Blain's Farm & Fleet - Cedar Falls, Iowa — Local services in Cedar Falls

Unfortunately, I feel compelled to share my recent experience after years of being a loyal customer.

In August 2024, I contacted Blain's for a set of tires for my Chevy 2500 Duramax after Discount Tire told me they didn’t have any suitable options for my truck and rims. The staff at Blain's recommended a set of Cooper tires, saying they’d be great for daily use and heavy hauling. I trusted their recommendation — they’re the experts, after all.

Right away, I noticed a small red flag: the valve stem covers weren’t put back on. Annoying, but I let it go. They offered an alignment, which I declined. Fast forward to October, my employees started pointing out how quickly the tires were wearing down. I called Blain’s, brought the truck in, and was told there were “loose parts,” whatever that means — but that the tires weren’t worn “enough” to be replaced. They offered to rotate them and sent me on my way.

Now it’s May 2025. The tread is already down to 5/32. While hauling a trailer down a gravel road, a rock punctured the middle of one tire beyond repair. A local shop confirmed it was unfixable. I should have trusted my gut and demanded a different tire from the start.

I contacted Blain’s again. An answering service told me they’d "play the middleman" and assured me they’d take care of the issue. I even said, “Don’t waste my time if there’s nothing you can do — the tire is off and ready for new ones elsewhere.” They reassured me to come in.

I made the appointment — despite it being a busy season for me — and from the moment I walked in, I felt tension and attitude from the front desk. Then the new manager came out, asked about the situation, and told me the warranty was void due to not getting an alignment or fixing the so-called loose parts. That was the first I’d ever been told those things would void my warranty. The only thing they offered to honor was the road hazard insurance — the one tire — even though I paid extra for it.

I admit I wasn’t exactly polite to the new manager — some frustration definitely came out — but when a business guides you toward a specific product for your livelihood and it fails this quickly, it’s unacceptable.

Bottom line: be cautious. Ask questions. Get things in writing. And think twice before trusting a recommendation that could cost you time, money, and your...

I want to give a shout out to technician, Jeremy, at Blain's Farm & Fleet! We were visiting from Michigan and about to embark on an 11 hour ride home, with our two, young grandkids. On Sunday morning before Memorial Day, I realized there was a bolt in my tire that needed repair or replacement. The likelihood of either was slim to none on a Sunday, and even less on a Sunday before a holiday! I had to get back that day, but also needed to do it safely and not be stranded on the interstate with two young grandchildren (ages 3 and 4). After visiting 3 other locations from 7am - 9am early that morning the responses I received were: they could not repair it, didn't have the technican's available throughout the day or didn't have the appropriate tire replacement, and I needed to check back on Tuesday. My last option was Blain's Farm & Fleet. Jeremy greeted me very professionally and understood that if he pulled the bolt and 1) couldn't repair it, or 2) didn't have a replacement tire readily available, I was SOL until Tuesday. He did not have a replacement, but believed he could repair it. And he did! Within an hour I was on the road, but the true test was yet to come. Would it withstand the 600 miles back to MI? It did! I am so grateful to Jeremy and the Blain's Farm & Fleet team for the outstanding job and allowing me and my family to get back home safely that night, and recommend them for your tire repair service....

Bait & Switch consumer practice. I was at their store, saw item I would order when I returned home on line. Received email that they were processing my order. 1 week later I receive an email, item not available. I called C/S and spoke with Whitney, who spent exorbitant amount of time trying to convince me to purchase another item similar; but not the same price/and all more money. I requested since their Website was incorrect that they should honor same price/like item. She stated she could not do this. I requested she speak to her Supervisor and send me an email with results. Email 4 days later, states her Supervisor would not grant this. I thus returned an email and cc: JANE BLAIN GILBERTSON, CEO of Blaines Farm & Fleet with this exasperating C/S experience. I stated my idea of an equitable solution: 1- honor the same price for similar item, 2-and/or at least waive $20 shipping price. I received an immediate response, Blaines would waive shipping. The same day, received a separate email of "their big Sale, with FREE SHIPPING." This is classic example of Bait and Switch practice. I will be notifying the BBS but do not expect any equitable solution. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH...