ayers auto repair

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties:

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara, for supporting this podcast

Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major storm, flood, or weather event when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen anytime, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees, and fly-by-night businesses. Con artists will take homeowners’ money and deliver (or not deliver) less than quality work.

How the scam works:

Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a flyer, or an ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short timeframe. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies.

Once started, a rogue contractor may "find" issues that significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a half-finished project. Or they may accept your upfront deposit and never return to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance payments.

Tips to spot this scam:

• Watch out for "red flags." Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first…especially after a natural disaster.
  
  
• Ask for references and check them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information, and scammers won’t wait for you to do your homework. If you can, get references from past customers, both older references to check on the quality of the work and newer references to ensure current employees are up to the task. Check them out at BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced. And always get a written contract with the price, materials, and timeline. The more detail, the better. 

• Know the law. Work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing, and insurance. Confirm that your vendor will get related permits, and make sure you know who is responsible for what according to your local laws and that your vendor is ready to comply. 

To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.

Be sure to check out more scam warnings on Scam Squad

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-... A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

Tips for Buying New Tires:

● Assess your current set of tires.

For starters, determine whether you need new tires. Try the “Lincoln test” if you’re unsure. Place a penny upside down into the tread of your tires. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, your tires should be replaced immediately. If the tread falls somewhere on his forehead, you should plan to buy new tires in the next few months. Even if the tread is thick enough, uneven wear, flaking, cracks, bulges, or other damage can all indicate you need new tires. Finally, if your tires are over six years old, vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing them, no matter their condition. 

● Get to know tire types.

The type of tire you need will depend on the weather conditions you drive in and how you use your vehicle. 

○ All-season tires: Most vehicles have all-season tires designed to work reasonably well in most weather conditions. They can handle some mud, snow, and slush.

○ Winter tires: If you live in a climate with frequent snow and ice, winter tires might be a better choice. They are more effective in deep snow.

○ Summer tires: These tires are best for warm weather climates. This kind of tire shouldn’t be driven if temperatures dip below freezing.

○ All-terrain tires: These are used mainly for four-wheel drive vehicles. They are great for off-roading but not meant for extended highway driving.

○ High-performance tires: These are designed with high-speed handling in mind, but they wear out quicker than “regular” tires. They may be a good choice if you drive a sports car. But they aren’t ideal for your everyday grocery store runs.

● Check out tread wear warranties.

You can find treadwear ratings on a tire’s sidewall. The higher the number, the longer the tire is supposed to last. Most tires have manufacturing quality and defect warranties, but some have a tread life warranty. In most cases, if your tires wear out before your reach the mileage number, you can get a credit towards a new set of the same tires. Shop around. Consider cost, convenience, and customer service when choosing where to buy your tires. Warehouse clubs, online sellers, tire dealers, car dealerships, and local shops all sell tires and have their pros and cons. If you’re looking for something specialized and unique, a local tire shop might be your best option, though you’ll probably pay a little more. Warehouse clubs and online sellers may offer more competitive prices, but their selections might be limited. Car dealerships provide convenience, but they aren’t the cheapest option, and you’ll likely have no choice but to buy original equipment tires. In the end, where you purchase your tires will depend on the kind of tires you want and your personal preferences. 

● Only purchase tires from a reputable seller.

Visit BBB.org to see business ratings and read customer reviews. Make sure you only do business with a tire vendor with a good reputation and plenty of positive reviews. A little research goes a long way in finding out if a company is trustworthy or if they employ questionable business practices. Speak with someone on the phone or in person and ask plenty of questions about tire selections, installation, and warranties. Note the level of customer service you receive during this initial interaction to determine how you’ll be treated during tire installation and after the sale. 

● Keep an eye on the fees.

You’ll probably have to pay some extra fees on top of the cost of the tires. You’ll likely see installation charges, disposal fees for your old tires, and taxes on your final bill. Some vendors may ask you to pay for new tire stems and resetting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Still, others might offer add-on services like filling the tires with nitrogen and road hazard warranties. Review all the fees and add-ons carefully before you agree to buy.

● Inspect new tires upon installation.

Take a good look at your new tires before you leave the shop. Look for any signs of damage and make sure the directional tread is facing the same way on all four tires. After you’ve driven a few miles on the new tires, check the tire pressure for each tire to make sure it matches the numbers indicated in the car’s door jamb. If tires are not within the suggested range, take the vehicle back to the shop for inspection.

● Maintain your new tires to extend their life.

Regularly check your tire pressure, inspect the tires for signs of uneven wear and damage, and get regular tire rotations. These are all easy ways to keep your tires in good shape and make them last for as long as possible.

Until next time!