Country Tire Celebrates 20 Years in Ramona

By Laura Calverley

Country Tire & Auto has been selling tires in Ramona for 20 years. When owner Jeff Harris took over the business, he wanted to keep the same tradition alive that the previous owner offered. That tradition of honest, reliable service remains a trademark at Country Tire, as Harris celebrates his second anniversary as owner.

"I think people feel comfortable with us," said Harris,, who has worked in the tire and auto business for 10 years. "If you offer quality and trustworthy work, people will keep coming back."

Country Tire sells all lines of tires, from Remington to BF Goodrich, and also handle brakes, alignment, shocks, front-end work and other services. Free estimates are offered on most work.

"We offer quality tires for the best price," Harris said. "Our main point is honesty.

Country Tire offers flat repairs and carries used tires. However, Harris cautions customers that used tires have no warranty.

Mechanic Paul Patino has been with Country Tire for about two years. He said there is not a corporate mentality or high-pressured sales at the shop.

"We offer old-fashioned service," said Patino, who has 16 years experience on alignments and front-end work. "We look at the car first, and then we do the paperwork."

Harris attributes his business' endurance to the loyalty of its customers. A first time customer wrote a detailed thank-you letter that is displayed in a frame in the office.

"These guys are great," the customer wrote. "Paul patiently answered all my questions... Honest, straight to the point... Knowing I could not afford to do everything at once, they suggested the safest thing to do first...No unnecessary quotes... plain, honest, hard-working men...I'll stand 100 percent behind them."

Harris recommends having tires checked every 3,000 miles, whenever the oil is changed.

"Many times alignments are off or the treads are worn, especially around here with all the hills and rocks," he said. "There are a lot of sidewall punctures, too."

Harris said he hopes to expand Country Tire by opening another location in the near future.

"Gas prices and steel prices have slowed things down," he said, "But we hope to expand down the line and keep the same kind of service."

Country Tire is located at 2317 Main St. For appointments, call (760) 789-4141.