Thanks. Sure I'll hook it up with alignments, with string, a rock and a bubble balancer.

 

good luck

life as a tire tech is rough...bustin tires and getting dirty all day is only part of it...you'll also have to keep the tires organized, unload the shipping trucks, haul junk casings, and keep the shop clean (including bathrooms). 12 hour days are normal, and taking a lunch is unheard of. they'll also make you drive around to other locations to pick up tires, when salespeople sell shit that's not in stock.

so basically....do everything u can to avoid being a tire tech

 

that's why they're industry secrets :slap:



jk


seriously, there's not much to tell. the biggest thing is that a lot of people dont know how much tires are marked up. in some cases, cost is half of the tire's list price.

be careful when listening to a shop's recommendation. most tire chain stores get great deals on certain brands, and shitty deals on others. for example, let's say Tire Shop A has a large account w/michelin. they're going to recommend michelin, bf goodrich, and uniroyal for everything. Tire Shop B has an account with Bridgestone, so then you'll hear how Potenzas are the best tires ever designed. common sense i guess...

some places charge more for "accubalance," which is designed to scrub off hot spots on the tire. in reality, that technique isnt neccessary anymore, and only grinds away tread. anyway, they'll charge $14/tire or whatever it costs nowadays, but they'll just do a standard balance (~$7).

regarding alignments: a lowered car isn't harder to align, but shops tend to charge $20-30 more, often calling it a "modified alignment." that cost can be justified if you have aftermarket adjustment kits or need shims, but it's lame for your typical honda with only toe adjustments. the biggest pain in the ass is getting slammed cars on the alignment rack.

ill try to think of some other stuff.

 

Hahah, ouch. They make you drive your own car too? Theres no way I'm doing 12 hour days, I will have school right after work. My hours will be from 8am - 4pm. Ahh cleaning bathrooms, no wonder they have soo many mexicans working there. j/k Don't hurt me Deek. If they work me over too much, I'll just quit. I need a job right now.

 

Rich, do you know how much they pay tire techs and brake techs?

 

yup...they cant "make" you drive your own car, but it happens. i magically fit 8 tires in my integra before, even with a 12" subwoofer :exnbp:


when i was around, tire techs made under $10. brake/alignment techs made around $15-19. full blown underbody mechanics made around $20-25/hr avg, $30/hr if they're good. here's what sucks - unless you're already an established mechanic (ie - shop experience or ase certified), they start everyone as a tire installer. from there, they either move up to sales or become trained as a mechanic, depending on their strengths and weaknesses.

hope this doesn't scare you. they're still a good company to work for.

 

Ehh, I'll let you know how it goes if I get the job. I was wondering how much they paid, I just asked $15 and I guess we'll negotiate from there. I'll let them know you told me about the slave labor there. j/k.