Tire mounting without damage to wheels... Hi all. Getting ready for Spring and will get a new set of tires for my summer wheels. They are off the car right now, so I am going to just bring the wheels and the new tires to a shop to have the tires mounted. Thing is, I have what I think are pretty mint multipiece wheels (shown in pic below), and don't want a shop guy to scratch them to smithereens when mounting the tires. Can I trust a local Goodyear or Firestone shop to mount the tires? What do you think? I don't mind a scratch here and there, but don't want a bunch of dings. Lol 501f8x.jpg mod_embed_images_loadimage('47555e6d955e5e0bcf76964643f3d4fe', 'http://pedrosboard.com/addon.php?7,module=embed_images,url=http%3A%2F%2Fi56.tinypic.com%2F501f8x.jpg', 'http://i56.tinypic.com/501f8x.jpg', 'http://pedrosboard.com/addon.php?7,module=embed_images,check_scaling=1,url=http%3A%2F%2Fi56.tinypic.com%2F501f8x.jpg', '', 15710, 750, 500, 'Loading image ...', false); http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15710#msg-15710Fri, 24 May 2013 12:28:49 -0600 Phorum 5.2.16-RC1 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16722#msg-16722 Re: Another youtube video of a true touchless tire changer,http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16722#msg-16722
]]> Johns986 Main ForumMon, 02 Apr 2012 20:56:30 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16721#msg-16721 Re: Many stores say they are touchless but very few arehttp://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16721#msg-16721Just be careful, many tire stores say they are touchless because in their mind their Tech is prying against the bar or metal lever and keeping it from touching the wheel with his force, thus it is a touchless operation but like I said before one slip by the tech and the metal bar is coming down on your wheel. A true touchless machine uses rollers and when the Tech sets it up he can basically watch it unmount the tire with his hands folded. Here's some youtube video of a true touchless machine, there are many others just search for touchless tire changer.







]]> Johns986 Main ForumMon, 02 Apr 2012 20:53:22 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16692#msg-16692 Re: The only way to insure no damage to wheelshttp://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16692#msg-16692
To prove my theory, we have a larger chain in my area called Conrad's (32-stores in NE Ohio), whom I just called and asked about the machines. The employee said that each store has 1-2 touchless machines.

I also called a local Goodyear and was told that "each store should have at least one as that is the modern standard".]]> KevinR-MedinaOhio Main ForumMon, 02 Apr 2012 06:31:41 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16690#msg-16690 Re: The only way to insure no damage to wheelshttp://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16690#msg-16690So either get a careful tech and hope for no slips or go to a shop that has the "no touch machine" and only then the human element (technician) is taken out of the equation.
John in Denver.
99 3xBlac]]> Johns986 Main ForumSun, 01 Apr 2012 19:24:32 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16558#msg-16558 Re: Update: who woulda thought Firestone would do such a good job. Lol...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16558#msg-16558 boxtaboy Main ForumMon, 26 Mar 2012 18:10:40 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16547#msg-16547 Re: Update: who woulda thought Firestone would do such a good job. Lol...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16547#msg-16547
Quote
boxtaboy
Now, I just need more time to get them on the car. Lol

Love these wheels - hope you have them on in time for TSBL! Glad to see you got the tires mounted with no problem

I've had similar experiences with wheel shops - now I only go to one place, local guy, and he is very good. Never a scratch.
]]> Gundo Main ForumMon, 26 Mar 2012 14:06:31 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16507#msg-16507 Had three wheels damaged once during tire installation....http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16507#msg-16507I said fine but if my wheels were damaged he would hear about it. When I got the car back sure enough three of the wheels were badly damaged, some with 6-8 inch circular scratches down to the metal from the mounting machine. I got the store manager involved and had him look at it and he agreed to pay for the damage. To their credit they eventually cut me a check for $900.00 to repaint all four wheels (yup that's what it costs to refinish four wheels). Be careful.
They told me that at one time there was a piece of plastic that they placed around the rim to prevent scratching but ceased using it because it took too much time.]]> patrick Main ForumSat, 24 Mar 2012 13:59:37 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16502#msg-16502 Update: who woulda thought Firestone would do such a good job. Lol...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,16502#msg-16502
Now, I just need more time to get them on the car. Lol

]]> boxtaboy Main ForumSat, 24 Mar 2012 11:24:49 -0600 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15756#msg-15756 Re: Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15756#msg-15756
Of course, one can't just assume all Costco tire shops will be this caring, but my experience was GREAT. My theory is that these guys see so many "beaters" that they appreciate it when somebody cares, or I just got the car lover wrench working on my car.]]> tom coughlin Main ForumSun, 04 Mar 2012 07:49:56 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15736#msg-15736 Re: Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15736#msg-15736 silverbox03 Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 17:32:32 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15734#msg-15734 I guess it varies from dealer to dealer...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15734#msg-15734
Best of luck...]]> Kimo Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 17:20:56 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15730#msg-15730 Pictureshttp://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15730#msg-15730 mikefocke, '01S Sanford, NC Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 15:39:14 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15724#msg-15724 Thanks guys. Great tips...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15724#msg-15724 boxtaboy Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 11:00:46 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15722#msg-15722 And even with the Hunter, the mechanic has to be willing to optimize the tire/wheel orientation. *NM*http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15722#msg-15722 Laz Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 09:45:02 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15721#msg-15721 Re: Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15721#msg-15721And #3: It probably helps to have all parties agree on what "perfect" means.]]> Laz Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 09:36:52 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15720#msg-15720 I would start by finding a good installer . . .http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15720#msg-15720www.tirerack.com]
Qualifier: Go with one of their TOP installers near you (not just 'other available') and personally I prefer an independently owned shop as opposed to a national chain.

In my experience, most of their installers price-match (as they can buy wholesale at TR too). I like it this way b/c it gives me someone 'local' to work w/ in case there are any issues. Have not had any problems w/ any of their installers re: dings/scratches and found all have Hunter road force balancing machines My local P-dealer, though not listed on TR's site works w/ them too. So, you and FST FWD have a lot of options.

Good luck :)]]> Burg Boxster Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 09:36:36 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15718#msg-15718 Re: Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15718#msg-15718
1. I buy my tires from the same shop that is going to mount them.
2. I buy from the manager (there are usually 12-20 "managers" per shop, it seems :()
3. I make clear at tire purchase time that I expect the mounting to be perfect. Then I clarify that I am not unreasonable...I just want my wheels returned in the same condition as before they touched them
4. I am never in a hurry, and ask for the tech with the most high-end wheel, low-profile tire experience. I can wait a week for their best person.
5. I take pictures of each wheel from a few angles before they start. And I do it where the shop personnel can see me do it.
6. I bring in the wheels only, and I review the condition of the wheels with the manager before they start
7. I've never found it helpful to watch the process
8. I inspect the hell out of the wheels before I sign anything

With all of my OCD tendencies noted above, I have to suggest that my steps may help a little, but it's really all up to the tech. I had an awesome person at a local Big-O for a few years, but it seems hard to find "the guy" any more. I must say that having tires done at my local Porsche dealership is a stress-free experience. They know how to do a perfect job and stand behind any mistakes. But you pay for that.

With all of that said, and with some mellowing as I and my car age, I just get my tires at Costco now. :)]]> SMILIN Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 09:32:15 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15717#msg-15717 Do a search: Hunter's site might still list shops that have "Road Force" machines. *NM*http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15717#msg-15717 Laz Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 09:30:58 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15715#msg-15715 Re: Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15715#msg-15715 boxtaboy Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 09:06:51 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15711#msg-15711 Re: Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15711#msg-15711don't be a nudge.]]> Laz Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 07:09:51 -0700 http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15710#msg-15710 Tire mounting without damage to wheels...http://pedrosboard.com/read.php?7,15710,15710#msg-15710

]]> boxtaboy Main ForumFri, 02 Mar 2012 06:41:08 -0700