friar93

I’ve had a couple incidents with wheels coming back from the tire shop with a scrape or a chip. I need to bring one of my wheels in for a tire.

Anyone ever tape up the edges (like painters tape?) or do something else to protect the wheel from mishaps at the tire shop?

polobai

Tape probably won’t help. Best bet is to go to a shop that uses either a rubber pad to protect the wheel or a touch less mounting system where the machine doesn’t touch the lip.

friar93

I hear you. it’s not always the machine

Once the wheel had a chip a couple inches from the edge. I believe the tech either put the wheel against a machine or it fell over on the outer side. It clearly wasn’t from the tire machine and negotiating damage was a waste of my time.

really I’m just trying to avoid any damage at all while the wheel is at the shop and/or have concrete way to quickly scan for damage.

polobai

Gotcha...I guess in that case tape could help. Maybe keep a watchful eye on the tech as he is doing it and point out anything you see as odd?

Porsche_nuts

Take it to a shop that cares more? Do you have mobile units where you live, where they come to you? You can watch them work and I hear they are pretty good.

friar93

I get it. Sometimes I just don’t have the time to hang around the shop. In this case it’s my summer tire that has a patch and I’m replacing it before install so it’s a drop-off job.

It’s not like this happens all the time but I’ve had lots of cars, winter/summer swaps, etc. accidents happen. I was just trying to think of a way to add some insurance. It’s 100% about avoiding the issue b/c I’m really not an OCD type

Jim991

I had 4 new tires installed at Discount Tire a few months ago. Before I gave the keys to the manager I took him outside and had him acknowledge that there were no scratches or other imperfections on the wheels. When they pulled my car in I saw him go into the garage and walk around the car with the tech. Wheels came through the change with no issues. No guarantee that they won't mess up the wheels but at least I had record that any damage was the result of the install.

SConn

I've had great experiences with my local Discount Tires as well. Definitely get the manager involved and mention the previous issues with chips, etc. I agree with the poster above about doing an inspection before they touch them.

WillCS2

Me too! Discount tire has always been great. I'd use them without hesitation.

smilin

i put tape on the high spots of the spokes, then review the condition of the wheels with the advisor before the start of work. the main benefit of the tape is to remind them that i care about the condition of my wheels and that they should too. i don’t know if the tape helps, or if the machines have improved, or if my shop is just that good, but i’ve had excellent wheel and tire care for 10+ years with this approach.

DerekS

Tape? No.

I simply take pictures of all 4 wheels - letting them see me do it - and ask them to please be careful not to scratch them up.
Make sure they are clean so it's obvious if they do something to them.

This is only necessary until you have a shop you trust.

spiderv6

I don't think some painters tape is going to stop any kind of blow or improper contact damaging the wheel.

And adding the tape may give a false sense of security to the tech.

I'd find a shop you are comfortable with.

Personally I use my dealer. I pay a premium of about $50 over a discount shop, but I know it's going to be done right. It's my Porsche tax/insurance premium and I live with it.

Cheshi143

Tape a $20 bill to the wheel and they will more than likely treat it as if it were their own.

ipse dixit

The wheel, or the $20 bill?

Falcondrivr

Wheels are wear items....