I've actually had good results with a Firestone service center here in town. Astonishing, I know, considering the reputation of that name.
But today, it was extra nice. Doubly so since they had a cranky customer in there while I was there. He was one of those who frothed and grumbled continuously about how the world was always out to screw him, and how he had to keep everyone straight and on their toes. He'd already gnawed on them about his coupon and getting a free code read.
Anyhow, brought the Volvo in for an alignment, since it was devouring the front tires. And, to go ahead and get them rebalanced and rotated.
A little while after they had brought my car into the shop the manager called me to the counter. Told me the left outer tie rod end was worn out and needs to be replaced before they can do an alignment without wasting my money. Interesting answer. They'd done an estimate for me on replacing the tie rod end. They didn't bat an eye when I said I could replace the tie rod end myself easily enough. No problem, bring it back when you do it, and we'll do the alignment then.
They'd also noted how fast my tires had worn down. They actually suggested that if tires weren't vibrating obnoxiously, I just skip the balancing, as they weren't going to last that much longer. Of course they gave me a price quote on some tires they recommended, which weren't off the mark either. And, they even suggested I do some web searching to see if I liked them or found better, or a better price. They've mounted tires I brought in before, and would have no problem doing it again.
For the icing on the cake, they rotated the tires for free, and sent me on my way without earning even a dime.
Gosh, that was nice.
I wasn't the only one being treated nicely and honestly by them this morning. A genuine little old lady came in with a near flat and said she needed a new tire. A little while later they called her to the counter to tell her they'd pulled the tire to check the inside and they could boot plug it and send her on her way for a lot less money than a new tire would cost. Another lady was there for a leaking tire. They found it to be leaking around the rim so they cleaned up the rim and tire bead, applied bead sealer, and sent her on her way for just a few dollars also.
They weren't making a lot of money this morning while I was there; but they sure made some customers happy, and undoubtedly will get some repeat business from it.
