When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I had my tires changed today and afterwards noticed each rim had 4 sets of 3 dimples/scratches in the metal. When I asked the owner about them he said that he has the best machine and how else would the machine be able to hold the rim without making a mark. Then said it was on the inside so nobody would ever see them. I would not have noticed except I dropped the rims off without the car attached and was kind of surprised that they were dirtier, with grease smudges and glue. In addition when they took off some of the old wheel weights, they left the glue which made it seem like a rush job. What is normal and am I overreacting?
Garbage job and he should have insurance to deal with these kind of mess-ups.
The machine should have non-marring sacrificial pads on the fingers of the machine. Usually HDPE or something similar.
His response is crap. I'd ask for him to pay for refinishing the wheels, because now that's a point where corrosion can start and the rest of the paint can begin chipping away from.
Somewhat overreacting and it sucks, but consider it a lesson. Next time find a reputable shop that does touchless (and be prepared to pay up) or ask a lot of questions beforehand + confirm original condition.
It was a location recommended by tirerack where I bought the tires. It is also a shop which I believe is highly recommended on this board as all they deal with are Porsches. I just want to figure out what the best solution is to the problem. If this is totally normal and acceptable that is one thing. If my rims shouldn't have damage then they will need to deal with it.
Depends on how you define "normal". When I get my other cars' tires changed at Tires Plus, they all come back with those little divots. The manager admitted it was from the machine that holds the wheel in place, and I accepted that explanation. On old wheels, you can barely see them. Then after I bought my 911, I asked the manager at the dealership if I should expect the same marks. He said nope, they use "touchless" tire removal so the rim is never touched. I didn't understand it, but he was right, no rim marks. I still take my other cars to Tires Plus and get the rims gouged, and the Pcar to the dealer, no gouges.
I just had new tires installed this week at the local Porsche dealer. Did I pay too much for the privilege? Yep.
But the wheels aren't marred, and the old weights and glue have been removed (after I went back a second time).
Life lesson.
DaveGee
+1. Dealer does my rubber every time. I pay about $50 per corner in Porsche tax for the privilege versus the discount guys. Worth every penny for the peace of mind that they will probably not screw it up, and if they do it’s on them with no argument.
improper use of their machine. Those marks are caused by using the inside grab paws of the tire change machine which are typically used on steel rims. They should have used the rim clamp instead.
My dealer also charges $50/wheel. That includes a loaner car or and Uber to and from the dealership. Plus they have the best balancing machine out there. Plus they don’t **** things up. That is a bargain considering these wheels are $1k+ each.
I called around to other shops. The reputable Indy here charges $60/wheel and that’s on an old machine.
Normal tire places charge $20-30 a wheel. That is a lot of risk for only saving $100.
Granted I am lucky with my dealer here, but They are good value. I totally disagree with the Porsche tax sentiment. You can’t pay someone bottom dollar and expect the job to be perfect. You get what you pay for.
I recommend ASAP Tire and the mobile install from the Tire Rack. They have top of the line no touch Hunter Tire Machines on the truck. I just had some 40 series tires installed on aftermarket wheels for my truck and they did not make one single mark. They also have the black stick on weights.
To clarify a few things. The assumptions that this was done on the cheap is incorrect. It was $55/wheel. The other assumption that it was done by a shoddy garage is also incorrect. This place has all 5 star "Top rated" on TireRack and has 400+ mentions/recommendations on this board. I bet that there are a lot of people on this board with the same marks on your rims but have no idea. Just like the owner said to me "you wont see them when the tire is on the car".
04-09-2021, 06:07 PM
3 dimple/scratch damage in rims from tire change
