Costco Tire Center

Anyone ever get tires from Costco? I just bought a set for my VW Touareg and left there to go directly to the shop I use (and trust) for my vdubs to fix my hood latch - cable snapped/rusted. I called them this morning to check progress and mechanic say oh hey, btw, back tire was flat this am and there's so many weights in one of the rims they're rubbing the brake caliper.

Without going into all the things that have broken in my home and parts I've replaced on the car this year I'm not happy. However, I'm trying not to go in there being a complete a-hole (unfortunately sometimes I believe that's the only way to get things done right - hoping this is not the case).

In fairness to them, I did downsize wheels to 17s, but this will be at least the third set of KO2s I've had on there, so I know it's possible to run.

Is this a one off, or does Costco tire center just suck?

 

I would say depends on location, tech skill is the viable that is unknown at this point.
I used to use Costco cause their price is nice, but in a clutch (busted/slashed tires that needs ASAP) I use Discount Tires, which is actually closer, but not always cheaper.

 

probably depends on your Costco and the 'tech' who did the work

 

Bummer man.
I've had an issues with ordering tires from Costco. Ordered them online but didn't plug in my vehicle, apparently they can only install them if it's a stock size. Even one size up, nope.

My buddy just got a clean 2012 Touareg, what are the issues you've had with yours?

 

Yeah, I just used Costco for tires. They did good with the tire install and mine have been holding and there aren't a ton of weights.

Really depends on the tech, had the Toyota dealership royal screw up a tire balance and rotation cause the young tech didn't know that different tires use a different chuck when securing the wheel. So he balanced all 4 tires not level. (This got resolved, just trying to say that it happens everywhere)

Call the Costco and they should make it right. They normally have great customer service.

 

Could you just buy the tires from Costco then get a decent tire shop to mount and balance them and whatnot?

 

Did you let them know you went one size smaller on the wheels compared to OE before they mounted anything?

 

That's what I did for my Tundra. On the Sequoia it was on a second set of wheels I had so they did the mount and balance, I threw them on at my house

 

so far no issues with my costco tire center. Talk to the manager or shop honcho before the work start so they know what to expect. They do a lot of camry or mini vans but no that many 35's however some of the tech guys are toyota guys (lifted 4R or Taco) so make sure you got the good tech that knows truck.

i like their 5 year warranty and free rotation/balance plus the BFG sale they have from time to time.

 

Try different Costco, just like any other big franchises (discount tires) etc. all have their good and bad locations.

 

My '12 Touareg has been a tank -- only normal wear and tear until this year. Vehicle has 165k miles on it and I just had to replace diff bearing, but otherwise all normal service stuff (tires/brakes/oil/wiper blades etc.). Knock on wood, it's been a damn solid vehicle which is why I'm trying to ready it up with new brakes and rubber for the winter. With the 4motion, ko2's and shorter wheelbase it is near unstoppable in the snow. The 17s I got were oem from another earlier model west coast treg. Trying to make it my daily driver (which used to be my old gti -- but this one I'll be able to haul kiddos in).

 

I’ve pretty much written Costco off for tires since at least in my area they won’t do nonstandard tire sizes. Also seem to only stock a few brands. For a standard tire size commuter type car they are likely good to go. Les Schwab Or Discount Tire seem to have the best techs, wait times are the real killers at those places.

 

I have family members that use Costco exclusively for tires. They have had good luck, but like posted above - they won't do non-standard sizes, and it depends on your location. I wouldn't use them, personally, but I also switched to my local Discount Tire from Big O. I know the owner of the Big O store and his guys used to do a great job. They liked my truck and treated it like they would their own. Unfortunately, his new guys are horrible and have cost me thousands in the last couple of years from carelessness or incompetence.

Bummer to hear that you didn't have a good experience with them; I'm interested to see how it goes and whether or not they will fix it without any fuss. Everybody screws up from time to time - it's what they do after they screw up that matters to me.

 

Glad to hear, they seem stout and overbuilt

 

Update: I took it in today and spoke to new guy at the counter - he said they used the wrong size weights which were too large. They called after about an hour when they said it was good to go. The guy did try to tell me that I shouldn't run those tires on the Touareg bc they're supposed to be run at a higher pressure and they may not wear evenly blah blah blah... I told him I've put over 100k miles on the exact same set up with this vehicle so I'm not worried about it. Tires always wore fine and after 50k they get loud so I replace them. He laughed and said okay then.

Take away: they fixed it without too much trouble, but I think I may try one of the other 4-5 tire shops within 3 miles of my house next time - or drive to discount tire.

 

I've been buying tires out of Costco these past few years, I also like their 5 year warranty. I took mine in 6 months ago, due to a slow leak which turned into an unrepairable tire due to close proximity to the sidewall. Got a replacement one after about 3 weeks since they were on back order. Up until now every time I go in and cross paths with the tech who worked on my truck, always apologizes due to the fact they can't get another matching tire. I told him not to worry about it, I'll be back for another set next year and will be dropping that new one in the spare, since it's old AF.
Just took my SC400 to Discount Tire since Costco doesn't have the tire size and had to make a double trip since FedEx doesn't transport tires as packages, I guess. I got 3 tires installed and had to go back 2 days later for the 4th tire. I swing off both trees every now and then I'll hit up the local shop for repairs or other services, like stubborn stud removals.