Thinking of buying a new set and I am trying to find a local installer that's reasonable. Do you think they will mess up my rims while installing new tires?

 

I wouldn't trust any of the WalMarts in my area with nice wheels. I buy most of my tires online and get them mounted at a local Discount Tire store. You might try looking at Tire Rack's list of approved tire installers for a good place in your area. I've had good luck with that before.

-Keith

 

There was a lady here at work who went in to get four tires changed. When she went to pick it up after work, the car wouldn't go into gear. She got it to her local dealership, and they said the tranny was blown. It worked fine when she drove it to Walmart.

Walmart ended up paying for the fix, as well as 5 days in a rental SUV.

 

Wow, I would have gotten a good lawyer, and maybe a new car.... that is stupid...

 

I would never take any car to Walmart for any type of service.

From what I have been told, for the most part the only certified mechanic is the head guy, all the rest of the techs are young torque happy kids.

Steve

 

Scary, thing is that's proably true at over 80% of most chain automotive retail stores out there. I am not saying you can not find a good one, but be very careful

 

i wouldn't give money worth a stamp to Walmart

 

If you are mounting runflats you need to find some place that is certified to mount them. Less than 5% of the tire changing companies are certified to do runflats.

I think there is some information on MINI2.com about what types of tire machines are certified to change runflats. With that information you can at least check what machine the tire dealer has before you let them service your wheels.

 

You need to pass on Walmart... You need to find a professional installer that knows and respects performance cars.
I have used direct tire with great success. I had them switch out the wheels and tires on my vette, this included the tire sesnors and removing run flats. They also were careful when lifting the car to do it properly.
People with Porsches, vettes and other exotics wouldn't go near walmart, heck they wouldn't even park in their parking lot!
Direct tire has the latest Hunter equipment which is what you need to handle your rims and tires...

 

Thanks for the responses. I thought I would check since the price was so low for changing tires. I would be changing my Kumhos to something else(undecided).

Looks like I will pass on Walmart.

 

You're making a good decision. Don't let Wally World anywhere near your MINI. Nothing good will come of it.

Geesh, you almost gave me nightmares!

 

I have been looking over the TR recommended installers. They have some good ones.

 

walmart or not, it really depends on 3 things from my experience...

1. The person that actually does the install.
2. If the shop has capability to do 17"+ larger wheel mounting
with proper mounting equipment.
3. If the shop has a Hunter roadforce tire balancer.

If any of the 3 is missing chances are higher that you will
end up with problems. :smile:

Ive seen many shops that have #2 and #3, but not #1 and
end up dropping a socket on your wheel or something elementary.

 

I agree with everyone else. Stay away from Wal-Mart auto service.

I know a guy who got a new engine, because the Wal-Mart guy forgot to put oil back in the car after the oil change.

 

Not necessarily for MINI, but what do people think about Costco? I haven't used them personally and don't know much about their tire selection. It's a good sign that they fill (and refill) with nitrogen.

 

I thought of Costco but the selection was a bit thin. As far as Kenchan's list I agree but it's hard to know #1 unless you have personal experience with the installer. The TR list of installers list the equipment used. I checked a few and they didn't have hunter equipment.

 

Just bought 4 new Michelins for my Mom's 91 Volvo 240 from Costco...price was excellent although service was a bit slow, but hey, that's their game...keeps you wandering around the store longer, and who knows WHAT you might end up buying!

hs

 

ok - i have to chime in on this one - i work at WALMART - trust me - do not get anything done there - WALMART is a great place for discount items but don't trust them with your mini - i only let a couple of people in Tire/lube express touch my car and it's only because i know and trust them and they are my friends - they know how much i love my car and are very very careful with it - but i only have my tires rotated there - oil changes are only done at the dealership (just too chicken to take any chances there)

 

Now, you're scaring me!

 

I bought tires from Costco - one local one even happened to have what I wanted in stock, but otherwise they can special order a variety. Price was unbeatable and I took the tires to a good place to have them mounted and balanced.

 

I only looked online at costco and they offered Michelin and Bridgestones. Those were two I wasn't considering(too expensive!).