Tire Choice Auto Service Centers — Local services in Albany

Store Manager, Mr. Greg Allen took me in as a customer today (March, 2023), even though the shop was overbooked & closing soon, and his team didn’t have an opening for the remainder of the day. He identified the problem, and let me know that his shop didn’t have a long-term solution (in other words, they didn’t have a replacement tire for my vehicle onsite). Out of the kindness of his heart, he patched up my tire, as a temporary solution. And then he recommended to me, that I go elsewhere to find that permanent solution (i.e. replacement tire). When I asked him what type of payment he accepted, he told me that, because he couldn’t permanently fix the problem, that he wasn’t going to charge me. I begged him to let me pay him, as when I called him earlier on the phone, he told me that there would be a flat rate charge. But again, because he didn’t have a tire to replace mine, he wasn’t going to charge me for just patching up the tire.

I have encountered a handful of humans like this in situations like this throughout my life. But not many. It is a nice reminder, that there are people out there that are just out to do good and be helpful and be thoughtful. Mr. Greg Allen practiced kindness today (and yes, that was on a Sunday!). And because of this, I’m going to be able to drive my kids to school tomorrow and myself to work. Thank you, Mr. Allen! I pray that my kids grow up and treat their customers like you treated me today. ~ Jess (Kensington, CA) 🫶🏻

UPDATE (February, 2024) : Because you're evidently not able to add a 2nd Google Review to a business that you've already reviewed, I'm updating my review from a year ago...

This was the 2nd time I've visited this establishment. And things got even better! Firstly, Mr. Greg - as he does with every customer - took me into the garage to SHOW me the problem with my tire (on a different car than the last time around). He physically showed me! So, there was actual proof of the issue. It wasn't as if I had to take a car mechanic's word for it.

And from there, he took my two children (7 & 8 years old) on a tour around the garage. He saw that my son expressed tremendous interest in the goings-on...and out of the kindness of his heart, spent 30+ minutes TEACHING my kiddos (photos attached). And not only that, but he's invited my son to come back and spend some time in the garage to observe. All of this why? Because he's a genuinely good human being. And yes...I will be taking my son back, as he fell in love with the place! Thanks to Mr. Greg!!!

I say all of this because, if you find yourself in a predicament with your auto, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take your business to Tire Choice Auto Service in Albany, CA. We personally will not be taking our cars back into the Honda dealership anymore. We will be entrusting them to Mr. Greg. Period. ~ Jess (Kensington, CA) 🫶🏻

PS : The cleanliness and organization of this shop is nothing short of impeccable. Plus, there's a kids play area! Truly one-of-a-kind...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...

Today, I went into the shop right when they open as I know this store gets slammed with customers and with appointments. I have been here 3 times now, and each and every visit is as wonderful an experience as before. Today’s visit is about a nail in my tire. Greg Allen, the store manager took care of me. He had his technician patch me up, and I was out of there in less than an hour! The customer service is exceptional. I was not charged a cent. Who does that? An honest man, Greg Allen, that is who. If you missed my Yelp review from my first visit, I will summarize it here: I came to this shop and explained to Greg that I was very worried about the repaired tire that another shop had done for me and I wanted to buy a new tire; he told my that he will not sell me tire if my tire is still good, but what he will do was to have his technician remove the tire and look at the patch job and make corrections as needed; my car was pulled in into one of the bay; moments later, he comes back to me with the keys and tells me that they removed the tire and repaired the patch and that I should not worry for the tire will last as long as the life of the tire; I am still driving around with that tire that they corrected from another shop. I expected to pay something, but for all that trouble, he did not charge me a cent. From then on, this shop has become my shop. I have since done my oil change here, and will be purchasing my new set of tirea when it comes time. I don’t live in Albany, but I will drive here to see this man and give him my business for this car and any future car. I know Google only has up to 5 star in their rating; This shop gets 10 stars for exceptional service, going above and beyond and for cleanliness and tidyness! Not all shops are created equally; not all shops have a dear, sweet, professional manager...

I couldn't make up this review if I tried. Greg is INCREDIBLE as well as everyone else at Tire Choice on San Pablo Ave. I stopped by because I discovered a screw in my tire right before a big trip I was about to go on. I happened to be visiting a friend in Albany later that day, so I just searched for tire shops near her and I'm so happy I did. I will by driving from my home in SF to this place just because it is so friendly and wonderful.

For starters, when I first came in, a woman followed me in with what looked like 10 boxes of Popeyes fried chicken. Straight up, she was just dropping it off to the folks at Tire Choice for lunch because she was a returning customer that was so pleased with their work. Green flag #1.

When I described to Greg what I came in for, he said no problem and took my keys and said I could just wait inside while they worked. He later came over to me and had made a plate of one of the Popeye's chicken boxes that the customer had dropped off and gave it to me for a quick lunch. Never have I experienced such hospitality at a tire shop. Green flag #2.

After I thoroughly enjoyed my surprise lunch, I got up to tidy and throw my trash away and say thank you and surprise, Greg said my tire was patched and his crew had inspected the rest of my tires and tightened everything up so it was good to go. All of this took maybe a total of 35 minutes. And after all this, Greg said no charge, just leave a nice review.

So here I am, writing this novel because everyone and their mom should be going to this place to support this business!!! Thank you for your kindness and your professionalism. I will be telling everyone who will listen to me about this...