I also stand there and watch as the tires are broken down and new tires are mounted. Costco has really scratched my 4Runner alloy rims up.

 

I always do that. I also tell them there's a big tip if they do a good job.

 

Small claims court may be an option if you have the free time.

 

But I would first write to the shop and detail what happened, the value of your wheels, and how much it would cost to repair them. Give them the option to repair or you will file in small claims for your cost to repair plus filing and service fees. Give them 5 days to reply. If no reply then have the wheels repaired and file. Keep copies of all reciepts and letters for the judge, and let them explain how those funny scratches are actually normal road wear. I would also send a copy of your letter to the consumer division of your state department of justice if you have one. If they get enough complaints regarding a specific business they may fine or sue them. Good luck

 

ouch. i would complain to the shop manager

 

I had that happen with a shop here. I had an identical mark on one of my front wheels. I told the manager and he bought me a new wheel. I had to commend that shop as the manager didn't argue with me and bought a new wheel. You should definitely inform them of their error. I almost hate having nice wheels as it seems they just get destroyed mounting tires.

 

All the tire pros are working for mod shops, the tire rack, good dealerships with all the correct tools, etc. You won't find the real pros at chain stores.

 

As someone mentioned Discount Tire I have a story about them. When I had my Boxster I always noticed Atlanta folks recommended a DT store very close to my house. I had my Boxster tires done there and very little damage was done. I next took my wifes Touareg(19" rims) there and they screwed up one rim badly. I went back and they asked what I wanted to make it right. Gave me $50 on the spot. They would have had the wheel resurfaced if I wanted it. It makes no sense to me when a garage can obviously see if a car is in good shape or not(i.e does it have dings? Are the wheels full of curb rash? Is the interior trashed?) If a car looks showroom fresh(like mine always does) have some respect and try to keep it that way. I am hoping my lease ends before I need tires so my wheels stay perfect as they are right now. The factory somehow gets the tires on without damage so why can't tire shops do it?

 

its not so much finding a pro as actually finding someone that knows what they are doing. you can hire anyone, give them a 10 minute class, and they can change a tire. but they are prolly gonna fook it up bad, and not know how to do it right.

i go to good roads here, a very well know wheel and tire shop. they sell lots of sets of wheels a day, and to clients ranging from civics to ferraris. chances are they were taught how to mount a tire with minimal to zero destruiction done.

they have always done me right. however, the only thing stupid they did was when the dude parked my car. thankfully it was stock height then, cause he parked with the front over the curb!!!!!!!if it was lowered like now, he woulda ate the lip.

bottom line, eliminate as many as the variables as possible. i will never bring my car to that shop again, but i will remove the wheels and bring those to them.

ans always check before and after for damage, its the only way to be certain.

 

Happened to me at Discount Tire on my previous M3. Michelin Pilot Sport tires... they damaged both the wheel and tire. When I showed the manager, they ordered the new wheel and tire with no argument. Cost them $750. And, I got to keep the damaged wheel/tire. Full size spares rock.