Hi Guys -

I'm picking up a GT-R in SOMA next week and it has summer tires on it. I need to find a very reputable place where I can take it to have winter tires installed before I drive it back home across country (via I-80, the mountains, etc). Top priority is that the shop be top notch, won't damage the wheels, etc. A close second priority is finding one that is close to the SOMA area. This is proving to be the most stressful part of buying this car so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Jeff

are you buying the winter tires from the shop too? if so, you'll have to order it ahead. are the summer tires shot?

i use a shop about 25 mi south in redwood city called Five Point Tires. they charge $50 per tire to install. not exactly cheap but i know they don't butcher you rims.

how about going to a dealer in SF?

if i were you, i would ship the car back. weather is getting very unpredictable

Thanks for the reply.

The stock tires are in great shape and I'm looking for a buyer in SF that would want them. I can go either way on the sourcing of the tires. Tirerack can get them to any shop in that area in 1 day (they are in stock in the Reno warehouse). The SF Nissan dealer does not have a tire machine. I'm trying to reach San Leandro... As far as shipping the car, I understand what you mean but it is very important to me that I use this car year round. Mounting winter tires was going to be the first task when I got back home anyway so that I could drive it all winter. So to me doing it out there and then enjoying the drive home just makes sense. I had a Supra for 11 years which I only put a total of 4700 miles on. I swore I'd never do that again so this thing will be driven in all weather other than hail. When spring rolls around back home I'll get some new aftermarket wheels and summer tires (non-stock size) so I really have no use for the OE Dunlops that are on the car now.

I actually read a few recommendations for Five Points prior to your post but then I got scared off by some negative yelp or google reviews. Have you been there recently and all was well? Anybody in particular to talk to there?

Thanks again,
Jeff

i think five point is under the same ownership and no special connection needed.

i took my porsches there and will probably take the lambo there too.

you should be good there but it's a little out of the way since you are heading I-80

try craigslist for selling those tires. 20s can be a little difficult though. usually, the tire shop can ship these to you or the next buyer since there is no packaging required.

Might be too far for you, but I've always had good experiences with Custom Alignment in Mt. View (about 45 min south of SF).

i also heard good things about performance technique in pleasanton. mostly a bmw shop. they have good touchless machines. anyone from here been there? what are their prices?

Another vote for Custom Alignment, but yes, a bit out of San Francisco.

I found out about this shop through a buddy of mine. He had some 19's put on his Gallardo without issues.

It's a ghetto shop but they didn't scratch his rims. They are used to do 20"+ wheels from the hood I guess. Only $20 for mounting and balancing!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tire-sales-a...-co-emeryville

It's on your way out of SF off of I-80. I haven't tried them myself but wanted to pass on the info.