Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for tire and wheel companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Big O Tires – Pleasanton, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: focus all its efforts on fulfilling the needs of every person who visits its shop. “We’ve established a reputation for outstanding customer care, and everything we do is geared toward maintaining that reputation,” says owner Dave Cherry. “Our goal is to earn the long-term trust and confidence of our customers and their families by providing consistent quality at every level.”

Big O Tires – Pleasanton has been providing tire and wheel services for all types of vehicles at its Pleasanton facility since 1980. The company’s primary focus is selling, repairing and replacing tires made by leading manufacturers such as Goodyear, Michelin, and BF Goodrich, but it’s also qualified to perform oil changes, alignments, brake repairs and other manufacturer-recommended services.

Unlike less experienced tire and wheel companies that create high-pressure sales environments in an effort to maximize their profits, Big O Tires – Pleasanton takes an honest approach that’s designed to put customers at ease when they’re making purchasing decisions. “Our employees aren’t incentivized to sell unnecessary parts and services; rather, we train them to be upfront and honest with every customer,” explains Mr. Cherry. “When a vehicle needs extensive repairs, for example, we lay out a plan that prioritizes the work based on the customer’s budget and let them know what needs to be done now and what can wait until later.”

Another distinguishing feature of Big O Tires – Pleasanton is its use of state-of-the-art technology in every aspect of its work. “We continually upgrade our equipment to stay current with this ever-changing industry,” says Mr. Cherry. “A lot of older equipment isn’t even compatible with newer wheel and tire designs, so staying up-to-date with technology is a crucial part of providing quality service.”

Take simple steps to maximize the lifespan of your car’s tires. In almost all cases, new tires come with a life expectancy that’s denoted by a specific mileage amount. However, despite how long a manufacturer says its tires will last, tire lifespan can vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including tire quality, usage and regular maintenance.

The first step to maximizing the lifespan of your tires is purchasing quality tires in the first place. “Maintenance definitely helps, but it all starts with the quality of the tires themselves,” affirms Josh Cherry, owner of Big O Tires – Pleasanton. “Cheap tires just aren’t made to last long, and even though they’re less expensive upfront, they don’t provide the long-term value that higher quality tires provide.”

Another factor that can affect tire longevity is the kind of driving you do. “Depending on how the car is used, the same two sets of tires on two identical cars can have a 50 percent difference in mileage,” says Mr. Cherry. “For instance, since turning and braking contribute to eventual tire wear, frequent in-town driving tends to result in faster wear than freeway driving.” Overly aggressive driving habits can also contribute to accelerated wear of tires.

Most experts agree that maintenance is the single most influential factor that affects tire longevity. This starts with routine tire rotations, which ensure even wear between front and rear tires. “You should have your tires rotated twice a year,” says Mr. Cherry. “Unfortunately, this is something that many car owners neglect, but it’s important for maintaining longevity. Front end alignment and tire pressure can also affect a tire’s lifespan and lead to uneven or accelerated wear when not properly maintained.”

Overall, the most effective way to achieve tire mileage milestones is to be proactive about care. “Since there are so many factors that can affect tire wear, routine maintenance is very important,” says Mr. Cherry. “As long as you stay on top of services and educate yourself about potential issues, you can get the most out of your tires.”

Q: Do I need to schedule an appointment in advance?

A: Not unless you need mechanical work, tire service or an oil change. For everything else, we work on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: Can you provide tires that meet my specific needs?

A: Absolutely. We offer a wide selection of tires, so we can help you find something that fits your needs and is within your budget.

Q: How long will it take to complete my job?

A: We have a large crew, so we’re good at juggling times and fairly accurate with our estimates. Our goal is to get every customer in and out within an hour or two, but it depends on how busy we are.

Q: Can you perform manufacturer-scheduled maintenance?

A: Yes. A lot of people think they have to return to their dealerships for those services in order to keep their warranties intact, but in reality, you merely have to provide proof that these services have been performed by a professional.

Q: Do you offer a shuttle service?

A: Yes, our shuttle service is available for local drop-offs and pick-ups starting at 8:30am each day.

Q: Is your warranty good at any Big O Tires location?

A: Yes, and it’s also good at every Big O sister company location. Altogether, when you buy tires from us, you have more than 1,000 locations that will honor your warranty.