Tire Kingdom
Complaint 55361 Details

My car had a maintenance required light on. I called car max to set an appointment. They got my file and told me that it only needed oil change. Our only car is only available when my husband is not working. I brough my car on Dec. 31, 2011 for oil change at Tire Kingdom. Tire rotation is free, so I told them to do that too. Phil Blanche, service manager, ASE certified, came back and told me that my brakes are in a very bad condition that I cannot drive my car 5 more miles because the metal is so worn out that it will destroy my carMy tires have threads showing and my rear shock abosorber are leaking. I called car max if these repairs are included in my extended warranty. The operator told me that service is closed for holiday and will be open for monday.
Thinking that I cannot drive 48.46 miles to car max without damaging my car and risking my life with a bad tire, I decided to have all done except the shock absorber which thank God is not in stock.
My bill was $1,496.79. I asked to get back the brake pads. I did not think about the importance of getting the 4 tires back also.
I called car max if my extended warranty included shock absorber. I also asked why was the pads and tires missed during the October maintenance check? I just bought the car on Sept 2011 and should have the tires at least in good condition until now. The manager told me to cancell tire kingdom appointment and go to car max and bring the pads.
Car max service did not find any leaks in my rear shock absorbers and they took pictures while I was watching. The brake pads measurements were 4/32, 4/32, 7/32, 7/32. I could drive a long way back and forth Lady Lake to Sandford with it not replaced. My tires should have been still good to drive for months, but I have no tires to prove.
I totally trusted tire kingdom that I did not even check my bill. When I looked at my bill, they charged me on things I did not even know such as:
1. Road side assistance $ 92.00
2. Alignment chk, advice and labor $ 99.99
3. Brake fluid exchange $ 60.49
4. Brake fluid $ 9.50
5. Fuel system tune up $ 109.99
6. 3 Step fuel system cleaner $ 114.99

Bill that I am aware and I authorize
7. Synthetic oil change $ 64.99

After scare tactic, bill I authorized
8. brake pads in front $ 99.00
9. Four new tires $ 675.96
10. Florida new tire fee $ 4.00
11. Tire disposal $ 14.00
12. Service tire install $ 67.96
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total: $1,496.79
I recalculated their math: they total should be $1,413.86. They overcharge me $82.93

I called Mr. Dave Anderson, manager of tire kingdom. He said that if he can prove that car max measurement are true, he will reimburse me of my pads. When I got to tire kingdom Phil Blanche took care of my complaints. I got my receipts and asked why they charged me of road assistance that I did not need. He insisted that I knew about it. Why brake fluids need to be changed. He insisted that if pads were changed, brake fluids needs changing. Also the various tests that my car did not need. I called the tire kingdom complain dept. right in front of Phil. People around were listening. He was mocking me laughing and the lady I talked to was asking if he was laughing. I had the phone near Phil so she could hear. Then he told me to get out of his store. I was still with the lady and she said she will record even that and will report this store to the headquarter. Phil came to my car and offered to give me reimbursement of $296.03 per his manager's approval. I accepted whatever they will give me back but I told the complaint dept that I am NOT satisfied with that and will PURSUE this until somebody will listen.
I am 58 years old nurse and this place is a retirement place. Most people here are 65 and older. Just imagine if they can scam me, how much more these older folks.