New Tires the Sequel

Here we are back at the tire saga. I think this is where I left off: I had purchased tires, they were ordered, and the appointment was made to have them put on at Canadian Tire. I picked CT because it was handy for me. The simple process of getting tires which is seamless for others is apparently not for me. 

I arrived at my tire appointment at 7:00. The counter guy was already rolling. I dropped off my keys, and he said, "the tire technician wasn't in and that was odd because he is usually reliable". He took my keys anyway and I told him I was going to Tim Horton's for breakfast. As I walked across the parking lot, I was reminded of how dark it is at 7:00 in Manitoba. I got my coffee and had two bites out of my sandwich when my phone rang, it was 7:08. It was counter guy, the technician still hadn't arrived, and he wanted to reschedule for 11:30. No problem, I gathered up my coffee and back I went to get my vehicle. Counter guy and I had a conversation, and I questioned him if he wanted me earlier. No, it looked like they were all booked. I got home and was just starting into my day, when my phone rang at 8:10. It was the counter guy, and he wondered if I could come back for a 9:00 appointment. He had called another guy in, and they could do it then. Back I go for my 9:00 car drop off. I went into the store to look around, and my phone rang at 9:10. It was counter guy, and he said, "we aren't having very good luck are we. Your tires aren't in". Back I go to the counter to get my keys. I didn't make a follow up appointment; we both knew that would happen once the tires had actually arrived. I just took my keys and walked outside. I had to wait on my vehicle as they had already taken a tire off. The tire technician couldn't have been more apologetic. It was not even 9:30 on Tuesday. I was exhausted and I felt like I should go back to bed and start my day over. 

On Wednesday, I was called by a new counter guy to say my tires were in and when could I come to get them on. I said to him, "you have seen the tires". He said that he had his hands on all four of them at that moment. We set it up for Thursday and they efficiently put them on. 

I have learned a lesson, when my gut says it may not work out, go with it. When I ordered the tires on a Tuesday and the counter guy says, "it will take a week to get the tires in". Then he makes the appointment for the next Tuesday, it is a very tight week, suggest a couple days later in the week. Just sharing from experience.

When I would tell this story it was interesting the responses that people gave. Many said they would have confronted the staff with harsh words. Some thought I should get a financial break. I am not like that, this experience reminded me of how calm and accepting I am when it comes to things not working out. I believe it is because I am used to things not working out. I am not the type of person to get angry about something that was clearly a mistake. When I had my small business, I made mistakes, and I appreciated it so much when the person took it well. 

Judging from the number of apologizes I got from the Canadian Tire staff, the story had gone through the entire department. I doubt that it happens often because let's face it, it is the tire superstore. Probably, people don't order tires that aren't in the store. 

I did not know that getting new tires would create a miracle. I think I have mentioned that I had an odd noise coming from my wheels. I had it checked out four times, and the last diagnosis was that my brakes were wearing onto the brake pad. Since, I have gotten my new tires, there is NO NOISE. I am so relieved it was just a defective tire and not a huge bill for brakes and pads. 

I had "Firestone All Weather" tires put on. It was suggested to me and clearly, they aren't popular because the tire superstore had to order them. But they have incredible tread. I am sure this winter there will be no slip sliding for me. 

I think the word "all weather" is new. The reason I say that is because I have had a number of men ask me what the difference is between all weather and all season. I checked out the difference and all-weather tires are known to have superior performance and safety in snowy and icy conditions compared to all season. All season tires have a longer lifespan and quieter ride in the milder season. 

Since we have many months of unpredictable weather, I think I have made a good choice. I have to say, I think it is a bit rougher ride, but I love the fact for the next 100,000 kms I don't have to think about tires.