Three weeks ago, I decided it was time to put some new tires on my suv.  As usual, I decide to get a quote from three companies in the Des Moines metro.  I started with Tuffy Auto Service Centers, at 16000 Hickman Rd. in Clive, which is close to my home and the place where I normally have my car serviced.  I told them about my vehicle, they looked up the size I needed, and they gave me two tire options…the least expensive being around $500.  Next, I called Heartland Tire & Auto at 305 Hwy. 6 in Waukee.  I had recently purchased a set of tires for my wife’s car there, and they took good care of me.  They gave me a couple of options as well, starting at around $450…however I wasn’t crazy about the tires I would get at that price, and they couldn’t get me in for a couple of days due to the upcoming holiday weekend.

Lastly, I turned to Google to try a few searches.  I started with Des Moines tire, then Des Moines tires, then Iowa tire, and finally Iowa tires.  For every search, I found the same result in the #1 organic position.  Flatt Tire Centers.  I was impressed, and I made the call.  (Note - Flatt Tire didn’t fare nearly as well on Yahoo…so there is still room for improvement.)  Flatt quoted me a price of $375 and imo - on a good set of tires, which included mounting, balancing and free rotation for the life of the tires.  I placed the order and scheduled the work to be done at 4:30 pm.

When I got there at 4:20 (6800 Hickman Rd location) I was a bit surprised to find only 2 people working, and 4 other customers waiting.  Knowing that they closed at 5, it didn’t look good.  I also must admit, this wasn’t the cleanest auto service center I’d ever been to…in fact, the waiting area left much to be desired…but I watched in amazement as they went to work and at 5 pm - they were done.  Overall, I was happy with the price and the service.  My one suggestion to Flatt Tire would be that they clean up and dress up that “customer waiting area” a bit.  I’ll be back in a few months for my first rotation, so I’ll keep you posted.

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