While the economy remains tough, you may see some empty storefronts or the occasional ‘going out of business’ sign, but that is not the case for locally owned and operated A&M Tires and Wheels at 9837 Highway 120 in Oakdale. Small business owner Alex Ruiz opened the doors to A&M approximately two years ago and business is good. Tires and wheels are his business and he started in the tire industry in 1995, working for Big O Tires in Oakdale and Manteca before branching out with his own private shop.

“Even though it’s a great community over there (Manteca), this is home to me,” said Ruiz.

He was born and raised in Oakdale and really loves the community. Ruiz and his wife had been discussing the options of opening a new business in Oakdale and that is how the dream began.

“With her support and community support, we’ve been having a lot of good feedback,” stated Ruiz.

He would like to make sure he renders the services that the community needs. The business is open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 3 p.m. The shop offers new and used tires and wheels so they try to keep costs down to keep their prices competitive. They carry all major brands of tires and wheels. Although the tire shop is located on the way westward out of town, they still keep busy. During the summer some of their customers are people that visit area tourist attractions and customers from out of town.

“Eighty to 85 percent of my business is word of mouth,” said Ruiz. “I just want people to know that we are here and that we are another option for them.”

The facility is too small to do front end repairs or brakes, expressed Ruiz. However, if the business keeps prospering they would like to move further into town and into a bigger facility.

If you buy two or more tires from their shop regardless of the brand name, they offer free rotations, free flat repairs, and computerized rebalancing, as long as the tire has legal tread life. If you do not purchase the tires from A&M, they will still render the same services but there will be a charge. A&M may be a small shop, but Ruiz said he finds it very important to have up-to-date machines and technology.

According to Ruiz, he takes pride in giving the best customer service possible and being honest with his customers.

“If you don’t need it, we won’t sell it,” he said.

Seth Smith purchased his tires from A&M a few months ago and stopped in recently to get a free tire rotation.

“They have excellent service. I have sent friends here to get tires. They know what they’re doing,” said Smith.

Ruiz feels very blessed and said he is thankful for the support that he has received from his wife, kids, parents, brother, and the community.

For more information call (209) 847-9500, email: amtires@att.net, or visit the website: am-tires.com.