Big O Tires

Big O • Tire quality • Sales practices • Damage, errors • Auto service ---- • Sears Sells NTB to Big O Parent

Big O, with about 450 stores in 19 states, is part of TBC Corp., which calls itself the "industry's premier private brand tire marketer." We're not sure what that means but it sounds like Big O sells private-label tires at what are supposedly bargain prices.

TBC's latest acquisition is National Tire and Battery, which Sears unloaded after running it into the ground. Other brands include Carroll Tire Co., with a network of 5,000 retailers in the Southeast; Tire Kingdom, with 150 stores in the Southeast; Northern States Tire, a wholesaler in the Northeast; TBC de Mexico; and Superior Tire, a Las Vegas-area retailer.

Some recent complaints ...

Randy of Oroville CA (07/11/07)
I brought my Honda to Big O Tires in Oroville on 11/10/03 for new brakes. Since that time I have only driven 24,000 miles. I was informed that a total brake job was done, which was not the case what-so-ever. This week my brakes started making a terrible noise so I took it to Big O Tires here in Oroville. I was told that apparently someone had done some brake work on my car and they couldn’t get the rotors off so they were ground off and then pressed back on. On top of this only one rotor was replaced - no new brake pads were put on. I was told that you never just replace one rotor you replace both of them.

I know nothing about the repair of cars. I was told by Big O Tires that a total brake job was done and I took them at their word. I informed the man at Big O Tires that the work was done by Big O Tires and he verified it on the computer. I also told the man when I take my car to a service center to be serviced I trust that they know what they are doing. Apparently they did not.

Connie of Aurora, CO June 26, 2007

Connie of Aurora CO (06/26/07)
i went in for a brake change (front) and to buy new tures i was told this would take about an hour .then i was told the total was 445.00 well 5 hours later they told me they took of a back brake and all the hardware just fell off. unbelievable to me but when a woman goes alone this sort of thing always happens so after 5 hours and 623.66 dollars later i was very upset 2 weeks later i was driving one block from my home and had a blow out i heard a loud noise got out and heard the air pouring out .i hurried and turned around just as i pulled up the tire was totally flat . i called them because i have roadside assistance they said sorry we cannot get anyone there until 9am i was already late for work .i went the next day and the person in charge said well we do not have that tire in stock we will replace it in the morning you have a warranty so the next day afer work i went in to get my new tire and Javier said no it is not ready we are going to patch it ~! i said there is a giant hole it looked like a zig zag cut or open place on the tire i think the tire was just a bad one .i was very mad after spending that much money on all the things to fix it .i went to the back the guy patching the tire said there is no way this is going to work but javier made him do it any way .my daughter went in and asked for the managers name and number they would only give her the name tommy staker they said they did not know his number i thank God my spare was new because i do not trust that tire with my family onboard thank you connie

Marvin of Calexico, CA November 13, 2006

Marvin of Calexico CA (11/13/06)
Motorhome had 7 new Big-O Path Max tires installed in May of 2004 at 38,000 miles. 19,000 miles later, 3 have failed due to sidewall separation and bulging, one of them caused a blow out. One of them was replaced but they have refused warranty on last two because I wasn't the quote, original owner The previous owner bought the new tires in Modesto just before selling the motorhome to me. I'm really afraid to put a Big-O tire on the front for fear it may fail and have another blow-out.

I have to buy new tires to put on the front and then will likely be buying more tires as these fail.

Jay of Martinsville, IN September 29, 2006

Jay of Martinsville IN (09/29/06)
On 8-25-06 They put a new serpentine belt on my 94 gmc, While having an oil change.On september 13, the belt came off beacause they put the wrong belt on,I was stranded 50miles from home, I kept the old belt and had it in my truck, So i put it back on, I returned to the site who was responable for this and asked for a refund! I was told after much argument that i would only recieve in store credit.I have done much business with them, but now am reluctent to return there for further bussness, I might have considered returning except they were so extermely nasty and inconsiderate!

Out 95.00, And had to change my own belt on the side of the road. 

Rev. of West Point, CA August 9, 2006

Rev. Carolyn of West Point CA (08/09/06)
Near the end of a 12 hour shift as an emergency responder in Sacramento County, I noticed my tire was low. I went to four different service stations in the area only to find that none of them had a working air hose. Since I had done business with the local Big O in that area for over ten years, I went to them for help. I arrived at the store at about 5:35pm where I was given a surly greeting by a man behind the counter who asked me to wait over there while he finished a personal conversation with another man.

When he acknowledged me I told him about the problem and that I would soon be getting on the freeway for the 90 minute trip, in the dark, to my home. Further, I told him that if I broke down on the way home, I would be in an area without cell phone service. I reiterated to him that all I needed was some air to which he said, you've arrived too late in the day, we can't help you. The store hours are listed as 7a-6p and I would have gladly stayed late and paid someone just to get some air. When I left Big O I felt sorry that this young man had just ruined the reputation of a very good store. He also missed a most wonderful feeling of helping another human being in a time of need.

Robin of Laramie, WY February 5, 2006

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