Tampa (or Central Fl) service?

tpatodd · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2018, 08:17 AM

I have a slow leak on my rear driver side tire and it looks like tires are close to expiration anyways. Would anyone know/recommend a shop in Tampa that might be competent replacing them?

My biggest fear is stuck spinners so I don’t want some random person banging on them.

Sailfish · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2018, 09:26 AM

I would recommend removing the wheel from the car and then taking the wheel to a tire repair shop. I've found that having a repair outfit jack up the car, remove the spinner, repair the tire, etc., etc. adds too many variables. Mind you, if you're not able, or comfortable, with removing the wheel, than having a tire repair company is your main option. For what it's worth, I've had excellent luck with Pep Boys (for tire repair) and Tire Kingdom (for tire replacement).

CSX 4133 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2018, 10:25 AM

Just a FYI, TireRack has recommended installers through their site that might be able to help. Depending on the tire brand/size they may be also able to help with a new tire.

https://www.tirerack.com/content/tir...180118182702:s

spdbrake · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 10:55 AM

Sailfish has a good point.
Take the your wheels and tires to the shop. Do not let them near your car. Take a look at the tire changer kids in any shop. Fresh from HS in most cases and they have a high turnover rate regardless of location. I guarantee they've never seen Knockoff spinners before...
I'm partial to Discount Tire for the past few decades but I've always taken my wheels in as I don't care for impact guns on lugnuts on my Mustang for example (screws up the Plating) or dings around the wheel / lugnut counter bore face where the impact socket jabbed the wheel.
They also use Hunter Road Force balancers and Touchless mounting equipment.

jimbo01 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 11:14 AM

A lot of tire companies have techs who know nothing about your wheels. I agree that you should take the wheels off yourself. There are many on this site who know how and can guide you through the process. Its not hard to do. Find a shop that specializes in high dollar wheels and tire replacement. Check out their employees by asking about their knowledge of your wheels. Should they have the latest hunter equipment they should not damage the wheel when removing and replacing the tire.