Gary's Viking Tire & Auto

Gary's Viking Tire & Auto, located at 609 W Colton Ave in Redlands, CA, is a well-established and highly-regarded automotive repair station operating within the "Auto Repair Stations" category. For years, they have built a strong reputation within the local community for their commitment to honest service, fair pricing, and a professional approach to vehicle maintenance and repair. They serve as a comprehensive destination for both tire needs and general automotive services, focusing on customer satisfaction and reliable workmanship.

Operating hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing consistent availability for appointments and walk-ins during the week. This schedule allows local users to conveniently manage their vehicle's service around their work or daily routines. The long-standing presence of Gary's Viking Tire & Auto in Redlands suggests a deep understanding of the local automotive landscape and the specific needs of the community.

The environment at Gary's Viking Tire & Auto is consistently described by customers as clean, professional, and welcoming. While specific architectural details aren't widely advertised, the general impression is that of a well-maintained and organized automotive workshop. This includes a systematic layout of service bays, equipped with the necessary tools and technology for efficient repairs. Customers often praise the professional and courteous nature of the staff, including individuals like Dennis and Ray, who are frequently mentioned in reviews for their helpfulness and transparency. The focus is on making customers feel valued and ensuring clear communication throughout the service process. Unlike some larger chain stores, Gary's Viking Tire & Auto, as a local business, often provides a more personalized experience, fostering a sense of trust and community. The waiting area, while likely functional rather than luxurious, is designed to be comfortable for clients while their vehicles are being serviced. The overall atmosphere emphasizes efficiency, honesty, and a genuine concern for customer safety and vehicle performance.

Gary's Viking Tire & Auto provides a wide range of services and goods, encompassing both tire-specific needs and broader automotive repair. Their offerings include:

• Comprehensive Tire Services: As indicated by their name, tires are a core specialty. This includes the sale and installation of new tires from a variety of reputable brands such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Pirelli, Nokian Tyres, Falken, Kumho, Michelin, Dunlop, and Cooper Tires. They cater to diverse vehicle types, offering everything from all-season and mud tires to performance tires. Beyond sales, they provide essential tire maintenance services like tire rotation and balancing, flat tire repair, and addressing seasonal tire requirements. They are equipped to handle various wheel sizes and vehicle types, ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance.

• General Automotive Repair and Maintenance: Gary's Viking Tire & Auto is a full-service auto repair station. Their automotive services cover a broad spectrum, including:

  • Oil Changes: Offering both conventional and full synthetic oil changes, often with options for European vehicles and different capacities.
  • Brake Services: Comprehensive inspection, repair, and replacement of brake pads, rotors, and other components.
  • Wheel Alignment: Precision wheel alignments to ensure proper handling, tire longevity, and fuel efficiency. Many reviews specifically mention their expertise in tire balancing and front-end alignment.
  • Steering & Suspension Repair: Addressing issues related to shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, and other suspension components to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
  • Engine Diagnostics and Repair: Utilizing diagnostic tools to identify and fix issues indicated by a check engine light, ranging from minor sensor problems to more complex engine repairs.
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Service: Diagnosis and repair of HVAC systems, including refrigerant recharges and component replacement.
  • Battery Services: Testing, sales, and installation of automotive batteries, along with cleaning battery terminals.
  • Fluid Services: Inspection and topping off or replacement of various fluids, including coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
  • Belt and Hose Inspections: Checking and replacing worn or damaged belts and hoses to prevent breakdowns.
  • Pre-purchase Inspections: Thorough inspections for those looking to buy a used vehicle, providing peace of mind.

• Vehicle Inspections: Beyond specific repairs, they offer general vehicle inspections, including safety checks and assessments of various vehicle systems to identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Several features make Gary's Viking Tire & Auto a preferred choice for local users:

• Honesty and Trustworthiness: This is perhaps their most consistently praised feature. Numerous customer reviews highlight the shop's commitment to only recommending necessary repairs and providing transparent explanations, preventing customers from feeling "scammed or ripped off." This integrity builds long-term customer loyalty, with many families trusting them for over 15 years.

• Experienced and Knowledgeable Technicians: The staff, including Gary and Ray, are frequently commended for their expertise and ability to accurately diagnose and resolve complex vehicle problems. They are often described as being "very knowledgeable, efficient and timely."

• Competitive Pricing: Customers consistently mention that Gary's Viking Tire & Auto offers fair and competitive pricing for their services, often providing better value than larger dealerships or chain stores without compromising on quality. Some sources indicate they will match or beat competitor's standard pricing.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: The shop is known for its quick service without sacrificing quality. Customers appreciate getting their vehicles back promptly, often within the estimated timeframe.

• Customer Care: The overall customer service experience is a strong point. Staff members are described as friendly, respectful, and genuinely concerned for their customers' well-being and safety. They are often willing to go the extra mile, such as arranging Uber rides for customers or patiently explaining repairs.

• Wide Range of Tire Brands: The availability of numerous top-tier tire brands ensures that customers have ample choices to fit their vehicle type, driving style, and budget.

• Guaranteed Workmanship: While specific warranty details might vary, the consistent positive feedback on their repair quality and the explicit mention in some promotions of a "3 year / 36,000 mile extended nationwide warranty" for some services, suggest a strong confidence in their work, offering peace of mind to customers.

Gary's Viking Tire & Auto frequently offers various promotions and discounts to provide added value to their customers. While these can be seasonal or time-limited, common types of promotions include:

• Service Discounts: They often feature tiered discounts on general repair or maintenance services based on the total cost (e.g., $27 off services over $199, $47 off services over $399, $77 off services over $799).

• Oil Change Specials: Regular promotions for oil changes, including specific pricing for full synthetic oil changes (e.g., $39.97 for non-European vehicles with up to 5 quarts) and European oil changes (e.g., $89.97 for up to 7 quarts).

• Seasonal Specials: Promotions tailored to specific seasons, such as "Spring Special" for tire rotation, windshield wipers, and basic inspections, or "Winter Protection Service" covering battery and coolant checks.

• Free Second Opinion: They often offer a free second opinion with a written estimate, providing transparency and allowing customers to compare diagnoses and costs.

• A/C Service Specials: Discounts on A/C services, including refrigerant evacuation, system performance checks, and recharges.

• Tire and Alignment Bundles: Promotions such as saving on an alignment when purchasing a set of four new tires are common.

• Manufacturer Rebates: As a dealer for major tire brands like Pirelli, Bridgestone, and Firestone, they participate in manufacturer rebates (e.g., $100 Pirelli Mastercard® Prepaid card with qualifying tire purchases).

• Gift Cards: Gary's Viking Auto offers gift cards, providing a convenient way for customers to purchase services for others.

Customers are generally advised to check their website or inquire in-store for the most current promotions, as some offers may require coupons to be presented at check-in and cannot be combined with other discounts. The consistent availability of these promotions underscores their commitment to providing excellent value alongside quality service.