[bobc2671]

Just need to vent my frustration!! I went to get my two front tyres yesterday. Went to a branch of National tyres in Macclesfield where they replaced my tyres. I did a search beforehand and they were only £20 cheaper than if I went to my BMW dealer (BlueBell Mini, wilmslow, who quoted me £270 for 2). They checked and adjusted my wheel tracking whilst I was there as there was visible uneven wear between the 2 front tyres. I wasn't there when they did this but when i came back to pick my car up I noticed damage to the outer edges of my alloys. It wasn't like they had been curbed - the damage was as if the paint/lacquer has been worn away at the edges. These marks were certainly not there when I left the car and I pride myself on having perfect wheels. Obvioulsly when I pointed out the damage they denied all responsiblily, and I spent a frustrating hour arguing with them.
Anyway the whole bill came to more than whan BMW were quoting me - National charged me £288 as they charged me with tyre disposal and wheel tracking! God how I wish I went to BMW instead! I went to BMW afterwards and they insected the damage to my wheels - gonna cost £157 to get my alloys repaired!! I'm too mad to go back to National as it's like hitting my head against a brick wall! I'm not gonna get anything out of them!
I suppose the lesson here is not always to go for the cheap option as it may cost you more later on!!
Has anyone else out there had similar problems with damaged wheels when having tyres changed?

[R99]

I have heard similar stories about chains like National Tyres, KwikFit is another I have heard stories about.

However I think it all depends on the quality of staff at the particular branch.

I only say this because, I had my two front tyres replaced by a branch of National Tyres, my Dad has also taken his Land Rover there. Each time they did a perfect job, no damage what so ever. It might have helped that I made sure I stood there and watched them do it, as like you I pride myself of perfect wheels. They were also the cheapest in the area coming in at £250 inc fitting and disposal for two Dunlop runflats.

I'm sorry to hear about the damage, maybe try complaining to their head office (if they have one) rather than at the outlet level. This might generate some kind of satisfactory response, however it might not.

Regards,

James.

[AERO MINI]

I had my front tyres replaced at Kwik-fit. They damaged one alloy similat to how you describe yours, just the silver coating worn away at one edge!