Major tyre chain A fitted 4 'new' SUV tyres in record time (38 minutes including a front and back wheel alignment). I paid at the counter but on inspecting the 'new' tyres outside I told them I was unhappy with how dirty they were and queried whether they were in fact brand new or whether they had been on the road. Perhaps I was being too fussy about the dirt and dust but the filthy state rang an alarm bell. When I started to think about it, I was also doubtful that a good fitting job including a front and back wheel alignment could have been done so quickly. The little bumps on the tyre surface that indicate whether tyres are new were still visible but past experience is that the bumps do not wear off immediately. Tyre branding and markings appeared legitimate. The staff member's reaction to my concern was that if you don't like the tyres, we can swap your old ones back. I thought for a while and then went in and surprised them by taking up the swap offer. To their credit, they did the swap quickly and refunded the money.
The next day at tyre chain B, the task done in 38 minutes at tyre chain A took over 90 minutes - I was able to watch from the waiting room as they carefully balanced and fitted the 4 tyres and did a wheel alignment and took the car for two test drives in the process. The wheels and new tyres were spotless when the car was handed back.
Having bought a lot of new tyres for self and family over the years, I have never had an experience like the one at tyre chain A. Interested in others' experience and views about what is reasonable to expect in these circumstances.
You’re a fusspot and it’s all in your head /thread