to dread getting new tyres.

[Tippytappytoes]

It took me many many years to find a Garage that I liked and trusted to get my MoT/Services done, after having some bad experiences at others (charging for work they didn't do or quoting one price on the phone then trying to charge more). Funds are fairly tight for me at the moment, so shopping around I have found somewhere else that is alot cheaper than my normal Garage so I have booked a timeslot for Thursday, and honestly, I'm dreading it.

I'm fairly robust character, I work in a male dominated environment but I still I hate going to Garages. I'm fairly sure this new place won't rip me off but I still worry that they will try it. That when it comes to paying I will, yet again, have to battle to get the price I was quoted (I always make sure the price they quote is 'fully fitted'). I'm a grown woman! AIBU?

I think the thing is to remember your in charge, you probably know as much as anyone and if uncertain do as others have said here and thank them for their advice but dont be bamboozled.

Remember once driving into a garage. My battery went flat and after replacing it I knew it was the alternator (old car easy to diagnose). Told the garage what was wrong and got the 'oh no it won't be that itll be this this and this.' Of course I was correct. Really hacked me off!

I like my winter tyres & generally recommend if otherwise convenient, but no idea why thread digressed to that.

OP: lots of info online to help you understand when your tyres are really worn down & need replacing, makes me feel more in control and on top of things to keep track myself (not tough, honest, I'm saying that as one of the mechanically declined). New tyres are marked for direction/front-backness & you can also check that yourself.

I dont have a spare £100 for tyres let alone £350. If I get a flat it will have to go on the credit card.

OK, so I've gone away and done a little more research. We have a winner - Blackcircle.com do the tyres I want, are cheapest and they fit them at a Garage nearer my work - result! Why didn't I think of it sooner... the best bit is I pay up front so I'm feeling a bit more positive.

I did try a mobile fitter that came to my work a couple of years ago, but started getting text messages from the fitter that were a bit inappropiate which kind of put me off.

My tyres do need changing, I knew I'd get an advisory on my MoT and I have been keeping an eye on them since, still legal but getting close to not being.

Oh yes, Kwik Fit's nitrogen inflation. From their website that boasts about using nitrogen 'in a mixture with oxygen', what, like air?

Maybe there is slightly more nitrogen in their special fancy pants version, but I would be willing to bet the price of 4 tyres that it doesn't make a noticable difference to the average motorist (for those of you who have forgotten GCSE chemistry/physics, air is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon and other stuff).

Kwikfit have a terrible reputation for ripping their customers off. Anyone with a good experience has been lucky.

And thank you (smacks head) for reminding me to search the internet (on which I am currently on - sigh)!

I was going to suggest Black Circle too, they do come up with good prices. I've got a great garage that I go to for all my car stuff now, I hope they stay in business forever - I've certainly felt intimidated going to other garages in the past.

Google mobile tyre fitting companies that serve your area, a lot will tell you on their website how much it will cost when your order.

Coincidentally I've had one of my tyres changed today, I'm relatively new to the area so posted on Facebook to a 'mums in out area' page asking for their recommendations.
I went to a garage that do part worn tyres, paid £25 for the tyre to be fitted and balanced.
When I had a problem with my abs last year I went to kwik-fit, they charged me just over £380, came out and still had the same problem, went to an independant garage and they fixed it for £50.

I'm with badgers on the winter tyres. Both DH and I have them on our cars and we swap them over come spring. Yes, there is initial outlay to buy them and you need somewhere to store them, but they are absolutely invaluable in icy conditions. I wish the government would make them a legal requirement here.

I would also avoid part-worn tyres like the plague.

I also avoid part-worn tyres like the plague

No real need to avoid as long as you get them from a reputable supplier, buy a matching pair and understand how to check manufacturing dates.

I would suggest black circles as then its all done you just turn up, they do it and you go.

I found Kwik fit adding loads of extra costs, and they are not the only ones, nitrogen inflation, tyre disposal, VAT etc.

Another vote for Blackcircles but also Tyreleader.co.uk