JD Power Names The Best Tire Replacement Service In 2026






Regardless of whether you own a luxury EV, a gas-powered econobox, or one of the most powerful diesel-fueled pickup trucks ever built, there are a few maintenance jobs you’ll need to stay on top of to keep your vehicle in good working order. One of those jobs is making sure that your vehicle’s tires are promptly changed when they wear out. Drivers can pick from a laundry list of national chains when they need their tires replaced, but a new study from J.D. Power found that some tire shops saw customers drive away happier than others.

According to the study, the most consistently satisfactory tire replacement chain was Meineke Car Care Centers, which earned 856 points out of a possible 1,000 points. In second place was Pep Boys, which scored 850 points, while Discount Tire took the third-place spot with 847 points. For context, the overall average score in the tire shop category was 822 points.

Although Costco and Sam’s Club tire shops both scored above the category average, they trailed the best in class. Scores of 825 and 823 points, respectively, put them in eighth and ninth place in the study’s rankings. At the bottom of the table, Mavis Discount Tire took the unfortunate title of being the worst-rated tire shop in the study, while Walmart was the second-lowest-rated. Overall, consumers in 2026 were a few points less satisfied with tire replacement services than they were the previous year.

What factors did the study rank?

J.D. Power’s 2026 rankings were based on survey responses from more than 10,500 vehicle owners and compared tire replacement centers based on seven different factors. Respondents were asked about how fair they felt the charges were for the service, and how courteous the service advisors were throughout the process. The same advisors were also ranked based on their perceived performance, and the condition of the shop itself was also factored in. Ease of scheduling work, time to completion, and quality of work were the final three factors that were used to determine the combined ranking.

The report noted that drivers were becoming increasingly sensitive to the affordability of repair and replacement services, and that clear and consistent communication was among the most important factors determining overall customer satisfaction. One factor that the study did not account for was tire selection, which can vary significantly between retailers. For example, Costco only sells a limited selection of tire brands such as Bridgestone, Pirelli, and Michelin, while other retailers sell a broader selection of both discount and premium tire brands.





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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • A suit alleges Google transmitted user data without permission.
  • If you have used an Android device since 2017, you may be eligible.
  • You will need a notice ID and confirmation code to file.

Have you used an Android phone to access the internet in the past eight years? You might be in line for payment from a class action lawsuit against Google, but there are some important things you need to know.

Taylor et al. v. Google LLC alleges that Android phones sent information to Google without users’ permission, even when the phones weren’t in use, and all apps were closed, using users’ cell data they paid for. Google could have made these data transfers happen when the device was connected to Wi-Fi, the suit says, but it chose to make them happen at any time.

Also: The best data removal services of 2026: Delete yourself from the internet

Google hasn’t acknowledged any wrongdoing, but agreed to a settlement to avoid the prospect of court proceedings. This is unrelated to the recent $700 million Google Play class action lawsuit. 

How to file a claim

Anyone who used a cellular connection on an Android phone from Nov. 12, 2017, to the date the settlement receives final approval is eligible to participate in this suit. If you’re in this group, you should receive a notice with a code either in the mail or via email — if you haven’t already.

To file a claim, start by going to www.federalcellularclassaction.com. You will need your notice ID and confirmation code. If you believe you are eligible but don’t receive communication, you can email info@federalcellularclassaction.com. I’ve reached out to the settlement administrator to see if there’s a deadline by which you should receive your communication.

Also: Amazon is refunding nearly $1 billion to customers – are you eligible?

It’s not finalized how much each person will get in this suit. There is a $135 million settlement fund for approximately 100 million settlement class members, but since this sort of suit often sees only single-digit percentage participation, your payout can be up to $100. Each class member will receive the same amount after administration costs, taxes, and attorney fees. Eligible settlement class members will receive payment after the court grants final approval. The final approval hearing is June 23, 2026, so you won’t get anything before then.

One important thing to note is that if you’re eligible for this suit but don’t select a payment method, the administrator will still attempt to pay you. But if the administrator does not have your correct information, you may not receive your money.





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