moor deybe

After reading Stephen Munro's thread about alloy damage , I thought it worthwhile to let people know what happened to me after a recent encounter with a so called wheel and tyre specialist. The resulting damage to my alloy is probably insignificant compared to gouges on the spokes, but it is nevertheless annoying me everytime I clean the wheel.

I recently had a puncture in the near side rear and had to have the tyre repaired. After driving away from KwikFit because they couldn't guarantee their machine wouldn't damage the alloy (I think they were secretly glad to not have the potential problem) I went to Lookers Honda Derby who recommended a nearby firm that they sometimes use, namely "Inner Ring tyres and wheels - Specialists in 4x4 and High Performance Tyres and Wheels", Mansfield Road, Derby.

After explaining about how the spokes protrude further out than the tyre wall and how its possible for the spokes to be damaged by the machinery, etc. etc. they still managed to damage the alloy. It looks like they slipped when levering the tyre off the rim.

I was left complaining to the manager who ended up accusing me of kerbing the car before it got to them. The young man who changed the tyre was left silently standing there with a very red face, but they refused to accept responsibility.

The moral of all this is

1) get your alloy wheels inspected by the manager/dealer of wherever you have your tyres changed before they touch them

2) tell them about the spokes protruding out further than the face of the tyre

3) tell them about S-02's having stiff sidewalls and suggest that they let all the air out before they try and lever the tyre over the edge of the alloy

4) get them to agree to replace/repair any alloys that they damage, if they aren't ok with this go somewhere else

5) give the tyre changer a tip when they successfully change your tyres without causing any damage

6) avoid "Inner Ring" in Derby they are not capable of dealing with S2000 alloys

I complained to the manager, and put my views in writing to him also, unsurprisingly I received no reply. In their rush to be dishonest and deny that they did any damage they have lost my future business and of course I tell anyone and everyone who is looking round for a new set of tyres, what happened, in order to prevent them suffering the same fate. Currently 15 people and counting.

I'm going to see a local dealer soon to see if they do any sort of alloy repairs or know of anyone locally who does. If anyone has any information on the finish on the MY02 alloys or any other suggestions, then I would appreciate any comments. I'm left with a shiny mark where the slightly duller coloured grooves that are either where the alloy was machined or some sort of finish was applied, have been worn away. see picture below.

Perhaps a list should be started containing places capable of changing tyres in each part of the country (without causing damage), like the dealer list.

Its minor but its so annoying

Graham Munro

Surely its time for Honda UK to intervene in this matter of tyre changes that can almost guarantee a damaged wheel. I know where Stephen is coming from, after going to the trouble of having the wheels replaced and all that entails to have them damaged to a degree that is worse than the originals is very frustrating.

I remember some one on the board in talks with Honda over the wheel corrosion and replacements, could they also bring up this matter of damage when changing tyres. I wrote to Honda about this and did not receive a reply that addressed the problem, only a fob off back to the dealer, who in turn replaced the damaged wheel on that occasion. I shall be writing to Honda UK again on this matter and this time there will be no fob off, because if they can not give me assurances that tyre changes on my vehicle can be carried out without damage during the life of the car. I will have to take the view that the wheel design is flawed and precludes tyre changes without damage. If that is the case I believe Honda have a problem!

composite guru

My local tyre fitter had just invested in a new machine. All parts that touch the wheel are made of plastic so there is no damage caused.
When I took the the S to have the new rears fitted he couldn't get over how stiff the sidewalls were. He also commented that if he had used the old machine the wheels would of been knackered.
All I can suggest is that when you need tyres changing try and find a fitter that has one of these machines to hand.

If anyone is in the Bedfordshire area, the company is called Town Tyre Services in Flitwick.

Matt

douglasr

Sorry to say this, but I think you are over reacting a little. My 7 week old car has worse damage to the polished face of the alloys from road debris that the damage received to your car by the tyre fitter (inexcusable, I know and more annoying).

Your alloys will get damaged by road debris being kicked up from the tyres - especially if they have a polished surface. You will get stone chips and somoeone will put a ding in the door at some point. Personally I think its besy to live with these things rather than let them annoy you.

Ade

Sorry, I can't possibly agree with you on this douglasr.

You can't pay money to get something fixed and then have to come away with it damaged. People trained to deal with cars have to know how to look after them. They are obliged to take responsibiltiy for your car while in their care. Otherwise they could cause a load of damage and afterwards just say "Sorry, mate, it was an accident"

Stone chips are inevevitable and no-ones fault. A car should not be damaged while it's in for repair!

Graham Munro

[QUOTE]Originally posted by douglasr
[B]Sorry to say this, but I think you are over reacting a little.

Stephen Munro

Douglas, get back to me when you have had your tyres changed a few times

Oh! and good luck

moor deybe

douglasr - I hear what you are saying about road damage. Stone chips etc. caused while I'm having the enjoyment of driving the car are no-ones fault, but the difference is this damage was done by a self proclaimed specialist in wheels and tyres, after I'd advised them of potential problems, and I had to pay for the privilege of having my alloy damaged and they were blatantly dishonest about what they had done. Its a bit like a window cleaner breaking one of your windows every week and saying "well, it would have got broken eventually anyway" or in my case inisisting that I must have broken it myself!!!

My car was 3 weeks old at the time of this damage, if all tyre fitters were like this then my alloys would end up looking like 50 pence pieces after a few tyre changes.

composite guru - I think that may well be the answer, thanks for the info. I may well do some ringing around and be prepared to drive a few miles in order to prevent any future damage.

douglasr You must be related to the Dali Llama to have such an enlightened, ho-hum, whatever attitude, you're not an "Inner Ring" tyre fitter are you?

gaddafi

Some things we can live with - wear and tear and things we do ourselves.

Damage caused by others is unacceptable and if we let them get away with it we only send a message that it really is no big deal.

I recently had a tyre changed - by a specialist - very friendly matey service, but when I looked at the wheel closely a few hours later it was marked. Fortunately it's on the top of the outer rim where the lever has marked the alloy. I can just about hide it but that's not the point. Pretty pointless going back - they'll deny it, I'll get mad and it will all take time.

I don't know what the answer is. I hate the idea of standing over people when they work, or even getting agreement that there is no damage befor they start work, but it's coming to that.

Is the answer to use a tyre person who specialises in larger wheels and tyres - like Shoguns or similar? I can't believe those tyres are easier to change than those on the S.

Tonky

I have a strong inate mistrust of tyre fitters which goes way back to when I had 3 out of 4 alloys damaged on a Sierra Ghia. For years now my approach when having tyres fitted is to ask for the manager. I then ask him if he is absolutely happy that his crew can change my tyres without damage to the wheels. You'd be surprised how often the answer starts with a "Well erm....." response. That's me out of there straight away!!

If the answer is "No problem" I make it very clear straight away that I am going to change from Mr Nice Guy to the customer from Hell if they put the slightest mark on my alloys!! This was my approach recently when I had two new SO2s fitted on the rear at Addison Tyre in Tipton. I was assured that there would be no problem. Neverthess, I insisted on explaing to the tyre fitters exactly what the potential problem was with the spokes sticking proud of the rims. Their initial resentment at me poking my nose was obvious. I persisted however and told them that despite everything they were telling me, it was a common problem when having tyres fitted on the car for the spokes to be damaged. The manager and the crew eventually saw where I was coming from and went to great lengths to explain how the machine works, inviting me to stand and watch the tyres being fitted which I did. They were fitted perfectly with no damage. I'd have no hesitation recommending anyone to go there. They told me that there is absolutely no excuse for damge to ANY rim providing the fitter knows what he's doing and takes reasonable care.

There is absolutely no way that we should accept damage to a