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Martyn668



Member Since: 17 Mar 2013
Location: Cambridgeshire
Posts: 135

United Kingdom 
Buying wheels and tyres separately
Hi all,

I've decided that I'd like a set of wheels and tyres, but of course I can't find a supplier that sells both, so I can't buy them fitted and balanced from the same place. In the past I've bought tubed tyres and fitted them to my own standard rims, and removed and repaired punctured inner tubes, but as these will be tubeless I think I'd rather have them fitted professionally. So I'll take them to a local tyre place for valves, fitting and balancing. Lots of people here must have done this. I have heard stories of tyre fitters refusing to fit them as they haven't sold the tyres - wouldn't know who to blame if there was a slow puncture, or ill fitting on rim, etc.

Anyone got any thoughts of where to take them / not to take them? Obviously not the monkeys at Kwikfit, etc. Presumably an old fashioned type place, but one used to fitting truck tyres (they're the only ones who can balance "big" wheels.)

The question above is general, but if anyone has any tips in the Cambridge area, they would be very welcome.

Thanks all
Post #680060 19th Jan 2018 10:39pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 4209

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
I’ve never had a problem at local small tyre places as long as you are prepared to pay £10ish per wheel. I find it helps to offer to bring them in at a time that suits them when they are quiet. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #680063 19th Jan 2018 10:46pm
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grafty99



Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: North Devon
Posts: 4785

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Caledonian Blue
As above really, ask when it's convenient for them and offer to pay cash. A pack of hobnobs usually helps sweeten the deal (pun intended Laughing )

I've never had a problem Thumbs Up 2002 90 Td5 Station Wagon
1990 Vogue SE
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
Td5 90 Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic50767.html
Tdi 110 Thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic69562.html
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Post #680065 19th Jan 2018 11:10pm
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bankz5152



Member Since: 02 Feb 2017
Location: South London/North Kent
Posts: 2166

2004 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Epsom Green
Kiwkfits fine for me. Infact the only place localy that will touch my tyres. Cost me £20 a wheel inc balance to swap them while still fitted. Last time was £10 a wheel when they where already off the landy.
Post #680067 19th Jan 2018 11:30pm
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Martyn668



Member Since: 17 Mar 2013
Location: Cambridgeshire
Posts: 135

United Kingdom 
Good tip about popping round when they're not busy. Presumably in some places it helps if the manager isn't around, and in some places the opposite applies and he's the only one who will authorise the work! I find Hobnobs help at work too if I pop down to the engineering department. Universal currency!
Post #680070 19th Jan 2018 11:53pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7906

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
I found Tollgate Tyres on BstE very competitive for BFG KO2's only about £7 more than 4x4tyres, which was basically the fitting and balancing. So just booked in with new alloys in the back and they fitted.

Don't rule out the local man supplying the tyres, I guess is what I'm saying.

Also photos of course 😊 James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
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Post #680073 20th Jan 2018 1:38am
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DonH2000



Member Since: 12 Jan 2015
Location: North Kent
Posts: 551

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
I have always bought my tyres and wheels separately and I get the local mobile tyre fitter to come round and fit them on my drive.

Works for me. Cheers Don.
Post #680126 20th Jan 2018 11:19am
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Birdy



Member Since: 07 Oct 2011
Location: Côte d'Azur
Posts: 865

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
"Obviously not the monkeys at Kwikfit"

Really? They fit more tyres in a day than your local garage or main dealer would fit in a month, seen and done it all. Nearest "monkeys" to me are in fact Wilco-Fastfit, they even match best on-line prices, the exception being when an Halfords Autocentre mis-quoted four Continental PremiumContacts for my daughter's car at something like twenty-seven quid each. I was round there like a shot and bit their hand off!

The only real concern with the "big'uns" is that they don't always have the facility for balancing wire wheels.

Peter
Post #680129 20th Jan 2018 11:31am
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bankz5152



Member Since: 02 Feb 2017
Location: South London/North Kent
Posts: 2166

2004 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Epsom Green
Exactly. Even rebalance for free
Post #680133 20th Jan 2018 12:07pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 4209

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
And if you are female, free puncture repairs at our nearest quikkckfit! 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #680139 20th Jan 2018 12:42pm
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