Beware when getting tyres fitted - Damage to alloys

[Monstermunch]

Hi All!

When getting your tyres changed, please make sure you photograph each wheel before they are started! I just had 3 alloys damaged by a fitter who has denied causing the damage and pretty much blamed me.

The marks are located at the same distance from the rim. It almost looks like the damage was done with a torque wrench? What do you think?

When I complained to the office they couldn't explain how the marks were made. I wont be using 'National Tyres and Autocare' again, just not worth the trouble. If you do use them, please take photos before they start working on your wheels.

Interested to know if this has happened to anyone else?

Thanks

[Tadass910]

Wow what a hell

[Brooner]

Yep big tyre companys are <beep> i use a small independent garage and always remind them im anal about my alloys
And speak to the fitter directly as well and always give the fitter a £20 tip after ive checked the alloys
I never take it for granted that they will be careful with my alloys

[Monstermunch]

Yeah makes sense. Normally I am outside with them, but on this occasion I was too busy with work so left him to it. I will take your advice and use a small independent company.

[nastro azzurro]

National Tyres do torque the bolts after any work so could be that.
To be honest, they’re the only firm I’ve ever used to actually do this and was impressed when I saw them do it.
Most just use impact gun and that’s it.
Doesn’t help your problem though I’m afraid.....

[Monstermunch]

National Tyres do torque the bolts after any work so could be that.
To be honest, they’re the only firm I’ve ever used to actually do this and was impressed when I saw them do it.
Most just use impact gun and that’s it.
Doesn’t help your problem though I’m afraid.....

Good to know, thanks!....I am pretty sure there are some good fitters out there, but would be good to get to the bottom of what created the marks on the alloy.

[SimonY]

OMG, so sorry to see.

I use "Just Tyres" in Bedford. Not only do they Torque them on the day then the manager Steve will say come in over the next couple of days and we'll recheck it. I always give them a tip if they do a good job as the small independents remember you. Hope you can get your issue resolved.

[Brooner]

A point to be aware of if the fitters use a air gun to remove and install the locking nut it will wear the profile and eventually you will be unable to remove the locking nut i speak from experience
So now i insist they brake and remove the locking nut with a beaker bar and not the air gun

But i now have a winter and summer alloys so i change these over myself now and get the tyres changed when the alloys are off the car so it takes out danger of <beep> fitters

[Nige_RS4]

More common than you think. I always clean my alloys the morning of the tyre change (so the fitter knows they are immaculate) and as above, remind the Shop manager that they are mint and you want to keep them that way. Before photos are a must these days also.

[morski]

I use Pro Tyre in Stockport and have good friendly terms with them. Im right next to the tyre fitting machine when one of the fitters is working on them. Always very careful and if i suggest a different way they always take note ie use the rubber wheel clamps.
They have a 4 wheel alignment machine and i recently took a friends Macan GTS in for front alignment and they were struggling to access the tie rod nut which Porsche have covered with a daft plastic fitting. I got it off for them and there no 'hoo haa' about health n safety and stand 200 metres back etc.
Pay them cash so all good
Just need to find the small-er companies that care and you can go to and will recognise you as a return customer

[Monstermunch]

OMG, so sorry to see.

I use "Just Tyres" in Bedford. Not only do they Torque them on the day then the manager Steve will say come in over the next couple of days and we'll recheck it. I always give them a tip if they do a good job as the small independents remember you. Hope you can get your issue resolved.

Wow that's amazing service...Always worth looking after the smaller company. A long way for me to go though, but great to hear. Currently going through the motions of proving my innocents now so stay tuned. I believe the alloys have been struck by a torque wrench. The alloys are concave so you need a longer attachment to avoid catching the alloy...I have always put them on myself and am always super paranoid.

Hope it get resolved too!...Thanks!

[Monstermunch]

A point to be aware of if the fitters use a air gun to remove and install the locking nut it will wear the profile and eventually you will be unable to remove the locking nut i speak from experience
So now i insist they brake and remove the locking nut with a beaker bar and not the air gun

But i now have a winter and summer alloys so i change these over myself now and get the tyres changed when the alloys are off the car so it takes out danger of <beep> fitters

Yes totally understand what you are saying....Always best to manually tighten the wheels with a torque wrench. It's all a massive shame as the fitter did most of the hard work with no problems only to fail at the end. I even made him a coffee! Hopefully I will get a positive result.

[Monstermunch]

More common than you think. I always clean my alloys the morning of the tyre change (so the fitter knows they are immaculate) and as above, remind the Shop manager that they are mint and you want to keep them that way. Before photos are a must these days also.

Yeah, I have seem posts online about scuff and marks appearing after a wheel change. Accidents do happen, but when all of a sudden you are doubted and almost accused of making it up it leaves a bad feeling.

I think nowadays photos are a must...profit margins for these guys are so small due to competition that paying out for damages caused isn't favourable for them. You will now have to provide proof of the condition if anything goes wrong.

[Tadass910]

Never had any problems fitting new tires-rims at Audi dealers, some Audi dealers are even unable to fit tires on 21 inch because they don’t have tools

[Monstermunch]

Never had any problems fitting new tires-rims at Audi dealers, some Audi dealers are even unable to fit tires on 21 inch because they don’t have tools

Yeah, Audi is probably the last place I would go to...They have limited stock and are pretty pricey.