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‘Getting Rewarded for Making Bad Decisions’: Single Mom Goes to Shop for New Tires. Then She Leaves In Tears

"Got me crying on a Tuesday morning."

Single Mom Goes to Shop for New Tires

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Madeleine Wagner

By: Madeleine Wagner

Nov 14, 2025 at 6:00am ET

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It’s always the unexpected expense that throws a wrench in your day. Or the one you’ve been ignoring, hoping a miracle deposit appears. Adding indignity to worry, the expenses are the things that keep your car rolling, but not necessarily in style; boring things like a head gasket, compressor, or new tires.

For one woman, the struggle was too real: She’d put off getting new tires until her tread was almost gone. The looming expense was like a dark cloud casting a shadow on her life. And then, she got to City Tire in Batesville, Mississippi.

“We puttin’ new tires on this girl’s car for free today,” is the opening sentence in a City Tire (@shittytire) TikTok that’s been viewed over 16,000 times and for a great reason: it’s a true feel-good moment.

According to the man in the video, a single mom who works two jobs needed four new tires. And though she didn't know it when she walked in, she was going to walk out with a completely new set, all on the house. They’re much-needed, as a close-up of the tires reveals they’re almost bald.

“She shole needed some, little fifteens wore smooth out,” says the technician.

Then the video cuts to one of the new tires freshly installed: even through the screen, you can almost feel the difference. Slick streets are going to be a lot less treacherous.

Gallery: Cheap Vs Expensive Winter Tires

Budget Vs Expensive Winter Tires

The Good Far Outweighs the Bad

Overwhelmingly, the internet is celebrating the kindness of City Tire, and they’re enthusiastically cheering for someone else’s win. Sure, there are a few cynics who can’t heed the old “if you have nothing nice to say” rule. But in a rare online twist, no one really takes the bait. Instead, the few negative comments are left to fade into the void.

“You sir, are the epitome of a southern gentleman and an awesome businessman. Good on you sir,” exclaims Nickstax1 (@nickstax1).

Two other commenters call the technician out by name, giving him credit for more than good work. Lbgone45 (@lbgone45) wrote: “Collins, [you’re] a good man, keep up the good work.”

But perhaps the best comment is also the very first: “That was my daughter and I can’t possibly thank you enough for what you have done for her. May God keep blessing you and your business,” says North_Ms_Mama (@craftymama47).

The Big Reveal: Your Tires Are All Taken Care Of

We, the audience, have known since the beginning of the video that something special is about to happen (and so has her mom). But for this hard-working mom, the surprise (and gratitude) don’t hit until she’s told her tires are “paid for. We’re covering your tires.”

Her response is one of disbelief: “No, you’re not,” she says off camera. “Why?”

The technician replies, “Just because.”

And then she says, her voice going up an octave or so, “Don’t make me cry!”

He assures her that’s not what he wants. “Sometimes people need a little help, and that’s what we’re here for,” he says.

The moment is soft but powerful and made even sweeter by the representative’s genuine pleasure at delivering the news. He then explains that he does TikToks to help raise money (people donate) for people who need new tires. It’s a deeply kind thing to do, as a full set of new tires for a smaller car can start at about $400, according to Discount Tire.

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Safety First: Check Your Tires Monthly

It might be self-evident how important tires are to a vehicle’s functionality and safety, but what should you be looking out for? The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association advises sticking to four things on a monthly basis to maintain tire safety: tire pressure, tread depth, tire rotation, and tire alignment.

Tire pressure: Check it when your tires are cold, at least three hours after driving.
Tread depth: Watch for uneven wear, bubbles, or other signs of damage. Note that when it’s time for new tires, the built-in “wear bars” will be flush with the tread.
Tire rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or as recommended in your vehicle’s manual. This helps present irregular wear.
Tire alignment: Potholes and road hazards can lead to alignment issues, which can lead to uneven and rapid wear. So, if your car starts to pull left or right, get it checked.

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For a single mom balancing her entire life on a set of worn-out tires, this wasn’t just a good deed; it was a way for her to gain a little traction. Hopefully, she uses some of that saved money on a treat the whole family can enjoy.

Motor1 reached out to City Tire via TikTok direct message. This story will be updated if they reply.

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