A GMC Sierra EV owner took to Facebook to ask if it was normal for a GMC dealer to charge $50 for a tire rotation but $150 for tire rotation on an electric truck. The dealer's reasoning? The tires and wheels are heavier on the EV.
David Kuperberg writes from the Brick City in the GMC Sierra EV Group on Facebook:
Commenters immediately weighed in, saying this owner was being scammed. And not just because of the extra $100 charge for rotating tires on an EV, but because even the $50 price seems high. Some of the commenters suggest the owner seek out an independent shop or a different dealership.
"Scam. I work for a dealership," says one.
"Scam by a dealership go to another one. Cost me $20 a tire rotation at my dealership," echoes another.
Several suggest that Sierra EV owner go to Discount Tire next time, arguing that it's free. Although one of those commenters appears to have a different Discount Tire experience than the others -- he pays to have Discount Tire rotate his tires, though he only pays $10.
As a former service advisor myself, I raised my eyes at the $50 price for a tire rotation. It was closer to $20-$25 when I was in the business. That was 20 years, so inflation plays a part, but even with inflation, $50 seems too high. Especially since dealerships often simply include a tire rotation in a service based on mileage -- such as a 25K-mile service. A service package like that might include an oil change, tire rotation, inspection, and fluid refills.
Before we move any further, remember: if you pay your tires respect, they will last longer for you as yearly rotation is suggested.
What Torque News Found Out About The Tire Rotation Cost
I did a bit of Googling, and I see that a Buick/GMC dealership in my Chicago metro area charges $109 for a package and $34.95 for a tire rotation on its own. But wait! That's for a gas EV. Prices are not listed when one changes the model to a Sierra EV.
This is a head scratcher, because a tire rotation should be about the same process on an EV as on an internal-combustion vehicle. I can understand that tires and wheels on an EV might weigh a tad more to handle regenerative braking hardware, it seems crazy to charge the customer more for that -- and not only that, but to have that charge be $150, or $25 per tire.
"Scam" might be too strong a word, perhaps "overpriced" is more accurate. After all, there's a difference between an outright scam, such as repainting used parts, and simply charging more than what seems reasonable to cover the costs of parts and labor (or, in this case, labor).
What A Tire Rotation Is And Why You Need It
Car owners need to rotate their tires at set intervals in order to prevent uneven tire wear. Doing this will maximize the tires' lifespan.
Additionally, while the wheels are off, your technician check the brake pads and rotors for wear and let you know if you need a brake job. Techs can also check for suspension and steering issues, as well.
The interval for tire rotations is recommended by your vehicles' manufacturer, and the service schedule given to you by your dealership should closely align with this.
Not only can not rotating your tires lead to uneven tire wear and shortened tire life, but a dealer might not work with you if a major issue crops up right as your warranty expires. Maintaining your vehicle is important not just to keep your parts lasting as long as possible and saving you money in the long run, but also because service folks are more willing to bend warranty rules and offer discounts to those who have maintained their cars and trucks.
In Order Not To Get Scammed Check Around For Tire Rotation Service Pricing
Back to the issue at hand -- did this truck owner get scammed? Maybe. It sure does sound like he may have been, at least, overcharged. He might have been able to do this by calling around to various dealerships and independent shops, to find out what the best pricing is. A little googling, including researching sites like this one, can also help.
When in doubt about service pricing, check before you make an appointment. And be on the lookout for dealers that are taking advantage of the relatively new EV technology as an excuse to squeeze a few more dollars out of customers.
Many dealerships are honest. Some are not. The best way to find out which is which, is to call around. Online reviews can help, too, but sometimes the old-fashioned ways work best.
About The Author
Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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