I have new white rims and I am replacing old white rims. This will involve removing two sets of tires and switching. Does anyone have experience with a reasonably placed tire place that can do this without injuring the white paint and balancing them properly on the new wheels?

 

Best tire shop in area for quality and care is Radial Tire in Silver Spring. Address is 9101 Brookville Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone is (301) 585-2740. Exit I-495 south on Georgia Ave. Go to http://www.radialtire.com/ for map and directions.
I'm not connected to the business but I've been going there (from Virginia) for many years.

BOCOOP, MCS w/ 220SX pkg, dark silver/dark silver, PIAAs, Borla, 15% pulley, etc., tinting (Roadblock), 17" Dunlop runflats but headed for Radial Tire for winter wheels.

 

I've been going to Radial for 25 years. I think they are the best, but the wait is usually 1.5 to 3 hours. I was just checking if there was anywhere else. I guess great car people know what's to know. thanks again.

 

Keep it in the MINI "family" -- DCMM's own John Behe at http://GlenelgServicenter.com/ (410-489-0230) has a brand new tire mounting widget and top-of-the-line balancing equipment. John does all my work

 

Not sure if they're operating where you are, but I've heard good things about this new operation. RoadForce balancing and no-mar mounting equipment.

 

another vote for radial tire. especially since you're in silver spring.
I'm guessing it's worth the wait if you hear some of the horror stories on what could go bad on a simple tire replacement.

 

I just called around for quotes on four installed (balanced, etc.) Michelin XV4 255/55x18 M&S tires for a BMW X5. Craven Tire quoted $965.58. Eurasian, an independent repair shop I really like and use for a lot of different work, cited $848 and Radial Tire quoted $840. There's no practical difference between Eurasian and Radial, but Radial Tire is superb for being careful and for great balancing. I've driven out of there with all kinds of cars and always felt as thought I was driving on smooth glass. Yes, the wait is 1-3 hours. My view: Take a good book or magazine and wait; the results are worth it.
BOCOOP, MCS w/220hp pkg, DS/DS, PIAAs.

 

Another vote from me for Radial Tire. I drive there from McLean Va. Good price on wheels and tires. They will work with Tire Rack. Lastly, I am very picky about who touches the SSR's I use for autocross.

John

 

Thanks. I did Radial again. Toyo Proxes 4's.

 

I put the Proxes on my SSRs (normally used for autocross). Getting ready for the Dragon next year. I'll have to do a tire swap at some point during the seasion but love the look, ride and feel.

 

Why do tire places, no matter their reputations.....never leave you with the right tire pressures? I have also found that very reputable places have left loose lug nuts on. I always check pressure and the lug nuts after a tire change.

 

I bought a set of Proxes 4's in March of last year from Radial. Sam & Paul are both great guys. Radial Tire is one of the sponsors for the local SCCA Solo II club. Great prices on autocross and R-compound tires.

Got about 35K miles out of them. I managed to kill them about 45 days ago, left rear wheel had 3 deg of negative camber, which put it 1.5 deg out of spec. Really tore up the inner tread on that wheel. They will get a decent burial later this year. Already saving my pennies for my next set of Toyo Proxe 4's. Great grip, wet & dry.