Tires
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
- Trustworthy place to buy tires near Berkeley
- Where to get a flat tire repaired
- Where to get a spare tire repaired
- Need new tires for my Accord
- Good place to buy tires?
- Where to buy tires and get wheels aligned
- More Advice about Autos
Trustworthy place to buy tires near Berkeley
May 2007
I need a recommendation for a trustworthy and reasonably-priced place to buy tires for my car, preferably in the Berkeley area. I checked the BPN archives and couldn't find anything about this. Thanks! Bridget
Don's Tire Service @ Gilman & 6th or (really) Sears Auto Center @ Hilltop Mall
I go to Rouse Tire Service in Oakland, 2340 Harrison St, (510) 834-9938. They've given good service and reasonable prices. I previously went to Big O on San Pablo near Dwight. The service was friendly but I found their tires did not stand up over time. ramisima
I really like Orozco's Tires on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley. They are a couple of blocks past Dwight Way going south, on the south east corner. I like them because they are friendly and always fit me in when I drive up with either a nail in my tire or bald tires, and he has good prices, better than Big O. Also, it's not a chain and I like to support family businesses. Orozco fan
We've had several good experiences with tire repairs at Don's Tire Service on Gilman Street, just west of 6th. robin
For tires I usually use Costco and then go to Big O Tires for alignments, because Costco does not do alignments. Otherwise I go to Sears at HillTop for all in one service. If this is a new car go back to your dealer for left over tires that are for your car. Sometimes when people buy a car they upgrade the tires and rims, leaving brand new tires at a great low price for you, you just have to ask the service or parts department. Let them know that you are driving their cars. For me it was a Cadillac CTS. I had trouble getting tires for my car as there is a tire shortage, so I bought brand new tires that was removed for upgrades. James H
You can't beat Don's Tires on Gilman St. at 6th St. Website is: http://www.donstireservice.com/. The service is there is great and friendly, and they have a wide range to choose from. I also go there to get flats repaired. I've gone to other places before and would feel like I was being talked down to since I'm a woman or that they were trying to make a big sale. You don't get that at Don's. anon
Auto Options on 1445 San Pablo in Berkeley - Hands down!! They are friendly, responsive, won't sell you more tire than you need and they have received top ranking as ''installers'' from 2 online tire purchase websites. OH! And you'll get the best price from them if you call around! Now that I've found them I'll never go elsewhere!
Where to get a flat tire repaired
March 2007
Can anyone recommend somewhere I could go to get a flat tire repaired? It's a tire I've had for several years on my Toyota Camry. I suspect I just drove over something sharp. Where do you go to patch tires? If it can't be fixed (hole in the sidewall or something like that, god forbid!), where could I buy a new one? I have a full-sized spare on the car now, but I know I'm flirting with danger by not getting the other tire fixed as soon as possible. I'm in Oakland, but would go pretty much anywhere in the East Bay. Thanks! --one broken bottle away from disaster
Don's Tires on Gilman street nr 6th in Berkeley is a great place. They'll fix your tire, put it on the car or hub if you want, tell you if it's no good, sell you new good tires, etc. They're very nice there. Any time I''ve gotten a flat I go there. My husband is in the auto repair business and he sends all his tire needs there. Good luck. anon
I have had my tire repaired a number of times over the past couple years at the gas station located at the corner of Telegraph and Ashby (across from Whole Foods). I feel the guys are honest and the costs reasonable. If I recall correctly, they repaired a tire that had a nail through it for about $25. They also told me my tire had a few months to go (which I agreed with) whereas my Volvo dealer was telling me I had to change my tires asap! picky mom
do you have a problem with big o? i know they're a big sloppy chain, but i've gone to them for years with all my tires needs, including diagnosing whether to repair or replace damaged ones, such as you describe and i've never come away anything less than satisfied. and if they say you need to replace it, they sell tires and, again, i feel ok with them. i have patronized both the berkeley store on san pablo at about carleton (2650 san pablo??) also one in walnut creek on broadway (i think) a block or two north of ygnacio valley road. good luck. doug h
Big O Tires. They are everywhere, and do a great job. Tired
Orozco's Tires in Berkeley is GREAT! I've had tires patched there several times & sent friends and I've always had a great experience. They're a small locally owned shop, great people, easy & willing to help. If you call ahead they're great with their time & price estimates. Best of luck to you! Here's their info: Orozco's Tires 2601 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley phone# 510-649-0629
Try Rouse in Oakland. That's where McKevitt Volvo sent us - could't fix our tire due to location of puncture, but maybe you will have better luck.
I recently had a good repair experience with Mark Morris Tires, 2850 Broadway (Auto Row area). Ran Over a Screw, Now Good as New
Where to get a spare tire repaired
Nov 2004
I am looking for a place to have a spare tire repaired. I live in North Berkeley. Convenience is a plus as is trustworthiness as I don't know much about tires myself and would be relying on the advice the sales/repair person gives me. Thanks. tracey.g
I'm a big fan of Don's Tire Service at Gilman & 6th. They're quick and honest, and if it can't be repaired, they'll tell you so -- and they have reasonably priced replacements. A bit farther to go, but my wife had a good experience at the Sear's store at Hilltop Mall a year ago. Another option for you.
I use Orozco's on San Pablo just North of Big O Tire's. It is run by some brothers (I think the one in the wheel chair is the boss). They are fast, cheap and they don't try to sell you anything you don't need. I was recommended to them by a local merchant who tries to support local businesses - I never feel like I am not getting anything that I wouldn't get a a chain. A mom supporting locally
Don's Tires on Gilman does great work and have used them for years. Nancy B
Need new tires for my Accord
May 2004
I am looking for a place in the Berkeley-Albany-El Cerrito vicinity to buy new tires for my Accord and have my wheels alligned. Thanks. Elizabeth
There's so many places out there. I'd recommend Don's Tire Service on Gilman (@ Sixth, I think). He can replace your tires with the original equipment or sell you cheaper ones. I've used them twice and been very happy both times. You might also consider the Sears store at Hilltop Mall. A bit further to go, but very competent and probably cheaper.
Try tirerack.com. I found the service efficient and the prices competitive. You order the tires online, Tire Rack recommends a tire service in your area and ships the tires either to you or directly to the garage/dealer. You can see beforehand online what the installation and disposal fees are. Then you call locally to make an appointment for installation. Sean
Good place to buy tires?
Feb 2004
Any recommendations on a good place (Berkeley vicinity) to buy tires? Dan
Don's Tire Service @ Gilman & 6th. Quick, reasonable, honest.
While Costco has good prices, the wait time often is ridiculous (and forces you to spend excess amount of money in the store trying to kill time). We've had good luck at Big-O as well (on San Pablo at Carlton I think). But the best deal, including shipping, we have ever found was online at TireRack.com. Granted, we (my mother, actually, the internet illiterate) was searching for higher end tires that Costco and Big-O need to special order. Finally the guy at Goodyear told her about it, and they were around $40 cheaper per tire AFTER shipping. Then we paid the local service station $20 to install them. Do a little investigation - most places will give you prices over the phone. Good luck Tire-d
Try COSTCO. Good prices, good selection, and all fitted while you wander around spending the customary $200 on toilet paper and bulk food items! They stock a good range of tires for everything from go-fast sporty cars to trucks/SUV's. Sam Evison
Costco (Richmond Annex or San Leandro) has good prices on tires and so-so service, but you have to be a member ($45/year). See www.costco.com. David in Berkeley
Costco. Go right at opening, or be prepared to wait.
Where to buy tires and get wheels aligned
June 2003
I was wondering if anyone knows of a tire shop that does wheel alignments that is very ethical and honest. I need four tires and a wheel alignment and haven't been all that pleased with the tire/alignment shops I have dealt with thus far. Thanks in advance for any recommendations. Nancy
We've used Bill at Auto Options on San Pablo in Berkeley for many years and been very happy with his service. Melissa
We've been very happy with the sales and service at Berkeley Tire Co. on University, just below MLK. I have found them to be honest, friendly, and helpful. The added bonus is that you are supporting our local businesses! Sally N
I have had good experience at the Big O tire on San Pablo near Ashby - Big O Tires 2625 San Pablo Ave Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 843-963. Look for Noel. They have always taken good care of me and are honest. belle
I think the folks at Mark Morris tires on Broadway at 29th in Oakland are honest and very knowledgeable. Ask for John (the guy with the Boston accent). 510-451-0355 - likes his tires
If you are a Costco member, they have the best prices far and away. You can drop off your car when you go in and they'll do it while you shop.
I have also gone to Winston Tires because the wheels that I wanted weren't offered at Costco andtheir prices were reasonable but not as good as Costco. Happy Costco Customer
I think Don's Tires on Gilman in Berkeley is a good, honest place. Plus, you can eat breakfast at Jimmy Bean's, across the street, while you wait. Kim
We've had wonderful experience at Joe's Tires on University Ave in Berkeley. They've done new tires for us, several patch repairs for nails/leaks, and have given really solid advice.
I can't say enough good things about George Oren Tires at 1350 International in Oakland. The owner, Doug, is a great guy. I have taken all three of our family's cars there for years, and never once have I felt "upsold" or pressured to get anything other than what I need.
I highly recommend Tire Sales & Service Co., phone 510 654 0304, at 861 W. MacArthur. They are FAST and they will give you exactly what you need. They seem to have a very large inventory - we've never needed to order tires and wait for them to come in (and my husband has a car that uses very unusual tires). Looking around when you're there you'll see the customers are mostly people who seem to 'motorheads' or whatever you call car enthusiasts. The prices are also very reasonable.
We are also former Rouse customers and moved to Don's Tires in Berkeley on the recommendation of our mechanic. Not as convenient, but easily walkable to shops along Gilman while you wait. They asked how I drove the car and whether I was happy with the current tires, and then gave me some options at higher and lower price points with the pros and cons of each. I didn't price shop a lot other than to check against Costco's prices (which were in the same range) so I can't speak to how the cost compares, though. We've also used Orozco's Tires in Berkeley for repairs and thought they were solid too.
Orozco's tires of San Pablo is my go to place. Bring cash.
For the past 20 years, I've used Don's Tires on Gilman in Berkeley for my tire needs. They are not as cheap as the bigger places, but the service is personal and the product is quality. They've been in business since the 1960s, so they clearly know their business.
Don's Tires at Sixth and Gilman in Berkeley!
Cains Tires on 4th St in San Rafael, is a family owned business here that we have had good experience with.
Costco is cheap, reliable, and easy.
Go see Bill at Auto Options on San Pablo in Berkeley. I have been going there for tires and other services for many years.
Art's Automotive has been my shop for my old 1993 Honda CVCC and my newer 2018 Honda Fit. Art's sells and installs Toyo tires as needed. (not needed them for Fit, yet.)
I highly recommend RT tires in Dublin. Here is the website https://rtusedtire.com/ They are very knowledgeable and have tires that are barely used so you get very good tires at a used tire price. We have a older minivan that needed tires and they were able to get us good tires at a good price. The guy was also very helpful in explaining what he had available and what would work best for our minivan.
I like Don's Tire Service in Gilman in Berkeley. They've never tried to upsell me and have actually recommended a cheaper brand on occasion.
Over a span of 10 years, I've purchased tires from Auto Options Tires in Berkeley (1445 San Pablo, near Hopkins). I find their pricing competitive (do some price shopping, they may match the lowest price you find online) and service is extraordinary. Very easy to work with. Call them first 510-526-9800 to discuss your tire needs. If you decide to go with them, make an appointment to have the work done do they will prioritize your job. I bought 4 Michelin's there a few months ago, and for that purchase, they offer a free rotation every "x" miles, or, roughly quarterly. A few years back, I brought in a tire that looked like it had a nail in it. They removed the nail, the tire was not damaged. No charge.
I've been happy gong to Don's Tires on Gilman in Berkeley for various services, including tires.
We love Joes Tires on University Ave in Berkeley.
I've been going to Joe's Tires on University in Berkeley for 20 years. They're great! Never try to upsell you anything. Good work. Fair prices. Just FYI they recently changed credit card payment systems and now pass on the 3% service charge to customers so bring your check book!
I recommend Don’s Tires on Gilman St. Personally I buy my tires from tirerack.com and get them installed at Don’s for a reasonable price. Not sure if it’s cheaper to buy the tires through them.
Cosco is very good. I used the SF store. If you are a member, get there as early in the AM as possible. They will treat you right.
Jim
I recommend Don’s Tire Service on Gilman and 6th in Berkeley. 510-858-2445.