Frequently Asked Questions

VIP Tires & Service has 77+ locations across New England, from Madawaska, ME to Wallingford, CT. With 35 locations in Maine, 21 locations in New Hampshire, 11 locations in Massachusetts, 6 locations in Vermont, and 4 locations in Connecticut, there’s a VIP around every corner, and most locations are open 7 days a week.

You should have your vehicle’s alignment checked twice a year, or every six months, to help protect your investment in your tires. If you have dedicated winter tires, a good time to check your alignment is during your seasonal tire changeovers. Otherwise, consider having it checked during your spring and fall visits.

VIP Tires & Service also offers a 90-day alignment warranty. If you hit a curb, pothole, or have another event that may affect your alignment after service, bring your vehicle back to VIP and we’ll check and realign it at no additional charge, subject to the warranty terms.

If the dealer does it, we do it, too! While in the past, VIP started as a discount auto center that sold tires, parts, and service, we’ve focused since 2012 on providing the best price and brands of tires and the best value, expertise, and reliability in full auto service. Whether you need brakes, oil changes, engine repair, diagnostics, or even just a flat tire repair — you can get it all done with one stop at your local VIP Tires & Service. We have World Class Master technicians, and we even employ the National Technician of the Year in 2024 at one of our Bangor, ME stores. Our parts and labor warranties also make it easy to choose VIP for any service your vehicle requires as you can be sure that if an issue arises, VIP has got your back.

New tires provide maximum tread life, better traction, the latest safety features, and full manufacturer warranties. They also deliver more consistent performance in wet and dry conditions, making them a smart long-term investment for safety and reliability.

If you don’t know your tire size, that’s OK — VIP Tires & Service can usually find the right tire using just your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Our online tire search can help you find your tire size, and our Certified Automotive Professionals can help you in-store.

We also have resources to help you find and understand your tire size, including a graphic on our tire search page and our guide to reading your tire’s sidewall. At VIP, we’re happy to help, and educating our customers about their vehicles is part of our mission.

At VIP, we put people at the center of everything we do, whether that means focusing on training for our employees and making sure that they are supported with the most up to date equipment, renovated shops, and state of the art training or when it comes to how we treat our customers. At VIP Tires & Service we believe in earning an automotive customer for life. We exist to earn your trust, not just the sale. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will be honest, respectful, and transparent with you every step of the way. We’ll walk you through the invoice, get your approval on everything before proceeding, and seek to make sure you get the best service and value on your visit. Our teams will also not only match but beat any tire price (see our Lowest Tire Price Guarantee for more details) and we’ll give you back double the difference between the two quotes as a gift card for your next visit. Turn to VIP, you’ll see why we’re Northern New England’s leader in all things tires and service.

VIP Tires & Service operates in five New England states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Yes! At VIP Tires & Service, we value trust, transparency and reliablity. We exist to earn your trust, not just a sale, and we’re here when you need us. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will bring you into the shop to show you what’s wrong with your vehicle so you can trust that what we’re recommending or requiring is actually needed to repair your vehicle. If you’re not present in the waiting room, we’ll send you a live feed link with pictures and more to explain what’s going on. You can always decide to get your vehicle repaired elsewhere and we’ll never require that you must get services done with us, but at VIP we have a lot of ASE certified technicians, state of the art equipment, and comfortable waiting rooms to make getting service done on your vehicle comfortable and provide you with as much confidence and transparency as possible. We know that our customers have a lot of choices out there to get their vehicle repaired, but we want to be YOUR repair shop that you trust.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service offers current tire and service promotions and coupons on our website. You can check our website for the latest deals and promotions, or join our mailing list and follow us on social media to be among the first to hear about new offers.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service offers discounts to veterans and military personnel from all branches of service at all VIP stores. Active-duty, retired and veteran military members receive free state inspections in Maine and Vermont, $10 off every oil change, 10% off tire purchases and discounts on parts and labor, up to a $50 maximum per visit.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service offers financing through the Goodyear Credit Card. You can learn more about financing options, including current terms and offers, on our website.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service offers price matching, and our 200% Lowest Tire Price Guarantee is even better. If you find a lower price from a competitor, we’ll beat the quote and give you back double the difference. Some exclusions apply, so talk with a Tire Expert or check our website for complete details.

Tire prices are going up in 2026 because the costs of making and delivering tires have increased. Rising costs for raw materials such as rubber and steel, along with tariffs, shipping and manufacturing costs, are contributing to higher tire prices.

While VIP can’t control manufacturer price increases, our Tire Experts can help you compare options from budget-friendly to premium tires and find rebates and promotions that offer the best value. We also work to offer the lowest tire prices and back that commitment with our 200% Lowest Tire Price Guarantee.

Oil change prices are going up in 2026 because several costs associated with oil changes have increased. Higher crude oil costs can affect the base oil used to make motor oil, while many newer vehicles require synthetic or synthetic-blend oil, which typically costs more than conventional oil. Oil filters, fuel, and shipping costs have also increased.

There isn’t one single factor driving higher oil change prices. At VIP, we’ll make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for and why, and our team will walk you through the oil change options available for your vehicle and budget.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service offers a lifetime warranty option on qualifying brake pads. Standard brake installation includes a 12-month parts and labor warranty, but you can upgrade to either select or ceramic brake pad packages with coverage of up to two years or a lifetime, depending on the pads installed. When a part has a lifetime warranty, the labor warranty also lasts for the life of the part.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service offers tire warranties and guarantees, including manufacturer mileage and defect warranties when applicable, plus several additional tire protections and services. Every tire we sell is backed by our 200% Lowest Price Guarantee. Bring us a valid competitor quote from the last 30 days and we’ll beat it and give you back double the difference.

You also get our 30-Day Ride Guarantee. If you don’t love your tires, we’ll swap them within 30 days of purchase. Plus, you’ll receive free mounting and dismounting for the life of your tires and free wheel re-torquing anytime, with no appointment needed.

VIP’s warranties can cover both parts and labor when VIP installed the part. The labor warranty lasts for as long as the part is under warranty, so a part with a lifetime warranty also comes with a lifetime labor warranty. That means if a covered part needs to be replaced, you won’t pay for the labor to replace it again.

The VIP warranty period ranges from 90 days to lifetime coverage depending on the service. Standard alignments are covered for 3 months or 3,000 miles; our Lifetime Alignment lasts as long as you own your vehicle.

Brake packages include a 12-month parts warranty and a 90-day labor warranty, with extended options up to 2 years, or lifetime on ceramic pads. Installed parts vary by manufacturer, but your labor warranty always matches your part warranty. If your part is covered for life, so is the work. Not sure what your coverage is? Ask any of our Certified Automotive Professionals; they’ll be happy to walk you through it.

The VIP Tires & Service warranty covers parts, labor, alignments, brakes, and tires. If a part we install fails under warranty, we replace it for free, and our labor warranty matches the part warranty, so the installation is also covered.

Alignments include free re-checks, corrections, and tire rotations for the full warranty period, and our Lifetime Alignment covers your vehicle for as long as you own it.

When it comes to tires, you’re covered by our 200% Lowest Price Guarantee, a 30-Day Ride Guarantee, free mounting and dismounting for the life of your tires, and free wheel re-torquing anytime — no appointment needed. Manufacturer mileage and defect warranties may also apply. Just bring your original work order and receipt, and we’ll take care of the rest.

The difference between all-season and all-weather tires is how they perform in winter conditions. All-season tires are designed to perform well in rain and moderate temperatures year-round, but they aren’t designed for heavy snow or ice. All-weather tires go a step further, offering good performance in rain, mild winter conditions, and snow. Many all-weather tires are also severe-snow rated, meaning they meet the same performance standard as dedicated winter tires.

If you regularly drive in significant snow but don’t want to switch tires twice a year, all-weather tires may be worth considering. If your winters are generally mild, all-season tires are usually a good choice.

The difference between all-weather and winter tires is that winter tires are specifically designed for cold-weather performance, while all-weather tires are built for year-round use with added winter capability. Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures, along with deeper, more aggressive tread designed for snow, ice, and slush.

All-weather tires combine some of the benefits of all-season and winter tires. Some are severe-snow rated and can handle moderate winter conditions, but they’re designed to perform year-round rather than specifically for harsh winter weather.

If you live somewhere with long, harsh winters, dedicated winter tires are generally the better choice. If your winters are more moderate, all-weather tires can provide added winter capability without requiring seasonal tire changes. Our Tire Experts can also help you compare the options based on your driving needs and local conditions.

Some tires cost more than others because their size, construction, materials, technology, and intended performance all affect their price. Larger tires and tires with stronger construction generally cost more to manufacture, which is why truck and SUV tires often cost more than standard passenger tires. Brand and technology also play a role. Premium tires may use higher-quality materials and advanced engineering for longer tread life, better grip, and a quieter, more comfortable ride, while some budget tires reduce costs in these areas. Performance tires typically cost more because they’re designed for sharper handling and braking.

The most expensive tire isn’t necessarily the right tire for you. Our Tire Experts will ask about how you drive, your preferences, and your budget, then recommend options that fit your needs.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service can help you pick out the right tire, even if you don’t know much about tires. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will take the time to understand how you drive, your expectations for your tires, the brands you prefer and your budget to help you find the right tire for your vehicle. Plus, with VIP’s 200% Lowest Price Guarantee, you can feel confident you’re getting the right tire at a great price. If you find a valid competitor quote from the last 30 days, we’ll beat it and give you back double the difference.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service carries a large selection of tires from leading brands, with a wide variety stocked in our stores and warehouse. Our selection includes Goodyear, Michelin, Vredestein, Milestar, Celimo, BFGoodrich, Cooper, and Kelly, among others. If we don’t have the tire you want in stock, we can get it for you, and we guarantee it at the lowest tire price.

You can find out which tires have rebates through several places on the VIP Tires & Service website and in our stores. The Deals section on our homepage features current offers, including tire rebates. When you search for tires on our website, any eligible rebates will also appear with the tire details.

If you join our mailing list, we’ll send you reminders on the first Friday of each month with that month’s new rebates. You can also call VIP or talk with a Tire Expert at any VIP store to find out which tires currently have rebates.

VIP Tires & Service carries a wide range of tire brands, including Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Vredestein, Yokohama, Toyo, Nexen, Nokian, Hankook, Falken, and many more. We also carry value-focused brands for drivers looking for quality tires at a more affordable price.

Whatever you drive and however you drive it, our Tire Experts can help you find the right tires for your vehicle, driving needs and budget.

VIP Tires & Service sources parts from trusted, reputable manufacturers and suppliers to provide reliable, quality parts for your vehicle. We don’t accept customer-supplied parts because our parts and labor warranty covers parts we source and install.

Parts can cost more when purchased through VIP because you’re paying for more than the part itself. Our price includes sourcing the correct part for your specific vehicle, keeping quality parts in stock, professional installation, and warranty coverage for both the part and labor. Our team uses its expertise to make sure you get the right part for your vehicle rather than simply selecting a part off the shelf.

In other words, you’re not just paying for the part — you’re paying for the right part, installed correctly, and backed by a warranty. We’ll clearly state all costs on your work order and get your approval before work begins.

Yes, an alignment or tune-up can improve your gas mileage. A poorly aligned vehicle creates drag as tires resist each other, and worn components, such as spark plugs or a faulty oxygen sensor, can throw off your engine’s fuel-to-air ratio.

Some vehicles, particularly certain sports cars and performance models, are designed with staggered fitment, meaning different sizes on the front and rear axles. For most vehicles, though, all four tires should match in size unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.

Yes, VIP Tires & Service provides mechanical service for cars and trucks. Our Certified Automotive Professionals can handle a wide range of repairs and services, including brake repair and installation, check engine light and vehicle diagnostics, muffler and exhaust repair, transmission, and differential repairs, shocks, struts, steering, and much more. If your vehicle needs service, our team can help diagnose the issue and determine the right repair.

No, a tire with a higher speed rating does not mean it’s necessarily better. A higher speed rating indicates a tire’s ability to handle higher speeds under specific testing conditions, but it does not automatically mean the tire will provide better performance in every category. Factors such as tread life, comfort, weather performance, and driving needs also matter.

Yes, driving slower can save gas. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, midsize gas-powered vehicles get their best fuel economy around 55 mph, with efficiency dropping off quickly at higher speeds.

Yes, tire pressure really does affect gas mileage. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Properly inflated tires reduce that resistance and help your vehicle run closer to its intended fuel economy.

Yes. VIP Tires and Service is an authorized provider of state inspection services in Maine and Vermont. When you come in, VIP will check every item on your state’s list and let you know if your vehicle has any issues and how they can be fixed.

A visual check should always be conducted to get a sense of the condition of a used tire. Avoid used tires with uneven wear, cracks, bulges, puncture repairs near the sidewall, or tread depth below 4/32 inch. Also, check the DOT date code; tires more than six to ten years old may no longer be safe, even if they have usable tread.

VIP operates 77+ locations across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. You can easily find the store closest to you by using our locations page. Most locations are open seven days a week and welcome walk-ins.

If you notice that your tires frequently lose air pressure, or that your vehicle is pulling to one side, you should have your tires inspected. You should regularly check your tires for common signs of wear or damage, such as visibly worn tread, cracking, or bulging on the sidewalls. In addition to flat repairs, tire rotations, and tire installation, VIP offers free tire safety inspections at every location, so if you’re unsure, a technician can take a look at no charge.

The lifespan of a used tire depends on its age, tread depth, driving habits, and road conditions. Many used tires have 10,000 to 30,000 miles of remaining life, but a professional inspection can help determine how much usable tread is left.

The right time to get an oil change depends on your vehicle and the type of oil it uses. Review your owner’s manual for details, or speak with a VIP Certified Automotive Professional to find the proper oil change interval for your specific vehicle. Every oil change at VIP includes a free multi-point vehicle safety inspection performed by an ASE Certified technician.

Tires should generally be replaced based on factors such as tread depth, age, visible damage, and driving conditions. Even if a tire has plenty of tread remaining, rubber can deteriorate over time, so it’s important to inspect older tires regularly and follow your tire manufacturer’s recommendations.

If only one tire is damaged, replacing a single tire can be fine only if you drive a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive vehicle, use the same brand, model, and size as the other tires, and the other tires all have minimal tread wear. If there’s a noticeable difference in tread wear, then you will need to replace the tires as a pair to ensure traction, handling, and overall vehicle stability. If you drive a four-wheel vehicle, then you will likely need to replace all four tires at once.

If your vehicle’s air conditioning system needs service, a VIP Certified Automotive Professional will inspect your AC for leaks, as well as its blower and hoses, to pinpoint the problem and explain any recommended repairs. VIP also offers free AC checks, so you can stop by your local location to find out what’s going on before committing to a repair.

BSW stands for Black Sidewall and indicates that the tire has a plain black sidewall without any white lettering or decorative markings. It’s a style designation that affects the tire’s appearance, not its performance, size, or capabilities.

OWL stands for Outlined White Letters, a sidewall design where the raised lettering has a white outline instead of being molded in solid black. Some drivers choose OWL tires specifically for a more distinctive or classic look, similar to RWL (Raised White Letters). Like other sidewall style markings, OWL has no effect on how the tire performs or fits your vehicle.

XL, or Extra Load, indicates a tire with reinforced construction designed to carry a higher load than a standard load tire of the same size. If your vehicle requires XL tires, replacement tires should have the same designation to help maintain the proper load capacity.

The fastest way to improve fuel efficiency is to check your tire pressure and ease off aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration and hard braking. Both are free or low-cost changes you can make today.

VIP provides tires from a wide selection of major brands, as well as tire and alignment services. Every VIP location also offers a wide range of auto services, including oil changes and brake services, engine heating and cooling repair, battery replacement, and state vehicle inspections. Every visit also includes several free preventative services, such as multi-point vehicle inspections, alignment checks, brake inspections, tire safety inspections, and battery testing.

You can get your vehicle’s work done as soon as your appointment allows, and VIP can often complete repairs or installations the same day. If an issue is identified during your multi-point inspection, our team will let you know whether the repair or installation can be completed during your appointment.

For larger or more involved jobs, we may need to keep your vehicle for a few days or provide a longer estimated completion time. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will explain the expected timeline upfront so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

VIP does its best to stay on schedule, but unexpected issues or services that take longer than expected can sometimes cause delays. We’ll do our best to let you know if your appointment is running behind.

If you’re concerned about a delay, call your VIP store before your appointment to check the current schedule, discuss your options, or get a more accurate expectation for when your vehicle will be serviced. If needed, our team can also help you reschedule your appointment.

Yes, you can drop your car off at VIP and pick it up later. All VIP locations have after-hours drop-off boxes where you can leave your keys and vehicle information. Our team will contact you the next morning to confirm your drop-off and provide an update.

Yes, you can drop your car off early for an appointment at almost all VIP locations. For after-hours drop-offs, use the drop box to get an envelope, write your contact information on the outside, and place your keys inside before sealing it. Our team will retrieve your keys in the morning and prepare your vehicle for its appointment.

Yes, you may be able to pick up your car after the store is closed, but you’ll need to make arrangements with your VIP store in advance. Our typical process is to have you pick up your vehicle during regular store hours, but our team will work with you to find an after-hours option when possible.

Your vehicle must be paid in full before pickup. You can pay in the store or through our text-to-pay link. If you pay through text-to-pay, call the store to confirm your payment and find out where your keys will be left so you can pick up your vehicle after hours.

Yes, you can walk into VIP without an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome at every location. Availability and wait time vary depending on the day, time and store, so calling ahead can give you a sense of what to expect. We’ll take care of you and keep you posted on timing while you’re here.

Yes, VIP offers same-day service at some locations, depending on scheduling and availability. If online scheduling doesn’t show any same-day appointments, call your local VIP store directly and we’ll do our best to fit you in.

Some repairs may not be possible the same day due to parts availability, delivery times, or the time required to complete the repair. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will set clear expectations upfront so you can plan accordingly and we can respect your time.

To book an appointment online with VIP, click the Schedule Service button on our website or use the Book Online option through Google, our ads, or our social media. You’ll be prompted to choose your VIP location. If you have location services enabled, the system may automatically select the nearest location, so be sure to confirm that you’ve selected the correct store.

Next, enter your phone number. If you’re a returning customer, we’ll send you a verification code so we can pull up your vehicle and contact information. Then, select the services you need and add any notes or information you’d like our team to know about your vehicle. Your notes will be saved in our system so our team can reference them during your visit.

Once you’ve selected your services, choose an available date and time. Your choice between waiting for your vehicle or dropping it off may affect appointment availability. After you confirm your appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation by text and email. We’ll also send you a text reminder 24 hours before your appointment.

You can schedule a service appointment at VIP by calling your local store, chatting with a specialist on our website, or booking online through our site, our ads and social posts, or our Google Business Profile.

• Calling is the fastest option if you need an appointment as quickly as possible.
• Live chats connect you with an ASE-trained technician who can book your appointment and order tires to the right location in time for your visit.
• Booking online takes just a few minutes. You’ll answer some questions about your vehicle, verify your identity by phone, and then choose the services you want.

With VIP’s online appointments, you can book your appointment up to 90 days in advance.

A typical service at VIP takes about an hour, but service times vary depending on your vehicle and the work it needs. Oil changes, state inspections, and some tire services, such as flat repairs, rotations, and balancing, generally take about an hour. More in-depth repairs, such as brake work or diagnostics, will take longer.

Our Certified Automotive Professionals will give you a clear, upfront estimate of how long your service should take. If anything changes during your visit, we’ll keep you informed so you can decide how to spend your time. We respect you, your time and your vehicle.

When having your car or truck serviced at VIP, you can expect a thorough, customer-focused process from check-in through pickup. When you arrive, our desk team will walk with you to your vehicle to take measurements, assess its condition and ask about the reason for your visit. Your vehicle will then be brought into a bay, where our Certified Automotive Professionals will perform a complimentary multi-point inspection if you choose a paid service. If you do not choose a paid service, they will instead perform an Advanced Multi-Point Inspection (AMPI). The inspection takes about 15 minutes. You can decline the inspection, but let our desk team know at the start of your appointment to save time and address any expectations upfront.

After the inspection, our team will invite you back to your vehicle to show you what they found and discuss any services that may be needed now or in the future. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will then complete any approved repairs. When your vehicle is ready, our desk team will let you know, help you complete payment and return your keys.

Most appointments take a little over an hour, so plan accordingly. We respect your time and want you to have accurate, realistic expectations for your visit.

The difference between a drop-off and a waiting appointment at VIP is whether you’ll stay at the store while your vehicle is being serviced. If you choose a waiting appointment, you’ll stay in our waiting room while our team works on your vehicle. We do our best to treat all appointments the same, but waiting appointments are prioritized for getting vehicles in and out as quickly as possible.

If you choose a drop-off appointment, you’ll leave your vehicle with us and arrange a ride home. For typical services, we guarantee that drop-off vehicles will be completed by the end of the business day, barring staff or parts shortages. For example, if you schedule a drop-off at 1 p.m., your vehicle may be worked on anytime between 1 p.m. and closing. We fit drop-off services into the schedule as our workload, emergencies, AAA tows, and other appointments allow, while ensuring completion by the end of the business day.

If you have questions about which option is right for you, our team can explain how it works when you make your appointment or visit the store.

You can get your vehicle’s work done as soon as your appointment allows, and VIP can often complete repairs or installations the same day. If an issue is identified during your multi-point inspection, our team will let you know whether the repair or installation can be completed during your appointment.

For larger or more involved jobs, we may need to keep your vehicle for a few days or provide a longer estimated completion time. Our Certified Automotive Professionals will explain the expected timeline upfront so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.