New Tires - Dealer Install or Not?

[LR3rocks!]

I bought an '06 LR3 HSE in Jun '07. It had 19K miles and was showing tire wear on the front tires. I had done my research and expected to have tire noise, but bought the HSE for $35K and figured I could invest in new tires in a bit.

I'm at 22.7K and due service. With a recent flat and w/ front tire tread going quickly, I ordered 4 new Pirelli Scropion Zero Snow & Ice 255/55/19 tires from Tire Rack. I live in Germany, so they offered best bang for my buck.

My question is should I have the new tires put on at the dealer or just get it done locally and have the dealer check alignment when I take it in for service. I know I can get it done much cheaper on a military base than on the German economy.

Anyone see a problem with this approach? Appreciate your feedback.

 

[toddjb122]

It shouldn't matter where you get it done. Figuring that a shop which does nothing but tires will have plenty of experience. AND, technically, when I had my Synchrones installed by a local chain (NTB) they did an okay job.

If it was 20% more to go to the dealer, I'd probably go there. NTB did not get the tire pressures correct, did not remember to swap the best old tire onto my spare (already worn from another event), and left grease all over my interior every time they touched the car. So, the level of service was not anything near where my LR dealer was. BUT, they were cheaper and the tires seem to be mounted fine.

Just depends what its worth to you.

 

[LR3rocks!]

Thanks...with a family of six, cheaper works.

 

[LR3rocks!]

Can a regular size tire be installed where the spare resides? I thought it was a smaller tire?

 

[davez26]

Absolutely. The LR3's with Heavy Duty package include a rear locking differential, and Full-size spare, (with matching wheel).

 

[schafari]

The spare wheel area is designed for just another standard wheel/tire. Depending on option package you either get four wheels/tires plus a donut spare, or you get five identical wheels/tires, one of which is the spare. (This is part of the HD package) The spare on the HD package is no different than the other four wheels/tires on the LR3.

 

[nwoods]

The dealer can't do the alignment (typically), they take it outside, probably to the same place you'd have it done. I would just have both done outside, and save time and money.

The spare tire location will accommodate a full size spare at normal pressures, and a larger tire if partially deflated.

 

[roverman]

Dealer was going to charge me something like 179 for alignment - they send it to Belle Tire. Had it done at Belle Tire for 79.

 

[LR3rocks!]

Great input from all! Thanks again!!