I’ve used the local Discount Tire outlet for something like 25 cars over 15 years and I plan to continue to do so. For the nice or unusual cars, like my DB9 or my 911 Turbo S, I raise the car on my QuickJack at home, take the wheels off, and take them in in our SUV. For the DB9, driven mainly by the lifting points issue; for the 911 because the DT folks are clueless about the Porsche centerlocks while I have all the appropriate torquing equipment myself. And for all cars I retorque the lugs at home if I am at all concerned that they haven’t done them properly (I always stick around and watch them like a hawk).

All this may sound like a pain but I genuinely enjoy the additional car bonding time! I would probably get more stressed out if I left the car to the dealer’s devices.

 

I'd agree with avoiding the (franchise) tire shops in most cases. Too many inexperienced people generally working there and speed is their main objective. Care is not their main objective. I've taken tire/wheels that I dismounted which is somewhat safe for jack avoidance, but still a risk for wheel damage.

However, when getting new tires on an R8, I specifically cautioned them about not scratching the perfect wheels. They used grease for the removal and managed to scrape not one, but two of them. Refinishing at their cost was subpar and I forced them to pay for two new OEM wheels. In fact, just used the dealer for new tires on my daily driver and they matched the tire store price - work done with no added curb rash.

Jacking points aside, I'd rather use someone who is much more accountable.

 

"I'd agree with avoiding the (franchise) tire shops in most cases. Too many inexperienced people generally working there and speed is their main objective. Care is not their main objective. I've taken tire/wheels that I dismounted which is somewhat safe."

i agree. i recently brought my 4 Lotus Esprit brand new wheels to get tires mounted at Tire Kingdom and they bent one installing a tire

 

i just did this with my Vantage. All four wheels were delivered to Discount Tire...they had a precision balance machine and they let me observe the whole procedure. 20" rims and low profile Conti's...

 

I did the same with kal tire…we’re very careful and thorough…put there best man on it…was a little nervous going in..lol

 

For peace of mind and to avoid the potential of a damaged rim, I take any tire issues to a dealer level shop that has the new touchless mounting system and just pay the difference.

 

Thanks for the valuable input everyone. I’ve decided to take the car to Sam’s Garage for those in the GTA (an independent shop that does some work on higher end cars). I had some other work to do on the car so decided I’ll get them to do everything in one go which saves me time. Their price on tires + installment was pretty decent.