Best way to get new tyres fitted

I've got an issue with National at the minute although until after Wednesday I'm not formally complaining.

Booked car in for 4 brand new ones. Only needed 2 urgently but other 2 were close enough to warrant doing too. Appointment was midday on Friday.

Dropped car off at 11:45. They said they're a little behind as delivery was late but then fitter came into office and dropped that the warehouse had sent one of the four tyres in the wrong size. That annoyed me but I said fit the 2 I need done and we can rebook for the other 2. Counter guy apologised and got the 2nd appt sorted. I left about 1205, having been told it may take 90mins. No worries, I need food and there's some nearby restaurants.

Called them at 1400, "it's just going on ramp now, we'll call you.

1550 is when they actually called.

FOUR HOURS to fit 2 tyres of 4 that were ordered.
 
Resident said:
I've got an issue with National at the minute although until after Wednesday I'm not formally complaining.

Booked car in for 4 brand new ones. Only needed 2 urgently but other 2 were close enough to warrant doing too. Appointment was midday on Friday.

Dropped car off at 11:45. They said they're a little behind as delivery was late but then fitter came into office and dropped that the warehouse had sent one of the four tyres in the wrong size. That annoyed me but I said fit the 2 I need done and we can rebook for the other 2. Counter guy apologised and got the 2nd appt sorted. I left about 1205, having been told it may take 90mins. No worries, I need food and there's some nearby restaurants.

Called them at 1400, "it's just going on ramp now, we'll call you.

1550 is when they actually called.

FOUR HOURS to fit 2 tyres of 4 that were ordered.
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You may find actually finding someone to take your complaint even more annoying.

National no longer have a complaints dept, everything has to go through Halfords, Halfords CS don't seem to be aware of this and while the girl on the end of the phone at National was very apologetic there's nothing she can do about it.

Ended up emailing the Halfords MD in the end.
 
If your wheels are clean and well looked after, then they all take care.

As for costs, blackcircles add £20 per tyre. Easy to check.
 
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tom_e said:
It's a nice theory but it's not true, I had a lovely scratch left around my spotless 3k mile old diamond cut alloys.
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It will be really obvious and not disputable then. They will take care, but that wont necessarily eliminate all accidents.

When I take my car in with pristine aftermarket wheels, its obvious they are very careful. Generally its all about not rushing things in order to avoid scratches. The machines if used properly should not cause any scratches.

It's also not actually that easy to scratch lacquer.
 
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Think i may actually change my plans.

Cancel the 4 new tyres with ats and just get a mobile tyre fitter to have a look at my slow puncture. Im just assuming that the slow puncture is caused by a nail or something but it could be something else so no point getting 4 new tyres fitted and then find i still have a puncture.

And, despite the tyres on my car being budget theres still a fair bit of tread left on them, like 4-6mm. So its probably a bit soon to be replacing them all.

Also this tyre fitter is a one man band by the look of it and highly recommended, fb page looks good with photos taken of every job. Looks like someone who takes pride in their job and whilst a 50 quid Amazon voucher is fine and all, I do love having my tyres fitted at home. I feel as though the tyre fitter is more likely to take care simply because the customer can see what theyre doing as opposed to the chain places where you sit next to their drink dispenser completely unable to see your car for half an hour.

I'd rather find a local fitter who i can rely on and so can use them whenever i need new tyres. Also doesnt mind if i supply my own tyres.
 
Yeah I generally dredd having tyres fitted for this every reason. Recently been going to protyre as a family friend works there and I get the the service I expect.
 
My local independent mechanic (an American muscle car specialist of all things) has all the tyre fitting equipment and full laser alignment kit, so he does all my tyre fitting.

That him supplying, fitting and balancing tyres costs €5-€10 less per corner than actual tyre shops and the French version of Halfrauds for the exact same tyres is an added bonus.
 
Its hit and miss, in recent years I have used mobile guys, then there is no question about who messed up should there be a problem. Im not too bothered about my daily, but for my weekend car I explain that the wheels are perfect and i'd like to keep them that way as original wheels are hard to come by. I wave £20 at them and say thats your tip so long as you dont scratch them, oh and would you like tea or coffee? ....... so far so good, i'd rather take every precaution.
 
I dont care if someone has steel wheels with tacky plastic covers on or near brand new wheels as they should be able to get a cars tyres/wheels changed without them being damaged or mistreated.

The car industry is one if not the worst for **** service and worksmanship and even talking to people the general feeling is ohh its just the way it is... :mad:
 
If you have a costco near you they're a great shout. Sometimes worth the membership cost just for the deals on tyres. The fitter told me they take pictures of the wheels before to save any disputes after fitting.
 
I used to use tyres on the drive but last time they lost the spigot ring on my alloy, and just bodge bolted to wheel on so only hanging off the wheel bolts.

They didn't say anything either, fortunately it was only a day or two later as I rotate my own wheels.

There is absolutely no way the guy didn't realise either, it's actually reasonably tricky to fit the wheel on without the spigot ring.

Tyres on the drive are in the bin now.
 
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