Town Fair Tire is a well-known tire retailer in the Northeast, but what’s the real customer experience like? This review delves into one customer’s extensive interactions with Town Fair Tire, covering tire purchases, repairs, and customer service across multiple locations in New Hampshire.
A Long-Standing Relationship and Recent Experiences
The reviewer, a Canaan, NH resident with over 40 years of experience in auto repair, has been a loyal Town Fair Tire customer for decades, frequenting stores in West Lebanon, Concord, and Portsmouth. He’s purchased numerous tires, recommended the company to friends and family, and relied on their services for various tire needs, from mounting and balancing to repairs and replacements.
In 2024, he purchased a wheel and tire package exceeding $1300 and had several new and used tires serviced. His expertise extends beyond personal vehicles; he’s worked with countless cars, trucks, SUVs, and even motorcycles, handling tire changes, repairs, and balancing across various makes and models.
Issues Arise with a Simple Tire Change
Last month, the reviewer visited the West Lebanon Town Fair Tire to have two new tires installed on a friend’s Honda Civic. He brought the new tires and the old tires (still mounted on rims) to the store. The initial interaction with the employee was positive; the employee was helpful and instructed him to return in two hours for pickup.
Upon returning, a payment issue arose. His Town Fair Tire CFNA credit card was declined. The employee suggested contacting the credit card company to resolve the issue. This led to a frustrating back-and-forth journey, totaling 76 miles and several hours of wasted time, including a two-hour wait on hold with the credit card company who confirmed the card was active. Eventually, after returning to the store, the card mysteriously worked after the employee tried it again. The service itself, mounting two tires, cost a reasonable $39.00.
Inconsistent Service and Questionable Practices
Encouraged by the initial price, the reviewer requested the same service for another pair of tires the following day. However, this time, he encountered a different employee named Winter. While picking up the first set of tires, he dropped off the second set. Upon returning, he was presented with a bill of $52.90, $13.90 higher than the previous day. Winter claimed the increase was due to replacing the valve stems.
However, upon inspecting the tires, the reviewer found the old valve stems were still in place. He also noticed the tires were mounted incorrectly, with the “INSIDE” marking facing outwards. When he pointed this out, Winter took the tires back to be corrected but seemingly didn’t rebalance them. The reviewer suspects the tires were not properly balanced after being remounted. Furthermore, Winter abruptly ended the interaction with a dismissive comment about only servicing tires purchased at Town Fair Tire.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag
This Town Fair Tire Review highlights a blend of positive and negative experiences. While the initial service and pricing were acceptable, the subsequent encounter revealed inconsistencies in customer service, potential upcharging, and questionable tire service practices. The reviewer’s long history with the company contrasts sharply with this recent negative experience, raising concerns about quality control and employee training at the West Lebanon location. This experience underscores the importance of thorough communication, transparent pricing, and consistent service quality in the automotive repair industry.
