This is what Costco customers really think of the wheels – Jalopnik

The Costco wheel range attracts many buyers because of the handy prices. Many customers on Reddit notice that wheels and tire packages are cheaper than at dealers or independent stores, with one user at R/RAV4Club that say that the tires of Costco “come with a fairly nice big guarantee, and they will rotate around the 5000. Big prices, they also find it cheaper than other alternatives.”

People who have purchased winter wheels via Costco (which must be accompanied by a number of good winter tires) often report that the process is easy, with online orders that have been sent directly to local warehouses for installation. This convenience, together with the reputation of Costco for standing behind his products, keeps many members back.

But the experience is not the same for everyone. Some customers say that the selection is limited compared to dedicated retailers such as tire rack or discount tires. Yet those who are looking for simple wheel and tire sets for common models usually find Costco as the easiest and most affordable option.

Where feedback becomes more critical is employed. Costco members on different subreddits report that their wheels are scratched or damaged during assembly and balancing. Some messages describe deep gushes or wear that took place on brand new rims, where customers were frustrated about how the problems were treated.

Various users emphasize that Costco employees are often overworked and may not give your car the care it deserves. This is what a user at R/FortRaptor had to say about this: “Unfortunately, I also let this happen in multiple discount tape stores, always seems to push production and let employees move as quickly as possible if they can so that wheels suffer in the process.”

Another recurring complaint is Costco’s policy with regard to non-onto wheels. Technicians usually refuse to work on a vehicle if the wheel size does not match what is on the door sticker. In those cases, customers are told that they have to release wheels instead of attaching to the car. Although Costco will still mount the tires, it creates an extra step for the owner. These strict rules, in combination with inconsistent service quality, explain why more experienced car owners often recommend independent stores when dealing with aftermarket wheels.

The most consistent theme between the feedback from customers is that Costco is good for standard tires, but other retailers are better for wheels. However, there are exceptions. A user at R/Rav4club had this to say about Discount Tyre, a tire shop: “They even priced costco for the Michelin Crossclimate 2 tires that I bought. I am happy that I went with them because their customer service was excellent and they can get you in and out quite quickly.” Local independent stores also receive praise for their attention to detail and customer service.

Even some costco -usual users are less than impressed by the tires and wheels of the company. A Redditor on R/Costco reports: “I avoid costco tires because I don’t have half a day to wait in case they have time to sell and install tires for me. I prefer to put the car off in my local store and let them do it. They know my car and can tell me when something other than tires on ties need attention.” For many, better service weighs heavier than the price limitation of Costco.

Costco almost certainly gains on price if it goes smoothly, but the risk of losing customers when wheel damage, strict policy and slow service times stand in the way. Buyers who prioritize guaranteeing and affordability can still opt for Costco, but those who like more options often turn to competitors. But after all, that is hardly new, because the same applies more or less to whether you should buy cars through the Costco car program.