jw1977

Why is it that no tire shop can put new tires on a car without scratching the wheels up? I've tried 4 shops including the dealer and it always comes back with scratches around the wheel.

X51

Have had same issue multiple times. I always ask them to make sure their plastic and rubber bits on their mounting equipment are new and not worn. That seems to have solved the problem for me. They get lazy and don't replace their wear items on the mounting units - that's been the issue for me.

BSO

Many tire shops have big signs stating "not responsible for rim damage" which is a crock of crap. As tire mounting may not be considered a high skill job, you can get the least experienced techs there. However, mounting low profile tires these days takes skill and the best equipment available, so go figure.

I wait till there's a sale and have the dealer do the tire replacement, and take pictures of each rim before the tire change.

jstdenis

I'v had shops refuse to do tire work stating their equipment was not qualified and then recommend a shop with the proper equipment. Appreciate the heads up!!

fast1

I've had my tires mounted for the last 30 years by Porsche techs, and have never had a problem. Before the tires are mounted, I always have the SA do a close check of each wheel to verify the absence of any damage. That way the dealer can't claim the wheel was already damaged before the work was done. With the wheel balancing equipment which has been available for the last couple decades, wheel damage should no longer occur. OTOH if the wheels are damaged, they can be easily repaired but that charge should be paid by the dealership and not the individual.

_RS_

Agree with the dealer approach, quoted $160 for fitting and balance all four.
CLs mean no regular tire fitters for me.

Bxstr

I would recommend the dealer. Take pictures prior to taking it in. Then walk around it before leaving the dealer. If they have damaged your wheel, I would say the dealer is going to be your best chance at getting a quality refinish done on your wheel for no cost compared with some other tire shops.

Jim991

I just had four tires installed at Discount Tire. I took photos beforehand and walked the service rep around the car for an inspection. I saw him speak with the tire installer when they pulled the car and point out at the wheels. Came back no scratches.

MJG911

my dealer charged me $700 to mount and balance my CLs when I swapped out tires at delivery