Garages who can change tyre without damaging wheel

[gteight]

Hi All,

New to Pistonheads.

I used to live down south and used Lepsons in Kent to change my tyres and they always used to tell me businesses shouldn't be changing tyres if they can't do it without damaging a wheel. They were an absolute breath of fresh air and took such pride in their work.

I now live near Berwick-On-Tweed in the very North of Northumberland and haven't managed to find a garage (main dealer or local specialist) who can change a tyre without some form of damage to diamond cut wheels. Had a bad experience today with a perfect alloy getting badly chipped during a tyre repair.

I'm reaching out looking for recommendations North of Newcastle & South of Edinburgh who are able to change a tyre without giving me the extra grief of fixing a damaged wheel afterwards.

Also happy to receive recommendations of local diamond cut alloy restorers.

Thanks in advance :-)

[Pent]

i hope you were compensated for this damage

[Pica-Pica]

I can’t help with your location, but, to be honest, I have never had alloy wheel damage when tyres have been fitted through Blackcircles fitting shops. I may have been lucky, or that may be part of Blackcircles supplying criteria.

[gteight]

Pent said:

i hope you were compensated for this damage

I called the independent fitter out on the damage and even though they were not keen to admit, they did agree to get the wheel repaired (or offer a contribution if I wanted to get it repaired myself). I asked them who they would use for a diamond cut alloy repair and they told me they have a deal with a local Vauxhall dealership (who I'm guessing would just send it away).

My car is a Merc GLC 400D Coupe which I've only had a couple of months. All other corners are in pristine condition.

[VeeReihenmotor6]

Feel your pain, reminds me of a Kwik Fit experience on a tyre repair 14 years ago where the entire ridge of a prestine rim was damaged on tyre replacement. I have never set foot in the chains ever since.

I can't help with your area but equally as another poster said I now use black circles and pick independent garages from their selection and haven't had an issue, yet.

[gteight]

VeeReihenmotor6 said:

Feel your pain, reminds me of a Kwik Fit experience on a tyre repair 14 years ago where the entire ridge of a prestine rim was damaged on tyre replacement. I have never set foot in the chains ever since.

I can't help with your area but equally as another poster said I now use black circles and pick independent garages from their selection and haven't had an issue, yet.

Yeah, I keep away from Kwik fit given bad experiences in the past too.

The specialist I used today is actually an approved fitter on Black circles, I just checked. They were a decent bunch of guys but clearly not taking due care when doing their job.

Edited by gteight on Wednesday 3rd April 16:03

[neelyp]

Skidz in Falkirk, bit of a hike from Berwick, but worth it.

[steveo3002]

google local refurb places , you would imagine they can refit tyres with no damage

or any boy racer /tuner shops that sell new alloys can do it

[nomank]

steveo3002 said:

google local refurb places , you would imagine they can refit tyres with no damage

or any boy racer /tuner shops that sell new alloys can do it

This. Always go to a decent refurb place

[Rough101]

I’ve never had one noticeably damaged, at back street places or Kwik Fit, it’s 100% doable, though I suppose the odd drop or slip is inevitable from time to time at any place.

[Terminator X]

I feel your pain



TX.

[Davie]

Border Tyres, Ramparts Business Park in Berwick upon Tweed.

[Johnny5hoods]

I, too, have been using Blackcircles on all my cars, both in the Southeast and in North Devon where I used to live, going all the way back to the early 2010s. Never had a prob.

Latterly (last 8 years or so), I've got all my Blackcircles tyres fitted at either Merityre or Formula 1 centres. Merityre only exists in the South. But Formula 1 is nationwide. I've found them both very good, although Merityre really do seem to try extra hard. But Formula 1 would be my choice if I lived a long way from the South.

Or, Google local tyre fitters close to you and read the reviews. There are still some really good independent tyre fitters dotted around the country, so good that you find people queueing down the road to use them. I presume you're new to the area and not overly familiar. Find someone with good local knowledge and ask around. There are always a few highly trusted tyre fitters, mechanics etc known only to the locals. When a small business is so good they don't need to advertise, the only way you'll hear about them is by chin wagging with the locals.

[OscarIndia]

Look up Mike Hope of Wooler and ask for Max.

[gteight]

OscarIndia said:

Look up Mike Hope of Wooler and ask for Max.

Thanks for the guide here, I'll definitely look him up next time I need a tyre changed! Who'd have thought its so difficult to find someone who can change a tyre without scratching a wheel.