Geneva, Ill.-based Merlin Muffler & Brake Shops will be offering lifetime tire warranties to consumers starting next week, according to Tim Williams, the chain´s director of program development.
Consumers who buy tires at Merlin shops will be able to get replacements at no cost for as long as they own their vehicle, he says.
In order to qualify, buyers must follow a regular maintenance schedule, including having their tires rotated every 6,000 miles and having their wheels balanced every 12,000 miles. Both services must be performed at a Merlin outlet.
In addition, buyers must get alignments every 24,000 miles, but that service can be performed anywhere, "as long as they prove it´s been done," says Williams.
Merlin sells Continental brand tires. "We´re in the process of investigating secondary brands."
The 29-year-old company has 61 franchise locations and nine company-owned stores throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas and Georgia.
