All,
The lady in my life (Not usually trouble and strife) collected a puncture today.
My MB being relatively new, and me being a fussy "B", raised my concerns about avoiding damage to the alloy rims during tyre removal. To emphasise the issue to the local garage, I removed the wheel, and cleaned the rim thoroughly, demonstrating that the rims were undamaged. The garage manager assured me that every care would be taken.
The wheel was repaired promptly, but daylight had faded, and I had to get home before I could examine the rim in quality lighting. What a disapointment when I found the rim grazed over a large part of its circumference and chipped in two places, all around its extreme edge. The bill for the repair was minimal at £6.00, but I could have done without the damage that went with it.
With care its not difficult to avoid damage to rims using modern pneumatic tyre removal/replacement kit. Liberal application of PVC adhesive tape around the bead breaking and tyre refittment tool is a good starting point. What is difficult is guaranteeing that the garages standard coincides with your own.
The problem of Quality Assurance (QA) in the garage industry in general is an important one. It will not go away. I am sure that those of you who run vehicle maintenance businesses, will have a particular view on this. Irrespective the issue of garage QA is pertinent to us all.
Any ideas how to treat my damaged rim? It is bound to oxidise where it has been chipped.
Regards,
Julian L
|
Most unfortunate Julian. I try to choose my tyre provider as I would my doctor!
My friendly MB dealer advised of one who was both competitive & caring. He is a small business,long established, with a particular interest in cars.He gets his hands dirty & works with his fitters,which I always like to see.I provide a sheet of paper with salient instructions on it,so that there are no misunderstandings.
I have not suffered any rim problems(From him) but will benefit from your experience.
My alloys were slightly(kerbed) when I purchase the car so I have repaired them as I have the dreaded bonnet chips(Base coat & lacquer clear coat) & its so far, so good.
regards
Simon
|
Julian,
in the backroom, we have previously discussed (disgust?) the problem of cro-magnon tyre-fitters.
I think the australopithicae will continue to do the job, as long as the employers pay peanuts ...
By the way, have you checked your tyre pressures? 6 to 4 in fivers they aren't inflated correctly (payment in virtual pints).
i(ct).
|
|
|
|
Some specialist tyre firms claim to repair or refurbish alloys. Elite Tyres in Essex is one. Micheldever is the other side of London. There must be others.
Would clear, brush applied, touch up laquer stop any possible oxidisaton? They're only a pound or so.
|
|
There is a special adaptor for the use of changing tyres on alloy wheels ,if you had damage in Germany they would give you a new wheel without question.Here we have to pay for the tyre plus the cost of fitting and the cost of disposing of your old tyre and they are still cheaper than the UK
|
|
|
|
There are others in FAQ answer no 23.
HJ
|
|
|
Julian
In the past I've used (don't laugh) silver Hammerite as a touch in for a slightly kerbed alloy.
It was very sucessful. Colour matched well, and it takes a thick coat so it built up the level. Lasted for a couple of years until the car was sold.
It sounds like the damage you have is quite extensive, so you'll have to judge if this is worth a try.
Regards
John
|
|
|
|
Julian: What does the tyre-garage have to say about this? You have a good case for damages - the alloys should be repaired/replaced by them to at least the original condition.
|
|
|
John,
Thanks for this info. In the short term I have applied some clear laquer to the chips.
The amount of damage in fairness is not huge, it is the fact that it happened, particulary after my efforts to reinforce my concerns with the garage, that made me cross. Plus the damage itself, of course.
Thanks and regards,
Julian L
|
|
|
