I just ordered Blizzaks from TireRack for my 2013 Mini S Hardtop (16" wheels). I am at a bit of a dilemma choosing an installer. TireRack has a list of approved/certified installers. One is a place called Todd's Service in Stockton, NJ - very close to me and independent. Not many reviews, though. The other is a little further at a Toyota/BMW dealership (Thompson's in Doylestown).

If anyone has specific info, that would be great, but I don't expect it. The essential question is - with both being around $110 with Road Force Balancing - am I better off with the chain since if I have issues afterwards (over-torque, etc) I have an administrative overhead to help me out? Or am I generally better with an independent - and how do I assess them?

Thanks for any input - specific or general.

 

Go to any tire installer, just make sure they do NOT use a torque gun. Make them do it by hand. If they can't or won't go somewhere else.

 

Even if they have the gun set to the proper torque?

 

There is no way for them to set the torque gun accurately. Most guns go way past the required ftlbs. They need to do it by hand.

 

Mini dealer where my car was serviced used an impact...now can't get the wheels off. Roughly $2k my cost, if my local dealer (not the impact wrench dealer) damages the wheel and hubs trying to drill out the wheel locks. On another car I observed our local Discount Tire guys use a proper torque wrench.

 

OK I think I am ruling out the dealership since I am too sequestered from the mechanic there (I'd like to see him working without - if possible - being a pest). Two independents - one told me they use a torque gun with a calibrated stick or something attached - he assured me the torque parameters would be very accurate with the gun. The other independent (a Champion Tire place) is a little bit more expensive but hand torques AFTER using the torque gun to ensure all lugs are at the specific indicated torque. It seems those are my choices.

 

That is ok if they use the right stick. http://toolmonger.com/2009/06/18/tor...e-right-stick/
Not possible. Once the gun has gone passed the recommended torque setting using the wrench wont matter because the gun already went past the recommended setting.

 

it really isn't rocket science, I put my wheels on using my air impact all the time. I set the air impact for the lowest setting which comes in at about 30 foot pounds. I do this to set the wheel quickly and easily. Then I come back with my T wrench and bring things to the correct T (depending on the vehicle)

I dunno about other air impact but mine does not have T #s anywhere on it, just 1 thru 4. So I tightened a test lug using 1 and feed pressure set to 90 psi, then removed it with my beam type T wrench noting the max T used. Did this a couple of times, then checked by using a click type wrench. Been doing it this way for years and haven't lost a lug nut or bolt yet (save the one I cross threaded just recently ... now THAT was DUMB). Even works on my 79 where extreme caution is needed as the recommend T is only 44 ft lb!

It IS possible to use an air wrench and not over Torq' . . .

For OP - have any friends with nice cars? Any real gear head buddies? Ask where THEY go.

A good tire mount balance guy, a good alignment guy, a good dentist ... all very good to have and often found by word of mouth and not Angie's List!

I've driven 150 miles each way for a trusted/recommended guy to mount and balance for my 79. Most modern equipment can't handle 10" rims anymore.



10's and 17's . . .

 

+1

My regular mechanic recommended this little older guy in this little shop on a side street to change my tires because he was scared of scratching my black wheels. He swore he was the guy so see.
Turns out he is awesome. The only downside to going to him is that he is chatty, so I have to make sure I put aside an hour to hang out and chat with him. Even if he was more expensive, which he's not, I'd go back to him every time.

 

YEP - them'z the guys you wanna find and make friends with! And YOUR buddies will luz you when you send them over too

 

I ended up going with Thompson Toyota in Doylestown - big dealer who promised hand torque (but I was unable to verify). They filled my Blizzaks to 40 psi all around - I deflated down to 33 as per the door sticker. $80 plus tax for the job, including RoadForce balancing.

Looks like I got them just in time with the possible blizzard coming to the northeast - precisely the possibility I feared since we are driving into the mountains Friday. We'll see how the MiNi snowmobile performs...