First off, I apologize for all of my tire threads lately... I usually like to thoroughly research before making big purchases (which is how I ended up with the 4Runner )

Anyway, my latest question is about who should actually install my tires when I buy them. I would prefer to use someone local so I can get free tire rotations and flat repairs, especially since the nearest Toyota dealer is an hour away. However, after all the problems I have had with the tire pressure sensor, I'm afraid to let anyone other than a Toyota dealership install the tires. I don't want someone to break a sensor and me be stuck with the bill for fixing it. Is this a valid concern, or should I just not worry about it and let the local tire shop put on my tires? Please keep in mind that I am out or warranty.

Thanks

Do you have a Costco store in your area. If so, they do a good job and will fix or replace anything they break. I've had several sets of tires installed there with no problems (very good prices also).

Koz

Most of the vehicles on the road are have TPM systems, so if you local tire shop is not just a garage, they should be able to do it. My local Bridgestone/Firestone shop done it without any problems at all.

No, I wish I did though. They seem to be the best deal by far. Do you know if they would at least ship me the tires to my house if I ordered them online?

Good point. I might give it a shot and see what happens...

when i worked for goodyear we used to mount tires all the time with sensors..we were taught to take em out,i would def go to a reputable place not joes garage =P

I just got off the phone with a local place and they said I can get the Michelin CTs for $159.50/tire, with 2 free rotations per year and 1/2 off balances. Does that sound reasonable? It would seem to me that I'd need more than 2 rotations a year...

Get the REVOs, They do everything better!

Koz

How do they compare in ride noise and handling?

They a little bit louder then were my stock Dunlops, but it might be a few dB, which you might not notice.
Overall conclusion: GREAT tires with very little noise for AT tires, PERFECT handing (I was able to make much, much faster turns then Dunlops on dry pavement), awesome wet traction. AS for snow and ice, I didn't try them yet, but looks like they will their work fine.

I just called the shop back and got prices for the Revos. Their prices seems a little backwards... the Michelins are $150/tire ($159 installed), and the Revos are $180/tire. At Tirerack the Michelins are $167 and the Revos are $150. Also, they said they can't resolve warranty issues with the Revos since they are a Michelin dealer, so I would have to deal directly with Bridgestone.

I would just order the Revos off Tirerack, but then I wouldn't get the 2 free rotations/year plan...

Why can't I just have a Costco nearby???

do the tire rotation yourself. it's rather easy.

Go for Revos. I've driven more then 300'000miles for the past 12 years and never had an issue with tires. The only thing I had is blown tire and broken rim after I hit the rock on a highway at 70mph, but that was my fault.