Hi all,

I now need to replace the original Pirelli's (15k+ miles). With my other cars, I have always gone to a local shop to get the tires replaced/balanced and an alignment instead of the dealer.

Do you recommend/prefer having a dealer do this or a local shop?

Thanks,

note: I'm still trying to decide between the Pilot SS or another set of P-Zero's.

 

I buy from Tire Rack and have them deliver to my dealership instead of my home. I then schedule an appt with the dealer service department to install them. I also prefer the Super Sports.

 

When Rich L. was parts manager at Los Gatos AM last year, he was very accommodating. He met Tire Rack pricing, including shipping fees, and charged $50 per wheel for "no-touch" installation and force balancing...which I thought was quite reasonable for a dealer, as most tire shops were in the $35-$40 range per wheel when I checked. I had a set of Bridgestone RE 11's mounted there, on a second set of rims, for my track day excursions...
Unfortunately, he has moved on to the San Diego dealer and I don't know if LGAM will still be as easy to work with.

 

Thanks for the info. I've got a call in to Lucien at Marin Luxury Cars (they are still authorized AM service center).

 

You may not be aware, but Cole European in Walnut Creek still services AM's. As a last resort, I buy some parts from them: however, at last check they have the best price on the Castrol Edge Sport 10W-60 oil that the Vantage uses. Don't know about their tire pricing though .

My second set of rims came with a used set of P-Zeros; admittedly older rubber with a wear rating of 60. Was unimpressed with their performance on the road in the Vantage (street and track), but YMMV.

 

Do we have to get the tires with the AM component int the tire size.

The gaydon definitive guide book mentions that the bridgestones have a special AM prefix. or does it matter?

Chris

 

^^^^ Pilot Super Sports are better than the stock tires.

 

I would not trust most independent shops that I am familiar with.

 

Just bought 2 P Zero's from DISCOUNT TIRE. I would have gone to 4 SS's but the car is still under warranty and yes, the tires are designated "AM". Didn't want any problems if a claim was filed. I removed the wheels and brought them to the tire shop. When I had the tires replaced on the i6, the monkeys were forcing a nut on with the air gun. Sh*t hit the fan when I walked out to see that going on.

 

In my opinion, the AM component is just a means to charge you more. As long as you keep the sizes within reason as compared to stock (or the optional sizes), so the ABS and DSC systems are within their "comfort range", the choice of tire brands is up to you.

 

My point exactly..........

 

Matter of fact according to the specs provided by Discount Tire, the AM versions had a lower speed rating than the others. In 6 years I'll put the SS's on it and have a brand new car.

 

I refer only to the quality of the technicians........

 

The Bridgestones were terrible tires from a ride standpoint. Made my car very harsh over bumps. As KF said, the MPSSs are very good.

 

Please give me a call, I'm happy to help!