire shops can be incredibly aggravating. Was the guy from Germany? (TUV regs are very strict regarding tires). At least he didn't pull out the "ABS" argument (another straw man). Agree with the load spec argument and that's specific to your truck's configuration, not the minimum configuration. I ran into an opposite problem on my car trailer; I kept blowing new, proper "D" spec tires and my load was well under their rating. A knowing tire shop suggested a spec problem and use of "E" range tires. He was right and I haven't had a problem since.

My solution: I purchased tire mounting and balancing equipment many years ago and order tires from Tire Rack. Problem solved!
'61 140 PG Rampside
'66 Rear Alum V8 4-dr
'60 Monza PG coupe (sold, sniff, sniff)
'66 Corsa Fitch Sprint Conv. (First car 1971, recently repurchased)
64powerglide
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Re: Frustrations at the tire shop

Post by 64powerglide »

I just junked out my 92 Ranger, a few years ago had Walmart put new tires on. Their book & my truck book said 2 sizes, it came with 215X70R14 & the only option listed was 195X70R14 so I got the cheaper smaller tire. You have to remember if they install a tire that's not listed by the manufacturer they are liable if one of those tires cause an accident. They have to go by the law to protect themselves. They said all I would have to do to put another size tire on is bring in the rims not the vehicle.
64Powerglide, Jeff Phillips

Kalamazoo, Mi..
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er-mine
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Location: hot as heck phx az

Re: Frustrations at the tire shop

Post by er-mine »

lotta work but taking the two offending tires off that need replacement ... and telling them what YOU want was the best way

that takes the liability and grief away....

working so hard to get matching tire sizes all way around is a crock... but gets the job done
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bbodie52
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Re: Frustrations at the tire shop

Post by bbodie52 »

Image

You can do a lot of research on the Tire Rack website and it costs you nothing. You can also confirm your findings and ask your questions by calling them and asking one of the technical support specialists for guidance. I have been a regular customer of the Tire Rack for decades. Their website is filled with technical specifications, customer feedback, reviews, etc. and the prices seem to be good.

1993 FORD RANGER 2WD
:link: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/SelectTir ... toModClar=

BF GOODRICH RADIAL T/A
Performance All-Season
Size: P225/70R14 98S
Sidewall Style: Raised White Letters
UTQG: 400 A B
$130.45

KUMHO SOLUS TA11
Standard Touring All-Season
Size: 215/70R14 96T
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
UTQG: 700 A B
$60.88

BF GOODRICH RADIAL T/A
Performance All-Season
Size: P215/70R14 96S
Sidewall Style: Raised White Letters
UTQG: 400 A B
$123.45

NOTE: Eleven tires in size 195/70R14 listed for this truck, from Fuzion, General, Kumho, Michelin, Sumitomo, Yokohama, Firestone, Laufenn, and Goodyear from $50.25 to $96.25 per tire.

Special Offer: [BF Goodrich] Buy a set of four and get a $50 MasterCard Reward Card after submission.
Ends July 17 (10 Days Left!)
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
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