1. Canadian Tire Tires - Don't go there, Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 4:57:00 PM
Was in dire straights on a snowy late afternoon with what I thought was a punctured tire, with screaming kids and wife wanting to go home.. Very little options available to me on a Sunday at the start of Jan 2009 Near the Canadian tire in Ancaster/Ontario.

So went to Canadian tire (1st mistake) with my Ford Freestar with its OEM Michelin Symmetry tires

After about 40 mins, Canadian tire informed me that I had a cut tire (inside rim to half way through the tread) and that I'd need at least 2 new ones

A cheaper CT tire (made by Michelin) was recommended which was suppose to give similar performance, and noise level (and since cash is always short, went with them.. 2nd mistake…)

Had the front 2 tires replaced.

From the start (especially in dry conditions) noticed more tire related cabin noise (sometime 2x to 3x compared with originals), noticeable pulsating droney noise around 40km and about 110km.

It got more noticeable over the next 3 months (or maybe just became more aware of it)

Was actually thinking that there was something wrong with the tires, or maybe something else wrong with the vehicle.

Talked with Ford, and was mentioned that issue might be with tire Balancing. Had all tires rebalanced and Alignment done in March by Ford

Noise was a-bit quieter (maybe 25%); but had move to back of vehicle (but still more a lot more noise than the oem tires)..

Was a bit disappointed that the noise was still there and had moved; then realized they'd also rotated the tires front to back (something about tire with better tread been proved safer if installed on back of front wheel drive vehicles)

So the noise followed the tires and was still there after balancing and alignment. Basically Crappy Canadian tires (which were supposedly made by and as good as Michelin)

So based on my prior customer service experiences with Canadian tire (General store and Auto service), decided not to even bother with talking with Canadian tire.. I didn’t buy the better ones, so its kinda my fault..

I decided to just suffer with the Crappy Canadian Tire tires until the 2 left Michelin Symmetry needed to be replaced (was hoping to last out until sometime in Oct/2009)

Fate had other things in mind and put a put a piece of hard plastic in the tire located in the same spot where the 1st tire had been cut..

So on the market to go to buy 4 new tires.. Calling around to get prices on some Brand Name Quality tires

Talked with Canadian tire Service about what it would cost for new tires, and had mentioned the reasons (noise levels) why I wanted 4 tires instead of two. They had some Michelin Dynasty which were suppose to be similar to Michelin Harmony

The guy I initially talked to was actually pretty good (which shocked me). He had a look at the Tires and notices some slight feathering. He had mentioned that there might be something that can be done in the way of a credit (due to my dissatisfaction with the 2 tires I’d bought) and to call back the next day to talk to someone who could help.

When I called back, I got the run around from the service manager. That they’d have a look; but the issue most likely was with the Van’s suspension (which would cause feathering). That it most likely the fault was with the van, and not with the tire. Blah, blah, blah, blah (I have the van serviced at least 4 times a year by ford. Have the required and suggested maintenance done).. Basically it was the Canadian tire post purchase support I had known to come and Hate.. The 2 of Original OEM tires were still on the Vehicle, and they worked just fine (94,000 km on them)..I’m thinking that if the van was the issue, then the original tires would also show similar issues..

SO THANK YOU CANADIAN TIRE SERVICE MANAGER.. You helped me come to my senses about dealing with Canadian tire for my tires (1st right discussion I’ve made with respect to my tire issues since Jan 2009).

I went to Green and Ross in Limridge mall in Hamilton. Had 4 Michelin Harmony installed (cheaper than Canadian tire Dynasty), and had the Suspension checked (ok) and alignment re-done (was slightly out).

Within a few seconds of being above 40 clicks, I could tell you that the new tires were way better than Canadian tire and the cabin noise was way better

Lessons Learned.

1) Should never of gone to Canadian tire for tires (They should change there name from “Canadian Tire” to “Canadian Store” :-)
2) Should of Stuck with a tire brand known to provide a level of Quality.
3) Will spend the time next time to change out the spare tire, and not let the easy route cloud my purchasing judgment..

DotheBuy

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