Complaint Review: Les Schwab - Portland Oregon

Hello, 
If you had read the complaint thoroughly they did not say he couldn't have his car back, only that he couldn't DRIVE it off their lot.

Seeing as they are responsible for their property they can indeed say this. If the complainant had A. towed it away or B. chosen to push it off the lot then drive off he was free to do so. 

I like Less Schwab have used them for years, do I think they are the best thing since sliced cheese? No. But they do a good job at moderate prices.

Also if you have to tow a car to a garage they don't just duct tape things and let you drive off either...

My first experience with Les Schwab was when I was seventeen, I did not know anything about tires. I stopped in at Les Schwab. to check on purchasing new tires for my Ram 4x4 truck in prep. of winter that was coming fast. The manager came out and inspected my tires and smiled and said I will sell you four new tires if you really want me to but your tires are good for at least another 20,000 miles or more. I said what really? He said yes look at all of remaining tire tread and showed me how to measure it. With another smile he said just come back next spring or summer and we will set you up. Les Schwab now has another customer for life! Thank You Les Schwab.

really...... a company tring to help you in long run. spend some money and do it right. you should always buy in pairs or sets. your moldy old tires are unsafe and sounds like you would be the type to get what you asked for used tires with no garentee. crash and kill somebodies kid, Blame and sue a company cause they gave you what you wanted broke crap. then expect them to pay for it so you could save $40 maybe $50.

Okay, let's cut to the chase: there are over 150 complaints against LS on this website... Why? Because LS is INFAMOUS for cheating customers! I could tell you a half-dozen stories about our local (Susanville, CA)_ dealership... suffice it to say, they pressure customers to get unnecessary repairs, lie about the price of tires, sell inferior quality tires (yoou'll be lucky to get 20K miles), and add hidden charges.

I am sure there are many "satisfied customers" at LS... I am also sure, as well, that there is a HUGE corporate campaign to hide their misdeeds (did anyone mention the class-action lawsuit, when LS was exposed for not hiring blacks and other minorities?).

It should also be noted that LS refuses to answer customer complaints, going so far as to remove all email addresses and company phone numbers from their website.

So, yes, they smile and run to your car. But most folks in our town... locals, that is... go to the BIG O tire shop, which is locally owned and is relatively honest.

" One had a sidewall puncture and the other, they claimed, was too cracked to even try to fix. " I wouldn't argue with that.  I used to sell and intall tires.  I have seen a brand name michelin tire explode.  It had earlier had a nail puncture
repaired, but the tire subsequently exploded.  It was cracked in like 10 different places.

Furthermore, I think $70-$80 is cheap for two brand new tires.  The tires on my car cost about $65-$70 per tire, and that doesn't even include CA State sales tax and installation.

If your tire(s) sits in the sun for a few years, it's possible the rubber could crack, depending on the type, and brand of tire, and the age of the tire.  No matter how good your tires are, or how expensive they are, or unexpensive they are, if the car is parked outside, the rubber will eventually start to crack, which could be anywhere from 2 1/2 - 5 years.

If these guys say it is dangerous, I would not doubt them at all. Remember, your tires are the lifeblood of your car.  Your tires are a very vital part of your car.  As far as used tires, you could probably get away with it, if you have really small tires, for a really small car, but with high performance sport cars, used tires are not the way to go.  I wouldn't put used tires on a nice touring car.  Brand new matching tires are the only way to go when replacing tires.  It's not just about
overall grip, but about good balance, and good straight line stability, and good driveability.

The general rulle is, always replace tires in pairs, whether it be the two front, or the two rear tires.  This will assure good, straight line, high speed stability on the highway.  I always put the best rubber up front, unless I am replacing all four tires.  Some cars have different size tires from front to rear, which means they cannot be rotated.

In my opinion, the service tech's here did a good job, and did you a favor by advising the owner not to drive away.  I am not affiliated with Les Schwab in any form or way.  This is my own view of the situation.
 
Tony

"The diagnosis wasn't good. They claimed the front tires couldn't be fixed and would have to be replaced. One had a sidewall puncture and the other, they claimed, was too cracked to even try to fix."

Letting a car sit for an extended period of time does damage to your tires. I had an '02 Civic that I let sit for a while and my tires were severely cracked. They had about 10lbs of pressure and I risked driving it to make it to the tire shop I worked at. Tires that are dry rot (cracked) are not something you can repair. It isn't a puncture you can patch. It is the tire literally falling apart.

Honestly, aside from the price jumping up $10 it sounds like they were great to you. By them refusing to air the tires up and let you drive off - they were saving you from yourself. It is not safe to drive on damaged tires. I have never heard of someone "tubing" a radial tire as a temporary fix either. 

It wasn't a "trap". It was them trying help.

Them not finding the used tires and then finding them all of a sudden is another story. However, I want to point out that we have had instances where we could not find a pair of a certain size and after a few days they 'all of a sudden' turned up in an unexpected place.

#9 Dude you lose.

Employee Cosmo - Moses Lake()

I am an alignment technician at the local Les SCHWAB. And "I deal with your type" everyday I go to work.

Enough said here for me to stay far away from LS. If this is how LS talks about it's customers, I don't want any part of LS.

Tony S.

I set up an appointment for a brakes INSPECTION only. When I went in for that appointment my car was sent to a bay. After nearly one hour I was getting concerned; it appeared work was being done on my car. I notified the clerk and she took me back to the mechanic, his first words to me were "I called you and left a message on your phone". This was silly since I was waiting in the lobby and since I try to be sensitive to others my phone was silenced. Who would expect a call from LS while sitting in LS? Of course the mechanic explained my front wheel rotors where not up to specs (through not damaged) and needed to be replaced. They would not work on the car without replacing the rotors. At this point my car had ALL the tires off and brake fluid was draining into buckets underneath the wheels. I of course had the option of waiting to have all tires and brake pads put back on and brake fluid put in, but that would most likely take awhile. In the meanwhile it was hinted strongly that driving the car off the lot could be furthur damaging to the vehicle. The rotars were .22 0ff spec. Cost would be $411. When I complained about the customer service practices of LS they were more concerned about excuses, deflection of responsibility, and reputation with the other customers waiting. They made no attempt to say they were sorry, nor did they listen to my suggestion. At this point I had been on LS property for over 2 hours, needed to get to other appointments and facing at least another hour wait time. Coupled with the reality of having to search for other quotes and the time that would take I felt I had no choice but to have LS do the work. I felt they intentionaly operated this way. The clerk handled my complaints as if reading from a complaint manual. They should have evaluated my car, told me what it would be, given my a quote, and sent me on my way. This should have taken 20 min. Three hours later with brakes and rotors most likely overcharged for (Remember at LS we supposedly are paying for their great service) and left no real choice (yet most likely legally protected choice for them) for shopping around. I left dissappointed that I was treated this way after using LS for over 15 years. This occured in the FEDERAL WAY, WA Location, NOV 17th, 2008.

I set up an appointment for a brakes INSPECTION only. When I went in for that appointment my car was sent to a bay. After nearly one hour I was getting concerned; it appeared work was being done on my car. I notified the clerk and she took me back to the mechanic, his first words to me were "I called you and left a message on your phone". This was silly since I was waiting in the lobby and since I try to be sensitive to others my phone was silenced. Who would expect a call from LS while sitting in LS? Of course the mechanic explained my front wheel rotors where not up to specs (through not damaged) and needed to be replaced. They would not work on the car without replacing the rotors. At this point my car had ALL the tires off and brake fluid was draining into buckets underneath the wheels. I of course had the option of waiting to have all tires and brake pads put back on and brake fluid put in, but that would most likely take awhile. In the meanwhile it was hinted strongly that driving the car off the lot could be furthur damaging to the vehicle. The rotars were .22 0ff spec. Cost would be $411. When I complained about the customer service practices of LS they were more concerned about excuses, deflection of responsibility, and reputation with the other customers waiting. They made no attempt to say they were sorry, nor did they listen to my suggestion. At this point I had been on LS property for over 2 hours, needed to get to other appointments and facing at least another hour wait time. Coupled with the reality of having to search for other quotes and the time that would take I felt I had no choice but to have LS do the work. I felt they intentionaly operated this way. The clerk handled my complaints as if reading from a complaint manual. They should have evaluated my car, told me what it would be, given my a quote, and sent me on my way. This should have taken 20 min. Three hours later with brakes and rotors most likely overcharged for (Remember at LS we supposedly are paying for their great service) and left no real choice (yet most likely legally protected choice for them) for shopping around. I left dissappointed that I was treated this way after using LS for over 15 years. This occured in the FEDERAL WAY, WA Location, NOV 17th, 2008.

I set up an appointment for a brakes INSPECTION only. When I went in for that appointment my car was sent to a bay. After nearly one hour I was getting concerned; it appeared work was being done on my car. I notified the clerk and she took me back to the mechanic, his first words to me were "I called you and left a message on your phone". This was silly since I was waiting in the lobby and since I try to be sensitive to others my phone was silenced. Who would expect a call from LS while sitting in LS? Of course the mechanic explained my front wheel rotors where not up to specs (through not damaged) and needed to be replaced. They would not work on the car without replacing the rotors. At this point my car had ALL the tires off and brake fluid was draining into buckets underneath the wheels. I of course had the option of waiting to have all tires and brake pads put back on and brake fluid put in, but that would most likely take awhile. In the meanwhile it was hinted strongly that driving the car off the lot could be furthur damaging to the vehicle. The rotars were .22 0ff spec. Cost would be $411. When I complained about the customer service practices of LS they were more concerned about excuses, deflection of responsibility, and reputation with the other customers waiting. They made no attempt to say they were sorry, nor did they listen to my suggestion. At this point I had been on LS property for over 2 hours, needed to get to other appointments and facing at least another hour wait time. Coupled with the reality of having to search for other quotes and the time that would take I felt I had no choice but to have LS do the work. I felt they intentionaly operated this way. The clerk handled my complaints as if reading from a complaint manual. They should have evaluated my car, told me what it would be, given my a quote, and sent me on my way. This should have taken 20 min. Three hours later with brakes and rotors most likely overcharged for (Remember at LS we supposedly are paying for their great service) and left no real choice (yet most likely legally protected choice for them) for shopping around. I left dissappointed that I was treated this way after using LS for over 15 years. This occured in the FEDERAL WAY, WA Location, NOV 17th, 2008.

I set up an appointment for a brakes INSPECTION only. When I went in for that appointment my car was sent to a bay. After nearly one hour I was getting concerned; it appeared work was being done on my car. I notified the clerk and she took me back to the mechanic, his first words to me were "I called you and left a message on your phone". This was silly since I was waiting in the lobby and since I try to be sensitive to others my phone was silenced. Who would expect a call from LS while sitting in LS? Of course the mechanic explained my front wheel rotors where not up to specs (through not damaged) and needed to be replaced. They would not work on the car without replacing the rotors. At this point my car had ALL the tires off and brake fluid was draining into buckets underneath the wheels. I of course had the option of waiting to have all tires and brake pads put back on and brake fluid put in, but that would most likely take awhile. In the meanwhile it was hinted strongly that driving the car off the lot could be furthur damaging to the vehicle. The rotars were .22 0ff spec. Cost would be $411. When I complained about the customer service practices of LS they were more concerned about excuses, deflection of responsibility, and reputation with the other customers waiting. They made no attempt to say they were sorry, nor did they listen to my suggestion. At this point I had been on LS property for over 2 hours, needed to get to other appointments and facing at least another hour wait time. Coupled with the reality of having to search for other quotes and the time that would take I felt I had no choice but to have LS do the work. I felt they intentionaly operated this way. The clerk handled my complaints as if reading from a complaint manual. They should have evaluated my car, told me what it would be, given my a quote, and sent me on my way. This should have taken 20 min. Three hours later with brakes and rotors most likely overcharged for (Remember at LS we supposedly are paying for their great service) and left no real choice (yet most likely legally protected choice for them) for shopping around. I left dissappointed that I was treated this way after using LS for over 15 years. This occured in the FEDERAL WAY, WA Location, NOV 17th, 2008.

I used to give all my business to LS. I will guess I have given over $20k worth of business to LS in my lifetime. But that all came to an abrupt halt after my last incident. My 16 year old son worked hard all summer to earn money to buy his own custom tires and rims. We went to LS to see what they had and ended up ordering the rims he wanted which arrived 2 days later. The rims cost $288 each. The Rims arrived and they called us saying they were in. My son drove his car to the Vancouver, Washington LS store and about an hour later thay said it was done. They pulled it out of the stall and parked it in the parking lot. My son paid them and got in and was attempting to drive home but the car was shaking violently as soon as he hit 35mph. He called me on his cell phone and said "I think they forgot to balance the tires dad". I told him to turn around and head right back and I jumped in my car to meet him. I arrived just before my son and when he pulled in, I personally inspected all the rims and tires. Although they appeared in good working order, I noticed they had weights glued to the front drivers side and spanned half the rim. That's right, these new tires and rims had one tire that had about 30 weights on it. I went in the store and advised the manager we were not happy and I inquired about the amount of weights used on one front tire. The manager called the employee in that balanced them and said he had problems with 1 tire, and "did the best he could". OMG!! They sold my son a bent rim, then tried to conceal it with massive weights!! He's 16 and they knew that. I'm sure it's not LS policy to put defective equipment on an inexperienced 16 year olds car, not to mention charging him full price for an obvious UNSAFE and bent aluminum rim. I demanded they put his old tires and rims back on, refund 100% of what he paid them. They initally refused until I called my lawyer on my cell phone, and started inquiring into a lawsuit. Once the manager heard me, he interupted my call and said they were pulling his car in to swap them back and refund his money. I will never do business with LS ever again. I don't believe they are honest, and will not hesitate to put a driver out on the road with defective products that they installed on the car. I sent my son to them in good faith, and they let me, and my son down. They lost me as a customer.

I used to give all my business to LS. I will guess I have given over $20k worth of business to LS in my lifetime. But that all came to an abrupt halt after my last incident. My 16 year old son worked hard all summer to earn money to buy his own custom tires and rims. We went to LS to see what they had and ended up ordering the rims he wanted which arrived 2 days later. The rims cost $288 each. The Rims arrived and they called us saying they were in. My son drove his car to the Vancouver, Washington LS store and about an hour later thay said it was done. They pulled it out of the stall and parked it in the parking lot. My son paid them and got in and was attempting to drive home but the car was shaking violently as soon as he hit 35mph. He called me on his cell phone and said "I think they forgot to balance the tires dad". I told him to turn around and head right back and I jumped in my car to meet him. I arrived just before my son and when he pulled in, I personally inspected all the rims and tires. Although they appeared in good working order, I noticed they had weights glued to the front drivers side and spanned half the rim. That's right, these new tires and rims had one tire that had about 30 weights on it. I went in the store and advised the manager we were not happy and I inquired about the amount of weights used on one front tire. The manager called the employee in that balanced them and said he had problems with 1 tire, and "did the best he could". OMG!! They sold my son a bent rim, then tried to conceal it with massive weights!! He's 16 and they knew that. I'm sure it's not LS policy to put defective equipment on an inexperienced 16 year olds car, not to mention charging him full price for an obvious UNSAFE and bent aluminum rim. I demanded they put his old tires and rims back on, refund 100% of what he paid them. They initally refused until I called my lawyer on my cell phone, and started inquiring into a lawsuit. Once the manager heard me, he interupted my call and said they were pulling his car in to swap them back and refund his money. I will never do business with LS ever again. I don't believe they are honest, and will not hesitate to put a driver out on the road with defective products that they installed on the car. I sent my son to them in good faith, and they let me, and my son down. They lost me as a customer.

I used to give all my business to LS. I will guess I have given over $20k worth of business to LS in my lifetime. But that all came to an abrupt halt after my last incident. My 16 year old son worked hard all summer to earn money to buy his own custom tires and rims. We went to LS to see what they had and ended up ordering the rims he wanted which arrived 2 days later. The rims cost $288 each. The Rims arrived and they called us saying they were in. My son drove his car to the Vancouver, Washington LS store and about an hour later thay said it was done. They pulled it out of the stall and parked it in the parking lot. My son paid them and got in and was attempting to drive home but the car was shaking violently as soon as he hit 35mph. He called me on his cell phone and said "I think they forgot to balance the tires dad". I told him to turn around and head right back and I jumped in my car to meet him. I arrived just before my son and when he pulled in, I personally inspected all the rims and tires. Although they appeared in good working order, I noticed they had weights glued to the front drivers side and spanned half the rim. That's right, these new tires and rims had one tire that had about 30 weights on it. I went in the store and advised the manager we were not happy and I inquired about the amount of weights used on one front tire. The manager called the employee in that balanced them and said he had problems with 1 tire, and "did the best he could". OMG!! They sold my son a bent rim, then tried to conceal it with massive weights!! He's 16 and they knew that. I'm sure it's not LS policy to put defective equipment on an inexperienced 16 year olds car, not to mention charging him full price for an obvious UNSAFE and bent aluminum rim. I demanded they put his old tires and rims back on, refund 100% of what he paid them. They initally refused until I called my lawyer on my cell phone, and started inquiring into a lawsuit. Once the manager heard me, he interupted my call and said they were pulling his car in to swap them back and refund his money. I will never do business with LS ever again. I don't believe they are honest, and will not hesitate to put a driver out on the road with defective products that they installed on the car. I sent my son to them in good faith, and they let me, and my son down. They lost me as a customer.

I used to give all my business to LS. I will guess I have given over $20k worth of business to LS in my lifetime. But that all came to an abrupt halt after my last incident. My 16 year old son worked hard all summer to earn money to buy his own custom tires and rims. We went to LS to see what they had and ended up ordering the rims he wanted which arrived 2 days later. The rims cost $288 each. The Rims arrived and they called us saying they were in. My son drove his car to the Vancouver, Washington LS store and about an hour later thay said it was done. They pulled it out of the stall and parked it in the parking lot. My son paid them and got in and was attempting to drive home but the car was shaking violently as soon as he hit 35mph. He called me on his cell phone and said "I think they forgot to balance the tires dad". I told him to turn around and head right back and I jumped in my car to meet him. I arrived just before my son and when he pulled in, I personally inspected all the rims and tires. Although they appeared in good working order, I noticed they had weights glued to the front drivers side and spanned half the rim. That's right, these new tires and rims had one tire that had about 30 weights on it. I went in the store and advised the manager we were not happy and I inquired about the amount of weights used on one front tire. The manager called the employee in that balanced them and said he had problems with 1 tire, and "did the best he could". OMG!! They sold my son a bent rim, then tried to conceal it with massive weights!! He's 16 and they knew that. I'm sure it's not LS policy to put defective equipment on an inexperienced 16 year olds car, not to mention charging him full price for an obvious UNSAFE and bent aluminum rim. I demanded they put his old tires and rims back on, refund 100% of what he paid them. They initally refused until I called my lawyer on my cell phone, and started inquiring into a lawsuit. Once the manager heard me, he interupted my call and said they were pulling his car in to swap them back and refund his money. I will never do business with LS ever again. I don't believe they are honest, and will not hesitate to put a driver out on the road with defective products that they installed on the car. I sent my son to them in good faith, and they let me, and my son down. They lost me as a customer.

Les Schwab is a rip off, and thats why they can afford to open 400 stores in the Pacific North West. LS got kicked out of and fired from a major commercial tire account about a year ago. LS was billing them $26,000 a MONTH!@#$.....I have personally got that bill down to $11,000 a month, and the manager of the commercial outfit said that i give them three times the service. I have been in the tire business only 3 years and have heard nothing but horror stories from customers dealing with LS. They may have set the standards for customer service, BUT that was 20 years ago. please go to LS and fill out a LS application form. when they accept your application, the next step is the interview. In that interview, they will tell you that they expect you to screw the customer in so many words. When you agree to work for them, then they teach you how to screw the customer! They pay their employees very good money because they rip you off!!!! Don't get me wrong, I would love to make as much money as a LS employee, but the above mentioned is why I refuse to work for them. I have a conscience, and I sleep very well at night knowing I did a good honest job for my customers.

Last week I went to LS to have my brakes checked at the recommendation of an oil change mechanic. I dropped my car off and left the keys. I recieved a call and was informed that they could not check my brakes because my tires were "separating" and needed to be replaced. When I went to pick up the car I asked to see the damage and, although they tried, they could not show me anything wrong with my tires other than low tread. The tread is well over 3/32" but I will admit they probably do need to be replaced soon. They said that they could not remove my tires to check the brakes because putting them back on implied that LS had certified that the tires were in good working order. I can understand this philosophy even though my tires were fine. My confusion is that with new tires they would have been willing to check my brakes (which probably need to be replaced), provide a free estimate for the failing brakes, then put the tires back on and watch me drive away with brakes that they know are truly faulty. Why does their concern for being liable for tires not extend to free estimates on brakes? As the title indicates "the jury is still out" but my level of trust was set by their blatent attempt misinform me in order to sell four new tires. These underhanded tactics may be isolated to this one location but I will likely not be back to LS.

I have been a loyal les schwab customer for 18 years, up untill this week I have never gone anywhere else. I believe thier product is fair quality and cost effective, however thier customer service has declined to the point of being deplorable. I recently purchased 4 new tires for my chevy blazer, first after the car was on the rack I was informed the did not have exactly the tires i requested but something very similar for almost the same price. Total cost difference over $150 more!!!!! I was not told this untill I went to pay the bill. This however is not my complaint. The tire tech had used a hammer and screwdriver to remove the bolts that retained my wheel covers. He had damaged them so badly they could not be removed again. I had to pay a machine shop $120 to drill and remove the damaged bolts, Les shcwabs response, they agreed to pay $6 to replace the bolts. No one ever said they were sorry but instead were very rude and indignant, and have REFUSED to compensate me in any way. Thinking this was just a problem with the store in Coeur d Alene ID two weeks later I went to the store in Hayden ID to purchace 4 new tires for my wife's car. Once again after the car was in the bay I was told they did not have exactly the tires I wanted but instead had something almost the same. This time I insisted on a printed copy of the difference. Over $200 more this time. They had not yet removed a wheel from my car. I told them I would go somewhere else. The tire tech them informed me "he could not legally let me leave with tires as worn as mine were" UNTILL THAT MOMENT I TOO THOUGHT THIS WAS AN URBAN LEGEND!!!!! I informed him that he could feel free to call the police and have them escort me to another tire store. At this point I was given my keys and told not to return to Les Schwabs again. I will follow his advice, they have lost a customer for life! I was never rude at any time, yet I was treated with, at best indifference. Both times I had to go into the store, carrying my 1 year old in order to find a salesman, they did not "come running" the way the once did. The original complaint was not about product but about treatment! I will admit that for years les schwabs had treated me very well, however that is no longer the case, and I will not return there again, nor will I ever advise anyone else to do so.

For all of you that said the guy needs to get a life, well, I support him because Les Schwab told me the same thing, only this was a "oh you need to get all four tires replaced on awd" type of deal. With my son in the car and I had ONE flat tire, they saw what I drove up in and instantly told me I needed all four tires replaced. While standing there-listening to all three of them at the Renton/Rainer Ave location tell me this, I called the dealership (Mercedes to be exact) and was informed by my service advisor that they will order the tire (which was cheaper than what Les Schwab quoted) and Discount Tire will put the tire on for me ($20 bucks/labor). Note to employees: As long as all four tires are matching on an awd-that's all that matters!! LIARS!! And for all of you that has been dealing with them for x amount of years, why don't you think or consider the people that are not from here (that could have been your wife and child-esp when your child plays in tournaments-where traveling is involved)and when you hear something like that on your way to work with your child in the car, and you think three people telling you the same crap is settling to you, while you sit your triffling tales on line responding to "the woulda's shoulda's coulda's. Point is: if you had an experience with any company you felt did you wrong, you would want your story out there too. You can respond, but, trust me when I say, I will not nor do I have the time to check what you have to say. I'm getting my story out there because as a female, this is another example (well, take that back cause one of the employees was a female)of if you are not careful, you could be out of alot of money. Moral of this story: dealerships ain't all that bad!!!!!!!!!

I have always hear how well Les Schwab takes care of their customers. While not every employee my not keep that in mind I try to think they do. I can't say this is not happen to this gentleman that was too cheap to put two new tires on his car, but I doubt they were trying to scam him. I went to my local LS for my rotors to be turned. Before I went I was quoted a price over the phone so I was happy with the price. When I got the bill the total was double of what I was told. When I told the gentleman that I was quoted over the phone a price of half that he knew what the price was. I was informed that I was quoted the price for an older car. I did tell them I drive a truck and it is a 2002. They told me they would turn the front rotors without taking them off. Something about inline turning. On the final bill they said it was more because they had to replace the seals from when they took the rotors off the truck. Do I feel like I was being scammed? No I dont! I feel that someone did not understand how they were going to turn my rotors and how they really did turn my rotors, then quoted me the wrong price or vice versa. It was a simple mistake that was QUICKLY corrected without more then me saying I was not quoted that price. I feel if it was any other shop they would have argured and brought in the old BOOK TIME charges. For those of you that don't know BOOK TIME charges here is a basic lesson: If the Book says it takes 3 hours to change a clutch and the mech does it in 1 hour you still pay 3 hours. On the other hand if the mach takes 8 hours then you still only pay 3. For simple repairs the best is actual time for larger repairs or going into the DASH pay the book time.

This day and age it is common that most people must have the quick fix latte, solution, and of course tires. Fix it and move on without another thought. When purchasing tires most things that do not come to mind are that inflation, rotation, alignment, accidents (pot holes/curbs), and personal driving habits have a lot to play in how each tire wears. When we purchase a set of tires it is a great feeling that we are leaving at the best situation our tires could be at, but dont be ignorant. The best thing I can do is take personal responsibility to check my own tires for all the conditions above. I am the one (or my family memembers) are the ones driving the vehicles not any company that provides me tires. If I purchase anything, use it, abuse it (at times) and neglect it, it is my fault and there is no excuse for me, ignorance does not protect me. Ignorance to any law natural or written is no excuse. I am happy to provide for my family from a personal stance of personal RESPONSEibility. This is true for McDonalds, Microsoft. My position on Les Schwab is that I came to work here after being a customer for 15 years. I worked with a small growing company for 7 years on the value of balanced approach to sales, profits, and business. If you want to be successful you must look to yourself for the answers of life. I have also seen tires last 50,000 to 100,000 miles for people that take proper care of the tires. In rebuttal to the initial comments. I would tell my kids not to let the tires go like you did, dont whine when you do, take good care of your things and person and watch out for the others that dont. Take personal responsibility for your own actions, dont look for the free handouts. Greed and the love of money will always be an evil that we will have to deal with.

In response to the letter from the customer that obviously wanted something for nothing, I have this to say: You had unsafe tires on yor vehilce, had it towed to a Les Schwab tire store for repair, and complained when they told you that the tires couldn't be repaired. Having worked in a national retail automotive repair and tire center for many years, I talked to people like you on many, many occasions. It's always the repair faciliities fault when you bring in garbage for repair, and are told the "truth". Companies cannot magically repair something that has gone beyond it's usefull life. Any attempt to do so puts the company at risk of law suits for negligence in such a repair. In your case, if you had even the slightest idea of the numbers of tires that would have to be sorted through to find suitable "used" tires, you wouldn't even ask. Repairing tires that are in good condition is one thing, but ALL things have a limited life expectancy, and beyond that, repairs are at best unsafe, and illeagle. You are the individual that goes out on the road with an unsafe car, has an accident, and blames the repair facility for not doing the repairs that you declined to have performed, then sues the that facility, "claiming" you didn't understand. Take responsibility for your own vehicle, keep in in good driving condition, and you won't have "bad" experiences.

In response to the letter from the customer that obviously wanted something for nothing, I have this to say: You had unsafe tires on yor vehilce, had it towed to a Les Schwab tire store for repair, and complained when they told you that the tires couldn't be repaired. Having worked in a national retail automotive repair and tire center for many years, I talked to people like you on many, many occasions. It's always the repair faciliities fault when you bring in garbage for repair, and are told the "truth". Companies cannot magically repair something that has gone beyond it's usefull life. Any attempt to do so puts the company at risk of law suits for negligence in such a repair. In your case, if you had even the slightest idea of the numbers of tires that would have to be sorted through to find suitable "used" tires, you wouldn't even ask. Repairing tires that are in good condition is one thing, but ALL things have a limited life expectancy, and beyond that, repairs are at best unsafe, and illeagle. You are the individual that goes out on the road with an unsafe car, has an accident, and blames the repair facility for not doing the repairs that you declined to have performed, then sues the that facility, "claiming" you didn't understand. Take responsibility for your own vehicle, keep in in good driving condition, and you won't have "bad" experiences.

In response to the letter from the customer that obviously wanted something for nothing, I have this to say: You had unsafe tires on yor vehilce, had it towed to a Les Schwab tire store for repair, and complained when they told you that the tires couldn't be repaired. Having worked in a national retail automotive repair and tire center for many years, I talked to people like you on many, many occasions. It's always the repair faciliities fault when you bring in garbage for repair, and are told the "truth". Companies cannot magically repair something that has gone beyond it's usefull life. Any attempt to do so puts the company at risk of law suits for negligence in such a repair. In your case, if you had even the slightest idea of the numbers of tires that would have to be sorted through to find suitable "used" tires, you wouldn't even ask. Repairing tires that are in good condition is one thing, but ALL things have a limited life expectancy, and beyond that, repairs are at best unsafe, and illeagle. You are the individual that goes out on the road with an unsafe car, has an accident, and blames the repair facility for not doing the repairs that you declined to have performed, then sues the that facility, "claiming" you didn't understand. Take responsibility for your own vehicle, keep in in good driving condition, and you won't have "bad" experiences.

In response to the letter from the customer that obviously wanted something for nothing, I have this to say: You had unsafe tires on yor vehilce, had it towed to a Les Schwab tire store for repair, and complained when they told you that the tires couldn't be repaired. Having worked in a national retail automotive repair and tire center for many years, I talked to people like you on many, many occasions. It's always the repair faciliities fault when you bring in garbage for repair, and are told the "truth". Companies cannot magically repair something that has gone beyond it's usefull life. Any attempt to do so puts the company at risk of law suits for negligence in such a repair. In your case, if you had even the slightest idea of the numbers of tires that would have to be sorted through to find suitable "used" tires, you wouldn't even ask. Repairing tires that are in good condition is one thing, but ALL things have a limited life expectancy, and beyond that, repairs are at best unsafe, and illeagle. You are the individual that goes out on the road with an unsafe car, has an accident, and blames the repair facility for not doing the repairs that you declined to have performed, then sues the that facility, "claiming" you didn't understand. Take responsibility for your own vehicle, keep in in good driving condition, and you won't have "bad" experiences.

I worked for LS for years. If you really want to hear a few legit complaints, talk to some ex-employee's. But I doubt you'll hear any about the way customers were treated, or about anything the least bit questionable, ethically, in so far as customer treatment. The company, which is made up of people with a vested interest in the sucess of the company, is truly a good out-fit. The used tire story was funny because of how common it is. That type of thing happens a lot. Customer brings in a vehicle, employee takes the keys. Legally now, the company is responsible for just about anything that happens with that car for the next few weeks, even months, arguably years, as the last automotive business to "see" the vehicle. The "trailer" refered to in this incident is one of two on any LS lot: One trailer, (a semi-trailer) is for junk tires being transfered to Prinevilles tire disposal plant. These tires are, supossedly, non-saleable, usually for lack of tread, or damage, etc. The other "trailer, (also a semi-trailer)USED to be for casings (old tires) which were going to be sent to the re-tread plant, to have new surface tread mounted. LS stopped retreading passenger tires a few years ago because of liabilty, even though the profit on a retreaded tire grossed at 90% in my day. Anyhow, if these fellows somehow went to "the trailer" and came back with two usable casings, and if this incident happened recently, they truly went "above and beyond", as they must have dug through half a semi-load of junk tires to find two, in this guys particular size, that were both structurally sound, AND possesing at least 3/32nds of an inch of tread. One thought for this guy, just an FYI: I would have rather sold you two used tires, installed, for $30, which produces 98% profit (or about $28 NET), than two new tires at $35 per tire, which average about 32% profit (or $23 GROSS), any day of any week of any year, buddy. If they had HAD used tires in the regular used tire area to fit your car, they would have smiled all the way to the bank from the get go. They still did, but not untill leaving you with the impression that they had tried to pull a fast one, which is just sad, as it doesn't happen there. No one's paid any commissions, for those who aren't aware of that. Unlike every other major tire dealer you can name. Anyhow. As an ex-employee, I can tell you about a*s-hole managers (not you, Gattis, you're a good guy)and a*s-hole employees. Every person, err, company, has a*s-holes. But as a customer I'd say you'd be hard pressed to know who they were. LS just really DOES do a great job of doing the right thing by customers. Now, does it do a great job in how it treats it's own employee's? No, I don't think so. I know FAR too many really good guys who no longer work there, and while a lot of those guys left to do other things for a large variety of reasons, the majority are burned out by long-hours, late nights, and cold, wet, dirty work, with little pay. True, the "benefits", ie medical (free) dental (nearly so) vision, and retirement (outstanding, if you make it that long, no one does) are good. The annual bonuses that they rave about only bring your hourly wage up a dollar or two, to a high, today, of about $14.00 for top-paid guys/gals. Schwab management would debate the whole issue, but then Scwab management DOES get an outstanding compensation, starting at about $50,000 for the newest asst. manager, and topping out, in some of the best stores, at over $200,000 for the Manager himself. Their arguement, then, is that for thoise who suceed, i.e. make management, the compensation makes all the hard work getting there worthwhile. Management takes about 7 years, on average to make 2nd asst. manager, the lowest "management" level, and $50,000 average. For every 1 guy who makes it from a particular store of 30 employees, let's say, 25-30 employee's will have come and gone, burned out usually, in that same 7 years. In short, Les Schwab's "real" tragic story isn't in the customer service realm at all. They do that quite well. It's in the lies and half-truths they tell the vast majority of their rank-and-file guys to keep them around in support of the few who truly have what it takes to make management. They would argue there's no lie there. But let me tell you all what I told Darrel, Beaverton's manager (and a good guy) years ago: The whole truth would be to tell their guys, regularly, that most of them will NEVER be managers, and that, in fact, most of them won't make their 5, and certainly not their 10 year anniversaries. They'll burn out. And that, my friends, is the truth. By the by, I quit because there's easier ways to earn a living, for one thing, and for another because if you posses the ability to be a sucessful Schwab manager, then you posses the ability to run your own outfit. And the difference between what your worth and what you're paid, in any business, is the profit margin for that employer. I'd rather keep that money myself than let any company make money off my back. But that's just me. I hope Schwab see's this, and has the guts to print it in their in-house magazine. And to all the good folks who work for Schwab, and know all of this, and STILL choose to work there, qudo's. You could do a lot worse. And for any who've moved on who read this: Wipe the smile off your faces, if you're sucessful, some of that sucess we owe to that company, and what they taught us. And if you're not sucessful,go back and re-learn the lesson's they have to teach. And to anyone still around from my day...forget it. Except Jeff Gattis (a good guy) who the hell is still there from my day? 60 guys/gals, maybe more. Tigard, 89-93. Anyone? And that's my point. Good day.

Les Scwab Tire Centers? Let me share with you a few things. I have never seen a company strive for customer satisfaction as Les Scwab does. Although not evryone can be pleased, they keep on trying. I have seen these employees put up with people that seem to forget that these guys are people to and deserve to be treated as such. Ive seen these employees stay late after work to help someone out, even though they all have wives and children at home waiting for them. Ive seen these guys work 12 to 14 hour days for everyone out there that needs tires, brakes, wheels, etc... This company is not about scamming the customer or ripping you off. This company is one of the few good honest, hard working, family oriented companys left. Shame on you for being so bored as to trying to ruin a good name.!!!!

Well with his compliant about used tires that they had in the 'trailer' The trailer he is talking about is the 'junk trailer' the trailer where Les schwab puts all of the Junk tires that aren't worth selling as used tires. The customer probably paid $10 to balance each tire and $10 for the flat. They gave him the tires for free or did free balancing. Oh well I don't even know why this is even a subject. People shoudn't own cars if they can't afford to take care of them. On another Rebuttle that was in here from the editors about Les Schwab employee's. This is a great company to work for. We don't have comissioned sales associates we are treated well and with respect. We have pride in this company. And on the 'Ex-employee speaks out' Not every day does a 155/12 comes in for new tires. Or a 205/60-16. I worked for a Les Schwab were the majority of our passenger tire sales were from Used tires. He is right there is huge gross profit and every LS knows this. LS could make more $ selling a UT then a new tire. And the gentlemen in Edgewood. Your tires were worn out. The largest way to ware out tires is lack of rotation. You probably took your tires back to have them rotated at 15K miles instead of 5K.

While on vacation to the Seattle area I got a flat tire on my travel trailer. I put the spare on and pulled into LS in Ontario Or. they fixed the flat and put it on and replaced the spare onto the rack. When they told me there was no charge I couldn't believe it. While driving back I blew out a tire on the trailer. After putting the spare back on I pulled into LS in Lagrand Or.They quoted me such a great price on the tires I just had all four tires replaced. I had bought tires back home for it and the cost was about a thirty dollar savings per tire. I have never been treated better at a place of business or been as pleased with the people. Thanks LS tire, you have a new customer for life.

I have a tire technician certificate through ITRA and when retards even attempt to ask me to put tubes in a passenger vehicle tire I immediatly stop talking to them and refer them to management....I find it close to impossible to verbally attack their intelligence.....I gather from this person letter that the tire store not only tried to help him out but it looks like they stored his car for a couple of days taking up space at their store....this idiot should have just ponied up the money for 4 tires and drove home safely....nobody realizes that tires are the most important equipment on your car....no matter how fast or slow your car is...it ain't going no where without tires

AS AN EX EMPLOYEE I SAW THIS KIND OF STUFF HAPPEN A LOT. A CUSTOMER COMES IN AND WANTS A USED TIRE AND DOES NOT WANT TO BUY A NEW ONE. WELL FIRST OF ALL I HAVE READ A FEW COMMENTS THAT HAVE STATED LS DOES NOT WANT TO SELL USED TIRES, WHEN IN ACTUALLITY IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, A USED TIRE HAS ZERO STORE COST SO THEREFORE WHEN IT IS SOLD ITS 100% PROFIT, AND A NEW TIRE YOU NEED TO CONSIDER STORE COST, LABOR, FREIGHT AND MANY OTHER THINGS. ALSO NO ONE HAS BROUGHT UP THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE FIRST DAY THE CUSTOMER SHOWED UP THEY HAD NO USED TIRES, WELL HOW MANY CARS PASS THROUGH SCHWABS DOORS EVERY DAY, ISN'T IT POSSIBLE THAT THEY TOOK OFF A SET OF TIRES AND KEPT THEM AROUND IN CASE THAT CUSTOMER CAME BACK. COME ON PEOPLE USE SOME COMMON SENSE!

I agree with the original writer in that it sucks that they wouldn't immediatly sell him the used tires. As far as I know the Les Schwab usually does offer the used tires, my husband (who used to work there) always mentions we could get used tires for cheaper if we have to, but we don't though. However, like someone else posted Les Schwab is not in the business to sell used tires. They aren't requirred to give you the cheapest stuff they have on the lot. It does not feel good though to be taken for a sucker. And people shop around for the cheapest on everything else, you aren't stupid for trying to do that on your car, because you know that Les Schwab wouldn't give you faulty used tires. In defense of Les Schwab though, they have always given us great deals and good service. They always switch my studs and regulars for free. My husband's company even buys tires from them. And according to him they have very strict service and everything else policies there. Did you know all the guys there have to be clean shaven at all times? That is how much attention to detail they pay. Don't slam all Les Schwabs because you had a bad experience with one. Also a good location for my candy machines! :)

Ok, so I just read all 50 comments regarding the initial complainant and how amazing LS apparently is. Did ANYBODY read what he had to say? Apparently only one person did. This man's gripe was not that he had to fix his tires, or (really) the price of new tires. He said he was lied to about the presence of used tires at LS. I'd be pissed too, if a company tried to scare me with the price of towing my car, and then I found out they had the items I wanted all along. I'm not making a judgement on whether the gentleman was cheap, however it appears in this situation, he was right. People, please PLEASE read what exactly it is that you're responding to, before you all end up looking like Save the Whale protesters at a Gay Rights rally.

Sounds like you are looking for the cheap fix when you created the problem in the first place! The point about paying for AAA is well taken. Rather than paying at least $75 a year for AAA, my insurance company offers towing for an additional fee of $10/year. Maybe you should have just sold the junk heap instead of trying to make it someone else's headache! Grow up!

As an owner of a small service company, I see the main issue being the lack of customer service. LS states " If we can't back it, we won't sell it". This would include customer service. If the customer makes the choice to buy used tires and not new, what grounds does a LS employee have to lie and state they don't have any used tires just to get a new tire sale? Doesn't ethics have a part in an employees working FOR the customer? Give the customer your honest opinion on "used" vs. "new" and let him decide. Sure the guy may wear the used tires out in an hour and be back at square one, but its not the say of LS of what the customer wants. That's what LS warranties, new or used, are for. Personally, I do not use LS anymore. Due to the lack of customer service. Their products are great, but there service is not. I have waited up to 40 minutes at the counter trying to get someones attention, when to store has no other customers in the lobby or cars on the rack. Not at ONE store but THREE. LS isn't perfect, that's why there are other companies, but they should't advertise something they aren't willing to back, at ALL stores.

I cringe at thought of this guy out on the road with the rest of us. If his tires are in this condition I can only imagine what the rest of his car looks like. We teach our new drivers that it is expensive to own and maintain a car properly. Legal tires are only a small part of the expense. Maintaining a safe car is the responsibilty of all drivers. As for the Les Schwab company, they have a life long customer in me, for the fact that they go above and beyond todays businesses with there philosophy on customer satisfaction and service. The used tires mentioned above are kept to replace a tire that may have a broken belt or defect, and the customer is not ready to put on a full set of tires. I was given one of these tires (free) when one of the snow tires slipped a belt and needed to be replaced. Putting a brand new tire with 3 other half worn tires would have been silly. Thank you Les Schwab for your commitment to your customers.

WELL I HAVE READ ABOUT HALF THE REBUTTLES ETC. ETC. AND I HAVE A VERY SIMPLE ANSWER. TAKE A PENNY OUT OF YOUR POCKET. PLACE IT WITH THE HEAD UPSIDE DOWN IN THE TREAD OF THE TIRE. IF THE TREAD IS NOT AT LEAST AS HIGH AS THE DEAD PRESIDENTS HAIR (3/32"), THEN IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE ON THAT TIRE, ON A PUBLIC ROAD. SIMPLE AS THAT. ALSO, LES SCHWAB, ALONG WITH ANY OTHER TIRE STORE, IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT TO THE AUTHORITIES ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF AN UNSAFE CONDITION, AND PROCEEDS TO DRIVE OFF. NEXT COMMENT I HAVE, ARE YOU SURE THOSE TIRES THEY SUDDENLY FOUND, DID NOT BELONG TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO CONSIGNED THEM SO YOU COULD BY THEM? YOU FAILED TO GIVE ALL THE INFORMATION SO WE COULD ALL DECIDE FOR OURSELFS WETHER OR NOT YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT. I PERSONALLY HAVE MET LES AND HE BUILT THE BUISNESS ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED FAIRLY. OH AND IF YOU HAD COMPLAINED TO THE HEADQUARTERS LOCATED IN PRINEVILLE OREGON IM VERY SURE THEY WOULD HAVE MADE IT UP TO YOU AND DONE AN INVESTIGATION INTO WHY YOU SAY YOU WERE MISTREATED...

How many reponses in favor of Les Schwab? How many responses against Les Schwab? Appears your original complaintant wouldn't recognize a good Company if he walked into one!

I challenge anyone to post where in a state law or Federal law it says: a repair shop can "seize" your car because they "claim" it is unsafe to drive. This nonsense is an Urban Legend. People have a right to due process, and a repair shop can not "keep" your car from you, because they say you HAVE to let THEM fix the problem. I always keep a spare key for strong armed tatics like this against repair shops, especially since I own a car dealership and can get my issues fixed wherever I darn well please, at the best price and service. They (scam repair shops) will do try this tactic primarily on brakes and tires, to force a naive customer to hand over their money to the repair shop on the spot. Let them call the police. They can't keep your car or you. I'd rather get a ticket than bend over and get rear ended by this manipulation just because I want to get an estimate or check out the price on tires or brakes.

I cannot Believe what im reading. Les Schwab is one if not the best tire company around. Imagine pulling in to a tire store, not knowing what you need, as you pull in a employee great's you with a smile and "good afternoon, what can we do for you" this is what happend to me last week. after looking at my tire's he recc that they needed to be replaced, keep in mind this employee invites me in to show me what he calls a "supermarket selection " of tire's. after entering this tire store i didn't exspect to find such a clean store. the employee then quoted me a couple differnt sets of tires ranging from $200 to $425 a set. telling me these all come with a "les schwab written warr" meaning 1. free road hazard protection,2. free flat repair 3.rotation 4.spin balance and 5. cash refund.through out the life of the tires. with that i decided to but the tires on, exspecting and hour or so, i was told they would have them on in minutes. 25 minutes later i was told my car was ready, with warr in hand and a hand shake thanking me for my business. i will always look to "les schwab for my business" proud les schwab customer! for life. i know of no other est that takes pride in helping there cust. thanks for letting me voice my opinion on les schwab.........

After I read the complaint I came to this conclusion: The person making the complaint is a whiny crybaby cheapskate who wants top notch service, but is unwilling to pay for it. I have been a customer of Les Schawb for years. They are one of best run companys I've ever patronized. They are a model of customer service that other retailers should emulate. The only time I had a problem with them, they took care of it to my satisfaction. I think the fact that the person stated that his car was not running for "a couple of months", and had three flats speaks volumes about the individual. They are probably the type who lives by the motto "There's always time to do it twice, but never time to do it right". They should confine their tire purchases to the junk yards, or what they can pick up from the side of the road. If you want good quality tires at resonable prices from a company that stands behind what they sell; Go to Les Schawb.

This is in response to the previous comment that all of the rebuttals are from employees. I have posted a rebuttal to the initial complaint, however I am not, nor have I ever been employed w/ Les Schwab. If I were an employee of Les Schwab, I would be proud to admit it. The 12 non-employee responses supporting Les Schwab, coupled with the 4 employee responses do say a lot for the integrity of this organization.

First of all, I've never been to this tire store, nor have I ever even seen one since I live in Michigan, and there isn't any Les Schwab locations here. I do however have some common sense to share. When you leave a vehicle sitting for any extended period of time, there is a good chance of dry rot if you don't occasionally move your car. It gets worse faster, if you didn't have the tires properly inflated before you stored the car. I'm not saying that you had your tires underinflated, as I haven't seen your car either. You cannot fix a tire with dryrot with new tubes as the outer shell will have holes in it, from the rotting that took place. If you still insist on replacing the tube, the tire still will have too many defects to properly hold up the weight of the car while driving, turning etc, increasing the chance of it going flat or blowing out. I think that you were pretty lucky that they filled them up with air, most gas stations have free air for your tires, just so you know that there are other places to put air in your tires for free, but you will most likely have to do it yourself, not that it is hard to do. It would have been for the best if you had them reinflated before you insisted on driving to the tire shop instead of calling first. What I can't grasp is why you would continue do drive with your tires like that, since they were rotted and could possibly fall apart some more while driving. Placing phone calls would have been an easier way to find out where you could get cheap tires. As far as them not letting you leave without a tow, Idon't know what kind of car that you drive, but I would assume that the cost of new rims would have been more costly than a tow, unless it was a tow for a long distance. Have you ever seen people driving down that road with flat tires, or heard them driving? That sound you hear is the rims getting screwed up. I have unfortunately have been in the situation where I was looking for used tires once, and 20 bucks for 2 used tires is a steal. Even the slummiest looking used tire shop wants at least 15 bucks for 1 tire, and that doesn't include installation. Oops , I forgot that I did see a homemade sign at one time for 10 bucks a tire, but I would be too afraid to go there. Next time, call around before you leave, putting more miles on dangerous tires isn't safe. My husband had to learn the hard way with dry rotted tires and kept on filling them with air until they blew while going down the freeway. Luckily, he wasn't hurt, but our van was. And Mr. Editor, I'm sorry to see you leaving comments worded the way you did for this report. I'm not saying that you shouldn't have rebutted to this report, as your comments are valuable, as is the service you provide - I thank you for that- just that the comments in this instance weren't very professional. I must admit that there was an awful lot of rebuttals in a short period of time praising the company, and it does seem fishy. I would expect those type of comments from a shill from a bad company, but not a consumer advocate such as yourself. So if anybody can learn something from this report, hopefully it will be, 1. If you must store a vehicle for an extended period of time, move it occasionally to lessen the chance of dryrot. 2. You can get quotes on the phone for prices, it might be frustrating being on hold while they check, but it would be well worth it since you can comparrison shop faster than by driving place to place. 3. Don't go driving around on dead tires. It's not worth the money you think you're saving by not purchasing tires right away. I'm notsaying that they have to be new, just in good condition. Your safety is more important. 4. Driving around on flat tires will screwup your rims, so instead of saving money, it will cost you much more. 5. You can get free air at many gas stations. 6. A few cans of fix a flat or something similar could help you get home in an emergency when your tire needs a repair. The keyword is emergency, since those types of products are not good for long term results. 7. The going rate for used tires in your area is more reasonable than in mine. What state do you live in? I live in Michigan in the Detroit metro area, that's why I'm surprised with the deal you got on the used tires. 8. Tires unfortunately don't last forever, and just about everybody feels ripped off when they have to pay for new ones.I know I dread it. 9. All of us women need to learn some simple basics about cars if we don't already know, to help avoid being ripped off! 10. Even great people like the Editor of Ripoff Report can have an occasional bad day. It doesn't make them any less of a person, just human! What I've learned from this report is that you can get used tires at the same store selling brand new ones. I'm sure the local tire centers will love me calling them to find a great deal on tires for my niece! Thank you Ripoff Report!

I have never seen a company go to such lengths to have their employees rebut to the complaints listed here.

The last rebuttal talks about the customer whining. Just look at the tone these employees use in their rebuttals. Seems like they're trying to angrily whine that "Les Schwab have never had any complaints in their whole history, why just the idea that a legitimate complaint exists is unfathomable,"

I must admit there are no doubt occasions where there is a genuine safety issue as far as a customer driving away on bad tires goes, & I am not dismissing this as a fact.

Some of these rebuttals however, (all sent by employees), are trying to claim "they only care about your safety and that's all.. They don't use sales techniques at this business, the mere thought of selling has never entered their minds.

Hmmm.... Not one of their employees ever even thought of using the safety issue as a high pressure sales tactic?

They should post one of those click on smiley faces with each one of their rebuttals. You know the ones with the halo over the head! 0:-)

To the Les Scwabb Idealization Cult: Spare me Please!!

J. L. Pickard - Columbus, Ohio
EDitor's Staff

The people that are putting in the complaints about Les Schwab sound like a bunch of whiners. They tend to blame an entire company on tactics when in fact it is on a base to base scenerio.

If a sales rep feels that it would be unsafe for an employee, and or a customer. He should make the statements to the customer to protect himself as well as the company from a liability suit beiing filed.

This is brought on by customers such as the first guy on your list here that seem to be sue happy, as well as beiing the con themselves. He probably had the 70 or 80 dollars to buy new tires, but wanted tires for nothing because he heard les schwab would take care of him no matter what. There are points that a company can not take care of a customer due to the fact they probably all ready bent over back wards for the guy several times and had enough of his tactics.

Lets here the full story before assuming that an entire company is bad. There are more positive stories about Les Schwab than there are bad.

Still beiing in a retail sales market I feel that some customers just set themselves up to lose in the real world. My suggestion is get over it and move on.

I have always taken my cars & trucks to Les Schwab for any tire/brake or battery concerns, as they do offer a great warranty and great service on their tires. The truck I recently purchased has non-Les Schwab tires, but when I went to them late in the day on a Saturday afternoon, they found the nail that was causing the leak, repaired the tire and cleaned the wheel. When I went up to the counter fully prepared to pay, the attendant gave me a funny look, surprised that I was prepared to pay for that, and told me that there was no charge for the repair.

This branch is fairly large, they don't know me, I had never had this truck to their shop. They had no obligation to repair it for free, but because of that, when I need tires for anything, that store it the one I will go back to.

I've dealt with Les Schwab for 13 years. We have used LS for not only personal vehicles, but also company vehicles. I reccomend LS to everyone, and have never, repeat never, experienced a single problem that was not handled properly and professionaly. I am a firm believer in providing quality customer service at all times. I do, however, relalize that not everybody will leave a happy customer regardless of how well they are handled. This is a fact of life. So deal with the facts of life people. In reading some of these complaints against LS, I must come to the conclusion that these folks really aren't worthy of being a customer to any reputiple business. My suggestion for these people are to either make thier purchases at the local wreaking yard or perhaps relieve your anquish by riding the bus. As far as the responses from the Editor, I am embarresed for you and your "classy" remarks. My suggestion to you is to resign, or at least try to complete grade school before attempting to sound as though you could have an intellegent thought. Pitiful!

Shawn,

Yeah right, it's your choice because you get a discount and get to change your own tires. I'll also bet you are so shrewd that you try to screw yourself out of your warranty.

ED Magedson
[email protected]

Please, I have worked with this company for some time now. I work for a National Auto Magazine called Drive Magazine. Let me tell you that Les Schwab could not start from a single store in Oregon 30 yrs ago and now have over 300+ stores by serving his costomers poorly. Yes, this person needs to get a life, and if you cannot afford to spend 50$ on new tires, well then we can see what this person is all about. Don't worry folks, Les Schwab is a great company, and one that I choose to do business with.

I have had many experiences with Les Schwab and not one was bad. Not only have they fixed flat tires of other brands for me for FREE, they have gone way above and beyond what I expect from most businesses now a days. About 5 years ago I had purchased tire chains for my car but never used them, then last year I pulled them out but had since bought a new car so they were now to big. I went into las schwab to purchase chains and I was explaining the whole situation to them. They in turn told me to pull out the chains that they may be able to use them as an exchange.

Now not only where they able to use them for an exchange they gave me money back! Doesn't sound like they were looking to rip me off. About 6 months ago I got new tires for my car. I drove off and everything was fine.

About a week later I recieved a call that they charged me for the wrong tires and that they wanted to know where to send a check to pay me back for the difference. Again a chance they could have ripped me off and they didn't. I have always been very happy with Les Schwab.

At 16 I went to get tires for my prelude. I didn't know anything about tires nor did I want to. I purchased 4 new tires for my car that day and to a high school student it was expensive. When I returned to get my tires rotated for the first scheduled appointment I was told I needed new tires my tred was low.

I asked how could that be I just spent a couple hundered dollars for tires I'm not about to pay anymore money for tires. Well they told me that I had the wrong size tires and they were wearing the sides of them.

This is the point were I lost it. They were the ones who put the tires on and they sold them to me. The manager was called over to me to explain the situation. He was in fact the one who sold me the tires. He didn't say sorry or anthing for the mess up which was on their part. He just tryed to sell me a new set of tires.

I was upset that nothing was done about my car and my money was lost. I had to buy a whole new set of tires and I will never return to Les Schwab. I was treated so bad and they made a mistake and they didn't fix it.

So I agree that the company sucks and the people selling the dahm product should know what the hell they are doing. I will never return to them so I know where people are comming from with Les Schwab.

I find that the comments made by this person are very common in todays society. Let take a closer look at this person's thought process.

The first company thought of was Les Schwab, why because they have a good reputation. A reputation that Consumer Reports even states. A premeditated trap...I dont think so, why would you call the store and get a answer and then bring the vehicle in and then blame the store for setting a trap. As far as getting different prices on tires, did you ever stop and think that maybe there are several different tires available in your size. The tire you were quoted over the phone may not have been a tire that would match up to what is on the vehicle...Hmmm or maybe it was on sale..or maybe they gave you the tire price and did not include a balance fee....

Les Schwab a rip off....I think not...if anything you are ripping off Les Schwab by destroying the name of a company with morals.....

You go on and on about how you think you caught Les Schwab in this big lie when you don't even stop to think how they have helped you. See that is what is wrong with so many people today. They can find the negative more than they can find the positive. You have no idea how hard it is to sort through and find the "right" used tire to put on your vehicle.

DId you ever think that putting on a used tire is like putting on your temporary tire. Why doesn't your cheap a*s buy a set of new tires instead. But you probably like to get by with the bare minimum huh.

And another thing, les schwab treats their customers with the highest respect. WE RUN TO YOUR VEHICLE TO GREET YOU! Go find that somewhere else. So think before you complain again.

I am an alignment technician at the local LES SCHWAB. And I deal with your type everyday I go to work. Every customer gets 110% service, from the air up on competitors tires (free), to major comercial accounts. If you bring a safety hazard to me I will document any (suggested) items your car may require, and get management involved.

One thing that gets me feeling ripped off is we do inspections and diagnostics for free. Any other shop in town charges at least fifty bucks just look at a vehicle. People who do not have credit or money set aside to repair a vehicle will drive, tow , or push their vehicle to LES SCWAB for an estimate. And cuss or cry when they get it.

Vehicle repair is very expensive, and I know it is out of my means. I am fortunate to be able to do all the repairs on my own vehicles. The best advice I can give people is take care of your vehicles and get regular inspections.

At LES SCHWAB we stand behind our product, service, and warranties. My management and corperation have taken a stand for me on many occasian. So I will go (RUN) 1/4 mile to the back warehouse to search for that used tire we might not have in stock.

The reason Les Schwab, or any other tire dealer for that matter, will not inflate or attempt repair on damaged tires is liability. And who can blame them in this day and age. I have dealt with Les Schwab many times over the years, and have found them to be honest. Their service attitude should be a model for all retailers.

The reason Les Schwab, or any other tire dealer for that matter, will not inflate or attempt repair on damaged tires is liability. And who can blame them in this day and age. I have dealt with Les Schwab many times over the years, and have found them to be honest. Their service attitude should be a model for all retailers.

The reason Les Schwab, or any other tire dealer for that matter, will not inflate or attempt repair on damaged tires is liability. And who can blame them in this day and age. I have dealt with Les Schwab many times over the years, and have found them to be honest. Their service attitude should be a model for all retailers.

If you were an intelligent consumer, you wouldn't be bashing the experts in the tire industry. Come on, you can afford AAA insurance and towing for what appears to be an extra car that you have just sitting around, but you can't afford new tires? Les Schwab doesn't need customers like you. Les Schwab is not in the used tire business and I believe have used tires on hand for extreme circumstances. I have been loaned a used tire to get me by till I get to my local Les Schwab that I do business with.

As far as the different price in the new tire, did you consider you might have missed the sale? I usually get a quote that is good for ten days or so and it is written so they honor it.

Your story seems to be just that, "A Story"!! Get a life Pinocchio.

I got a flat on my tire and a friend was nice enough to put my spare on. He told me to take it to Les Schawb, which I did, and they fixed my tire and put it back on for FREE. They made my potential bad experience a good one.
Thank You :)

The person who wrote this letter about Les Schwab
I feel was looking for the cheapest fix to there problem. And I do not beleve that Les Schwab quoted the same tire at two diffrent prices.

Every time I have been in a Les Schwab tire store there is a stack of flyers on the counter that list all the tires they have on sale and how much they are, All they need to do is look at the flyer for the price.

If Les Schwab would of let this person leave the store with the tires in the condition that they say the tires were in and they had a blowout and got hurt or hurt someone else, I am sure that this person would of sued Les Schwab Tire stores and told the jury that Les Schwab was responsible for the accident becouse they let me leave the store with defictive tires.

I can't believe the comments this gentleman makes. he has no clue as to the danger and liability he exposes himself and others to let alone Les Schaub if they let him drive off with less than legal tires..can you imagine what his story would be if charged with an injury accident...Les Schaub should have warned med, this is not my fault. Get a life pal!

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Linda Nelson

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
I have delt with Les Schawb for at least 20 years now, and have never once hand a problem with there sevice or charges. I feel les Schwab is a great company and will continue giving them my business for as long as I can drive my car. As for the person who said they got ripped off, If they let you leave the store with your car in such bad condition....( broke down tires) and you got into a wreck, they could be held responsible. So I
agree with the Swab! GO LES SCHWAB!!!!

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: marshall hewitt

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
I once saw a woman with a recent Mustang (with a dead battery that needed a jump - which LS provided for free) deny that she need new front tires. Mind you, steel belts were showing through on both edges of both front tires. I suggested that she should drive across the lot to the LS store and get tires. She disagreed, and drove away - no charge for the jump. She needed a battery, too, by the way. Ignorant car owner? No doubt.
Was LS at fault? Not in this case.

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: allen reiten

Their relationship to the company: Supporter

Rebuttal:
i was just appauled by the letter that i had read on this web site.i just can not beilieve that you can feel like you were getting ripped off by this company, when your blantant disregaurd for the upkeep of your own car was the source of your problem. a retail store that deals in new tires for the saftey minded consumer should not be held accountable for the "price point" minded cheap,what is in it for me typical oppourtunistic person. you should be ashamed of your self