How do you stop tire mounting damage?

[MNICEBOX]

Originally Posted by David Wildrick

Today, I went to Discount Tire to get new front tires on my 2001 Boxster. They managed to put circular scratches all the way around the rim of one painted alloy wheel (17inch). Had to limp home on the spare wheel and get another car while I wait for them to get the wheel refinished.

I had the same thing happen with a rear wheel a few years ago at NTB when I replaced the rear tires.

How do you guys prevent this from happening? Do you have a personal "tire guy" who knows what he’s doing?
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.

Sorry to hear. Had a Z3 years ago and one of those tire chain stores ruined a custom wheel of mine while mounting TireRack purchased tires. Only good to come of it is that they admitted their error and bought me a brand new replacement custom wheel. Since then I never, ever use these chain stores. I use Porsche and BMW indy repair specialists who have tire mounting machines (Hunters). They work with low profile tires and custom/expensive OEM wheels all the time and in my experience are the best. They all deal with TireRack and accept drop shipped tires all the time.

[tonycarreon]

agreed don't know if dealer is the only answer, but certainly don't go to the churn and burn chain tire stores. they use the big machine with the large "crowbar" that forces the tire on / off without regard to the actual rim they're working with.

same thing happened to me. went to my local tire store for new tires. got the car home and realized the entire outside of the rim was scarred from their machine.

took it back and all they offered was to "clean" up the rim and pointed out the store policy was that damage to rims could occur and that they were not responsible for it.

[Ghostrider 310]

Get to the tire tech and tell him there's a crisp $20 in his pocket for being extra careful and producing a scratch free result. I do it even where I know they will be careful; a box of doughnuts on the way in a another low key way to say "look out for my ride".

[ekam]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

Get to the tire tech and tell him there's a crisp $20 in his pocket for being extra careful and producing a scratch free result. I do it even where I know they will be careful; a box of doughnuts on the way in a another low key way to say "look out for my ride".

Paying $20 to an imbecile won't make him any smarter. It's better to take it somewhere else that have people know what they're doing.

[Ghostrider 310]

Originally Posted by ekam

Paying $20 to an imbecile won't make him any smarter. It's better to take it somewhere else that have people know what they're doing.

I did a lot of tires in my life, twenty in cash to a guy who might enjoy a cold twelve that night on your coin means more than you think. Mechanics are not imbeciles, they solve problems every day and can repair numerous household items with ease. I have saved countless thousands at home and on my ride based on lessons I was taught young. Lastly, human pride in doing a good job is ingrained in the human not the occupation, reward works, I know my bonus structure got my attention.

[ekam]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

I did a lot of tires in my life, twenty in cash to a guy who might enjoy a cold twelve that night on your coin means more than you think. Mechanics are not imbeciles, they solve problems every day and can repair numerous household items with ease. I have saved countless thousands at home and on my ride based on lessons I was taught young. Lastly, human pride in doing a good job is ingrained in the human not the occupation, reward works, I know my bonus structure got my attention.

First off, not all tire shops are the same, some caters to daily drivers and some caters to enthusiasts and the price they charge reflects that. Quality of work will not change if you throw them an extra $20 as they change few hundred tires a day.

In this economy, throwing cash in people's face might make you look arrogant and he'll probably add a few extra scratch on the wheels just because you're special.

[David Wildrick]

The Discount Tire store manager was very apologetic. He sent the wheel out for refinishing at his expense. He claims that the steel wheels that pass through their mounting machines leave metal particles in the plastic that contacts the rims, and that is what scratched my paint. Said he just became manager of this store and will have new plastic installed. I’m not holding my breath and will not be back to chance it.

Guess I’ll take MNICEBOX’s advice and get more specific recommendations for a tire place from local P-car owners here in Houston.

Thanks for all the input from everyone.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by David Wildrick

The Discount Tire store manager was very apologetic. He sent the wheel out for refinishing at his expense. He claims that the steel wheels that pass through their mounting machines leave metal particles in the plastic that contacts the rims, and that is what scratched my paint. Said he just became manager of this store and will have new plastic installed. I’m not holding my breath and will not be back to chance it.

Guess I’ll take MNICEBOX’s advice and get more specific recommendations for a tire place from local P-car owners here in Houston.

Thanks for all the input from everyone.

Mistakes will happen, what counts is how it is handled after the mistake. Sounds to me like a resonable explanation & best outcome you could have asked for. I would be inclined to go back there, you know the manager will remember you & be extra carefull next time.

[landrovered]

Originally Posted by ekam

Paying $20 to an imbecile won't make him any smarter. It's better to take it somewhere else that have people know what they're doing.

I do take offense to this type of statement, it shows little regard for the other guy. I cant imagine that the person you are describing is actually mentally impaired, thus I would assume you are just impugning auto shop workers in general .

Tire stores and automotive shops see every kind of attitude you can imagine every day and we have a tendency to match whatever is presented to us.

Some folks are better than others, some shops are as well and mistakes do happen but the customers attitude is important as well because it takes two to tango.

[landrovered]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

Get to the tire tech and tell him there's a crisp $20 in his pocket for being extra careful and producing a scratch free result. I do it even where I know they will be careful; a box of doughnuts on the way in a another low key way to say "look out for my ride".

Absolutely right ghost!

Folks remember that changing tires is a violent undertaking and the lower profile your tires the greater force required to stretch the carcass over the wheel. The bottom clamp tire machines with rollers arms will reduce dings but operator care is the most important thing.

If someone scratches your wheel just buy some paint, don't throw a tantrum and give Porsche owners a bad name. Most shops are afraid of our cars already.