Clients reviews about Don's Tire Service

Like you, I'm sure you've had your share of ups and downs with different car and tire service around the bay area. There's a certain chain that I won't mention that really burned me the last time I was there and was really fed up with what I was getting for what I was paying for. Cut to: DON'S TIRES in Berkeley! Holy smokes! What have I been missing?? Great customer service? CHECK. Nice people all around? YES. Better deals and full on explanation from folks who know what they're doing?? HELL YES! I've recommended Don's to at least one other person who got back to me after their experience and was equally thrilled. I can't recommend them any higher. Support local businesses (my mistake for not doing it sooner) and support Don's in Berkeley! ~ jim g

My experience with Don’s was extremely positive. About 6 months ago I came into the shop after being told by my car service shop that at least 2 of my tires needed to be replaced and I should just go ahead and get the other 2 while I was at it. When I brought the car into Don’s I was fully prepared to pay for all new tires. Instead Don’s said - “No you had a nail in one and you will probably have to get a new tire after the summer is over but if you don’t drive a lot you dont have to replace the two other tires.” That kind of honest service is so uncommon and refreshing. Today I brought my car into replace the tires before a long drive and I had my wife pickup the car. No muss no fuss at very reasonable prices delivered warmly. Highly recommend Dons tires. It’s the kind of business we should all support. ~ Juan T

I have a vintage 1990 Westfalia Vanagon camper van and I‘ve been coming here since it was recommended by Buslab for any kind of tire work on classic cars. Service at the front and back of the house is always awesome. The ladies in the front are so friendly. I was amazed that they were able to special order me some 215/65/r16 Nokian Rotiiva AT XL tires so quickly and cheaper than prices I found online. I was expecting a backorder as it’s a pretty specific all-terrain tire that isn’t so commonly requested but they were able to get them for a NEXT DAY install without my even requesting such a quick timeframe. They are fast! The alignment was top notch too. Couldn’t ask for more. ~ Mark L

I really appreciated Don's Tire Service this summer when taking a 5,000-mile camping trip to Northern British Columbia. In preparation, I bought new tires for my trailer and truck plus spares, despite Tony's assurances the current ones were new enough and in good shape for the trip. (He and I laughed about the novelty of him arguing against a sale). And then while on the trip, I called him at least twice when I saw temperature and air pressure rising on my TST monitor from a particular tire. He always explained what was happening and alleviated my anxiety. I've been going to Don's Tire Service for decades and highly recommend them. ~ Jean D

It was a pleasure the time was taken to understand how I drive and the best tire and cost. While I would have bought more expensive tires, I was given enough information to make an informative decision what was best for me. One of the few businesses now a days that made me feel I was important. The whole team behind the counter was great to speak with throughout the whole process. Including the dog! Yes- I have highly recommended to friends what a great experience buying my tires. I’ll be back for my next set. Maybe a while since I don’t drive that often. Kudos to the whole team- thanks ~ Nico Z

We moved to Berkeley 9 years ago and have been faithful customers and fans of Don’s Tire Service since our first flat tire! I wouldn’t go anywhere else and we even get our 2020 cars serviced there. Great service and prices, wonderful crew and staff … we haven’t had one problem in all these years. And I love that this business is family owned and that there’s an ‘Angelo’ in the office . Same as our grandson! I would (and do) recommend Don’s to more people than I can name. Thank you to everyone at Don’s! You folks are the best! Steve and Susan Shimm ~ Stephen S

I went for a simple taco at the Mexican restaurant down the block, and suddenly the ninjas who had been following me from Paris attacked. I spun out, into a perfect 360 donut, evading them, as I rocketed around the block, giving them the slip. Safely headed home, I was surprised when my tire was punctured by one of the ninja stars left over from my heroic battle. Luckily, It was in front of Don's tires, and they quickly replaced my tire with a professional and courteous manner, and soon I was on my way, ready for more adventures. I highly recommend them! ~ P. I

Great staff and wonderful experience. I hit my tire on the curb and got a cut on the sidewall. I was terrified and don't know what to do. Don's staff are super helpful with getting me a reservation ASAP. Then when I arrived here the specialist took a look and comfort me that it's okay to keep driving but monitoring the tire pressure from time to time. It's a huge relief for me. I suppose when the people who sell tires tell you you don't need a new tire, you really don't need a new tire :-) I'll definitely come back when I need a new tire and recommend Don's to my friends. ~ Yunbo L

I’ve been here twice to get new tires changed and the people there are super knowledgeable, they have patients and will let you know which tires you should get for the style of driving you do, they will let you know up front how much miles you will get out of the tires and how much they will cost and offer you a bunch of different brands. I would recommend making a list of questions before going in, they are hard working people, this will make their jobs easier and make the shopping experience better, lastly they had my tires done before the estimated time which was great! ~ Andres C

I chose Don’s, first because it was the closest shop to my home, when I got my car towed. It was just before Christmas and all of a sudden I had to put new tires on my car. I was going to spend the money regardless, but the genuine understanding made the difference. They gave me price options to try to make it more affordable. I even checked prices online for other places and they were giving me the best price I could find online too. I also had pressure sensors that had never been installed, and I just had in my glove box. I mentioned them after my service and thought I would be bringing the car in on a different ocassion but they offered to just get it done same day, no extra cost. Since this experience I’ve taken my car to always get tire repairs and replacements. They have always been friendly and helpful, no matter who I’ve been helped by. Plus, they all just seem to have a very healthy work environment. So don’t live as close to them as I used to but enough to make the trip every time. I will always recommend Don’s Tires. ~ Carolina C

I wish I'd found these guys earlier! I had a really good experience there. First - The office staff is fun, the wall decor had me highly entertained, and there was a cute pooch. You can't beat a cute pooch. Second - The service was excellent. I felt like they knew what they were talking about, they gave me options, and they respected my regular mechanic by suggesting I take part of the recommended work back to them. They got me in for service quickly, and they gave me rides to and from my house. An overall very positive experience. ~ Karin M

Dons is my go to local spot for all things related to my tires. I’ve been a customer for 30+ years and remember the original (namesake) owner whose work ethic, sense of humor and candor remain despite his no longer with us. Whenever I walk in, staff like Denise are amazingly organized and customer focussed. That everyone in the shop too are simultaneously welcoming even when super busy is a tribute to the management and group culture. Super reliable, honest and great value for the time and money spent here. . ~ Leslie F

I had what turned out to be a difficult problem to diagnose with my tire pressure system. Don's mechanics stuck with it. It took three tries, but they finally were able to get to the bottom of things and fix the problem. And they did not charge me for the fix because it took them multiple times (I had my credit card out to pay). That's what I call good business. I so appreciated their efforts to solve the problem and was floored by their not charging me for the fix, which they could have. They made a loyal customer of me I'll tell you that! ~ Kim C

First timer, went bc I called around to see where I could get an alignment check for my car at a relatively decent price point. This place was recommended by another auto shop that didn’t do tires. Service was fast, friendly, and honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at an auto shop. Family run and led. The folks there are super kind and you definitely do not feel like you are going to get the run around. Again prices are really decent. Definitely going back for other services, count me in. ~ Joanie

Dons really helped me out in a time of need, I have been dealing with a knee injury and unable to work while settling down from living on the road and in my van, my vehicle got towed because my registration was out, I talked to I believe a Denise at the front desk and explained my situation and that I needed to have my van worked on asap to be able to legalize it, she jumped me to the front of the line and helped me get my home back asap. Thank you so much Don's, you got a customer for life in me. (: ~ Maximilian S

Quick, friendly service and great prices. Place is staffed by a bunch of awesome women with great senses of humor who know their stuff. Especially great for other plug-in hybrid EV drivers or other women like me who are not usually super excited to go to auto shops. I got a new tire + oil change on my Chevy Volt for less than what the dealership charges for a tire alone, and all with awesome same-day service completed in less than an hour. Call them for same-day appointments as the online system doesn't show same day spots but staff is super helpful if you call. They even happily did a same-day order of the exact tire I needed to match my OEM original set of low rolling resistance tires which maximize EV efficiency (after helping me figure out what model of tire I needed over the phone). Tons of cute restaurants and coffee shops as well as Whole Foods in walking distance to work or do errands while you wait. Have already recommended to friends and family and recommend to anyone who reads this review as well. ~ Mia H

Don's has been in Berkeley it seems forever and their service has always been terrific. My family has been going there for years. Our son got new tires on his car but within two weeks got a nail in one. When we took it in for repair there was no charge as despite it being no fault of the tire. Don's policy is to guarantee as there was virtually no wear. This was unexpected but speaks to their integrity and honesty. You will always get the best prices, great service and your car back in a timely manner. ~ Jeanne A

06/15/16 Angela at the front desk and Greg from the shop were super to work with. My 2014 Rubicon had a lift recently installed and Greg knows Jeeps and was very familiar with alignment on such vehicles. Greg was able to dial it in to a perfect alignment and it drives super. I'll be a return customer. Greg went so far as to go on a test drive with me to ensure I was a satisfied customer. Also aligned my Jaguar S type here which also drives super after the alignment. Reasonable pricing. John ~ John B

I had a good experience here. The employees were straightforward, not pushy and took time to explain things when asked. They even patched up my tire and inflated them at no cost while I waited for the new tires to come in. My total was $425 for getting two tires replaced on my civic. There are also plenty of coffee shops and restaurants nearby that you can go to while you get your car serviced. Sincerely, A woman who is scared of getting ripped off for car stuff ~ S

There are not too many times in life that warrants a five star review But Don's Tires has consistently over the 25 years I have have been a customer delivered top notch service that is friendly, helpful and affordable. It is 8am and I have three cars that cannot be driven and would all need to be towed to a tire shop. Our cars were vandalized along with 15 others in the neighborhood. Each car had all four tires slashed on the side walls. Don's set up the replacement tires, and made arrangements for one of their mechanics to come out and assist me in getting all the tires replaced without having to tow any of them. THIS IS WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND TYPICAL CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! I also manage a local construction company and have moved all of our vehicle maintenance to Dons Tires as it is not just a tire shop. They do all of our regular maintenance for brakes, tune ups etc. Thank you Dons Tires! Your staff set a standard that all businesses should strive to achieve. I have been a customer for 25 years and will be a customer for another 25! Don would be proud =) ~ cricket d

I’ve had nothing but excellent experiences at Don’s. Once I came in a panic with a car full of camping gear leaving for a pretty remote drive. I thought I needed a new tire and was already late to start the long drive. Don’s fit me in on the spot and determined it was just low and filled it up. No charge. They could have sold me a new tire but didn’t. Subsequently I’ve been in several times for tires or repairs and had equally positive experiences. ~ Mars S

First, the Other Place My husband's car had a slow leak in one of the tires, so this morning, he took his car to a shop that he found on Yelp, which had a great overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 60 reviews. The guy at this place told my husband that his tires were run-flat (which they are) and so they could not be repaired. A new run-flat tire would cost around $800 and of course he would need at least 2 of them. That guy didn't have time to take care of all that this morning. My husband thanked him and then called his mechanic, who referred him to Don's Tire Service. Don's Tire Service At Don's Tire Service, my husband explained that he had a slow leak in a run-flat and asked if they could fix it. The person at Don's took the tire off, found that it had a nail, and said "yes." He explained that if the damage on a run-flat is in the sidewall, then it cannot be repaired. If the damage is a small puncture, like a nail in the tread, then it CAN be repaired. Fixed. Total charge: $35. Thankfully, we now know to go to Don's Tire Service first. ~ Bonnie A

I’ve been dealing with Don’s for more than 25 years for our personal car tires and my snow tires. They give great service in a “local business” manner. I always get the straight scoop from their staff. They store my snow tires in the summer, will check the pressure and tire wear anytime I drop in, do excellent alignments and can always squeeze you in for a nail/flat. They are near Hiwy 80 and are a great resource. Try Don’s - you’ll be glad you did. ~ Jack L

I’ve been to Don’s tires a couple of times and I’ve always appreciated their Customer Service above and beyond what you find almost anywhere these days! So refreshing.! Not only that they have a great sense of humor, and seem to really enjoy what they do – perhaps that’s the secret to such exceptional customer service! They are honest and have a dog on site at times. What more could you ask for!?! I highly recommend this business. ~ Kari L

Reviews from our customers