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Tyre Fitters Who Won't Scratch Wheels

Guy_Nicholls7

Guy_Nicholls7

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Hi

Can anyone recommend a tyre fitter who won't scratch my wheels while changing the tyres.

My Cayman 2014 GTS (15K miles) is still on the original Factory-fitted Pirelli P Zeros. I want to fit X4 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

I have had fitters scratch wheels before and don't want it happening again.

Looking for a fitter close to Northampton.

Many thanks,
Guy Nicholls








 
I've found solution is to find a tyre centre run by the guy who owns it, someone who still gets their hands dirty. They will instantly appreciate your car and send the junior guys away to work on an old lady's Clio that's arrived at the same time.

I found my guy, who I've now used for many years, through the Blackcircles web site (they categorize their fitting centres so you can choose the quality you go to). I don't always use Blackcircles to supply the tyres but I aways use the same guy to fit them.

Unfortunately for you he's in Glasgow!

 
You may find a local wheel refurbishment specialist who would fit tyres for you, they seem to know how to fit tyres without damaging wheels. You could order the tyres from BlackCircles or similar and have them delivered to the wheel refurbishers.

 
Guy,

If you really want to guarantee zero rim damage you need to find a place that has something like the Boss Touchless Tyre Machine shown here:

http://blackboots.co.uk/the-boss-touchless-tyre-machine/

Although they're not exactly local to me, I've used Blackboots on a number of occasions. They have a lot of experience fitting big low profile tyres and though they're not cheap, at least my rims are still intact..!

Jeff

 
Hi Jeff

That's really helpful.

I'll follow this up and get back to you.

Best

Guy Nicholls

Guy,

If you really want to guarantee zero rim damage you need to find a place that has something like the Boss Touchless Tyre Machine shown here:

http://blackboots.co.uk/the-boss-touchless-tyre-machine/

Although they're not exactly local to me, I've used Blackboots on a number of occasions. They have a lot of experience fitting big low profile tyres and though they're not cheap, at least my rims are still intact..!

Jeff

[/quote]

 
Dove House in Rushden have all the equipment and are very carefully and competitively priced . Tony Whitcombe 01933 354144

 
My local Porsche Centre (OPC) will price match on tyres and fit them properly including nitrogen inflation which is now specified by Porsche. But probably won’t fit non N-rated tyres?

 
Hi

Went to Black Boots in Chesham last week.

X4 Michelin P4S + alignment = £1122.

It was great to watch the guys working on the wheels and tyres while u wait.

My GTS was a great ride before but now it's like ecstasy!

And no scratches on my wheels.

Great job.

Many thanks for advice and tips.

Guy Nicholls

 
Glad you got everything sorted satisfactorily Guy - Black Boots are a good professional crew, if rather expensive.

Oddly enough I'm having the rears replaced on my CS this week but thought I'd try the Cambridge PC for a change since they're closer and came up with a decent quote - fingers crossed..! I was rather surprised that another PC quoted a significantly higher price but I suppose it depends upon their supplier.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on with the Michelins. Although I'm not overly keen on them, I'm still running with P-Zeros mainly because there's still plenty of tread on my front tyres and with the current front/rear wear rates I'm hoping that after a few more track days I'll be in a position to replace all four tyres next time.

Jeff

 
Wollemi said:
My local Porsche Centre (OPC) will price match on tyres and fit them properly including nitrogen inflation which is now specified by Porsche. But probably won’t fit non N-rated tyres?
Click to expand...
Is this "price match" just at your OPC? Or is it available across the network?

Certainly BMW offer to price match across their whole dealer network

 
[/quote]Is this "price match" just at your OPC? Or is it available across the network?[/quote]

Wasn`t last January when I fitted a set of MPS4S N0, saved £200 on local OPC`s quote. Hopefully a new initiative ...

 
Hi Jeff

My P Zeros had plenty of tread left but the Ackerman effect was quite pronounced and they needed a lot of warming up over the Winter to avoid wheel-spin. Additionally, they are quite a noisy and hard ride on the sports chassis I have. I passed on an offer from a PCGB member of x4 relatively new Pirellis for £280. If you're interested I'll pass on his details. I know he tracked his car on them a couple of times so there is shoulder wear on the fronts but the rears are still mint

As when buying the car, I research and watch reviews on You Tube, so I expected great things of the Michelins and am very pleased to date. Ride is softer and there is no Ackerman. I think they have kevlar in them (could be wrong) which makes cornering a dream.

The original idea was to have the Michelins delivered to Black Boots for fitting. However, they weren't having any of that. You have to buy the tyres through them. They claimed they got me a "special price" on the tyres.

Front 235/35 ZR 20 PS4 NO 2x £175 = £350

Rear 265/35 ZR 20 PS4 NO 2x £225 = £450 (Balance inc.)

Geometry £135

VAT £187 (steep or what?)

Wonder how the price compares with Porsche Centres or elsewhere....

Thanks again.

Guy Nicholls

 
Guy,

That was a very competitive price for the Michelins, although you state that they’re PS4 and not PS4S. Either way, I’m sure they’ll be an improvement over the Pirellis.

When I enquired, Black Boots told me that they charge £25+VAT to fit customer supplied 19” tyres and £35+VAT for 20” tyres.

Thanks for the info on the P Zeros but mine are 19”wheels not 20” like yours.

Jeff

 
Hi Jeff

I wrote PS 4 because that's what Black Boots have on the receipt.

Just been out to check Black Boots have fitted the PS 4S.

Was thinking they'd fitted the old PS4s which would help explain why the price was - as u put it - "competitive".

Happily, they've fitted x4 PS 4S as requested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F65rXOlS2f8&t=23s

The $64,000 question is: have they fitted PS 4S and charged me for the PS 4 tyre instead?

Can't say I'm bothered since I've got the tyre I wanted and no scuffs on the wheels at a good price into the bargain.

Great tip, Jeff!

Let me know when I can return the favour...

Best

Guy Nicholls

 
Hi Andrew

The PS4 is not available in these sizes.

That must be why on the tyre review the guy refers to the PS 4S as the PS 4's "big brother".

The penny has finally dropped with me.

Great to have so much expertise at my disposal here at PCGB!

Many thanks

Guy Nicholls

 
I have just had to change my near side front as a consequence of a recent track day at Anglesey, I did enquire at my local OPC but they were £100 more expensive than my local blackcircles who I use regularly for my other cars.

I had my reservations but felt having spoken to Simon on the desk all would be OK, true to his word, a quick turn round and no damage to the wheel.

I would just like to add I paid the full asking price for the tyre and there is no financial incentive for me to put this on the forum, I just wanted to make fellow forum members aware that it is possible to get a good job done without having to pay OPC prices.

Steve

 
Had a rear puncture recently. Black Boots too far from me.

Rang Kev at DW Performance who services the car. He recommended Jeff and John at Broadway Tyres Wellingborough.

These guys don't have the Bosch touch-less tyre-fitting machine but they fitted a new Michelin PS 4S without inflicting any scratch damage whatever. Evidently, in the course of changing the tyre they use rim covers. It's a simple solution and one bigger garages like ATS would do well to follow.

The Broadway guys pride themselves on being able to do this and as a satisfied customer I can vouch for their work.

 
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