Since the Port Kells Kal-Tire was close to my work, I've going to this location for last 3 years. Purchased a number of tires and like the free winter/summer rotation.
Since it was July, I was past due to change the winters off and put summers on. I loaded the tires (bagged and already on rims) into the back off my car. I noticed that one of the tires was really low, but, I thought if there was a problem, the Kal-Tire employees would let me know.
Called ahead on Monday at 8:00am and asked about getting my winter tires taken off and summer tires on. Told him the make/year of the car and said I was not rush and could leave it there. The employee said no problem, just bring it by. Came by around 8:30am and mentioned I was guy that called about the winter tires off and summers on. They remembered the call. I also said I purchased the tires from Kal-Tire. Confirmed my work number, gave the keys, left and walked back to work. Later on, got a call around 10:44am and they said it was finished and I should get the brakes done. The caller said that the front rotors had 3mm left and I should do them right away. I was quoted $1100.00. I asked what specific parts, he said, front new rotors/pads and rear drums/shoes. I thanked the caller and said that it wasn't in the budget.
Note: The number seemed high and I called around to a few other shops and the price was around $500 for parts and $200 for labor. Another shop said the rear drums should rarely have to be replaced.
Anyway, I walked over around 12:15pm and picked up the car. The employee again pressured me to do at least the front or when I come back after 150 km for a retrox. I said thanks, but, could I see the parts break down, he hesitated and said that he would have to print the sheet out again. I said don't bother since I'm not getting it done. They handed me the keys and I got in the car and drove back to work.
When I got home, I was unloading the car of the bagged tires and rolling them to storage. Then I noticed one of the tires was low on air... so, I ripped opened the bag and it was one of my summer tires. I walked back to my car and noticed that it still had my winter tires on. I called the Kal-tire shop at 5:13pm and explained the situation, the employee apologized and said to come first thing in on Saturday morning. Since I had to drive for a hour be at UBC for 8:00am conference, it wasn't an option. So, the employee said we can make arrangements for Monday. I said, I'll call later. I didn't drive anywhere else for the rest of the day. On Saturday, I arrived home at 5:15pm, and noticed that one of my plastic, bolt-on, hub caps and fallen off. I had no idea where it came off and it was a 60 km drive to retrace my steps. Called the GM dealership and they said it was $90 for a new one. The was a sour pill to swallow.
The Port Kells Kal-tire failed to do the work performed and now a missing hub cap will cost me $90.00.
So, on Monday, at 9:20am, I called the Kal-Tire toll free number and asked the friendly person in the customer relations department on what could be done. The person at the head office said he would make a call the Port Kells Kal-Tire location and the manager has 24 hours to respond.
Today, is Tuesday and it's now, 12:30pm and there has not been a call back. I have made arrangements with the TireCraft store (that is also in walking distance from my work) and they will fix the flat for $20.00 and not charge me remove and install the winter/summer tires. That is great service.
In conclusion, the service from the Port Kells Kal-Tire location is poor, especially for a repeat customer. I do not recommend this location. They cannot perform a task and will push to get expensive work done. read more