Modern Tire and Auto Service

I recently purchased four new tires for my 2008 Ford Explorer from Modern Tire in Newington. I chose them because they offered the tires I wanted at a reasonable price, and they were open on a Sunday. The overall experience was very good, and I would normally write a positive review on this basis alone, yet what really differentiates this business is what they did when I had a problem.
I am not sure if it was because of the vehicle’s age and mileage or some other factor, but after a few weeks I had a serious issue –my vehicle was making some strange noises, and we learned that I was close to losing a tire. I immediately went to a nearby dealership, and they replaced some broken studs and lug nuts, and sent me on my way.
A few days later I heard the same noise, but from a different side of the vehicle. This time I returned directly to Modern Tire, and asked to speak with the manager –Bryan. This guy is great! He immediately took action, and said that my vehicle was unsafe, and asked to keep it overnight. He realized that I needed transportation, so he arranged for a loaner car. The next day, he called me, told me what was wrong, and made the necessary repairs at no charge.
Here’s my point: Bryan treated me professionally, and made certain I was made whole. Today I am enjoying a smooth ride –confident that my vehicle is safe. Modern Tire has now earned a new life-​time customer.

I stopped here because I had a tire that kept needing air so I wanted it checked out. They were closing in 15 mins and were trying to finish up what they were working on so they asked if I could go back the next day and when he sensed how concerned I was, he said he’d at least have someone check pressure and add air for me, this was first positive experience here. Next, I went down the road to Pep Boys on Memorial Day (they were closed here on Memorial Day, and Pep Boys told me the tire couldn’t be fixed as the object that was in it was too close to the edge of the tread.
I called Modern Tire to see if they carried the tire, they didn’t but I was given a quote and we agreed I’d bring the vehicle in after work that day for a second opinion before he actually ordered the tire for me (which would have cost $ 270). They looked at the tire and said it was right on the line of where they can no longer be repaired, but that they’d try an inside patch and they’d check in with me in a couple of days to see if the tire was holding it’s air. This was about $ 36 and it has held beautifully, a couple of weeks later! Brian also did actually follow up with me the next day to check on the tire. This service was better than I’ve gotten at most places lately. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back!

These guys quote highest in the industry. Then they «up sell»! I asked for quotes to mount and balance 4 tires. They quoted $ 168. I got it done for less than ½ of that ¼ mile away. When I spoke to a large, national tire firm, they were shocked at how expensive this place was. They said highest in the country.
Buyer beware! This small auto chain will reach in your pocket and smile at you while they do it!
When I went back a week later, the price changed. It was higher again!
The mechanic did explain a specific situation to me. I did appreciate his diligence.

Mechanics walk around like they have all time in the world, waited 3 hours for an oil change and engine light diagnostic… I’m actually still waiting as I write this!

I got free oil changes with my tires. The first time I went for an oil change I was told I needed a transmission flush for $ 100 and it needed to be done right away. I took it straight to my regular shop who said I didn’t need it. Next free oil change I was told I needed to flush the radiator. I asked to see the fluid. He showed my a vile of dirty coolant. I again took it to my regular shop who brought me into the garage and I saw him pull the coolant. It was clear. I didn’t bother going to see them for the other two oil changes, even though they were «free»
A few years later I took it in to the other side of the shop because a tire had a slow leak. They told me it would be $ 23. When I told them I bought road hazard coverage when I bought them there they then bothered to look it up. I wasn’t charged.
A few days later I had a flat on my other car. This is a minivan we recently bought and I have no idea where the tires were from. I took it to Town Fair in Rocky Hill. I was charged under $ 5 for the flat repair and balancing.

I went here to get my oil changed because I bought a groupon to use there. I don’t think groupons are supposed to do this, but it taught me to never go back there again! First off, it’s normally $ 19.99 for parts and $ 14.99 for labor to do an oil change. Add taxes and env fees and it’s normally around $ 37! That is a ridiculous price just for an oil change.
Plus, I pull up to the «express oil change» lane but they should really remove the express because nothing is express about it. I got there around 5 and was behind one person currently getting their oil changed. I didn’t pull out of there until 5:50 when the place was closing!
I felt like the employees tried to corral you into buying things you didn’t really need or make you feel pressured (One woman there was relentlessly scorned for having a really dirty air filter. I get it, it’s bad for your fuel efficiency and engine, but just fix it… that’s why she’s there) Not to mention, one of the employees was in an absolutely awful mood. He moved at an ungodly slow pace, complained the whole time about doing his job, and was nasty to his co-​workers. I then asked him if he could check my air filter when he was done with the oil change and he said he didn’t have that air filter in stock. After another employee checked the computer and confirmed they did, he mentioned something about not wanting to take off 30 screws to find out they don’t have it. I finally just told him forget about it in fear it’d take another 30 minutes just to check the air filter.
Glad I used my groupon so I didn’t waste $ 15, but I will not be back to this place again.