Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[oasis3582]

So, this past Saturday, I had my Blizzaks from Tire Rack installed by the local NTB. When I went to wash my car that afternoon, I saw some gouge marks on my wheels that I did not notice a week prior when washing the car. I took the car to NTB today and they claim there are no tools they use that could cause this damage. I am not convinced, personally, but I do not want to accuse anyone being less than 100% sure. What do you guys think?

[Eddy@ApexWheels]

only thing that could have done that is the tire iron. but it's hard to predict since its a hand tool, and is no different that randomly hitting the wheel with any metal tool. They do slip often, but that's an odd place for the wheel to get hit. If you didn't notice right after the wheels left the shop, I doubt you'd ever be able to really prove they caused it.

[BlackjackMulligan]

Bimmian sells a paint pen for wheels, pick that up to touch up those spots and you should be good.

If you want it perfect, a wheel shop will probably fix it for 100 to 150.

[VMRWheels]

Scratches don't look like they could be from debris damage on the road...

-Charles@VMRWheels

[david @ eas]

Have the tire shop who installed the tires pay for the damage they caused. it looks like it should be able to get repaired, but don't do it yourself on this one, the shop is liable for this.

No way (as Charles said) can damage like that be done from road debris. Call your shop soon

[Feyd]

automatic car wash maybe?

i had some wheels f'd up by one of those once. Similar "rub" marks.

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by Feyd

automatic car wash maybe?

i had some wheels f'd up by one of those once. Similar "rub" marks.

I have never taken it through an auto car wash, so who knows.

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

Scratches don't look like they could be from debris damage on the road...

-Charles@VMRWheels

I agree...that is why I am confused. There is a lot of road work going on here, so I can see why it might be the cause, but the damage does not look like it could be caused by rocks.

[escobar929]

IMO looks like scratches from the crow bar like tool they use to pull the tire off once the machine gets in there, looks like it slipped a couple of times and thats what caused the damage

[penny]

When I had BMW Performance wheels installed, the guys at NTB looked like they never worked with runflat tires before.

I have a set of 264's for sale! =)

[randomquickness]

discount tire did that to 2 of my stock wheels but they sent them off for repair at their cost

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by randomquickness

discount tire did that to 2 of my stock wheels but they sent them off for repair at their cost

Did you take any pics of the damage? Did they say what caused it?

[sub7]

Like you said its hard to blame unless your 100% I would say your in a tough situation with that.

It should be an easy repair to get it cleaned up. Hope it works out for you sorry!

[IDBMW]

I just received my tire and wheel package from Tire Rack yesterday with no issues at all. I found it is cheaper to buy a wheel and tire package from Tire Rack than buying quality tires locally. Plus if anything goes wrong I only have to deal with Tire Rack which has excellent customer service.

I hope it all works out for you.

[cadeucsb]

i have had discount tire damage wheels before too. I always mention upfront that they are 'delicate' and to be careful of scratching....that way they know im gonna do a walk around when they pull my car up.

[Fireflyer239]

2 suggestions for a great tire mount:

1) Put the actual technician who will install the tires in "FULL FOCUS" mode. Do this by first introducing yourself and asking his name, and shake hands even if he's filthy. Now look squarely at him (or her) and ask very intently and directly "How confident are you of being able to mount these tires without putting a SINGLE scratch on these wheels?" Now he is FULLY AWARE that you are truly concerned where others may not really be, and he will know YOU WILL BE CHECKING and that YOU WILL NOTICE AND BE PISSED if he does scratch them. Now, he is going to be ALERT AND EXTRA CAREFUL!

2) Now, slip him a $10 bill and tell him HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE HIS GREAT SERVICE BEFORE HE RENDERS IT!

Is this a guarantee? Of course not, but you've just GREATLY INCREASED YOUR CHANCES of getting the job done correctly and well! DO NOT BE BASHFUL about checking the wheels over in front of the employees or manager; you should not care if they think you are a vain and obsessive rich prick - shit, be proud of what you are! - you only care about getting the perfect job you're paying for! In my opinion, once you've left the place, you own it.

Now GET IN THERE TIGER and don't forget to STOP AT THE ATM along the way!!

[jibaholic101]

^^what he said


seriously, just get a mobile wheel scratch guy to fix them for you, shouldnt cost you that much if the ntb refuses to pay for it

[Chewyjr15]

looks like an impact gun slipped...

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by Chewyjr15

looks like an impact gun slipped...

That is what I was thinking.

[TP 135i]

I like to photograph (dated) the wheels just before I take them in to have any work done. Then....when I drop the car off, review the condition of the wheels with the shop personal and have him/her see that there are no scratches or dings on the wheels. Then when you pick up the car do the walk around again before you drive away. That's the only real way to prove the shop responsible for any damage. This also shows them up front that you are very concerned about damage and WILL be checking during pick up.
I even look at the wheel surface behind the spokes...very often they remove the old wheel weights with a screwdriver and gouge that surface. I've instructed them to use a tool that will not damage when removing wheel weights. I want my wheels to look like this before and after....

[Fireflyer239]

It's interesting the way that, when you're getting a loaner, they take you all around the car with them and have you sign a paper (the one with the exploded view drawing of an automobile) noting any scratches etc, in case you incur some damage. Well, I plan to have the service writer do exactly the same thing at my next service in case THEY fuck something up! We should all do that any time we take any vehicle in for service!

[oasis3582]

Just talked to the manager at the NTB, and they offered to split the cost of wheel repair 50/50. Seems quite fair to me...will post an update here as it unfurls.