Need new tires, wheel alignment, tune up--Honda Civic. where to go?

[Anonymous]

I'm new to car ownership and don't have a great sense of how/when/where to take care of my car. It's a 2010 Honda Civic, and I need new tires (the originals are still on the car), and I need the wheels aligned, the car fades left and vibrates on the highway. Where would you take it in/near NW DC?

This isn't exactly a finance question, but I thought those on here might have a good sense of a reasonably priced way to get this done!

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

When I lived in NW DC I always took my Civic to Bethesda Import Specialists. They specialize in Volvos, but work on other cars too. They're honest and have reasonable prices. They'll drop off/pick up at the friendship heights metro.

Another good place to look for recommendations is the Car Talk website: http://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files. They have lots of reviews on mechanics all over the country.

[Anonymous]

I've always been okay when I've looked at yelp for mechanics.

[Anonymous]

For tires the price at Costco can't be beat.

[Anonymous]

Agree, Costco for tires.

[Anonymous]

I go to NTB. Good customer service, the prices are reasonable, and they guarantee their work. They will try to upsell you on everything but I have no problem saying "no thank you" to them.

[Anonymous]

Don't assume you need an alignment. If you have original tires and haven't rotated them, it's probably worn out/unbalanced tires. Executive Tires in Rockville guy are really good and honest.

[Anonymous]

Costco is fine. Also Sears. Or Mr. Tire or NTB. Or Merchants.

The cost will depend on the tire you choose, but expect to pay close to $800 all in if you get top tires.

If you want to save money look into Sumitomo tires. Japanese maker -- same guys who make some top brands. Relatively cheaper. Good quality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm new to car ownership and don't have a great sense of how/when/where to take care of my car. It's a 2010 Honda Civic, and I need new tires (the originals are still on the car), and I need the wheels aligned, the car fades left and vibrates on the highway. Where would you take it in/near NW DC?

This isn't exactly a finance question, but I thought those on here might have a good sense of a reasonably priced way to get this done!

Thanks!

Thank you for asking this question! I too have a Honda Civic and haven't found a good mechanic since I moved here. Thanks to all of the responders as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For tires the price at Costco can't be beat.

My aunt and I were just having this conversation. She said her mechanic told her the tires were $200 cheaper at Costco but she would still need to go to him for the alignment and other services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Costco is fine. Also Sears. Or Mr. Tire or NTB. Or Merchants.

The cost will depend on the tire you choose, but expect to pay close to $800 all in if you get top tires.

If you want to save money look into Sumitomo tires. Japanese maker -- same guys who make some top brands. Relatively cheaper. Good quality.

Regardless of brand, make sure they are not manufactured in China.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Costco is fine. Also Sears. Or Mr. Tire or NTB. Or Merchants.

The cost will depend on the tire you choose, but expect to pay close to $800 all in if you get top tires.

If you want to save money look into Sumitomo tires. Japanese maker -- same guys who make some top brands. Relatively cheaper. Good quality.

Regardless of brand, make sure they are not manufactured in China.

Why? Unlike 40 years ago, I don't think "made in China" automatically means cheap and poor quality.

[Anonymous]

Got my mechanic through Washington Consumers Checkbook. Worth checking them out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't assume you need an alignment. If you have original tires and haven't rotated them, it's probably worn out/unbalanced tires. Executive Tires in Rockville guy are really good and honest.

If the OP replaces all 4 tires, then he has to get an alignment regardless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't assume you need an alignment. If you have original tires and haven't rotated them, it's probably worn out/unbalanced tires. Executive Tires in Rockville guy are really good and honest.

If the OP replaces all 4 tires, then he has to get an alignment regardless.

Not if the car isn't out of alignment. Replacing 4 tires doesn't throw a car out of alignment. Or do you mean balancing? Which any tire place can do.